Song Ning emerged from the deserted alley, dejected.

Just when she felt hopeful about life, she was dealt a blow.

Sure enough, men only slowed her down the speed at which she drew her sword.

But given Xie Linzhou's methods, this matter will be uncovered sooner or later.

Shouldn't she confess and be treated leniently?

I was originally planning to expand into the soap market, but now I've lost all interest.

I should think about how to explain this to Xie Linzhou.

In ancient times, treason was punishable by death.

On the way back to Tianxiang County, Song Ning didn't say a word. He only went into the county government office when he passed by and asked the county magistrate in a roundabout way.

"Lord Zheng, I have something to ask you."

"You're too kind. What's the matter? Please ask."

"Well... I have a friend who did something wrong without knowing it. Do you think she could get lenient treatment if she turned herself in?"

Zheng Gaoyi asked with a smile, "It depends on what specific bad things they did. If it was treason, then there's definitely no chance."

Song Ning almost lost her balance and let out two dry laughs. She knew then that this wouldn't be so easy.

Song Ning left the county government office with a bitter face. As soon as she left, someone came out from behind the screen.

Xie Linzhou.

Xie Linzhou arrived at the county government office a little earlier than Song Ning, so he naturally heard everything that had just been said.

Zheng Gaoyi sighed, "It seems that Tang Xinghuai has dragged Er Ya into this mess as well."

Xie Linzhou stood with his hands behind his back, looking in the direction Song Ning had left, lost in thought.

"Tell me, did you even find out Tang Xinghuai's true identity?"

Xie Linzhou's eyes turned cold: "Tang Xinghuai has a connection with the former Prince Chen."

“Prince Chen? When Prince Chen rebelled, the plot was exposed, and a fire broke out in his residence. There should be no survivors.”

Xie Linzhou withdrew his gaze and said indifferently, "Who knows?"

Song Ning has been absent-minded lately, and after struggling with the matter for several days, she finally made up her mind today to explain things clearly.

She can't keep hiding it like this forever; she'll be exposed sooner or later.

When Song Ning arrived at the Xie residence, Xie Linzhou was not there, and Princess Jianing was still resting. She then reported the matter to Xu Jiaojiao in the residence.

When Xu Jiaojiao heard that Song Ning had arrived, she quickly ordered him to be invited in.

When Song Ning saw Xu Jiaojiao, she was stunned for a moment, but then she remembered what Xu Feng had said last time and immediately understood.

She nodded politely: "Miss Xu."

Since what happened last time, Xu Jiaojiao's temperament has become much gentler: "Miss Song."

"The general is not here today, is there something you need?" He was already acting like the host.

"I have something I'd like to discuss with General Xie. Miss Xu, do you know when General Xie will return?"

"I don't know either. The general is usually very busy. Why don't you sit down and wait? The general left early this morning, so he should be here soon."

Song Ning came today specifically because of what happened last time. He had to make things clear today, otherwise he wouldn't feel at ease.

"Alright, then I'll wait."

Just as the tea was served, someone came downstairs to report: "Miss Xu, Her Highness the Princess has woken up and requests your presence."

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Xu Jiaojiao instructed her servants to take Song Ning for a walk around the mansion before leaving.

Princess? Song Ning thought for a while and finally remembered that Xie Linzhou's mother was a princess, right?

It seems that Xie Linzhou and Xu Jiaojiao's wedding is imminent, which has alarmed Her Highness the Princess, who attaches such great importance to it.

A servant led Song Ning around the mansion, through a corridor, and to the entrance of a small courtyard. Song Ning glanced inside casually.

"What are you looking at? This is the General's courtyard. If you keep looking, I'll gouge out your eyes." A harsh voice rang out, and then Song Ning was shoved hard.

Judging from the person's attire, she doesn't seem like a maid, but she doesn't seem like a mistress either.

The young maid leading her quickly bowed and said, "Miss Yinghong."

Yinghong looked at Song Ning warily: "Who are you? This Xie residence is not a place where just anyone can enter."

"I've come to see General Xie."

Yinghong looked her up and down, a hint of disdain in her eyes: "Our general is very busy. Where did you come from? How dare you wander around the manor without the master's permission?"

Song Ning pouted. Not to mention the Xie residence, she had even been inside this courtyard in front of her.

She had been to the Xie residence several times, but how come she had never seen this Miss Yinghong before?

The maidservant beside her quickly stepped forward: "Miss Yinghong, it was Miss Xu who asked me to show Miss Song around the mansion."

Upon hearing this, Yinghong's words finally softened.

"I understand. You can go back now. I'll take this Miss Song for a stroll in the garden."

"yes."

As soon as the maid left, Yinghong glanced at her and sneered, "Know your place. Recently, many women have come to this manor looking for the general. They all want to get the general's attention through Miss Xu. Miss Xu is a good person and can't bring herself to do this, but I can't stand it! Don't you know what kind of person you are? You dare to covet the general?"

Song Ning laughed; this girl in front of him really had a vivid imagination.

“Miss Yinghong, you’ve misunderstood. I have something to discuss with the General.”

"Hmph, everyone who comes to the manor says that. Don't think I don't know. Just because you're thinking of climbing the social ladder doesn't mean you can become a phoenix. Let me tell you, the manor already has Miss Xu. She's the one His Highness has his eye on."

Song Ning sighed. She was innocent. She had no improper thoughts about Xie Linzhou whatsoever.

“I’m telling you, Miss Yinghong, your overthinking is a disease that needs to be cured. I’ve come to General Xie to discuss serious matters. As for Miss Xu and the General’s affair, I’m not interested. If you’re looking to warn those with ulterior motives, you’ve come to the wrong person.”

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