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

Chapter 96 Whatever fate befell the escaped slaves, that's what happened to her.

Xiao Ming carefully picked up the damp painting, a faint smile on his face, and said, "I don't recognize it, I think it's called a Phalaenopsis orchid."

His voice was steady and gentle. When Xiang Ning heard Xiao Ming's words, she slowly turned around and looked down at the painting that was spread out in front of Manager Lin.

Because the painting had been stored for too long and had been exposed to moisture, the paint had mixed together, and some parts were already blurred and unclear, making it almost impossible to recognize its original appearance.

The orchids in the painting may have once been vibrant and lifelike, but now they appear somewhat dull and dilapidated.

"How many times have you asked me to repair this painting?"

As Manager Lin spoke, he had already mixed the colors and was now focused on repairing the painting.

His eyes revealed seriousness and focus as he gently moved his paintbrush across the paper.

Xiao Ming stood aside, quietly watching Steward Lin's actions, and said, "If we can't find Madam, we can't lose this painting."

His voice carried a hint of determination and persistence; this painting held special significance for him.

"As you know, my life was saved by the general."

A hint of gratitude and respect flashed in Xiao Ming's eyes.

If he weren't a general, Xiao Ming would have long since become a victim of Ongda's horse.

Therefore, fulfilling the general's dying wish is something Xiao Ming must do in his life, no matter how difficult it may be.

Xiang Ning watched as Steward Lin repaired the painting, and Xiao Ming carefully placed it aside to dry.

The things in this room didn't seem to belong to Xiao Ming, but to the general he mentioned.

Each item seems to carry a story, a story about the general.

"Big brother, the food is ready."

Just then, the voice of the short man from before came from outside.

The three of them walked out of the house, where food had already been laid out on the dining table.

Ling'an is in the south, so the temperature in this water town is not as cold as in the capital. A gentle breeze brings warmth and comfort.

The group sat down at the long table, and Xiao Ming first introduced the two men to Xiang Ning: "Monkey and Xiao Si have been following me for a long time. Miss Zhao, don't worry, they will definitely not tell anyone about your affairs."

"Miss Zhao, please forgive me for my rudeness just now."

The monkey apologized to Xiang Ning, his face showing sincerity and remorse.

Xiang Ning smiled and nodded, indicating that she didn't mind.

Everyone sat around the table and enjoyed this simple yet heartwarming meal.

After lunch, Manager Lin took Xiang Ning away from Xiao Ming's house, agreeing to pick up the items at noon the next day.

Xiang Ning looked down at the road pass in her hand and smiled.

"The young master might arrive the day after tomorrow, Miss Zhao, won't you wait for him?"

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ning put away her travel permit and shook her head: "I'm in a bit of a hurry. I have to leave as soon as I get my official registration tomorrow, but I'll come back when I have time in the future."

Once Pei Yanzhi stops looking for her and she is completely free, she will come back to Ling'an.

"Okay, then we'll meet again someday."

Manager Lin didn't say much and led Xiang Ning back to the caravan's resting place.

The azure sky was clear and bright, but as time passed, the magnificent and intense orange-red sunset gradually swallowed up the azure sky.

Like a raging fire, it started from a corner of the sky, gradually covering the entire sky, until it finally disappeared completely, turning into a gray expanse.

The hustle and bustle of the daytime is instantly replaced by the tranquility and mystery of the night.

In the night sky, only countless stars remain, like numerous dazzling gems inlaid on the night backdrop.

Pei Yanzhi stood quietly by the window, his tall figure appearing exceptionally upright in the dim light.

His gaze drifted through the window to the bustling street scene outside.

The streets were brightly lit and bustling with people. However, Pei Yanzhi's eyes were unfathomable, like a bottomless pool, making it impossible to fathom his thoughts.

He stared silently at the street outside, lost in thought.

Chenghua gently pushed the door open and came in, making a soft sound.

When he saw the untouched food on the table, he couldn't help but sigh.

Cheng Hua's eyes showed worry and helplessness as he looked at Pei Yanzhi's back and said softly, "Master, please eat something. Lu Jiang is leaving tomorrow. Lord Ming said that he has already arranged for people to follow him."

Chenghua's voice echoed in the quiet room, carrying a hint of concern and persuasion.

He knew that Pei Yanzhi had been preoccupied lately, but he was also worried that his health would deteriorate due to not eating properly.

Which towns are closest to Ling'an?

After an unknown amount of time, Pei Yanzhi's question, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly shattered the tranquility.

He slowly turned around, his slightly furrowed brows revealing his irritation.

Upon hearing this question, Cheng Hua was slightly taken aback, but quickly gathered his thoughts and replied, "There are at least a dozen towns and villages of all sizes."

Cheng Hua's voice rang out in the quiet room.

Do you know where Xiang Ning's greatest intelligence lies?

Cheng Hua was momentarily stunned, a blank expression on his face.

After a moment, he hesitated and said, "Are you sure that Miss Zhao is Miss Xiang Ning?"

How could there be such a coincidence in the world?
But he couldn't help but wonder, if it was Miss Xiang Ning, how did she leave without a travel permit?
"Sir, do you think Miss Xiangning might not have left the city?"

Cheng Hua's words made sense; after all, it was not easy to leave the city without a travel permit.

Pei Yanzhi scoffed, his laughter carrying a hint of mockery and indifference.

"Qin Rui hasn't been found yet?"

Pei Yanzhi's voice rang out again, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Not yet. That kid is so good at hiding. I have no idea where he's gone."

Cheng Hua replied helplessly, "If only we could find Qin Rui, we wouldn't be wandering around like headless flies."

However, the more Qin Rui hid, the more it proved that he must have boarded the ship that day as well.

Chenghua really couldn't understand why the First Madam had only been quiet for a short while before starting to cause trouble again.

"Sir, if that Miss Zhao is really Miss Xiang Ning, then you..."

Chenghua sighed, unsure how to continue the conversation.

After all, Xiang Ning was the first person who dared to deceive Pei Yanzhi and then run away.

He didn't even dare to think about what would happen to Xiang Ning if he were really caught by the master.

"She will suffer the same fate as any runaway slave."

A hint of murderous intent flashed in Pei Yanzhi's eyes, and his voice was cold and resolute.

No one has ever dared to tell him so many lies before; Xiang Ning's behavior has crossed his bottom line.

The idea that she loved him and wanted to stay by his side for life was all a lie.

fraud.

With a snap, the chopsticks in Pei Yanzhi's hand broke instantly.

If he catches her, he will break her legs first and then throw her into the dark dungeon.

"Sir, there's news!"

(End of this chapter)