Chapter 60 With a wife like this, you'd better pray for good fortune...

A few days later, ten miles outside the capital, at the Willow-Breaking Pavilion.

Shen Lingyue, Yan Yi, and Sang Wenyuan came together to see off Sang Zhi Qiu.

Sang Wenyuan said with a face full of reluctance, "Aunt, the You family has already been stripped of its title. Everyone knows that you are the victim. Why do you insist on leaving the capital?"

My aunt was trapped in that cannibalistic mansion for fifteen years, and she rarely even went out.

She hadn't had a chance to spend more time with her aunt yet, and she still wanted to take her to eat at the best restaurants in Beijing and visit the most interesting shops.

Sang Zhi Qiu smiled and patted her head. "I'm not afraid of what people say, nor am I running away. It's precisely because I've lingered in the You family for too long that I want to go out and see a wider world."

Sang Wenyuan tugged at her sleeve, hesitatingly asking, "Then, when will you be able to come back?"

Sang Zhi Qiu winked at her, her expression seemingly returning to the lively and playful spirit of her youth. "Don't worry, your aunt will definitely make it back in time for your wedding and personally see you off."

Sang Wenyuan blushed with embarrassment and made Sang Zhiqi promise to write home frequently to let her know she was safe and not to go to dangerous, remote places.

Sang Zhi Qiu readily agreed to the former, but as for the latter... she subtly curled the corners of her lips, turned around without making a sound, and solemnly bowed to Chen Ling Yue and Yan Yi in gratitude.

Shen Lingyue quickly helped her up, addressing her as Sang Wenyuan.

“Aunt Sang, there’s no need for thanks. If you were in my shoes, would you have stood by and done nothing?”

She took out a palm-sized red cloth bundle from her bosom and handed it to him, saying, "This is a farewell gift that my sister-in-law and I prepared for you. Take it with you, and the Goddess of Mystery will bless you with a safe and smooth journey, and help you turn bad luck into good."

"Who is the Goddess Xuan Nu? Why have I never seen her mentioned in any books?"

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi exchanged a glance and said with a smile, "The Goddess Xuan Nu is the goddess who protects us women. Many sisters have prayed to the Goddess Xuan Nu and their wishes have come true."

Sang Zhi Qiu curiously lifted the red cloth, revealing a peach wood carving of a doll inside.

The edges of the wood carving were polished smooth and rounded, and the coloring transitioned very naturally and exquisitely.

The doll has a woman's hairstyle, but her clothes are very peculiar: one side is a red and green painted gauze dress, and the other side is a shimmering silver armor.

Sang Zhi Qiu stroked it lovingly, nodding repeatedly, her eyes sparkling.

"Compassionate, gentle yet strong, skilled in literature, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and capable of fighting on the battlefield, this Goddess of Mystery is truly wonderful. However... why are there no facial features sculpted?"

Shen Lingyue recalled that when she took the design drawings drawn by Yan Yi to Shen Mingda for "haute couture," her second brother asked her the same question.

Yan Yi smiled and explained softly, "Because the Goddess Xuan Nu has no physical form, she can transform into any form around us to save herself and others."

Sang Zhi Qiu seemed to understand something, "I understand."

She carefully wrapped the red cloth again and placed it into her personal bag. She nodded to the three of them and said, "I'll leave you here. I'm just going out for a walk to clear my head. I might be back in a few months."

Shen Lingyue's eyes darted around. "Aunt Sang, you know Yunshao Girls' School, right? They definitely need a scholar like you who is knowledgeable and virtuous..."

A smile spread across Sang Zhi Qiu's eyes. "Coincidentally, Princess Tong An said the same thing to me. However, I still want to go out for a stroll first. Perhaps I can discover a few promising students outside?"

She turned around and waved, and a woman in her early thirties with a strong and capable build drove the carriage that was parked some distance away over.

Her skin was slightly dark, but her eyes were sharp and powerful. The muscles in her arms, which were holding the reins, were clearly defined. She sat upright on the carriage shaft, with a very stable stance.

“My father hired this lady Fu as my bodyguard. She comes from a security escort agency and is highly skilled in martial arts. With us by her side, our safety can be guaranteed.”

