Goodbye Dali Temple

The soldiers carried the body away, their steps light and careful, without even touching the tables or chairs, leaving few footprints.

No sooner had they left than Zhou Xuanyan arrived.

"Wen Ruo, are you feeling any better?"

Wen Ruo looked down at herself. She shouldn't look that haggard. "I'm much better. The doctor told me to exercise. Don't worry about me."

"Is there something you need?"

“I brought you some storybooks because I was worried you’d be bored.” Zhou Xuanyan placed a stack of books on the table and sat down. “Speaking of which, we haven’t seen each other since we parted ways in the court. I really miss the days when we fought side by side in the Red Robe Pavilion.”

Wen Ruo smiled. "Having read so many storybooks, have you found your ideal husband?"

Upon hearing her question, Zhou Xuanyan's cheeks immediately flushed with shyness, her expression dazed, as if recalling something. "His Highness the Crown Prince is truly a rare find in this world, what a pity."

She shut her mouth awkwardly and smiled sheepishly, "You flatter me. I forgot you didn't see it. The day the Crown Prince returned to the capital, all the young ladies in the city were upstairs. My father told me that His Majesty had been worried about the Crown Prince's marriage for a long time and had secretly chosen a minister in the court. It was quite an unusual way of choosing a spouse."

"Your Majesty has also worked hard," Wen Ruo sighed.

"Yes, I also saw Cao Xi that day. She was engaged to Qi Guanlan. His Majesty dotes on the Prince and will not let her enter the Eastern Palace. It's really a pity."

Zhou Xuanyan suddenly pursed her lower lip, looking regretful as she lowered her head. How could she have mistaken her for Xi You? But the mention of Xi You made her angry. Why did she go to the Prince Ye's mansion?

Wen Ruo nodded, "The Prince has indeed delayed Miss Cao."

Zhou Xuanyan's expression returned to normal, and she suddenly brought up the matter of Cao Xi's marriage proposal. Wen Ruo listened carefully, it seemed that Cao Xi's every move was being watched.

"Miss Zhou, is there anything I can do for you? If we delay any longer, Mr. Yi will come out and scold me."

After hesitating for a while, Zhou Xuanyan finally stammered, "Actually, what is your relationship with the Prince? Everyone in the city is saying that Young Master Qi is keeping a mistress in this shop."

Wen Ruogang's relaxed expression immediately darkened, and Zhou Xuanyan quickly waved her hand, "Actually, that's not what I wanted to ask."

"You can speak with the Prince, could you ask him to inquire why Xi You hasn't replied to my letter? Is there anything I can do to help?" She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting together, her voice sounding worried and guilty.

Wen Ruo felt a surge of warmth in her heart. So it was for her sake. "I can ask around for you. You helped Qi Guanlan once, and by some twist of fate, you've managed to get on his good side. Even this shop was a gift from the manor."

Zhou Xuanyan looked up, understanding that she was explaining, and smiled slightly, "Your Highness is indeed generous."

She reached out and pulled off a hairpin. "Wearing it will improve your complexion. Don't worry, I'll help you clear things up."

Wen Ruo was surprised; how did she get so quick to understand?

Qi Guanlan returned home dejectedly. As soon as he entered, he saw the matchmaker again and couldn't help but look miserable. "Mother, I've made you proud. You don't expect me to get married right after I came out of the army, do you?"

After Yun Qing saw the matchmaker off, only the mother and son remained in the hall. Rong Jing flipped through the invitations by herself, saying, "Who told you to keep thinking about that Xi You? She's already married into the Zhao family."

Qi Guanlan poured himself a cup of tea, looked around, and said, "Where is the old man? Call him out and ask him if I have overstepped my bounds in the slightest. I only asked Zhao Heng because I heard that her life was in danger."

Rong Jing put down the invitation and comforted her, "Alright, just treat her as a guest at our mansion. After I've asked her some questions, I'll send her away. Cao Xi is getting engaged soon, and you can't fall behind."

