After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 194 Going to Tingzhou

The letter was crumpled into a ball in Xiang Ning's hands, and she used all her strength to control her emotions.

It would be a lie to say that he didn't care about Pei Yanzhi at all.

Even if it wasn't love, she still harbored hatred towards him.

She hated him for restricting her freedom, and hated him even more for coming up with such a despicable act as drugging her.

But now, as Xiang Ning looked at the letter, she felt a sudden pang of pain in her heart.

That wasn't a divorce agreement; it sounded more like his will.

His disobedience to the imperial decree was a pretense; his feigned exile was merely a pretext to search for evidence in Tingzhou.

Pei Yanzhi said that he had never loved anyone in his life, but Xiang Ning was an exception.

Because I've never loved anyone, I stubbornly believe that only by keeping someone by my side can I achieve fulfillment.

When Pei Yanzhi saw the displeasure and unfamiliarity in Xiang Ning's eyes, he suddenly understood.

Love is not about possession.

That was the answer he came up with after sitting alone in his study all night, looking at the waning moon outside the window, and thinking for a long time.

However, Xiang Ning would not give him another chance to redeem himself.

He was also unsure whether he would be able to return to the capital alive.

"A-Ning, what's wrong?"

Lu Jiang happened to be out running errands today. When he returned, he was somewhat surprised to see Xiang Ning looking a little dazed.

"Big brother is back?"

Xiang Ning smiled and hid what she was holding.

"What are these things?"

Lu Jiang immediately noticed the box placed to the side.

“It was sent by Pei Yanzhi. I asked Chenghua to take it back, but he refused, so I had to put it away for now.”

After saying this, Xiang Ning took out the sachet in her hand and gave it to Lu Jiang: "However, there is an unexpected surprise. I have the sachet that my mother left me."

Upon hearing this, Lu Jiang's original intention to ask about these things was instantly extinguished.

He knew Xiang Ning didn't want him to ask too many questions, so he didn't say anything more.

"This should be the remaining half of the treasure map."

Lu Jiang's gaze fell on the sachet, and he watched as Xiang Ning took out the paper.

"I'll go and fetch my father."

Looking at the half of the treasure map, Lu Jiang had no doubts and hurriedly went to invite Lu Weimin over.

Lu Jiang left in a hurry, his footsteps gradually fading into the distance in the corridor.

Xiang Ning stood alone in the flower hall, her gaze fixed on the half of the treasure map in her hand.

A short while later, Lu Jiang led Lu Weimin into the room.

Lu Weimin's eyes were filled with urgency and anticipation. As soon as he entered the room, he went straight to the point: "A Ning, let me see that half of the treasure map quickly."

Xiang Ning handed the paper to Lu Weimin, and Lu Jiang also came over. The three of them focused their attention on the mysterious blueprint.

Lu Weimin gently stroked the lines of the drawing with his fingers, a strange light flashing in his eyes: "This...this drawing is exactly the same as the treasure map of the Lu family in my memory."

His voice trembled slightly, clearly indicating that he was very excited.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside, and a guard rushed in looking flustered.

"Master, young master, young lady, something terrible has happened! A large group of unidentified men in black have suddenly appeared outside the mansion and have surrounded it. They seem to have ill intentions!"

Everyone's expression changed drastically. Lu Jiang immediately drew his sword: "A Ning, you and Father hide first. I'll go and deal with these people."

After Lu Jiang left, he did not return for a long time.

Xiang Ning was worried, so she went out to look for him.

They could be heard talking outside the mansion; the leader was demanding people from Lu Jiang.

"As long as you hand over Miss Lu, we will not make things difficult for the Lu family."

"Don't even think about it." Lu Jiang retorted without the slightest hesitation. Upon hearing this, the leader suddenly laughed: "You won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences."

"His Highness Prince Qing only wants Miss Lu Er. If you know what's good for you, hand her over, and your Lu family will be fine."

"Since you are so ungrateful, then I naturally cannot keep you here."

After saying that, the leader raised his hand, signaling his men to break down the gates of the Lu residence.

Xiang Ning hid behind the door, her heart pounding. She didn't know any of these people, yet they wanted to take her back.

She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug deep into her palms, and Lu Jiang and his guards in the distance looked like they were about to be overwhelmed.

If this continues, the Lu residence will definitely be breached by this group of people.

Just as Xiang Ning was about to go out, she heard someone in the distance say that the Second Miss had run away.

Upon hearing this, the leader no longer cared about continuing his argument with Lu Jiang.

"Go and chase."

"You lot, stay here and don't let anyone from the Lu family leave."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ning was startled and instantly realized that someone was secretly creating an opportunity for her to escape.

She didn't have time to think much. She simply said something to Chunxi, and while the man in black was distracted, she turned and slipped out through the side door, disappearing into the shadows of the alley.

Several hurried footsteps and shouts came from behind.

Xiang Ning darted left and right through the narrow alley, her movements as agile as a cat.

Once captured by these men in black, the consequences would be unimaginable. Not only would his own life be in danger, but the Lu family would also be doomed.

Even if someone temporarily lured these men in black away, they would return to the Lu family once they realized what was happening.

So after leaving the Lu family, those people couldn't find her, and they wouldn't do anything to her older brother and uncle.

With these thoughts in mind, Xiang Ning looked at the dead end ahead, her heart sank, but she did not stop walking.

She quickly scanned her surroundings and noticed a low courtyard wall nearby.

Without hesitation, she leaped up, grabbed the top of the wall with both hands, and used the momentum to flip over.

The moment she landed, Xiang Ning heard footsteps and voices outside the wall.

"What about people?"

"They must have climbed over the wall, let's chase them!"

Xiang Ning dared not linger and quickly left. After running for an unknown amount of time, a fine horse rushed out from a side road and blocked her way.

She looked up and saw someone she never expected.

"Chenghua? You didn't leave?"

"Miss, please mount your horse first. We'll talk once we're in a safe place."

After saying that, Chenghua gestured for Xiangning to sit on another horse and galloped away with her.

About an hour later, Xiang Ning's legs were aching terribly from the jolting on the horse, and Cheng Hua finally took her to a safe place.

This is an abandoned temple outside Ling'an City, which looks extremely dilapidated.

After Chenghua helped Xiang Ning down, he explained, "We were originally going to Tingzhou to find Master, but we saw that group of people when we left the city."

“They are Prince Qing’s men. They know about your past with the master, so they want to kidnap you to threaten the master.”

He explained as he led the horse inside.

“The Lu family, I’m afraid the young lady can’t go back for the time being. Why don’t you come with me to Tingzhou to find the master?”

Upon hearing Cheng Hua's reply, Xiang Ning was about to say something when she realized that his suggestion was already the best one available.

If Prince Qing insists on capturing her, then she will definitely not be able to return to the Lu family.

Being alone and stranded outside, as a woman, she would likely face even more threats than she did.

Thinking of this, Xiang Ning nodded slightly.

With Chenghua around, safety is at least somewhat guaranteed.

Upon hearing Xiang Ning's reply, Cheng Hua lowered his head and smiled. His decision to return was indeed wise.

Chenghua: The Guardian of Love
(End of this chapter)