Sang Zhi Qiu boarded the carriage and waved goodbye to the three men through the window.

She was born in autumn, and in this autumn she let go of the past and set off on a journey lightly.

A single falling leaf heralds the coming of autumn; now it is time for her to go out and explore the world, to see it all with her own eyes.

...

The Imperial Palace, Taihe Gate.

This morning at court, an imperial censor impeached Lord Sang, who, as the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, disregarded etiquette and hierarchy, and allowed his daughter, Lady You Sang, to set fire to the ancestral hall of the Marquis of Dongxiang, nearly causing a major fire.

The censor delivered his impassioned speech, which Emperor Qingxi listened to with a calm expression. "Minister Sang, you may now defend yourself."

Lord Sang slowly walked forward, holding his official tablet, and glanced at the censor.

"Firstly, my daughter has divorced You Zhengliang, please refer to her as Ms. Sang."

"Secondly, the title of Marquis of Dongxiang has been revoked by His Majesty, so where would the Marquis's ancestral hall come from?"

"Thirdly, my daughter was paying her last respects at the ancestral hall before leaving the You family, and she accidentally knocked over a candlestick. After the fire started, the fire brigade was notified immediately to come and put it out. Apart from half of the ancestral hall being burned down, there were no casualties. The Sang family has also compensated for the repairs. How can you say that she deliberately set the fire? Do you have any evidence?"

The censor, his neck stiff with anger, retorted, "You're just making excuses! It's clear that Madam Sang harbors resentment towards the You family. What an unfaithful and unfilial daughter... Ah!"

Before he could finish speaking, Lord Sang swiftly grabbed his official tablet and began smashing it down on the censor.

"My daughter has remained chaste for the You family for fifteen years, managing the household and raising her adopted son. Everyone in the capital knows this. How can she be unfaithful? The You family deceived her into marriage first, and my daughter broke off the engagement afterward. She returned to the Sang family to serve her old father. How can she be unfilial? Don't think I don't know you are a distant relative of the You family and want to stand up for them and tarnish the Sang family's reputation. You're dreaming!"

The old man was quite agile, and he shouted and yelled at the same time, his voice full of energy.

Other officials rushed to break up the fight—of course, they were biased towards the other side.

The old Imperial Censor Sang is over seventy years old and has countless students. If he were to be angered to the point of illness, even if the Imperial Censor were not punished by His Majesty, he would still have to have Sang's students put on sacks when he went out.

"Sir, please calm down. We all know the truth of the matter. Please don't take it to heart..."

While the censor was being held down by several men, Lord Sang raised his ceremonial tablet and slapped him across the face a few more times. He then stopped, panting, and trembling as he was about to kneel down to beg for forgiveness.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. This old minister loves his daughter dearly and simply cannot bear to hear such foul language and barking!"

Emperor Qingxi glanced down and saw that the censor had been beaten black and blue, his eyes red with resentment, looking just like a stray dog.

He held back his laughter for a long time before telling the eunuchs to go and help Lord Sang up.

"I share the same deep love that Minister Sang has for his daughter."

Emperor Qingxi clutched his chest, sighing with sorrow, "If my daughter had suffered such injustice, I would have chopped up his entire family and fed them to the dogs to vent my anger—Censor Qian, do you not have a daughter to say such heartless things?"

Sang's father was also at the court meeting today. Upon hearing this, he stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this Imperial Censor Qian is nicknamed 'Eight Daughters Qian.' He had eight daughters before finally having a son who just turned four this year. Imperial Censor Qian cherishes him like a treasure."

"Oh?" Emperor Qingxi became interested and pressed on, "Have any of your eight daughters gotten married? And who did they marry into? Tell me about it."

Censor Qian broke out in a cold sweat and immediately knelt down, speechless.

Seeing the man's trembling, fearful appearance, Emperor Qingxi could guess that his daughter hadn't married into a good family. He snorted coldly, threw the Imperial Censor Qian's memorial into a bamboo basket, and discarded it.

However, this incident sparked a major debate in the court about whether to re-examine the chastity arches in various places.

What if there are other heartless in-law families like the You family, and innocent women like Sang?

