Cao Xinqian's face turned ashen. He kicked Granny Wang unconscious, then ordered his men to keep a close watch on her before turning and walking out of the mansion.
That night, the Cao residence was far from peaceful.
The next day was the first day of the Lunar New Year, and the streets were filled with people joyfully going out to exchange New Year's greetings. A lonely figure walked forlornly on a street corner, looking completely out of place with his surroundings.
Xiang Wan, along with Ji Meiniang, Ruan Shi, and others, rode in a carriage to Zhongming Temple to offer incense. Upon catching a glimpse of this figure, Ji Meiniang pulled down the curtain, preferring not to see him.
On the first day of the new year, she couldn't let irrelevant people spoil her mood. Xiang Wan told the driver to stop the carriage and whispered a few words in Zijuan's ear. A moment later, the girl came running over with several strings of candied hawthorns in her hand.
"Mom, Aunt, it's the first day of the New Year, let's wish for good luck. One candy hawthorn for each of us, sweet and sour to celebrate the New Year. No leftovers allowed, Shuang'er, if you eat half a candy, you'll get a toothache."
After distributing them one by one, there were still a few left, so Xiang Wan had the maids divide them up.
Zhongming Temple was exceptionally lively on New Year's Day. Many people wanted to be the first to burn incense, and they lined up outside the temple gate late into the night.
Xiang Wan and the others weren't in a hurry, so they went to the backyard to take a stroll and enjoy the snowy scenery of the capital.
As they looked around, they suddenly realized something was wrong. A house in the west of the city seemed to be on fire, billowing thick smoke. Upon closer inspection, they realized it was the Cao family's residence!
Xiang Wan and Ji Meiniang looked at each other, wondering if they should pretend they hadn't seen such a gratifying scene.
Cao Xinqian had just returned to the manor when he was told that the main courtyard was on fire and the young master was still inside.
Recalling Dr. Ji's words, Cao Xinqian's face turned pale and then black. He angrily went to his study, ignoring the fire altogether.
The servant who reported back was stunned for a moment, but did not dare to urge him, and turned around to join the others in putting out the fire.
Finally, the fire was extinguished, but the child was gone. Yuan Xiqing collapsed to the ground, heartbroken. Cao Xinqian looked at her coldly, offering no words of comfort, and instead summoned servants to inquire how the fire had started.
The servant said, "Madam was watching over the young master when she accidentally fell asleep. The wind blew up the curtains, which started a fire..."
The servant couldn't continue the story. Because when the fire first started, the madam ran out. She was right next to the young master at the time, but she didn't bring the child out…
"Understood. Give the young master a proper burial. Clean up this place and rebuild it on a chosen day."
After saying that, Cao Xinqian strode out.
Yuan Xiqing grabbed his leg, sobbing uncontrollably, "My lord, it's all my fault. I should have stayed by Heng'er's side. Even if I die, I can't let Heng'er lie there alone. Waaaaah..."
Cao Xinqian took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and leaned down to pinch Yuan Xiqing's chin, coldly saying, "It's your fault. You wish the child would die sooner so that no one would know what you did."
“Master…” Yuan Xiqing stared blankly at her husband, who had always doted on her, as if she had never known him before. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she forgot to wipe them away.
"You wretch, who is that person?"
"My lord, I don't have any!"
"Fine! Fine! You won't talk, huh? Guards, lock her in the side courtyard. No one is allowed to release her without my permission, and she is not allowed to see anyone."
Cao Xinqian flung his robe and left. Yuan Xiqing, who was prostrate on the ground, slowly sat up. In her lowered eyes, sadness was gradually replaced by a chilling coldness.
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