After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

"Perhaps it's because I've been plagued by nightmares lately." Madam He coughed lightly twice, her gaze unconsciously shifting away.

"That's a big deal!" Xiao Ran said anxiously, turning to Xiao Mu and asking, "Father, have you asked an expert to come to the manor to take a look?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Mu began to ponder. Since returning to the capital, he had been so busy with the funeral arrangements that he was completely overwhelmed and had no time to think about these matters.

“No,” Xiao Mu glanced at Madam He, then recalled her strange behavior in the room, and said, “Ran’er is back now, so we can find someone to perform a ritual to get rid of the bad luck.”

“No, no need…” Madam He said softly, while unconsciously tugging at her sleeve. “Ran’er’s return is a great thing. His return will naturally dispel that bad luck.”

Xiao Ran opened her mouth, about to say something, when she saw He Shi hurriedly say, "General, Ran'er, it's chilly outside, let's go inside and talk slowly."

Xiao Ran slightly curled the corners of her lips and said softly, "Then I will listen to Aunt."

……

The wind had subsided slightly, perhaps because it was nighttime and the surroundings were shrouded in silence. Only one house was brightly lit, its bright light standing out starkly in the darkness.

Xiao Mu sat upright in the armchair in the center of the room, calmly giving instructions, while a servant poured tea for each of the people around him.

The sound of tea being poured into the cup was exceptionally clear in this quiet atmosphere.

Xiao Ran glanced at the servant boy; it was Afu.

"Ran'er means that this young hero saved you?" Xiao Mu put down his teacup and looked up to ask.

“That’s right, Father.” Xiao Ran nodded gently. “If it weren’t for Young Hero Duan’s help, I would probably be dead by now.” After saying that, Xiao Ran recounted her experiences at Liuyun Village, but she made some slight changes to the story.

"However, Father, the fourth leader of Liuyun Village has done me a favor. Could you please not reveal the location of Liuyun Village?" Xiao Ran asked earnestly.

"Since we have been kind to you, we cannot repay kindness with enmity." Upon hearing Xiao Ran's words, Xiao Mu's expression changed slightly, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

He was filled with lingering fear; his daughter had barely reached marriageable age, yet she had encountered such a dangerous situation. What kind of place was Liuyun Village? It was full of refugees and vicious criminals; it was a miracle that his daughter had returned safely.

"May I ask where Young Master Duan lives? I'd like to prepare a generous gift for you," Xiao Mu said, composing himself.

“I have no home,” Duan Li said coldly.

"Uh..." Xiao Mu coughed lightly, trying to break the somewhat awkward atmosphere, "Someone, go and get the precious sword from my armory and give it to this young hero."

“No need,” Duan Li said calmly, his expression cold and unwavering.

“Oh dear, Father,” Xiao Ran interjected at the opportune moment, “Look at that young hero Duan, he’s holding swords in both hands, how could he possibly be short of swords? In my opinion, why don’t we ask the young hero what he wants?”

Xiao Muqing coughed lightly, "Alright, then Young Master Duan, what do you want? As long as it's something I have in my manor..."

"I just want to stay by her side."

Duan Li suddenly interrupted Xiao Mu, staring intently at Xiao Ran.