Supporters and opponents argued fiercely every day, their opinions escalating from quoting classical texts to personal attacks, resulting in a mountain of impeachment memorials.

Princess Tong'an reappeared at the most recent court assembly.

At the beginning of the founding of the Great Ye Dynasty, there were female marquises and generals in the court. Emperor Taizu even issued a decree that imperial daughters and princes had the same right to attend court and participate in politics.

Several princesses from the reign of Emperor Taizu later actively participated in politics and, together with Empress Zhaohui, implemented many policies that benefited women throughout the land.

However, as those female marquises and generals who founded the country gradually grew old and retired, their titles and military positions were passed on to their children and grandchildren, and the princesses gradually faded from the political stage, returning to the tradition of being good wives and mothers.

The last time Princess Tong'an attended a court assembly was three years ago when she applied for land for the Yunshao Girls' School and acquired that abandoned royal palace.

This time, she publicly submitted a memorial to Emperor Qingxi, requesting that the practice of reporting chastity arches in various places be abolished.

"The pairing of Yin and Yang is a great principle of Heaven and Earth. There is no one in the world who is born without a partner; such a person is unsuitable throughout their life, which is contrary to the principles of Yin and Yang and disrupts the harmony of Heaven and Earth."①

Princess Tong'an stood at the very front of the hall, her phoenix eyes sweeping over the assembled officials with sharp, lightning-like eyes, exuding an awe-inspiring power, as if she alone were worth a thousand troops.

"You gentlemen are well aware that the chastity archway is nothing more than a cage you use to restrain women, a tool for local officials to showcase their achievements, and a means for your families to avoid taxes. If that's the case, why not erect a separate 'chaste husband archway'? As long as a man remains chaste for his deceased wife for more than twenty years, he can also bring honor to his family!"

These remarks were like a thunderbolt, shocking and outrageous. An official stood up to refute them, saying, "The Three Obediences and Four Virtues have existed since ancient times. We have only heard of women obeying their husbands after marriage, but we have never heard of husbands obeying their wives. Isn't it ridiculous for a man to marry and have children to ensure the continuation of his family line and remain chaste for his wife?"

"So you married just to have a son? Then why can't a widower who already has children remain faithful to his deceased wife?"

Princess Tong'an refused to yield an inch, haughtily raising her head. "Besides, who says there's no husband who obeys his wife? My husband must obey me, and the children I give birth to enjoy their noble status because of me, regardless of the husband's social standing."

The imperial censor gritted his teeth. "Your Highness, you are a princess, of noble birth and of high status. You cannot be compared to other women..."

"So what if she's a princess? I am of one mind with all women in the world. If we cannot achieve equality for all, then we cannot place the shackles of chastity solely on women. If we are to uphold it, then we should all uphold it together, or we should all stop upholding it!"

The Minister of Personnel stepped in to smooth things over, saying, "Your Highness is mistaken. The continuation of the family line is not only for the continuation of the clan, but also for the prosperity of the nation. A prosperous era cannot exist without a large population..."

"Then we shouldn't lock widows in their homes; letting them remarry will allow them to have more children."

Princess Tong'an glanced around the room and, seeing an official looking disgruntled, chuckled softly.

"Oh, so you think that a widow remarrying is unfaithful to her deceased husband, and you're afraid that you'll be cuckolded even after you die? When you're all cuddling your concubines and having affairs with other women outside, do you ever think about your wives at home being cuckolded?"

Princess Tong'an, holding her lower back, said meaningfully, "I can say that every child I have given birth to is of my blood, but can you pat your chests and guarantee that every child in your family is your offspring?"

...

Princess Tong'an's bold remarks at the court assembly quickly spread.

Some busybodies went to a banquet attended by the imperial son-in-law Wei Shao, intending to sow discord.

"Consort Wei, the princess has publicly declared that chastity arches are useless and opposes women remaining chaste. What if she finds another man as her lover and has a child, and then tries to pin the blame on you?"

Wei Shao glanced at him indifferently and said calmly, "It is the princess's freedom to want to find male concubines, but whether or not I can allow the princess to find male concubines is my ability."

