Song Ning went to Jiangning County the next day, and took Xu Feng with him on the way.

After all, the child has been staying at her home for some time, and she should be allowed to go back and meet her family.

Their first stop was the county government office.

After getting off the car, Xu Feng stood not far away, staring at the entrance of the county government office, motionless.

Why don't you go over there?

Xu Feng frowned: "I don't dare. You come in with me. If my father sees me coming back alone, he'll definitely think I snuck back and won't give me a chance to explain."

Song Ning sighed, "Alright, I'll go with you then."

As soon as the two arrived at the entrance of the county government office, the people at the gate recognized Xu Feng and jogged down to greet him: "Young master, you're back."

"Go and tell my father that I've come back to see him. Make sure to specify that I'm with Song Erya."

"yes."

"When you come back to see your father, you can just go straight in."

Xu Feng glanced at her sideways: "Didn't you say that you should inform everyone before meeting them? You can only meet them if they want to, and you can't meet them if they don't want to. That's called politeness."

Song Ning laughed: "Not bad, you can still remember it?"

Xu Feng didn't want to pay attention to her, but how could he not remember? If he couldn't remember, he wouldn't have anything to eat.

People quickly came out and led them inside.

A steward-like man served them tea and said respectfully, "Young master and Miss Song, please wait a moment. The master is on official business and will be here shortly."

Xu Feng wanted to say something, but after glancing at Song Ning, he didn't speak and instead said, "Understood, thank you for your hard work, Steward Xu."

Butler Xu was taken aback, then withdrew.

In the study in the front courtyard, after Magistrate Xu finished his official business, he came out of the study to find Steward Xu already waiting outside.

"My lord, the young master and Miss Song are still waiting behind."

"That kid didn't keep asking to see me?"

"No, I think the young master has indeed become much more composed."

"Oh?" Magistrate Xu's words were tinged with surprise.

After a moment's hesitation, he said, "Then let's go take a look."

When Magistrate Xu arrived, Xu Feng was introducing the things in the room to Song Ning, explaining which item was from which era, what it was used for, and which was his father's favorite.

"You seem to know quite a bit about this?"

"Please, this is my home. I grew up here. It would be abnormal if I didn't know about it."

As Magistrate Xu stepped across the threshold, Xu Feng immediately straightened up upon seeing his father enter.

Song Ning stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Excellency the County Magistrate."

Xu Feng stood there like a stick, looking somewhat at a loss.

Song Ning tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Call someone."

"Oh, greetings, Your Excellency the Magistrate."

Song Ning: ...Has this child gone mad?

Suddenly realizing what he had said, he immediately changed his address: "Greetings, Father."

"No need for formalities, please have a seat."

Song Ning sat down, and Xu Feng, seeing his father's expression, carefully followed suit.

"Miss Song, is there something you need today?"

"Oh, it's nothing important. It's just that Xu Feng has been away from home for a while, and I was worried he might miss home, so I brought him home to meet the magistrate."

Magistrate Xu remained expressionless, cupping his hands in thanks and saying, "Thank you, Miss Song."

Although Magistrate Xu could be considered to have put righteousness above family ties, he was still his own son, and no matter how despicable he was, he still cared about him.

"Has my son caused any trouble while he was with Miss Song?"

Song Ning glanced at Xu Feng, who was sweating profusely.

Song Ning smiled broadly, but Xu Feng had a bad feeling.

"Your Excellency, please rest assured, Young Master Xu is doing very well in my household."

Xu Feng breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled dryly, "Dad, did you hear that? I really know I was wrong."

He stared longingly at his father for a long time, but Magistrate Xu did not say the words he most wanted to hear.

He now knows he was wrong and has been punished, so why won't his father say he'll bring him back?

Moreover, his father was happier when he looked at Song Erya than when he looked at him.

That's it, his dad really doesn't love him anymore.

"Miss Song, since you're here, please stay for dinner today."

Song Ning knew that Magistrate Xu didn't want her to stay, but rather wanted to have dinner with his son.

Xu Feng tugged at her sleeve under the table, his face pleading.

"I am deeply grateful for the magistrate's kindness. Since the magistrate has spoken, I will respectfully comply."

After Magistrate Xu left, Xu Feng jumped up and down a few times in joy.

"Come on, let me show you around the yard."

The county government office in Jiangning County was far superior to that in Tianxiang County.

This is more like a county government office; it has mountains and water, and the environment is indeed quite nice.

I said I was taking her for a walk around the yard, but she's still a child, and she ran off in no time.

Song Ning was resting in the pavilion when she saw Xu Xiao walking towards her.

"Young Master Xu." Song Ning stood up and gave a polite bow.

Xu Xiao waved his hand to dismiss the servants, his expression unfriendly.

Why are you here?

Song Ning raised the corners of her mouth: "Naturally, it's to send Xu Feng back so he can catch up with his family."

Xu Xiao frowned: "You're really that kind?"

"Heh, Young Master Xu, what are you saying? If I were truly such a vicious person, your brother would probably be dead long ago."

Xu Xiao sized her up and questioned, "What about Jiaojiao? Why did you want to harm her?"

Song Ning was taken aback, her face darkening: "Who told you I harmed her?"

Song Ning's expression was not good, and Xu Xiao knew he had said the wrong thing.

However, he had investigated this matter and found that it was Song Ning who took his sister away.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!