Jiang Huaiyu's gaze was as cold as ice as he surveyed the fierce-looking officials who had completely surrounded the courtyard.
Her heart sank slightly, but a mocking smile appeared on her face.
"So it's Squad Leader Peng. You've come uninvited today. Are you trying to look after my garden for free again?"
Peng Ting's face paled slightly in response to her sarcastic tone, but he did not reply.
Jiang Huaiyu's gaze fell on the two doors that had been overturned to the ground, and he asked in confusion, "If Squad Leader Peng were to come, a servant would have opened the door to greet him. Why be so rough?"
Peng Ting sneered and said in a cold tone, "Madam's words are sharp, and I am ashamed to admit my inferiority. However, I have important business to attend to today and have no time for idle chatter with you!"
"Oh? What important matter is it?"
"The important matter is—madam, please accompany me to the state prison!"
Yingxiang was the first to jump up in a panic, "Why is our mistress being taken to prison?" she asked indignantly.
The expressions of the Cao mother and daughter instantly turned serious. Upon hearing the word "prison," Aunt Cao's body trembled involuntarily, and she whispered in a trembling voice, "Why would they go to that dark and sunless place? That's a place of suffering..."
Her daughter suffered endless torture in that horrific prison, almost losing her human form. If it weren't for Jiang Huaiyu, both mother and daughter would likely have perished long ago…
Therefore, the word "prison" was like a sharp arrow piercing her heart, instantly touching upon the deepest fear in her heart.
Cao Shuwan gently patted her mother's shoulder. Although her face was slightly pale, she remained calm and looked at Jiang Huaiyu with worried eyes.
"Master, what exactly happened?"
Jiang Huaiyu shook her head slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, "This matter is difficult to explain in a few words."
She looked intently at Peng Ting, "Chief Peng, if you're going to take me to prison, you should at least let me know what crime I've committed. Besides, Aunt Cao and Miss Cao have come to my humble abode today, and they're already panicked at this sudden turn of events. Please make sure they get out of here safely."
Cao Shuwan's old case once caused a sensation, so Peng Ting had naturally heard of her.
Today, his targets were only Jiang Huaiyu and Ling Mo, so upon hearing this, he did not refuse, but instead ordered his men to make way.
Jiang Huaiyu turned to the Cao mother and daughter and said, "Aunt Cao, Miss Cao, you should go back first."
Cao Shuwan shook her head firmly, "Master, these officials still don't know why they want to arrest you. You are pregnant now, how can you set foot in that filthy place?"
She had been imprisoned herself and knew all too well the horrors of jail. Once you stepped inside, you were sure to suffer physical and psychological damage. That dark and gloomy environment, filled with the atmosphere of death and despair, would undoubtedly be a deadly torment for a pregnant woman.
She had made up her mind and immediately prepared to walk down the steps.
"Let me go and argue with them!"
Jiang Huaiyu quickly grabbed her, "Miss Cao, the ins and outs of this matter are quite complicated. It's best if you don't get involved. Listen to me, you take Aunt Cao back to Yunxi Ancient Town first, and I'll invite you over to catch up when I have some free time, how about that?"
Cao Shuwan lived outside the city and knew nothing about Jiang Huaiyu's recent nighttime attack by thieves.
After all, that harrowing time was now in the past, and Jiang Huaiyu, fearing it might cause her worry, never revealed a single word about it.
Cao Shuwan frowned. "Master, you have saved me from danger time and time again. Now is a critical moment. How can I bear to abandon you?"
As soon as she finished speaking, her gaze sharpened as she looked directly at the officials and said in a firm and forceful voice, "Officers, our master has always been law-abiding. Is there some misunderstanding? Explain it clearly, why put such pressure on a pregnant woman?"
Peng Ting remained unmoved and coldly replied, "My patience is limited. If you don't want to leave, then stay with me."
How can you be so unreasonable!
Cao Shuwan was emotional; she herself had never imagined that she would have the courage to confront the government officials head-on.
Jiang Huaiyu quickly pulled her aside, "Miss Cao!"
She pointed to Aunt Cao, who was huddled behind Cao Shuwan, and whispered, "Aunt Cao is frail and has been frightened by the officials. I'm afraid her old illness will relapse. For your mother's safety, you should take her back as soon as possible."
Cao Shuwan glanced at her mother, a hint of hesitation in her eyes, "Master, is it you..."
Jiang Huaiyu gave her a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, my sister is the Crown Prince's wife, they wouldn't dare to do anything to me. Besides, Young Master Ling is here with me, nothing will happen."
"Leave quickly, otherwise if he changes his mind and traps you all here, Aunt Cao may not be able to hold on."
Cao Shuwan's gaze fell on her mother's pale face. Seeing her trembling body, she knew it was indeed not advisable for her to stay there any longer.
However, given that her employer had offered her help many times in the past, how could she possibly run away when things went wrong?
Seeing that Cao Shuwan was still hesitant, Jiang Huaiyu whispered in her ear, "Miss Cao, if you really want to help me, go and find Magistrate Qiao after you leave."
"What should I tell him after I find him?"
"Tell me everything you have seen, as it is."
Cao Shuwan finally nodded slowly, her tone firm, "Alright, I'll set off now."
Her gaze was deep and calm as she stared at Jiang Huaiyu for a moment, then gently supported her mother as they walked out of the courtyard with difficulty, under the stern gazes of many soldiers.
As they left, Jiang Huaiyu waved calmly, and Deng Shen hurriedly brought out an exquisite rattan chair from inside the house and placed it under the eaves.
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