That same night, the person who had instigated the incident was brutally beaten on his way home, stripped naked, and left in front of the Shuntian Prefecture government office. When he woke up, he was surrounded by a group of middle-aged women pointing and whispering about him. He covered his genitals in shame and fled in anger.

...

"As expected of Princess Tong'an's careful selection, Consort Wei truly has the demeanor of an empress!"

Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi were having a great time gossiping and laughing at the unlucky guy who had stirred up trouble.

Anyone with eyes can see that Wei Shao did it, but who told him to be so foul-mouthed?

Trying to sow discord between the princess and her husband? Even the old emperor would give him a beating if he found out.

Shen Lingyue covered her mouth and chuckled, "What's the point of him covering his private parts? The aunties and grandmas have already seen everything. He should be covering his face instead."

Yan Yi pursed her lips and couldn't help but chuckle, saying, "Perhaps his face was already seen when he was unconscious."

“But you can’t just run around naked with your face showing.” Shen Lingyue shook her head and clicked her tongue. “Small isn’t cute at all.”

Yan Yi poured a cup of tea. "However, I admire the princess for standing up at this time and speaking out for women everywhere."

Shen Lingyue stretched and said, "Of course, because we're all women. If we don't rely on the princess, who else can we rely on, those high-ranking officials in the court?"

The two were chatting idly when suddenly Qingchan rushed in in a panic.

"Miss, it's terrible! The young master is here!"

Shen Lingyue was stunned for a moment before realizing she was referring to Shen Ming'an. She stood up in confusion, "My older brother isn't taking a day off today either?"

Qingchan looked anxious and whispered quickly in her ear.

Shen Lingyue's expression changed, and she pulled Yan Yi away.

Yan Yi quickly followed, "What happened?"

Shen Lingyue's face tightened, her expression serious. "Wen Yuan is missing."

...

The two rushed to the gate as fast as they could and saw Shen Ming'an, who was pale and covered in sweat.

"Little sister, Wen Yuan is in trouble."

Shen Ming'an's forehead veins bulged as he tried his best to remain calm. He took out a letter from his pocket and said, "Her maid said she received this letter yesterday afternoon and left the mansion, but she didn't come back all night."

Shen Lingyue hurriedly tore open the envelope and quickly scanned it. "This is... something Aunt Sang wrote to Wen Yuan?"

The letter said she had ordered a rare book from a bookstore in the north of the city, but forgot to pick it up before leaving, and asked Wen Yuan to run it for her.

Shen Ming'an shook his head, "No, someone imitated Madam Sang's handwriting. The imitation is so similar that it's almost indistinguishable from the real thing."

A thought flashed through Shen Lingyue's mind, "It's You Fengnian! Only he is most familiar with Aunt Sang's handwriting!"

The title of Marquis of Dongxiang was revoked, and the former Marquis of Dongxiang and his wife, along with You Zhengliang, were still imprisoned. Only You Nianjiao and You Fengnian escaped and were not imprisoned.

Because one of them was a married-out woman and the other had the title of Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations), and they were also third-generation members of the You family, they were innocent bystanders and could be exempted from punishment.

"Has You Fengnian gone mad? It's already a mercy that he wasn't stripped of his official titles, yet he still dares to kidnap Wen Yuan. What exactly does he want to do?"

Shen Lingyue clenched her fists. "Big brother, what's the situation now? Has the Sang family sent people out to search?"

Shen Ming'an nodded coldly, "Last night after dark, the maid reported to Wen Yuan's mother. The Sang family sent people to search the capital secretly all night, and also went to the bookstore in the north of the city mentioned in the letter, but the owner of that bookstore swore to heaven that he had never seen Wen Yuan."

He looked earnestly at Shen Lingyue: "Little sister, I know you and your brother-in-law are both capable, even able to dig up the secrets of the You family from decades ago. Can you help me think of where You Fengnian is most likely hiding with Wen Yuan?"

Every passing moment was agonizing for Shen Ming'an. He forced himself not to imagine the worst-case scenario, but he was determined to rescue Wen Yuan as soon as possible.

"We can't find her anywhere in the capital. Could it be that You Fengnian has already taken Miss Sang out of the city?"

