At dawn the next day, Sheng Hongye learned the news brought back by the guards.

He sat in the Sheng residence with a smug smile on his face: "I didn't expect that Madam Qin couldn't hold back so quickly."

On Sheng Yunrong's side, she had just finished listening to Xiang Zhu's report: "Brother, Brother, Xiang Zhu just told me that Qin Wenyuan has been released from prison."

"Sister, I will continue to investigate the officials here today. You must be careful in Duanmu Mansion." Sheng Hongxiao said.

Sheng Yunrong nodded slightly, her eyes showing a mixture of worry and determination. She said softly, "Don't worry, second brother. I will keep your instructions in mind. Although the Duanmu Mansion is big, I will not let anyone bully me easily."

Sheng Hongxiao looked at his sister's profile, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He knew very well that his sister was smart and courageous since she was young, but in this dangerous world, she was always worrying.

The two walked on the corridor of Duanmu Mansion. The servants around them bowed their heads and saluted. Sheng Hongxiao frowned slightly. He was already accustomed to this kind of scene, but Sheng Yunrong felt a little uncomfortable.

"Sister, everyone here is very respectful of our Sheng family, so you don't have to be too reserved." Sheng Hongxiao whispered to comfort her.

Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly and said, "I know, I just feel a little uncomfortable. By the way, second brother, how do you plan to investigate these officials?"

Sheng Hongxiao stopped, his eyes sharp, and thought for a moment, then said: "I will start with the housekeeper of Duanmu Mansion. He is in charge of all matters in the mansion, and he must know many secrets. However, I want to remind you that the water here is very deep, and you must be careful."

Sheng Yunrong nodded slightly, indicating that she understood her second brother's concerns.

At this time, a servant came hurriedly and said, "Master Sheng, Master Duanmu invites you to the flower hall for a chat."

Sheng Hongxiao smiled slightly and said to Sheng Yunrong: "It seems that Lord Duanmu can't wait to see me."

A hint of curiosity flashed in Sheng Yunrong's eyes. Lord Duanmu was a powerful official of the dynasty and had a deep connection with the Sheng family. This time, her second brother must have come to discuss important matters with him.

The two men came to the flower hall and saw Lord Duanmu sitting in the main seat, with a middle-aged man next to him, who seemed to be Lord Duanmu's confidant.

Sheng Hongxiao bowed slightly and said, "Master Duanmu, I have long heard of your great name. It is a great honor to meet you today."

Lord Duanmu smiled slightly and said, "Lord Sheng, you are too polite. Our two families have a deep friendship. You don't need to be so reserved."

Sheng Yunrong stood behind Sheng Hongxiao, observing the surroundings with sharp eyes. She found that there was a subtle vigilance hidden in the eyes of Master Duanmu, and the middle-aged man seemed a little nervous.

Sheng Hongxiao talked with Lord Duanmu for a while, and the topic gradually turned to the purpose of this trip. Sheng Hongxiao said: "Lord Duanmu, the main reason I came here this time is to investigate the officials here to see if anyone is secretly colluding to harm the interests of Western Wei."

Lord Duanmu's face changed slightly. He didn't expect Sheng Hongxiao to ask this question so directly. He pondered for a moment and said, "Lord Sheng, this is the capital, there are many officials, and it may not be easy to check them one by one."

Sheng Hongxiao smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, Master Duanmu, I don't want to investigate everything. I just want to understand the situation here so that I can better serve the court."

Lord Duanmu nodded, showing his understanding. He turned to the middle-aged man and said, "Butler Zhao, take Lord Sheng to find out about the officials in the palace. Be sure to act carefully."

Butler Zhao quickly responded and left the flower hall with Sheng Hongxiao and Sheng Yunrong.

Walking in the mansion, Sheng Yunrong couldn't help but ask: "Second brother, do you think Lord Duanmu will tell us the truth?"

Sheng Hongxiao smiled slightly and said, "It depends on how we guide him. The Duanmu Mansion is very powerful, so if we want to find out clearly, we must act cautiously."

Butler Zhao led them to a remote corner where there were rows of officials' residences. He whispered, "Master Sheng, the officials here all have their own residences. You can visit them one by one, but be careful not to alert the enemy."

Sheng Hongxiao nodded slightly and walked into the official's residence with Sheng Yunrong.

They first came to the residence of an official named Li Cheng. When Li Cheng saw Sheng Hongxiao, he looked a little flustered. Sheng Hongxiao smiled and said, "Master Li, don't be nervous. I just came to understand the situation here."

Li Cheng nodded and said, "Sir Sheng, compared to the Duanmu Mansion, I am just an insignificant official. What can I say?"

Sheng Hongxiao smiled slightly and said, "Master Li, you are too polite. I heard that you hold an important position in the palace. I would like to ask you what you think of the officials here."

Li Cheng hesitated for a moment and said, "Master Sheng, there are many officials here, each with their own background, so I can't make any rash judgments."

Sheng Hongxiao's eyes flashed with a gleam of light, and he said, "Master Li, you only need to tell me what's on your mind, and I promise not to leak it out."

Li Cheng hesitated for a moment, and finally said, "Master Sheng, to be honest, some officials here do have some problems, but they are so powerful that I can't say it openly."

Sheng Hongxiao nodded slightly to show his understanding. He and Sheng Yunrong left Li Cheng's residence and continued to visit other officials.

During one of their visits, they met an official named Wang Yi. When Wang Yi saw Sheng Hongxiao, he looked extremely flustered. Sheng Yunrong noticed his abnormality and said, "Sir Wang, you seem very nervous. Are you worried about something?"

Wang Yi hesitated for a moment, and finally said, "Lord Sheng, I do have some concerns. Some officials here are secretly colluding and attempting to rebel. I am worried that they will endanger the Western Wei."

Sheng Hongxiao and Sheng Yunrong looked at each other and were overjoyed. They finally found an important clue.

Sheng Hongxiao said: "Master Wang, don't worry, we will inform Master Duanmu about this matter and will definitely bring these people to justice."

Wang Yi nodded slightly and said, "Master Sheng, I believe you."

After leaving Wang Yi's residence, Sheng Hongxiao and Sheng Yunrong quickened their pace.

Qin Mansion.

The night was as dark as ink, and the wind was howling. Qin Wenyuan wrapped his cloak tightly around his body, covering his face, and walked carefully through the winding corridors. The moonlight shone on his body, casting mottled shadows. He took a deep breath and pushed open the door of the courtyard where Old Madam Qin lived.

Inside the house, warm light shone through the window lattice onto Madam Qin's face. She was sitting on the bed, holding an ancient book in her hands, as if waiting for something. When she heard the sound of the door, she raised her head, her eyes revealing deep expectation.

Qin Wenyuan stepped into the house. Before he took off his cloak, he heard the gentle voice of Old Lady Qin: "Yuan'er, you're back."

Qin Wenyuan's heart trembled, his eyes were slightly red, he took off his cloak, revealing a pale face. Old Madam Qin immediately noticed his abnormality and frowned: "Yuan'er, why do you look so bad?"