Qiao Xiuyuan arrived at the gate of the Marquis of Anyang's residence, dismounted with a graceful and swift movement, which made Madam Jiang blush slightly. Although her children had all been in trouble, the thought of the brief separation that evening made her feel hot and bothered.

"Welcome back to the manor, Lord Marquis!"

Madam Jiang was the first to bow and greet them, followed closely by her servants.

Qiao Xiuyuan smiled gently and quickly reached out to support Jiang's arm, saying, "You've had a hard time while I was away, Madam."

Jiang smiled shyly, "I am not tired. Just seeing the Marquis makes me happy."

She's almost fifty years old, yet she's acting like a little girl; it looks incredibly pretentious.

But Qiao Xiuyuan did not show the slightest disgust on his face, and his gentle smile remained unchanged.

"It's windy outside, let's hurry inside. I miss Zimo and Zixi terribly. Let's call them over and have a chat in the flower hall. After that, I still need to go to the palace to meet the Emperor."

When Qiao Ziming and Qiao Zixi were mentioned, Jiang's shyness disappeared, and she looked at Qiao Xiuyuan, hesitant to speak.

But Qiao Xiuyuan seemed not to notice and walked into the mansion on his own.

As soon as he entered the mansion, he saw Qiao Ziming sitting in a wheelchair and Qiao Zixi wearing a veil.

However, his expression remained unchanged, and he showed no surprise at all when he saw his children like this.

After reaching the flower hall, Qiao Xiuyuan looked at his relatives, dismissed the servants, and said calmly to his confidant Chang Zhong, "Close the door."

Jiang asked curiously, "My lord, what has happened?"

Before she could finish speaking, Qiao Xiuyuan kicked her hard, sending her sprawling to the ground and spitting out a mouthful of blood.