Qi Guanlan sighed. He finally understood. His mother had already decided that she liked Xi You, and no matter what he said, she would only take it as an excuse.

"And Wen Ruo, she'll be rarely seen after she recovers. There's a lot of gossip going around. And you, why did you have to pick a shop in the bustling city? Why didn't you find a quiet place?"

Qi Guanlan said nonchalantly, "So what? I gave her the shop. An ugly daughter-in-law has to meet her mother-in-law eventually. She'll handle it."

With a sharp crack, the elegant tranquility of the hall was shattered. Qi Guanlan immediately clutched his shoulder, howling in pain, "Mother, you hit too hard!"

Rong Jing blew on her red palm and glanced at him lightly. "What nonsense are you talking about? You've ruined someone's reputation. You may not care about the gossip, but she's different. She's getting married."

"It's a pity for the young lady, as she is destined to have no children. Her family is poor and her resources are limited, so it will probably be difficult for her to get married."

Qi Guanlan's expression turned pained, and he stopped wailing. He rubbed his shoulders, took a sip of tea, calmed himself down, thought carefully, and hesitated before saying, "How about I recognize her as my sworn sister? She gives me a title, and I'll reciprocate by giving her one in return. Who would dare to neglect the sister of the Prince of Anping?"

After Qi Guanlan finished speaking, seeing that his mother remained silent, he suddenly became more enthusiastic and felt that this idea was brilliant. In the past, due to his status and etiquette, he had to ask some questions indirectly.

If she really becomes his sister, wouldn't he be able to see her anytime, anywhere? He'd gain a sister and a strategist for free.

"You really are something," Rong Jing shook her head.

"clever!"

Qi Guanlan slapped his thigh, picked up the next sentence, and was about to call for help when he saw Xiao Shunzi running in. "What's wrong now? Did Wen Ruo get into trouble?"

"Young Master, Young Master Zhao is looking for you. Lord Zhu, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, is also outside the door."

Qi Guanlan stood up. "What? Zhao Heng even sought the support of the Dali Temple for a clay figurine? Unfortunately, they couldn't find it even after searching. I had it hidden long ago."

Seeing his expression, Rong Jing rubbed her forehead. What was he doing now? "What clay puppets? Invite them in." Do you think the Dali Temple is something you can just summon and dismiss at will? What kind of behavior is this?

"I sold him the one that was auctioned off when we were kids, but I wanted to give it to him later. It's not like I didn't want to give it to him. Don't you think Zhao Heng is stingy?"

Clay doll?

A wave of emotion washed over Rong Jing, and suddenly her heart began to burn. She said that the clay figurine sounded so familiar. Ten years ago, Lincheng was hit by a flood, and many people were displaced.

In addition to the imperial court's disaster relief efforts, the emperor's sister-in-law discussed with her and arranged a private auction. Although Cao Xi was young, she had already started school and was much more sensible than Qi Guanlan. She said she wanted to do her part, so she took out her favorite clay figurine and donated the proceeds from the auction to the disaster victims.

At that time, she had the best relationship with Madam Cao. Seeing that her children got along very well, and that Zhao Heng was better at winning girls' hearts than Guan Lan since childhood, she was afraid that he would be snatched away, so she had the idea of ​​arranging a marriage.

However, she mentioned it privately, and somehow it got leaked. Princess Ye interfered, and since she donated the most money, she naturally couldn't turn against her. So she secretly made a bet: whoever won would marry Cao Xi.

Qi Guanlan and Zhao Heng were both exceptionally beautiful and from outstanding families, and they were childhood sweethearts, so Madam Cao naturally agreed. It's unclear whether it was Princess Ye's intention or not, but Guanlan actually won.

Fate is cruel. Cao Xi is about to get engaged to the Fang family, but Guan Lan still hasn't figured it out. I really don't know what to say. Who knows when she'll be able to settle down and start a family? And she's even acknowledging a sworn sister. How naive.

Rong Jing snapped out of her daze. "You've no use for him. Give him to him."