Yan Yi suddenly grasped Shen Lingyue's hand and winked at her.

Shen Lingyue realized what was happening, her eyes darting around as she silently communicated with her—did you "see" it again?

Yan Yi whispered a few words in her ear.

Shen Lingyue's eyes slowly brightened, and she immediately said to Shen Ming'an, "When I sent people to investigate You Zhengliang's whereabouts, I found out that he had settled near a farm in Tianjin under the name of the Tao family. There was a peach grove and a small wooden house there, which suddenly caught fire and was abandoned eight years ago."

Eight years ago, it happened to be the time when You Fengnian contracted a serious epidemic and Tao took him out of Beijing for treatment.

It is very likely that You Fengnian spent some time there with his biological parents before recovering and returning home, while You Zhenliang and You Nianjiao were also moved.

Even if You Fengnian is a transmigrated man with a system, he is only fifteen years old this year. Before his background is revealed, he lives a simple life between the Dongxiang Marquis's mansion and the Imperial Academy, with little opportunity to develop his own power or stronghold.

Now, only a little over ten days have passed since the Marquis of Dongxiang was stripped of his title, and in such a hurry, You Fengnian could not find a more suitable place to imprison Sang Wenyuan.

The inference was reasonable, and with the evidence of what Yan Yi "saw," Shen Lingyue was almost certain that You Fengnian and Sang Wenyuan were there.

After a moment's thought, Shen Ming'an accepted her reasoning. "Okay, tell me the exact address, and I'll go rescue Wen Yuan right now."

"Wait, I'll go with you," Shen Lingyue quickly said. "It just so happens that Pei Jinghuai is home today. Let's ride out of the city together to rescue them!"

Shen Ming'an also needed to go back to inform the Sang family and prepare horses, so he nodded and said, "We'll meet at the North Gate in an hour."

Shen Lingyue rushed back to Danyue Pavilion to change into clothes that were easy to move in, while she sent Qingchan to the front yard to call Pei Jinghuai.

Pei Jinghuai arrived quickly, accompanied by Lu Xilou, who had come to see Pei Jinghuai for tea.

"I heard that Miss Sang was kidnapped by You Fengnian?" Lu Xilou said proactively. "The Embroidered Uniform Guard is best at finding people. I will take a squad leader and go out of the city with you."

Shen Lingyue was taken aback. Was Lu Fox usually this helpful?

She instinctively declined, saying, "Miss Sang is my future sister-in-law. This is a family matter, so let's not trouble the Imperial Guards."

“Sister-in-law, you are mistaken. The case of the You family falsely claiming a title has not yet been closed, yet You Fengnian dares to commit crimes against the wind. He simply does not take our Embroidered Uniform Guard seriously.”

Lu Xilou, with an air of righteous indignation, said, "Besides, your future sister-in-law is also Pei Er's future sister-in-law, which means she's practically my sister-in-law too. We're family, why be so formal?"

Before Shen Lingyue could come up with a new reason, Lu Xilou had already taken the lead and walked outside.

"Stop dawdling, time waits for no one."

That's true. Besides, more people mean more help. Let's just say she called the police in advance.

The three of them quickly rode to the north gate, and soon Shen Ming'an and several guards from the Sang family arrived on horseback.

Shen Ming'an explained, "The rest of the Sang family are still being investigated throughout the capital. Only these few were separated and are with me."

Upon closer inspection, not only were Pei Jinghuai and Lu Xilou behind Shen Lingyue, but also a squad of Imperial Guards. Shocked, she exclaimed, "This is…"

Shen Lingyue cleared her throat: "Commander Lu is kind-hearted and righteous, and he took the initiative to help."

Shen Ming'an quickly bowed to Lu Xilou to express his gratitude.

Lu Xilou: "Alright, everyone's doing this to save lives, let's hurry."

The group of people and horses quickly left the city and sped towards Tianjin.

...

Yan Yi knew that her riding skills were not good and she could not be of much help, so she stayed in the Marquis's residence to wait for news.

The tea in her hand gradually cooled down, but she was oblivious. Subconsciously, she rubbed the inside of the cup, repeatedly recalling the scene that had flashed through her mind just moments before.

