The mysterious milk group, hands on hips, is being fought over by five dads who are going crazy over

The old lady's attitude clearly indicated that she wanted to keep Aning and was unwilling to let Aning replace Qiaoqiao as a sacrificial offering...

Huo Ting had one hand behind his back, his brows slightly furrowed.

The Prime Minister, who was usually decisive and efficient, was at a loss for words at this moment.

Although he witnessed all of this and saw the black mist that Aning spoke of, he did not intend to change his decision to make Aning a sacrifice.

The more impressive she appeared, the deeper his suspicions grew.

How could a four-year-old child, who grew up in the countryside, have abilities comparable to a national advisor?

He was more inclined to believe that she was a demon, a jinx, and an omen of misfortune for the Huo family.

But in front of so many people, it wouldn't be polite to refuse directly and offend the old lady...

Huo Ting's eyes were sharp. After pondering for a moment, he turned his head and gave the order:

"Go to the front yard and inform the old lady to have an extra seat."

In the front yard, Huo Zhiyao was happily eating her meal after receiving many precious gifts when she saw her grandmother leading the little troublemaker over from afar.

Huo Zhiyao was unhappy: "Mother, didn't you say that Grandmother hates this little jinx the most? Why did you bring her to Yaoyao's birthday banquet?"

A sinister glint flashed in Su Xiaoyin's eyes, but she quickly put on a smile and put some more food into her bowl. "Never mind her, you're the birthday girl today, so eat more."

As soon as she finished speaking, the old lady led Aning to the head seat, and all the guests stood up to offer a toast.

The old lady was once the only female general of the Great Liang Dynasty. She recaptured three cities for the Great Liang Dynasty and made outstanding military achievements. After retiring, she was even granted the title of First-Rank Protector of the State, which shows that she did not hold an official position but enjoyed a great honor.

Even though some officials in the court were at odds with Prime Minister Huo Ting, they still had to respectfully address the old lady as "Lady Protector of the Nation."

The old lady smiled and waved her hand, "Don't be so formal, please sit down."

Seeing everyone seated, the old lady led Ah Ning, dressed in pink, to the front and introduced her with a kind and gentle expression:

"Everyone, this is Huo Zhining, the eldest daughter of the Huo family."

"A-Ning has been in poor health since she was a child, so she was sent to the countryside to recuperate. Now that she has recovered, her father has brought her back."

"Today is not only Yao Yao's birthday, but also Aning's birthday. I am very happy."

As she spoke, the old lady chuckled twice and looked at the nanny serving her, "Rongxiu, go and bring me my treasured Shaoxing wine that I've kept for twenty years, so that our distinguished guests can have a taste."

The old lady's words were impeccable; in just a few words, she covered up the incident of the jinx and the lucky star from four years ago, and described the four years that Aning was abandoned as a time for recuperation in the countryside.

The guests knew exactly what was going on, but they were all beaming with joy, praising the old lady for doting on her granddaughter and for being willing to bring out her treasured wine, which she had kept for twenty years, to entertain her.

Seeing that the adults who had just been talking about her were now praising the little jinx, Huo Zhiyao gripped her chopsticks tightly, gritted her teeth angrily, and her eyes turned red with anger!

She threw down her chopsticks, pouted, and looked at her mother with red eyes. "Mother, can you please let her leave? Today is Yao Yao's birthday banquet, why is everyone surrounding her and praising her?"

"Yao Yao wore this beautiful red dress today, she looked really eye-catching, but she stole all the limelight!"

Su Xiaoyin frowned and made a "shh" gesture at her, "Yaoyao, how has your mother taught you all this time?"

"You are the second young lady of the Prime Minister's mansion, a little lucky star who has been pampered since childhood. In such a grand occasion, no matter what happens, you must remain calm and composed. You cannot lose your composure by being petty and making yourself a laughingstock."

Huo Zhiyao's lips pursed even more, and her eyes glistened with tears.

She understood everything her mother was saying, but she was still very sad and resentful!

Why is Huo Zhining entitled to receive mountains of gifts?

Why is it that Huo Zhining, who has only just arrived at the manor, can win over her grandmother's favor?

Why are these people, who clearly came to celebrate her birthday, now praising Huo Zhining so much?

