When Yan Ning saw Zhao Xing guarding outside the courtyard gate, she knew that Fukang'an was also there. She quickened her pace toward the main house, but Zhao Xing stopped her, saying, "Madam, be careful!" After saying that, he returned to the entrance of the main house before Yan Ning.
Yan Ning took a step, then put her foot back in the same spot. Zhao Xing's words made Yan Ning even more certain that something she didn't know had happened. Yan Ning closed her eyes and placed all her hopes on Fukang'an.
Fukang'an hadn't glanced at Yan Ning once since she entered the main gate, and Yan Ning's hope was slowly fading. Standing in the middle of the hall, Yan Ning looked directly at the old lady, straightened her back, and said, word by word, "I am not a demon!"
"Then what's with the strange light emanating from your body?" the old lady asked, looking at Yan Ning.
"Emitting strange light?" Yan Ning's head suddenly spun. It was that strange light emanating from her body again—the problem that had plagued her since she arrived. As if remembering something, Yan Ning fainted, and the strange light returned, exactly as it had when she transmigrated. But she hadn't gone back. Was it because she wasn't with the First Prince?
But why didn't this happen when she stayed in Heshen's place for so long last time? Does that mean she can go back without waiting for Heshen's son to marry the princess? What is it? What brought me here? Yan Ning's mind was a jumbled mess.
Fukang'an glanced sideways and saw Yan Ning clutching her head in pain. His heart ached, and he immediately stood up and hugged her. "You didn't hurt these two people, did you?" As long as Yan Ning hadn't hurt anyone, Fukang'an didn't care about her background.
Yan Ning's early morning combed hair was loose, her jet-black hair cascading down to her waist. She glanced back at the two maids being held down by the matron, who, as if possessed, immediately kowtowed and begged Yan Ning to spare them. Knowing full well that they had been driven mad by her, Yan Ning couldn't deny that she was the one who had caused their deaths.
Seeing that Yan Ning remained silent, Fukang'an gradually loosened his grip on her. He sat back down, waiting for the old lady to speak.
Without Fukang'an's support, Yan Ning collapsed to the ground, weak and feeble.
The old lady asked the shaman standing beside her, "Shaman, what do you think we should do with this demon?"
The shaman replied hesitantly, "Dealing with demons should involve burning them to death, but seeing that she can summon wind and rain, she should not be afraid of fire. I think we should subdue her with water and throw her into a river to drown her!"
Yan Ning didn't understand Manchu, and the thick mask prevented her from seeing the shaman's expression, but from Fukang'an's somewhat compassionate face, Yan Ning knew that her life was in danger.
"Good! Tie her up! Throw her into the river outside the city and drown her, so as not to pollute the waters inside the city!"
The old lady's words were like a thunderclap, instantly bringing Yan Ning back to her senses. "If I were a demon, why would I let you manipulate me?" Yan Ning struggled to free the ropes binding her wrists, glanced at the servants, and they immediately dropped the ropes.
Fukang'an scrutinized the shaman beside the old lady, a sense of doubt creeping into his heart. "Mother, perhaps we should keep Yan Ning locked up in Yirenxuan until I have investigated the matter thoroughly before taking any action! If she truly is a demon, I will show no mercy!"
After hearing Fukang'an's words, the old lady realized that she had been too hasty and nodded.
Fukang'an helped Yan Ning up and whispered in her ear, "I will find out everything!" Yan Ning lowered her head and stopped looking at him. This was something Fukang'an couldn't find out, because even she, a modern person, couldn't know the truth.
This time, Yan Ning was escorted back to Yi Ren Xuan under the watchful eye of Zhao Xing. Fearing that someone might take advantage of the situation to harm Yan Ning, Fu Kang'an ordered Zhao Xing to guard Yi Ren Xuan.
Returning to Yirenxuan, Yan Ning felt as if she had entered a cold palace. Although it was springtime, the place was overgrown with weeds and desolate, much like winter.
Zhao Xing used his sleeve to sweep a chair in the main room for Yan Ning to sit down. "Madam, please sit down first. This servant will go and clean the other places!" Yan Ning stopped Zhao Xing and asked, "Aren't you afraid of me?"
Zhao Xing dusted off his sleeves and chuckled, "Where can you find such a kind and bewitching woman as Madam? If there were, I'd be happy to meet a few more!"
Yan Ning was amused by Zhao Xing, but her expression quickly turned serious. "Zhao Xing, can you do me a favor?"
Zhao Xing nodded, and Yan Ning continued, "You asked me to ask Lord Di and if he still stands by his promise to protect me."
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