After leaving Nangong Ya''s study, Jin Yao went straight to the side courtyard where the guards of the Prime Minister''s Mansion resided.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thew stipted that officials could have guards in their households for protection, but the number was strictly limited. As the Prime Minister, Nangong Ya was only allowed eight guards. Besides him and Jin Hui, there were six others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, eight people were far from enough. Where there''s a policy, there''s a countermeasure. The Prime Minister''s Mansion officially had only eight guards, but the actual number was anyone''s guess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jin Yao found Sheng Jing, who was drinking, and got straight to the point: "The Prime Minister has ordered an investigation into the Third Young Miss''s whereabouts and experiences during her months of disappearance. You should leave for Qushui City tomorrow with two others."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Sheng Jing had been part of the team that pursued the human trafficker Wei Fangxiongst time, so he was the perfect choice to lead this mission.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Sheng Jing didn''t say much, just nodded in agreement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"We need to find out where the Third Young Miss was ultimately sold, who she encountered along the way, and how she finally returned to the Capital City... Everything, no matter how trivial, must be uncovered," Jin Yao instructed seriously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Don''t worry, boss. I''ll leave first thing tomorrow morning. I''ll take Xiao Wu and Xiao Liu with me. We''ll send word as soon as we find any useful information," Sheng Jing replied, then drained his cup of wine in one gulp.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jin Yao grunted in acknowledgment and turned to go to the next room to find Jin Hui.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Brother, what''s the matter?" Jin Hui was about to go to bed but quickly scrambled up when he saw Jin Yao enter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"The Third Young Miss climbed over the wall and left the mansion tonight. It doesn''t look like she''ll being back. Take a few men tomorrow to find her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Cl-climbed over the wall?" Jin Hui doubted his ears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Yes, right in front of me. She climbed faster than I could," Jin Yao admitted reluctantly. It was a fact that the Third Young Miss was more agile at wall-climbing than he was.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ignoring his brother''s shock, Jin Yao continued, "Sheng Jing, Xiao Wu, and Xiao Liu have been assigned to go out. I can''t leave, and at least two people need to stay with the Prime Minister. That means besides you, there''s only one more person avable to search for the Third Young Miss."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Who knows where the Third Young Miss might have gone? How are we supposed to find her with just two people?" Jin Hui felt overwhelmed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This question stumped Jin Yao as well. After some thought, he said, "For now, search within the Capital City. The Third Young Miss probably hasn''t left yet. As for manpower, you two will have to manage. Do your best. Remember to keep a low profile and don''t make a big fuss. Many eyes are watching the Prime Minister right now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After arranging everything, Jin Yao left the room and headed towards his own quarters. Halfway there, a fine drizzle began to fall from the dark gray clouds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Passing by the ancestral hall, Jin Yao noticed a figure carrying arge box and holding something in their arms entering the hall. Squinting to get a better look, he realized it was Aunt Ying, Luo Siyi''s maid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The two servants at the entrance of the ancestral hall tried to stop her, but they lowered their hands as soon as they raised them, watching as Aunt Ying pushed open the door and went inside. The two men stood under the corridor, looking at each other in bewilderment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jin Yao smiled at this scene, the phrase "A doting mother spoils her child" shing through his mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Second Young Miss''s ruthlessness and cruelty were ultimately the result of Luo Siyi and Nangong Ya''s excessive indulgence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But none of this was his concern. As the rain grew heavier, Jin Yao wiped his face, withdrew his gaze, and hurried back to his room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Inside the ancestral hall, Nangong Muyan watched Aunt Ying enter, discreetly looking her up and down, matching her to the description of "Aunt Ying" that Jiang Ning had given her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Second Young Miss, the Madam sent me," Aunt Ying said softly as she stood beside Nangong Muyan, who was kneeling on a prayer mat. Her eyes were filled withplex emotions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Muyan stopped writing and looked up at her with a faint smile. "How is my mother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Ying sighed, crouched down beside Nangong Muyan, and opened the box she was carrying. She took out a small bowl containing fragrant chicken soup with rice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Muyan hadn''t felt particrly hungry before, but now, smelling the aroma, she suddenly felt ravenous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Ying moved the paper and pen on the altar table to one side, then ced the small bowl in front of Nangong Muyan and handed her a spoon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Second Young Miss, please eat. The Madam instructed me to make this for you. Eat while it''s hot; it doesn''t taste as good when it''s cold."