After returning to Xiangyun Tower, Song Ning finally learned who the person from earlier was.
It turned out to be Jiang Shuyue's biological mother.
However, according to Princess Jianing, the two probably don't get along.
Later, she realized that it must be because she and Jiang Shuyue opened the shop together, and the imperial concubine felt that she had led Jiang Shuyue astray, so she wanted her to leave the capital.
Jiang Shuyue said somewhat embarrassedly, "A-Ning, I'm the one who dragged you into this today."
"What are you saying, Sister Jiang? We're opening a shop and making money together, so I haven't suffered any losses."
Jiang Shuyue began to worry that now that the Qin family knew of Song Ning's existence and couldn't control her, they would definitely cause trouble for Song Ning again.
Song Ning had only been in the capital for a short time. Although he had people protecting him, it was not a long-term solution.
She knew the Qin family best, and she knew her mother's personality like the back of her hand.
"Ah Ning, I'll give you a few people. They can protect you from now on."
"Sister Jiang, is it about what happened today...?"
Jiang Shuyue didn't want to hide it anymore, so she simply got straight to the point: "Let me tell you frankly, my mother doesn't want me to show my face in public, she doesn't want me to appear in front of people, but now that I'm doing business, she's convinced that you instigated me, and she definitely won't let you off the hook."
"I'll assign you a few people to be specifically responsible for your and your family's safety from now on."
The seriousness in Jiang Shuyue's tone made Song Ning pause for a moment.
"Is it that serious?"
In the capital, many noble ladies also do business; I've never heard of it being forbidden.
Does that mean daughters of officials are allowed, but princesses aren't?
"My situation is a bit complicated, I'll tell you later. I won't be coming for the time being. If you need anything, just send someone to deliver a message to me."
Before Song Ning could react, Jiang Shuyue quickly went out and left.
Not long after Jiang Shuyue left, Princess Jianing also hurriedly returned home.
Xiao Cui came out from inside and asked softly, "Master, has something happened?"
"It seems so."
It seems she has offended someone extremely powerful.
She didn't understand the power struggles within the palace, but judging from this, Jiang Shuyue's situation probably wasn't too good.
Just in case, Song Ning told her family about it, so she could be mentally prepared.
It's not safe outside right now, so it's best to stay home as much as possible.
The next day, people sent by Jiang Shuyue arrived, along with people from the Duke's mansion.
Tang Xinghuai had originally sent people, but due to his current relationship with Song Ning, he did not go directly to their door, but instead had them hide in the shadows.
Anyone who appears must be killed immediately without prior notice.
So Song Ning waited for several days, and it always happened at noon, which finally put the Song family at ease.
Xiangyunlou remained open as usual, but gradually, Song Ning noticed that fewer and fewer people were coming to eat there.
Some people want to eat here but don't dare to come; they make reservations in advance and then sneak in.
Song Ning asked several people, but they all waved their hands and refused to answer, and also refused to reveal which household they belonged to.
They were afraid of being retaliated against if word got out.
A servant boy who had been a frequent visitor and was familiar with Song Ning whispered a reminder: "Miss Song, many officials in the capital have received messages from above, forbidding us from dining at your place. Anyone who dares to come and is discovered will lose their job."
"Miss Song, please don't say that I said this, otherwise my life will be in danger."
As soon as the servant left, Liu Yuelan asked worriedly, "Was it really the empress in the palace who did this?"
Is there even a question? It's definitely true.
They disliked her for not leaving the capital, hoping to force her restaurant to close down and give up.
The Duke's Mansion has also sent her messages these past few days, saying that the Qin family is putting pressure on various officials, and that mysterious people have appeared on the streets, offering one tael of silver to anyone who doesn't come to Xiangyun Tower for a meal.
They deliberately blocked the road for people heading to Xiangyunlou Restaurant. Song Ning hadn't planned to go out recently, but this couldn't go on forever.
Even with the Duke's mansion present, they couldn't control every commoner who came out to eat.
Given this, Song Ning decided to take the initiative.
A few days ago, I had Manager Du look at a piece of land outside the city, and he even said that I should go and see it myself.
I originally planned to go after things calmed down, but now I'm afraid I can't wait any longer.
"Manager Du, let's go outside the city today."
"What? Boss, it's not safe outside lately. Should we wait a bit longer?"
"I won't wait any longer, I'll go today."
A carriage appeared at the front gate of Xiangyun Tower; it was a gift from the Duke's Mansion.
"Master, why don't we bring a few more people?" Manager Du said, still worried.
"It's okay, two are enough."
If there are too many people, those people won't come out.
However, she wouldn't actually only bring two people; the rest would be hidden in the shadows.
The carriage left Xiangyun Tower and was followed by people as soon as it went out of the street.
Song Ning lifted the curtain and said to Manager Du, "Manager Du, if we encounter any danger today, you should leave first and don't worry about me."
"Boss, you..."
To Manager Du, these words were tantamount to a deathbed message.
"Don't worry, Manager Du, I'll be fine."
After saying that, he looked at the two guards following behind the carriage and said, "And you two, if anyone comes, don't fight them head-on if you can't beat them. Safety is the most important thing."
The two guards were stunned for a moment, then nodded, remembering what their master had said when they arrived.
The master only told them to listen to Miss Song. Although they didn't understand the intention, they had no choice but to obey.
The carriage rumbled forward and soon left the city, the city walls receding into the distance.
Song Ning got out of the carriage and looked around, but there was no movement.
In the woods not far from the roadside, a group of men in black were eyeing the carriage menacingly.
"There are quite a few guards lying in ambush around us. We were told that our target is only the woman in the car. We don't need to worry about anything else. Once the mission is complete, we will leave immediately."
"yes."
"action."
Just as Song Ning was wondering when these people would make their move, dozens of men in black suddenly rushed out of the woods.
The guards secretly protecting Song Ning were all highly skilled, making him difficult to kill.
However, the men in black didn't seem to intend to kill the guards; they were simply luring them away.
The scene was chaotic, with sounds of fighting all around. Manager Du was too frightened to go any further.
Song Ning jumped off the car, and Manager Du tried to follow, but Song Ning pushed him back.
"Master, the guards are all gone! Please come back quickly, it's dangerous!"
"Manager Du, these people are after me. Before those men in black return, you should leave now and come back to pick me up in half an hour."
"Master, what do you want to do?"
Song Ning didn't say anything, but stepped forward and slapped the horse's rump hard.
With a neigh, the horse kicked up its heels and charged forward.
"Manager Du, remember to come pick me up in half an hour!"
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