The dilapidated wooden cabin was covered in dust, with cobwebs growing in the corners. A dusty blanket was haphazardly piled on the rotten wooden bed. Sang Wenyuan was bound hand and foot, curled up in the corner, her face pale and her eyes red and swollen like peaches.

The good news is that although her hair was messy and her collar was askew, her clothes were still on her body in good condition, without any signs of tearing or damage.

It has been less than a day and a night since Sang Wenyuan disappeared. It would take three hours to get from here to Tianjin by fast horse, and about five hours by carriage.

Assuming You Fengnian tricked Sang Wenyuan out of her home by imitating Sang Zhiqi's handwriting, and then used some method to drug her, he would definitely need to prepare a carriage beforehand to take her out of the city.

Perhaps he needs a coachman? No, the You family has no one else available, and he's been doing illegal things, so he has to take matters into his own hands.

In that case, the time spent on the road will only be longer.

Therefore, it is highly likely that You Fengnian did not have time to do anything to Sang Wenyuan.

...This is a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.

Yan Yi silently prayed that Xiao Yue Liang and the others could get there quickly and rescue Sang Wen Yuan as soon as possible.

But there was still something she couldn't understand: since You Fengnian possessed a system and would eventually achieve the highest rank in the imperial examinations, why would he kidnap Sang Wenyuan at this juncture? Was he really willing to do anything for love?

...

"Cousin, have something to eat."

You Fengnian entered the house, placed two steamed buns in front of Sang Wenyuan, and said softly, "Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you, and I won't go against your wishes. I just want to spend a few days alone with you..."

"Get out of here!"

Despite being bound hand and foot, Sang Wenyuan still struggled and kicked the steamed bun away, shouting at him, "Let me go! Take me home! Otherwise, the Sang family will not let you off the hook. Do you still want your degree?"

A sinister glint flashed in You Fengnian's eyes, but he quickly concealed it, forcing a smile: "Cousin, don't you understand my feelings for you? I didn't want to watch you marry someone else, so I had no choice but to resort to this."

As long as he kidnaps Sang Wenyuan and stays outside for a few days, ruining her reputation, Shen Ming'an is the eldest son of the Vice Minister of Rites. How could he marry a woman of questionable character?

If he becomes the grandson-in-law of the Sang family, it doesn't matter if the You family falls; he can still make a comeback with the help of the Sang family.

Despite the system's constant advice for him to make the relationship irreversible, You Fengnian didn't want things to get too tense with the Sang family. He still wanted to win over Sang Wenyuan's heart with his charm, make her willing to marry him, and have the Sang family pave the way for his career.

The steamed bun rolled onto the ground and got dirty. You Fengnian picked it up and put it aside, saying to herself, "Cousin doesn't like steamed buns? What would you like to eat? I'll go see if there are any for sale nearby."

"I don't want to eat! I don't want to eat! I want to go home!"

Sang Wenyuan screamed at the top of her lungs, "Help! Is anyone there? Help me—"

You Fengnian chuckled, "This place has been abandoned for many years, and no one lives for miles around. You can scream your lungs out, but no one will come to save you."

Large tears rolled down her cheeks as Sang Wenyuan glared at him hatefully. "I hate you! I despise you! I'd rather die than marry you! You ungrateful, heartless, treacherous wretch—"

Yu Fengnian's face grew increasingly gloomy as he was scolded. Suddenly, he lunged forward and grabbed the hem of Sang Wenyuan's skirt.

"You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences. Do you really think I wouldn't dare take you here?"

Sang Wenyuan's eyes widened in terror, "What are you going to do? Don't touch me..."

...

On the flat, straight official road, a group of people galloped on horseback.

Shen Lingyue had never ridden such a fast horse before. After several hours of high-speed riding, the saddle had chafed the skin on her inner thighs, and it burned with pain with the slightest movement.

But everyone else was speeding up, and she didn't dare to call a stop. She could only grit her teeth and hold on, gripping the reins tightly.

Faster, faster!

We must find Sang Wenyuan before the situation can be salvaged!

At this moment, she was filled with regret. If she had known that You Fengnian would be so ruthless, she should have found a pretext to send him to prison when the Dongxiang Marquis's mansion fell.