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Muyan nodded repeatedly, saying "Mm-hmm, mm-hmm," and began eating with the spoon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Ying pulled over a prayer mat and sat beside Nangong Muyan, watching her eatrge mouthfuls with her head bowed. Knowing she must be starving, Aunt Ying couldn''t help but sigh again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"The Madam fell ill from anger. The doctor prescribed some calming medicine, and she''s still resting in bed now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Muyan paused her chewing for a moment, then heard Aunt Ying continue to chatter, "I don''t know exactly what mistake you made, Second Young Miss, but the Prime Minister has always loved you the most. For him to punish you like this, and for even the Madam not to speak up for you, you must have done something really out of line this time..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Indeed, I deserve it," Nangong Muyan said, then continued eating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now that she had be Nangong Muyan, she had to enjoy the benefits of this identity and also bear the consequences of her previous sins.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was a fair trade.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Ah, well... Even though the Madam isn''t pleading on your behalf, she still worries about you. The Prime Minister ordered that you go hungry for two days, but the Madam couldn''t bear it. That''s why she sent me to bring you food."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Muyan finished herst bite, wiped her mouth, and replied with a smile, "Please thank my mother for me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"There''s no need for such formalities between mother and daughter," Aunt Ying said as she tidied up the table. "The Madam only hopes that you truly realize your mistakes, reform yourself, and don''t do anything wrong again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Mm-hmm, alright," Nangong Muyan agreed obediently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Ying then took out a small jar about the size of her palm from the basket. She opened the lid to reveal a grass-green ointment that smelled medicinal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Second Young Miss,e, take off your clothes. I''ll apply the medicine for you," Aunt Ying said, looking at Nangong Muyan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"This... is it necessary?" Nangong Muyan hesitated. It was just a small injury, did it really need medicine?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Ying assumed Nangong Muyan was just being shy. She put the jar aside and reached out to undo her clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Muyan was startled. "!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Were they really this close?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''ll do it myself!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They were both women, so it wouldn''t matter if she saw.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Muyan obediently took off her clothes until only her undergarment remained, theny face down on the table, revealing the red marks on her back, waist, and arms. The sight made Aunt Ying''s heart ache.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"The Prime Minister was too heavy-handed. It even broke the skin. Really..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Ying gently blew on the wounds, then scooped up some ointment and applied it softly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The wounds had been burning before, but as soon as the ointment was applied, they felt cool and quitefortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Muyan shifted her body to lie morefortably, then turned her head to look at Aunt Ying''s tearful expression, unable to understand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Was this what they called "the beating falls on you, but the pain is in my heart"?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Ying continued to give thoughtful reminders: "Second Young Miss, if the wounds itch, you absolutely must not scratch them. It would be terrible if they left scars. You''re getting married in a few months, after all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Married? To the Prince of Rui?" Nangong Muyan''s body suddenly stiffened. She seemed to have forgotten about this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Yes,st year the Emperor arranged the marriage for you. They''re just waiting for you to turn eighteen, then the imperial edict will be issued. You''ll be a princess then, so you can''t cause trouble like this anymore..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"That''s good," Nangong Muyan replied with a smile, her response seemingly unrted to the topic. Her expression was thoughtful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Ying finished applying the medicine to all the wounds and watched as Nangong Muyan got up and put her clothes back on. She then handed her another package.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"The nights are cold. The Madam asked me to bring you this cloak. Use it as a nket when you sleep so you don''t catch a chill."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Alright."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The door opened and closed as Aunt Ying left with the wooden box.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nangong Muyan held the thick fabric in her hands for a long while before chuckling softly, "Now that''s a real mother... I''ve hit the jackpot..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0