Xie Lingqin's gaze narrowed slightly as she looked ahead to the main hall at the head of the room.
There, Marquis Anping, his wife, the eldest son of the Marquis Anping family, the Prince Xian, and other dignitaries were drinking and exchanging pleasantries, creating a lively atmosphere.
But the Crown Prince was nowhere to be seen.
The Crown Prince had clearly arrived at the Marquis of Anping's residence, but he had not yet taken his seat, indicating that he had left midway through the visit.
Just now, An Shangning was summoned by the maid for a long time but did not come over.
Xie Lingqin suddenly took a deep breath. Could it be...?
Xie Lingqin lied and said she was going out for some fresh air, and made a move to get up.
But Zihe secretly tugged at her sleeve.
"Miss, something seems amiss here. It would be better if you stayed here," Zihe whispered, her expression tense.
Zihe was also a clever woman. Xie Lingqin's behavior was so obvious that she naturally guessed something. She didn't want her young lady to take any risks. At this time, sitting here was the safest option.
However, Xie Lingqin looked at her calmly and gently pulled up her sleeve little by little without leaving a trace.
"Purple River".
With just one call, Zihe consciously let go of his hand.
The two, mistress and servant, left the table and headed towards the backyard. They hadn't gone far when they heard footsteps. After signaling Zihe to be quiet, Xie Lingqin pulled her away and they disappeared into the dense flower branches nearby.
"The banquet has already started in the front courtyard. The Marquis has instructed us to be careful."
"Don't worry, I've already made arrangements for the Second Young Master and the others."
Only after the two men dressed as guards had disappeared from sight did Xie Lingqin and Zihe quietly emerge.
"I'm afraid something has happened at the Marquis of Anping's residence today... Miss, let's return to our seats." Zihe's expression was grave; she was practically ready to knock Xie Lingqin unconscious.
Xie Lingqin remained unmoved.
I'm afraid it's not as simple as just something happening.
Based on the guards' conversation, and recalling what the two stewards said when they entered the Marquis of Anping's residence earlier, it seems that the Prince Xian and the Marquis of Anping had been talking for a long time in the study.
Is it a threat?
Did they not reach an agreement?
The fact that Marquis Anping and his wife were able to sit comfortably at the table, chatting and laughing, clearly showed that they had made all the necessary preparations.
"Miss, listen, there's a noise." Zihe's expression suddenly tightened.
Xie Lingqin nodded, her eyes darkening slightly. "I heard it. It was the sound of a large number of iron cavalry approaching. Very quickly, very rapidly."
"Then we..."
Zihe stopped speaking halfway through her sentence.
Because, at the same time, the continuous loud laughter that could be heard in the front yard just moments ago seemed to have vanished in an instant.
Like a noisy sea, it instantly returns to tranquility, so quiet that you can hear the heavy feeling in the wind.
Strange occurrences must indicate something sinister.
Then, a high-pitched voice, amplified by internal energy, rang out from afar as it drew nearer.
"By imperial decree, it is hereby decreed that Marquis Anping has colluded with foreign barbarians with the intention of plotting against our Beirong. The evidence is conclusive. Therefore, the entire household of Marquis Anping, consisting of 203 people, is hereby arrested and imprisoned for trial. This is the imperial decree."
The sound stopped, and everything seemed even quieter.
In an instant, the brilliant light on the horizon dimmed.
Xie Lingqin remained motionless, as did Zihe, who simply watched Xie Lingqin quietly. She was as serene as a stone statue, yet seemed to have already leaped thousands of miles away.
Her dark hair was lifted by the wind, but it couldn't hide her beautiful features.
“Miss, we must go to the front yard, otherwise we may encounter trouble.” Zihe’s tone was grave.
At that moment, after a brief silence, the sound of clashing swords rang out from ahead.
“Zihe.” Xie Lingqin looked at her. “It’s not about capturing her, it should be about annihilating her completely.”
"What?" Zihe was clearly surprised as well.
“Today, the eldest daughter of Marquis Anping did not come,” Xie Lingqin said, her gaze gradually falling on Zihe. “Everyone says that Marquis Anping colluded with the barbarians to rebel. Tell me, what will become of that eldest daughter of the Marquis in the palace, now Consort Jing?”
Zihe's face turned pale with horror. "Dead...dead!"
"Moreover, our troubles have already begun."
Zihe's expression tightened slightly. "What do you mean by that, Miss?"
“Someone led us here step by step.”
The purple river was startled.
"Ninth Sister, come back." Suddenly, a figure darted out from not far behind.
Almost instinctively, Xie Lingqin stopped the person who was about to rush past her.
---Aside---
On the first day of 2018, Xinzhi wishes all the beautiful ladies a happy and prosperous new year!
Thanks for your support, ladies! This is a big update!
All the girls who leave a comment today will receive a reward, muah~
This book was first published by Xiaoxiang Academy; please do not reproduce it!
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