But the old emperor didn't strip him of his academic titles. Perhaps he valued his talent, or perhaps he had other considerations... Wasn't he a transmigrated man with a system? Why didn't he follow the plot and take the imperial examinations properly? Why did he do such a disgusting thing?

The horse galloped away, the wind whipping against Shen Lingyue's face, making it hard for her to open her eyes. Her whole body ached, and her hatred for You Fengnian continued to rise.

Finally, someone shouted from ahead, "I see the little cabin!"

"drive!"

Shen Ming'an could no longer contain himself. He spurred his horse hard, flung the reins high, and charged in first.

He nearly fell off his horse in front of the cabin, and before he could regain his footing, he rushed forward and kicked the door open with a bang.

"Wen Yuan!"

Inside the room, Sang Wenyuan's collar had just been torn open, and she was already in despair, wishing she could bite her tongue and commit suicide, when she suddenly heard Shen Ming'an's voice and thought she was hallucinating.

She looked up in disbelief, tears welling up instantly. "Ming An, save me!"

Shen Ming'an was almost blinded by rage. He rushed forward, pulled You Fengnian away, and grabbed a bench to smash it over his head.

The wooden stool shattered into pieces, and You Fengnian fell to the ground, screaming in agony.

Then, Lu Xilou led the Imperial Guards in, glanced quickly at Sang Wenyuan, who was disheveled on the bed, immediately ordered his men to leave, took off his black cloak and threw it to Shen Ming'an.

Shen Ming'an reached out and caught it, then stepped forward and wrapped Sang Wenyuan up tightly, holding her close in his arms.

"...Don't be afraid, we're here, no one can hurt you anymore."

Sang Wenyuan trembled all over and cried loudly in his arms.

You Fengnian was stunned by the stool that Shen Ming'an hit him with, and lay on the ground unable to move for a long time.

Lu Xilou picked the man up with one hand and dragged him outside the small wooden house like a dead dog.

Just as he was about to order his men to bring ropes to tie the man up, Shen Lingyue had already charged over on horseback.

Before the horse had come to a complete stop, she jumped off and limped over, enduring the sharp pain in her inner thigh, her eyes filled with anger and murderous intent.

Seeing this, Lu Xilou was about to speak: "Sister-in-law, you didn't..."

Before she could finish speaking, Shen Lingyue stomped heavily between You Fengnian's legs without hesitation.

"ah--!!!"

Heart-wrenching screams echoed above the cabin.

A complete disaster.

There was an eerie silence in the courtyard for a moment, and the next second, all the men present suddenly felt a chill in their groin.

it hurts……

Lu Xilou looked at Pei Jinghuai, whose face had turned pale, with deep sympathy.

To have such a wife... good luck, brother.

...

The carriage that You Fengnian had brought was parked not far from the small wooden house.

Shen Ming'an coaxed Sang Wenyuan into the car, then called Shen Lingyue in to keep her company, while he and Pei Jinghuai sat outside and drove back.

Sang Wenyuan was still wrapped in the cloak that Lu Xilou had borrowed. She looked somewhat dazed, and stared blankly at the roof of the car without saying a word.

Shen Lingyue didn't know what to say, so she could only hold her cold fingertips.

"Wen Yuan, don't be afraid. Just think of it as being bitten by a dog. As long as we keep quiet, no one will know."

She's just an ordinary nineteen-year-old girl. This incident has traumatized her both physically and mentally, and she needs time to recover.

Sang Wenyuan gave a soft "hmm" and closed her eyes, seemingly a little tired.

"I'm a little tired and want to sleep for a while."

"Okay, you go to sleep. I'll stay here with you. We'll be home when you wake up." Shen Lingyue brushed the stray hairs from her forehead and leaned back in the carriage to rest.

The carriage stopped for a rest midway, and Pei Jinghuai called to her softly.

Shen Lingyue lifted a corner of the carriage curtain: "Wen Yuan is still asleep, what's wrong?"

Pei Jinghuai handed her a small porcelain bottle. "Lu Xilou gave it to me. He said you must be injured after riding such a fast horse for so long. You should apply some medicine quickly."

