The whole family was brutally murdered? The ruthless heiress's eldest daughter went berserk aft

The next morning, the capital city was bustling with activity.

"Reporting to the Holy Maiden," Ning Bo quietly appeared behind Ning Feng, "Minister Du will be going to the south of the city to pay respects to his ancestors today."

Ning Feng put down her teacup: "South of the city...it involves passing through Qinglong Lane, right?"

"Yes, that alley is quite secluded."

"This holy maiden has been wanting to go to the south of the city to pray for blessings lately," Ning Feng said with a faint smile, "and today I'll go for a stroll to clear my head."

Xiao Cui understood immediately and ordered people to prepare a sedan chair.

Inside Qinglong Lane, Minister Du's sedan chair moved slowly. Suddenly, a commotion arose ahead, as if someone had fallen.

“My lord,” the attendant whispered, “it is the palanquin of the Holy Maiden of Nanzhao.”

Minister Du frowned slightly: "How could this be..."

Before he could finish speaking, Ning Feng approached with her maids: "Lord Du, are you going to offer sacrifices to your ancestors? This holy maiden has come at an inopportune time."

“You flatter me, Your Majesty,” Minister Du said, bowing slightly. “It’s just a trivial matter.”

"As a first-rank official, Lord Du wields immense power and influence in the court," Ning Feng said calmly, "how could what he has done be a trivial matter?"

Minister Du's expression hardened.

"I've heard that your family possesses a vast collection of books," Ning Feng suddenly changed the subject, "Do you have a copy of the *History of the Southern Dynasties*?"

"This book does exist."

"That's good," Ning Feng smiled. "This Holy Maiden has always wanted to learn about the founding of the Nanzhao Kingdom. I wonder if Lord Du would be willing to borrow it?"

Looking at Ning Feng's calm face, Minister Du suddenly recalled the recent rumors circulating in the court, and a thought struck him: "If the Holy Maiden is interested, I will certainly offer it to her."

“Thank you very much, Lord Du,” Ning Feng said softly. “This holy maiden also knows some interesting…historical stories, which I will certainly tell you in detail another day.”

After Ning Feng's sedan chair had driven away, Minister Du stood there for a long time before finally whispering, "Return to the manor."

"Sir, are we still going to pay respects to our ancestors?"

“No need,” Minister Du said, a thoughtful glint in his eyes. “Go back to your residence and prepare some tea and refreshments; we may have distinguished guests visiting in the next few days.”

Inside the Saintess's residence, Xiao Cui asked curiously, "Why did the Saintess mention the *History of the Southern Dynasties*?"

“The Du family has been officials for generations, and they value their reputation above all else,” Ning Feng said, gently stroking the prayer beads in her hand. “If we state our purpose directly, he will definitely hesitate. But if we make him feel that he is involved in something earth-shattering…”

"I see," Xiao Cui said, suddenly realizing.

“Send someone to keep an eye on Li Yang,” Ning Feng continued. “If he really goes to the Crown Prince’s residence, send those secret letters… to the Du family.”

"Yes."

As night fell, Ning Feng stood in the courtyard, looking at the waning moon in the sky, a hint of coldness flashing in her eyes.

As night fell, the capital of Nanzhao fell into silence. The occasional distant sound of the night watchman's drum echoed across the flagstones. A waning moon, veiled by clouds, cast a hazy silver veil over the sleeping city.

Three dark figures moved nimbly between the eaves, as silent as birds in flight. Ning Feng was dressed in black night clothes, her long hair tied up high, with a short dagger at her waist. Xiao Cui and Ning Bo followed closely behind, their movements equally agile.

“There are patrolling soldiers ahead,” Ning Bo reminded them in a low voice.

Ning Feng nodded slightly, then darted into the shadows at the alley entrance. The three held their breath and waited for the patrol to pass before continuing on their way.

Soon, the towering walls of the Du mansion came into view. Unlike the magnificent gates of other noble residences, the main gate of the Du mansion appeared simple and imposing, with two solemn stone lions standing in front of it. Four guards, armed with long spears, patrolled back and forth outside the gate.

Ning Feng led the two to hide behind an old banyan tree, carefully observing the mansion's defenses. Although the Du family mansion was not as luxurious as other official residences, its security was extremely tight, clearly indicating a cautious person.

“The guards are the fewest on the west side of the wall,” Xiao Cui whispered.

Ning Feng looked in the direction she pointed. Beyond the west wall lay a neglected garden, overgrown with weeds. There was indeed only one guard dozing there.

"Let's go." Ning Feng gestured.

Under the cover of darkness, the three stealthily made their way to the west wall. Ning Bo took out a rope and gently tossed it onto the top of the wall. After confirming the rope was secure, Ning Feng was the first to climb up.

Just as she was about to climb over the wall, a gust of wind suddenly blew by, carrying away a few fallen leaves. The guards below were startled awake and looked around alertly.

Ning Feng held her breath and pressed herself against the wall without moving. Only after the guard had fallen asleep again against the wall did she silently climb into the courtyard. Xiao Cui and Ning Bo followed.

“Holy Maiden, look,” Xiao Cui pointed to a brightly lit room not far away, “that should be Lord Du’s study.”

Ning Feng narrowed her eyes: "Let's go, let's pay a visit to this Lord Du."

The pavilions and towers within the Du Mansion were shrouded in moonlight, with a winding path leading deeper into the mansion. Amidst the artificial hills and flowing water, several elegant stone lanterns cast a hazy glow. Unlike the opulent splendor of other noble residences, this place exuded an air of scholarly refinement.

“The master has been staying up late in his study lately,” Xiao Cui whispered. “Tonight will probably be no exception.”

Ning Feng nodded; she had gathered detailed information about the Du residence's layout from various sources over the past few days. Just as she was about to continue, she suddenly heard footsteps ahead.

“Ningbo,” she whispered.

Ning Bo understood and quietly circled around to the other side. A moment later, a noise came from the other side of the artificial hill, and the patrolling guards immediately followed the sound.

The three continued on their way, passing through a bamboo grove, and in the distance they saw a small, detached building with lights on. That was Minister Du's study, a secluded spot far from the hustle and bustle of the mansion.

"Xiao Cui, go ahead and keep watch," Ning Feng instructed softly.

Xiao Cui nodded and disappeared into the shadows. Ning Feng quietly approached the study and peered through the paper window. She saw Minister Du engrossed in reading at his desk, his expression focused in the candlelight. The desk was piled high with books, and writing implements were readily available; a cup of tea had long since gone cold.

“He is indeed a true scholar,” Ning Feng nodded to herself. This perfectly matched her assessment of Minister Du—although he was a high-ranking official in the court, he always maintained the true nature of a scholar. Such a person values ​​reputation most and is most easily moved by the concept of “morality.”

Just then, a night breeze blew by, carrying a few bamboo leaves that gently tapped against the window frame.

Minister Du in the study looked up and gazed out the window. Ning Feng held her breath, but saw that he only paused briefly before lowering his head to continue reading.

Ning Feng winked at Xiao Cui.

Xiao Cui understood and gently knocked over a flowerpot. The sound of the porcelain hitting the ground was exceptionally clear in the night.

This time, Minister Du finally stood up. He didn't disturb the guards, but instead took the lantern and walked to the door himself.

"Who's outside?" he asked in a deep voice.

Ning Feng smiled slightly and slowly emerged from the shadows: "Lord Du, please forgive my lateness."

Minister Du looked at the newcomer warily. "Who are you, daring to break into my Minister's residence at night?"