In the front courtyard of the Xu family, Marquis Xu Zhen of Yongning was discussing matters with several advisors in his study.

The Third Master of the Marquis's Mansion, who had just passed the imperial examination, went out to burn incense and fulfill a vow, but such an accident occurred. It couldn't help but make people suspect that there was some conspiracy. At first, the Marquis of Yongning was trying his best to find the person, but when he arrived at the scene, he found that the horse had fallen to its death in the ditch, and the carriage had fallen into the river not far away. The river was swift-flowing. Although the Marquis of Yongning had sent people downstream to search, the hope of finding the person was very slim.

Those present were all trusted confidants of the Marquis of Yongning. With such a major incident occurring in the Marquis's residence, no one knew what to say for a moment.

Lord Yongning glanced at his advisors, waved his hand, and said, "Now that things have come to this, you should all go back and rest."

After exchanging glances, the staff members rose, bowed, and left.

Lord Yongning sat in his study for a long time before the steward and the young master entered.

The Marquis looked at the Heir Apparent with hope, but the Heir Apparent looked gloomy and shook his head slightly. Seeing this, the Marquis's face grew even more ashen, and he waved his hand dismissively.

The prince said, "Father, I have sent more men to search downstream along the river. We will surely find my third brother."

The Marquis shook his head and said, "Alright, I understand. You've had a long day, go back and rest."

The young master wanted to say something more, but the marquis waved his hand, and the young master took his leave.

After returning to the backyard, the young master washed up and changed his clothes, and then went to the courtyard of Lady Yongning.

Lady Wu, the wife of the Marquis of Yongning, came from a prestigious family. She had been married to the Marquis of Yongning for decades. At first, the two were very loving and respectful of each other. Unfortunately, after the incident involving Concubine Zhu, Lady Wu and the Marquis of Yongning grew cold towards each other. Over the years, their relationship has remained lukewarm.

After Prince Xu Wei entered the courtyard, someone went to announce that Madam Wu had already set out dinner in the house. When she saw her son arrive, she smiled and got up to let Xu Wei eat first.

Xu Wei was exhausted and hungry after a long day of running around. Seeing the delicious-looking food laid out by her mother, she smiled and said, "Thank you, Mother."

The Marquis's mansion had strict rules, including not speaking while eating or sleeping. After Wu had eaten with Xu Wei, the mother and son went to talk on the daybed by the window.

After the maid served tea, Madam Wu dismissed the servants and asked, "Do you think this is a natural disaster or a man-made one?"

Xu Wei shook her head and said, "It's hard to say, but we found a few footprints at the scene. When we got there, quite a few people had already been there, so we couldn't tell anything."

Mrs. Wu sighed and said, "What a pitiful family of three."

Upon hearing this, Xu Wei said, "Mother, you said such a big thing happened, why hasn't Aunt Zhu made a single move?"

Upon hearing this, Madam Wu sneered and said, "She has always been cold-hearted and aloof. What could she possibly do? I originally thought that since our Third Master passed the imperial examination, he would be a great help to you in the future. Who knew that something like this would happen?"

Xu Wei said, "I've sent more people downstream to search. Whether we can find it or not depends on fate."

Few people in the Marquis's mansion could sleep peacefully at night. The next day, even more people were sent out of the city to search for him. Many people in the city already knew about the accident involving the Third Master of the Yongning Marquis's mansion, and all sorts of rumors were flying around. Because of Xu Rao's status as a newly appointed Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), even more people were paying attention, and even the palace came to inquire.

Lord Yongning was exhausted. After receiving several groups of people, he lay down in his study in the outer courtyard and couldn't get up. Xu Wei had no choice but to help receive the relatives and friends who came to visit after receiving the news, and she was busy until night.

When such a major event occurred in the Marquis's mansion, the old lady naturally received the news. She sent someone to invite the Marquis, only to find that he was already ill, anxious and exhausted. She couldn't help but shake her head. She knew very well what kind of person her son was.

The old lady was the wife of the second Marquis of Yongning. The first Marquis of Yongning followed Emperor Taizu in conquering the country. Before the Liang Dynasty, the government was corrupt, the people suffered, and various rebel kings fought their own battles. The first Marquis of Yongning followed Emperor Taizu to pacify the country and establish the Liang Dynasty.

For decades after the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, there were frequent battles on the border. The second Marquis of Yongning was a skilled general who guarded the border. Later, seeing that the world was at peace and people from all directions came to congratulate him, and also for the future development of the Marquis of Yongning, the second Marquis of Yongning did not let his son pursue a military career, but let him be a leisurely marquis.

Having followed the second Marquis of Yongning, the Dowager Lady had gained a level of experience that few could match. She knew her son well; he might not seem like much on the surface, but when it came to important matters, he often failed to be the pillar of the household.

The old lady stood up, and the old nanny beside her said, "Old lady, what are you going to do?"

The old lady said, "Come with me to the front yard, I'll go see what's going on."

The old nanny's surname was Li. She was the old lady's dowry maid. After she became a maid herself, she had been serving the old lady. The two had been together for decades. When the old lady said this, Nanny Li naturally understood what the old lady meant.

Granny Li said, "The Marquis is in the front courtyard. You were feeling unwell a couple of days ago."

The old lady shook her head and said, "I'd better go take a look."

Upon hearing this, Granny Li quickly summoned the servants around the old lady to help her dress and wash up. Only then did she have several rough-working women carry the old lady in a small sedan chair to the front yard.

When the old lady arrived at the front yard, they quickly informed the Marquis. The Marquis was waiting at the door of the study. Upon seeing the old lady, he said with shame, "I'm sorry to have troubled you, Mother."

The old lady didn't say anything and followed her into the study.

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