"Alright, but I've been busy suppressing bandits and just left the military camp, so I look terrible. Can we not look at each other for now?" Qi Guanlan leaned forward, tilted his head, and said playfully, "Aunt Yunqing, do you think I've gotten much darker?"

Yun Qing nodded with a smile, and Rong Jing couldn't do anything about it.

Zhao Heng and Zhu Fei entered, but Qi Guanlan, holding a teacup, didn't even glance at them, seemingly forgetting what he had just promised.

After the two exchanged greetings, Zhu Fei was still considering his words when Zhao Heng glanced at him and asked directly, "Aunt Jing, is Xi You at your residence?"

So it wasn't about the clay figurine after all. Luckily, he didn't bring it up first. Qi Guanlan asked with a stern face, "Is there something you need?"

They were arrested by the Princess's residence.

Zhu Fei bowed and said, "Your Highness, the body that Miss Wenruo found this morning was pulled out of the river. It had Young Master Qi's invitation on it. I have confirmed with Young Master Zhao Heng that it was dressed in Miss Xiyou's clothes."

Zhao Heng: "I went to check, and it is indeed the dress I sent. This dress is one of a kind, and it was newly made."

"What?!" Qi Guanlan's finger trembled, spilling tea all over himself and burning his hand red without him noticing. "You're saying the dead man is Xi You?"

Zhu Fei asked, "Where are the guards?"

Qi Guanlan turned his head and saw the expressions on their faces. His heart sank, and he suddenly felt breathless.

Yun Qing's brows furrowed into a tight knot. "He hasn't come back yet."

Xi You died because of him. Old Master He wouldn't kill someone without permission. My mother is lying to me.

The teacup shattered on the floor. Qi Guanlan was in a state of turmoil, and his eyes instantly reddened. He lowered his head, squatted on the ground, and picked up the broken pieces of porcelain one by one. "Mother, I was wrong."

"I shouldn't have sent Elder He." He looked somewhat distraught, unable to continue speaking. "Mother, please take care."

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Rong Jing's face was ashen, and she said sternly, "I will only say this once: I did not order He Tu to kill anyone. Even if I die, it will be for this reason."

Qi Guanlan was taken aback for a moment, then said, "I will definitely find Elder He."

The people from the Dali Temple entered the princess's residence. Before leaving, Zhao Heng returned home with nothing but his sleeves. Princess Rongjing followed Zhu Fei, removed her hairpins, and, dressed in a white dress, stepped into the prison step by step.

During the period following the promulgation of the new policy, many playboys lived in fear. Now, they were caught between the new policy and the law, and their beloved younger sisters and nephews.

If the princess is indeed saved, the imperial dignity will be lost.

When news of Xi You's death spread, some people claimed to have seen him cursing Qi Guanlan at a banquet on a pleasure boat.

It must have been Qi Guanlan who, out of anger and resentment, ordered his guards to force Xi You to jump into the river. However, the one who jumped in was the emperor's own sister, the princess Rongjing, a woman of noble birth.

This inevitably brings up Princess Rongjing's husband, and stories that had been buried for over a decade suddenly resurfaced.

“Master, listen to what they’re saying about my mother.”

On a stall some distance from Dali Temple, two people wearing straw hats stood on the roof. The woman was dressed in a black tight-fitting dress, her face as cold as ice. "Aren't you also in league with bandits? Your methods are not honorable, so why do you care what others say?"

The man remained completely unaffected, even speaking with a faint smile, "Qi Guanlan is perfectly fine, so you also think my mother is a vixen?"

"I only know that it's not wrong for a woman not to want to share a man with another woman. She's just unlucky to have met you and your mother."

But you still stood by my side in the end.

"She's my sister, this is my retribution."

"Aunt Ling, you're still so direct. Have you found the guard?" The man's face suddenly turned cold, his murderous aura surged, and his black pupils held countless snowflakes.

“Now that she’s gone in, she can’t expect to come out alive. I’m going to make Qi’s family taste the pain of losing a loved one.”