He looked somewhat guilty, clearly having forgotten that Shen Lingyue wasn't as thick-skinned as them men, and that Lu Xilou had to remind her.

Shen Lingyue beckoned to him with her finger.

Pei Jinghuai leaned closer, puzzled.

Shen Lingyue ruffled his hair twice and said with a smile, "I'm fine now, much better."

After all, kicking You Fengnian to the point of incapacitation was really stress-relieving!

When Pei Jinghuai met her lingering smile, he inexplicably felt a chill run down his spine.

...

Meanwhile, Lu Xilou had You Fengnian, who had fainted from the pain, tied to a horse and galloped back to the capital before the city gates closed.

The subordinate inquired, "Should we send You Fengnian to Shuntian Prefecture, or...?"

Lu Xilou said, "Why send it to Shuntian Prefecture? We, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, will take this case back to the Northern Garrison."

Night had fallen, and the streets were deserted. Lu Xilou slowed his pace and walked slowly, his eyes lowered in thought.

He had nothing to do today, so he went to chat with Pei Jinghuai and happened to learn about You Fengnian's unusual behavior.

Pei Jinghuai told him as a joke: "...I think he's out of his mind. He actually ran to the back garden of the Marquis's mansion and shouted 'Xitong' at an old banyan tree? Could it be that the old tree has become a spirit and can talk to him?"

Based on his instincts as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Lu Xilou immediately took it to heart. Soon after, Shen Lingyue's maid came to the front yard to report the news, and he followed without hesitation.

You Fengnian, the third generation born out of the You family through a switch, is a fifteen-year-old genius scholar. Does he still harbor any secrets?

It's alright, once we're inside the Northern Garrison, he'll tell me everything.

Lu Xilou let his horse roam freely, letting his thoughts wander, and unknowingly arrived at the entrance of the Northern Garrison Command.

He looked up and glanced ahead, his gaze suddenly freezing, and he dismounted.

"Father, why are you standing here?"

Lu Xilou smiled at him, revealing his little tiger teeth, "Did you come here especially to pick me up?"

Lu Sheng shook his head in denial with a serious expression.

"I heard you went out of town today to capture You Fengnian? Hand him over to me."

Lu Xilou was stunned, looking puzzled. "You Fengnian kidnapped the seventh young lady of the Sang family. Does such a small matter require Father's intervention?"

"I have something important to discuss with him. Don't ask. This is not your business."

Lu Sheng refused Lu Xilou's questioning. With a wave of his hand, Jinyiwei guards stepped forward, removed You Fengnian from his horse, and carried him into the Northern Garrison.

As he passed by Lu Sheng, he glanced down at him and frowned slightly: "Why does he look so pale? Did you torture him?"

Lu Xilou coughed twice and whispered in his ear, "It's all because of Pei Er's wife..."

Lu Sheng's expression was subtle. After a moment of silence, he said, "Never mind, as long as he doesn't die."

...

At the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), before dawn, Emperor Qingxi turned over on his dragon bed, not sleeping soundly.

"Your Majesty, Commander Lu has arrived."

The night watch eunuch called softly through the curtain.

Emperor Qingxi quickly opened his eyes, got up and sat on the edge of the bed, not even putting on his boots, and said, "Let him in."

A moment later, Lu Sheng strode into the bedchamber and knelt down to pay his respects.

Emperor Qingxi beckoned to him, "There's no need for formalities between us, come sit down and let's talk."

"Yes." Lu Sheng obediently sat down on the low stool by the bed and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, You Fengnian has confessed that he is not the real You Fengnian, but a 'celestial being' who came from another world eight years ago and possessed him."

-----------------------

Author's Note: Ahhh, it's here! Thankfully, it's not too late.

So, my darlings, I was planning to take a short break today and only post 6,000 words [crying emoji]. My original plan was to take a day off and then post one more day off, but I ended up posting for four days straight, and I feel completely drained TAT

But once I started writing, I couldn't stop! [crying emoji] I was afraid you'd worry about Wen Yuan if I suddenly stopped writing, so I just wrote 9,000 words in one go! [doge emoji][doge emoji]