As soon as Yan Qingqing and her group entered Mingzhao Mansion, a steward-like person led a group of servants out to greet them.
The steward looked to be around forty years old, with a shrewd and capable appearance. Yan Qingqing didn't know whether he was a gift from the emperor or someone Xiao Mochen had found later.
When the emperor bestowed a mansion, he would usually grant it along with the servants, but there were exceptions.
Yan Qingqing observed the group of people discreetly. Their manners and etiquette were indeed much better than those of the servants in Canghe Town.
Although the butler did not recognize Yan Qingqing, he recognized Xiao Mochen.
In addition, he also received news that his master's family was going to the capital soon.
Moreover, seeing that Yan Qingqing and her entourage all possessed extraordinary bearing, and with His Highness Prince Chen personally accompanying them, it was only natural for them to assume that Yan Qingqing and her group were their masters.
So he quickly led his maids and servants to bow and say, "This servant greets Your Highness Prince Chen and Lady Mingzhao."
Xiao Mochen was more familiar with Mingzhao Prefecture than Yan Qingqing. Looking at the people kneeling below, he said, "Steward Yu, you'd better open your eyes. Madam Mingzhao is your rightful master. I don't care who you served before."
But if you ever dare to harbor any disloyalty towards your aunt again, I will surely set you on fire.
These words startled Steward Yu so much that cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He repeatedly assured him, "Your Highness, rest assured, this servant would never dare to have any disloyal intentions towards Lady Mingzhao."
Upon hearing this, Yan Qingqing glanced at Xiao Mochen and smiled, "Mochen, your aunt has just arrived in the capital and this is her first time visiting Mingzhao Prefecture. You mustn't frighten the servants at home. If they think your aunt is a great villain, who knows how many rumors will spread outside."
Xiao Mochen snorted and said, "Auntie, don't worry. Just pull out the tongues of those who are too talkative."
As soon as Xiao Mochen said this, the servants quickly shut their mouths tightly, afraid that if they opened their mouths any wider, Xiao Mochen would rip out their tongues.
Seeing that the time was right, Yan Qingqing said to Steward Yu, "I have just arrived at the manor and I am still confused about many things. I will have to rely on Steward Yu in the future."
"Let them go about their business for now. I need to speak with Mo Chen for a few minutes."
Upon hearing this, Steward Yu quickly led the servants away.
At the same time, a storm raged in my heart. It seemed that Lady Mingzhao and Prince Chen had an exceptionally good relationship.
Xiao Mochen spoke to Yan Qingqing with a respectful yet affectionate tone, while Yan Qingqing addressed Xiao Mochen by his full name, demonstrating the close relationship between them.
They all have a sense of justice, and they will not dare to be half-hearted in their work in the future.
Xiao Mochen led Yan Qingqing and the others into the main courtyard.
Along the way, Mingzhao Prefecture is quite large.
The entire courtyard has four sections, complete with gardens, rockeries, pavilions, and towers.
To be honest, it's much bigger than their house in Canghe Town. In the capital, where land is incredibly valuable, to be granted such a large mansion shows that the emperor isn't a stingy person.
After Yan Qingqing and the others sat down, a maid immediately came in to serve tea.
Ruyi and Ruxue then led the people to check the luggage they brought and settle the others in their lodgings.
Xiao Mochen looked at Yan Qingqing and asked, "Aunt, didn't we set off a month ago? Why are we a few days later than expected? Did something happen on the way?"
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "The weather is neither too hot nor too cold now. We traveled around and enjoyed the scenery along the way, which took up some time, so we arrived in the capital a little late."
Xiao Mochen breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this, but before he could speak, Li Xiangyang, who was clinging to him, said, "There was a group of bad guys on the way who wanted to kill us, but they were all chased away by Second Sister-in-law and the others. Brother Mochen, Second Sister-in-law is really amazing."
"I hope that when Xiaoqi grows up, she can be as capable as Second Sister-in-law."
When Xiao Mochen heard Li Xiangyang say that they were being chased, his face immediately darkened. He knew without a doubt who was behind it.
It seems that Xiao Moyan and the Yu family indeed have great ambitions.
Since returning to the capital, Xiao Mochen has been collecting evidence of their crimes, but unfortunately, their power is great, and many court officials openly or secretly support Xiao Moyan.
Secondly, they operate with extreme secrecy, making it difficult to gather evidence. Xiao Mochen could only start with Xiao Moyan and the Yu family's henchmen, slowly breaking their arms.
However, this speed was too slow, and Xiao Mochen was getting anxious.
Seeing Xiao Mochen's bad expression, Yan Qingqing thought that he should know who those men in black were.
So he asked, "Mo Chen, do you know who sent those people?"
Xiao Mochen nodded and said, "A month ago, Xiao Moyan sent five secret guards to Xuancheng Prefecture, and half a month ago he transferred ten more secret guards from the Yu family, but these people have not returned yet."
Yan Qingqing nodded upon hearing this and said, "That's it. Someone was following us when we first left Xuancheng Prefecture."
Mu Xi estimated that there were about five people, but they hadn't made a move yet.
They only made their move when they reached Baililin outside the capital. I remember there were fifteen of them.
Now that you mention it, this person really was sent by the First Prince.
Li Xiang'an, standing to the side, asked in confusion, "Mother, our family has no grudge against the First Prince, so why are they targeting us?"
Li Xiang'an was a shrewd businessman, but not so perceptive of politics.
Yan Qingqing smiled upon hearing this and said, "There are some people and some things that others won't let you off the hook just because you don't fight for them."
Sometimes, those who are not on the same side are enemies.
In fact, Yan Qingqing had already guessed this, as she had basically not made enemies with anyone except the Shen family in the prefectural city.
However, if the Shen family had the capability to send so many secret guards to assassinate her, they wouldn't have waited until she left the city; they should have done it as soon as she received her official title.
Xiao Mochen, who was standing to the side, also spoke up, saying, "In the end, it's because of me that you've all been dragged into this. Don't worry, Aunt, I'll deal with him sooner or later."
Yan Qingqing waved her hand to stop him, saying, "Mo Chen, don't say things like that again. We're one now, and no one should implicate anyone else."
To put it bluntly, your aunt treats you the same as Xiang An and the others.
Before you grow up, your aunt should be there to protect you from the wind and rain.
Xiao Mochen was overjoyed to hear this; his aunt hadn't distanced herself from him just because he was a prince.
He had long known that his aunt was not such a worldly person.
Yan Qingqing didn't want to dwell on the topic any longer, so she changed the subject and asked, "Mo Chen, now that I've entered the capital, shouldn't I first go to the palace to thank the Emperor?"
Yan Qingqing came to the capital to express her gratitude to the Emperor, but she might not be able to get into the palace if she entered rashly.
Xiao Mochen needs to pass on a message first.
Xiao Mochen smiled and said, "Aunt, there's no need to rush. Take a good rest these two days, and I'll pass on a message to Father Emperor later."
Auntie will simply wait for Father's summons.
Yan Qingqing nodded upon hearing this. Xiao Mochen knew that Yan Qingqing had had a long journey, so he said a few more words before getting up and returning to his residence.
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