Lu Guiting slammed her hand on the table in surprise, as if trying to reassure herself, "Impossible, we act discreetly, there's no way Lü Ying could have found out."

Lu Yalan was also involved in this matter and naturally knew its high level of secrecy, making it far beyond the reach of that good-for-nothing Lü Ying. However, as the saying goes, "If you have a clear conscience, you have nothing to fear." This matter was extremely serious; a single misstep could lead to the execution of her entire family. With honor, disgrace, and even life itself at stake, Lu Yalan had to think carefully.

“Mother, just as you said, Lü Ying couldn’t possibly find out about this, so we don’t need to worry.” After thinking it over, Lu Yalan realized that she was worrying unnecessarily.

Lu Guiting swayed as she sat down, completely losing her appetite. Success meant instant gratification, a certainty. But failure would destroy the Lu family's century-old reputation; how could she face her ancestors after death?

"Yalan, what do you think about me holding on now? It hasn't really started yet. Even if someone finds a clue about this one day, I can use other excuses to cover it up. It will never endanger the life and death of the Lu family."

An old steed in its stall may still aspire to gallop a thousand miles; a hero, though old, still cherishes lofty ambitions.

This is not something everyone can do.

Lu Yalan quickly shook her head, and with just one sentence, she dispelled Lu Guiting's desire to give up.

"How can I allow others to sleep soundly beside my bed?"

Yes, who isn't like that!

Lu Guiting quickly realized what was going on, patted Lu Yalan's hand, and said, "Yalan is so clever."

Lu Yalan smiled shyly, stood up, and considerately massaged Lu Guiting's shoulders to loosen her muscles.

Lu Guiting accepted Lu Yalan's service without feeling guilty. After a quarter of an hour, Lu Guiting asked Lu Yalan to stop.

"Are you tired?" Lu Guiting asked.

"Thank you for your concern, Mother. I am happy to help you and relieve your worries. I am grateful that you are tired."

Lu Yalan's words were so pleasant to hear that Lu Guiting couldn't help but laugh.

After the two had been joking around for a while, Lu Guiting said worriedly, "It's a done deal that Xue Feishuang will be released. We spent so much manpower and effort to bring down Xue Feishuang, but because the Emperor interfered, all our efforts have been in vain."

Lu Yalan, with a calm and collected demeanor, comforted her, "Mother, so what if Xue Feishuang is acquitted? Even if she returns to her former position, she will be all alone. Her people have already been killed or exiled by us, and now she can't hold on to anything. If you want to take action against her, it's just a matter of talking; your subordinates will handle everything for you."

Lu Guiting had been fighting with Xue Feishuang for most of her life, and even now she still thought Xue Feishuang was her equal, the Right Prime Minister, which was why she had such a headache. With Lu Yalan's explanation, Lu Guiting finally understood.

"Having you as my daughter is truly a blessing from heaven!"

Lu Guiting held Lu Yalan's hand tightly, her expression serious, and her words were heartfelt.

“Mother, right now our most important task is not to deal with Xue Feishuang, but to think about how to rescue my brother.” The worry in Lu Yalan’s eyes was clearly visible.

"Xue Feishuang, you've escaped this time, but you won't be so lucky next time."

Lu Guiting's grip tightened, and red marks gradually appeared on Lu Yalan's hands.

"However, right now the most important thing is indeed your brother."

Lu Yalan opened her mouth, and Lu Guiting asked, "Yalan, do you have some brilliant plan?"

"It's not exactly a brilliant plan, just an idea from Ya Lan," Lu Ya Lan whispered in Lu Gui Ting's ear. "Lu Ying only has Shang Qing as her heir, and her younger brother is Shang Qing's biological father. Lu Ying has always been a womanizer, and perhaps she has grown tired of her brother, but she still loves her only blood relative no matter what. We can send Shang Qing to act as an intermediary; I don't believe Lu Ying won't release him."

Lu Guiting's eyes darted around, and she said, "Okay, okay, okay."

The fact that Lu Guiting said "good" three times shows just how happy she was.

After a while, Lu Guiting said, "Alright, Yalan, you've worked hard today, go back and rest!"

Lu Guiting released her hand, and without even looking at her, told Lu Yalan to leave. Lu Yalan, being the gentlest and most considerate, obediently went downstairs.

After the person left, Lu Guiting called out loudly, "Someone, bring some water."

Lu Guiting looked at her spotless hands and frowned in disgust.

---Aside---

Thank you QQ48b1d7388c22f3 for the three flowers first, then two more!

Thank you QQ48b1d7388c22f3 for the three flowers first, then two more!

Thank you QQ48b1d7388c22f3 for the three flowers first, then two more!

It's already the end of the month. If you still have some money, could you spare one for Xiaoming?