Both Qi Wang’s residence and Duke Chu’s household had poured countless effort and resources into training these elite guards.
And these guards had indeed proven themselves worthy.
Qi Wang had taken several dozen of them, and Duke Chu had deployed the rest.
Duke Chu Madam was unaware that her husband had been so busy these past few days mobilizing the shadow guards. She simply asked, unsettled, “Did you send people to look for Jinghong? Has there still been no news from him?”
It had been so many days already!
Had it been before Huang Wenjun’s arrival, she wouldn’t have worried about Liu Jinghong being gone for this long.
But now, ever since Huang Wenjun appeared, she had been gripped by unease.
Especially after losing contact with Liu Jinghong—it made her heart pound with dread, as if something terrible was about to happen.
She had barely eaten or slept these past few days, growing noticeably gaunt and haggard.
Seeing her so anxious, Duke Chu dared not tell her the truth.
He only tried to reassure her, “Don’t worry. He’s handling important matters, and besides, His Highness is also there. It’s understandable if Jinghong isn’t able to send word back promptly.”
But he knew himself that such vague comfort wouldn’t be of much help.
So after thinking it over, he went to the palace.
Ordinary officials could not freely enter the inner palace, much less see their daughters who had become consorts.
But when it came to the father of Noble Consort Liu, exceptions were made.
Noble Consort Liu met Duke Chu in the main hall and asked warmly, “Father, what’s so urgent that you had to see me right away?”
She didn’t even refer to herself as “this consort.”
She had been doted on and spoiled by Duke Chu since childhood, his precious jewel, always given whatever she wanted.
Naturally, she remained respectful and close to him.
Even her choice of address showed this intimacy.
Duke Chu pressed his lips together. “There’s something I must tell you, but I hope you can remain calm and take care of your health.”
What could be so serious?
Noble Consort Liu sat up straight. “Please speak, Father.”
“Your brother…” Duke Chu paused before saying, “He may have met with misfortune.”
Noble Consort Liu had always been close with Liu Jinghong. Their bond was deep, especially because both of them had been born out of wedlock and weren’t brought back to the Liu family until they were six or seven years old.
Even then, they had to live cautiously under the rule of Madam Liu and her daughter.
They had to show deference to Madam Liu and humility even toward the then-unmarried Liu Wangfei.
They had relied on each other, supporting each other to get to where they were today—a bond far beyond what words could capture.
This was also why Noble Consort Liu had always shown special favor to Liu Mingzhu—it had stemmed from her love and loyalty to her brother.
Now hearing that something had happened to Liu Jinghong, she bit her lip so hard that her mouth instantly filled with the taste of blood. She asked, “Father, what are you saying? What misfortune?”
Her reaction was intense, but thankfully, still within controllable limits.
Duke Chu was slightly relieved and gently explained the situation.
When she heard that Qi Yuan might have killed Liu Jinghong, Noble Consort Liu was so shocked she nearly shouted, “Impossible!”
It was simply absurd.
She was just a little girl. No matter how capable, she was still a rootless commoner. How could she possibly have killed the shizi of the Duke’s household?
Noble Consort Liu dismissed the thought. “Father, aren’t you being overly cautious? You’re really going to believe the words of a wandering escort with no known background?”
People like that made their living by stirring up trouble and spinning lies.
Duke Chu gave a bitter laugh. “I wish I had been deceived. But he brought out your brother’s heirloom jade pendant. You know your brother never parted with it!”
If it had been stolen, Huang Wenjun would have fled long ago. Why would he dare to come forward?
Noble Consort Liu’s face turned pale, her breathing becoming labored. “So… Father, are you saying… my brother is really gone?”
Because of that wretched girl?
Wretched girl!
Truly a wretched girl!
Noble Consort Liu gritted her teeth. “I must kill her! No—killing her would be too easy! I will make her life a living h*ll. I will make her beg for death but be unable to die!”
Duke Chu sighed. “Your Highness, you don’t need to dirty your own hands. I’ve already made arrangements. I came to the palace today to ask you to persuade your mother to let this go.”
Noble Consort Liu’s eyes reddened. “If Mother hears this news, how can she bear it?”
Indeed, how could she bear it?
Duke Chu recalled his own shock and devastation when he first heard, his face as pale as death.
The two fell silent.
Then Noble Consort Liu suddenly asked, “What about Old Three? Where is he now?”
He had gone after Qi Yuan first!
If something happened to Liu Jinghong, what about Qi Wang?
Could something have happened to him too?!
The thought that her own son might also be in danger made Noble Consort Liu jump to her feet in panic. “No, I have to find a way…”
Duke Chu quickly tried to calm her. “Your Highness, please don’t worry. Wangye’s status is extraordinary. That wretch wouldn’t dare be so bold!”
He softly added, “His Highness will be fine.”
Noble Consort Liu’s voice was hoarse. “What does that wretch want, exactly?!”
Qi Yuan suddenly sneezed and couldn’t help but sneer.
Someone must be cursing her behind her back.
But so what?
What difference did it make?
She calmly swung onto her horse and rode out of Hongdu, heading straight for Song City.
As she thought of soon seeing Xie Ying and Madam Xie, she suddenly felt a touch of apprehension.
She truly was a mess—her entire being reeked of blood.
The Xie family had no memory of their past lives. If they met the current her, what would they think? How would they view her?
She didn’t care what anyone else thought.
But the Xie family was different.
She had nothing—only her sincerity toward the Xie family.
She could only hope that the Xie family would see that sincerity, and that in this life, they could all live safely and peacefully.
Galloping day and night, Qi Yuan reached the gates of Song City but found herself momentarily hesitant.
Under Yugu Terrace, the clear waters of the Gan River—how many travelers’ tears have fallen here?
She had passed through these gates countless times in her previous life.
Here, she had found healing.
Here, she had departed to avenge the Xie family, infiltrating the enemy and feeding herself to the tiger.
It all felt like it had just happened yesterday.
But everything was brand new.
She took a deep breath, entered Song City, and rode straight to Huichang.
Once in Jiangxi, the mountains rose in layer after layer.
She took shortcuts through the hills, barely resting along the way.
Meanwhile, Qi Wang had also arrived in Huichang—at the one place Qi Yuan cared about most in both her past and present lives: the Xie family.
A cold smirk curled on his lips, his eyes dark and foreboding.
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