She lost all face and prestige!

Even her mother, who always protected her, didn't understand her. Huo Zhiyao felt more and more wronged and left the table in tears.

As darkness fell, the banquet finally came to an end.

Ah Ning had no idea what the adults were talking about. She sat down next to her mother, picking at this and that, and ate lots and lots of delicious food until she was full.

After finishing her meal, Aning was taken to the ancestral hall, where she performed a ritual to release the female ghost in front of the old lady, earning her praise.

Exhausted after a long day, Aning yawned several times in a row and was carried back to Biyou Courtyard by Yingxia.

In her dazed state, she only vaguely felt someone gently wiping her face with a handkerchief.

So comfortable.

Aning tried hard to open her eyes, but she was so sleepy that she could only open them a crack.

"Mother, is that you, Mother?"

Qiao Wan smiled faintly, "Go to sleep. You've had a hard day, Aning."

It's Mother!

Two small dimples appeared on Ah Ning's lips as she lay on the bed, but her mind had already wandered off, feeling lightheaded.

Ah Ning did such a good job today and solved a big problem. Mother must think Ah Ning is amazing!

That way, Mother won't abandon Aning anymore, and Aning can stay with Mother forever and ever...

Ah Ning fell asleep contentedly, even dreaming that her mother kept praising her.

The next day, when Aning woke up, she stretched and saw her mother sitting at the table with a worried expression, the dark circles under her eyes even more pronounced than the day before.

Ah Ning quickly jumped out of bed and put on her shoes. "Mommy, what's wrong? Are you unhappy?"

Qiao Wan turned around and saw that A Ning had gotten out of bed wearing only a thin undergarment. She quickly called Ying Xia to bring clothes and personally helped A Ning change, while instructing her:

"It's snowing heavily again today, and it's cold. From now on, the first thing you should do when you get up is to put on warm clothes, understand?"

Ah Ning pursed her lips and nodded, blinking her eyes like a child who had done something wrong. "Ah Ning will remember."

After making that promise, she asked again, "Why is Mother unhappy?"

Qiao Wan was taken aback, her brows furrowing slightly. "A Ning, it's Mother's fault."

Ah Ning was completely confused. "No way! Mother is the best mother in the world!"

Qiao Wan forced a bitter smile, her eyes filled with guilt, and gently patted Aning's head. "Mother knows Aning is very capable and sensible, but you are still just a child."

"But after thinking about it for a long time, your mother still feels that you have the right to know."

Ah Ning nodded blankly, feeling that her mother had many worries and rarely smiled.

Qiao Wan carried her to the couch, squatted down to look her in the eye, and asked, "Does Aning know why we brought you back this time?"

Ah Ning tilted her head and thought for a moment: "Celebrate Ah Ning's birthday?"

"Anything else?"

"Anything else?" Ah Ning pressed her temples, trying to recall what had happened in the past few days, and quickly looked up. "To send Ah Ning to the altar?"

She opened her clear, innocent eyes, yet recounted something incredibly cruel to herself...

Tears welled up in Qiao Wan's eyes, but not wanting to lose her composure in front of her child, she turned away and hurriedly wiped them away.

She went to see Huo Ting early this morning.

I thought that after what happened yesterday, and with the old lady clearly showing her affection for Aning, Huo Ting would let Aning go.

But Huo Ting didn't budge an inch: "Qiao Wan was born with her whole body covered in bruises and black mist coming out of her mouth. Now she's learned all sorts of weird stuff from who knows where. She's really dangerous."

"That body, torn apart by five horses, would terrify any adult, yet she remained unfazed. Look at Yao Yao, then look at Qiao Qiao—is this how a normal child should behave? How do you know she wasn't possessed by a demon?!"

"My mind is made up. She must take Qiaoqiao's place at tomorrow's sacrificial ceremony!"

Qiao Wan felt as if her heart was being torn apart, but she composed herself and hugged A Ning tightly.

"A-Ning, your mother loves you very much and wants to watch over you as you grow up healthy and strong."

"But now someone wants to harm Aning. Mother is useless; there's no way to stop them from sending Aning to the altar."

"But Mother has arranged for someone to send A-Ning out of the capital at midnight tonight, heading south to Jiangnan."

She paused, her voice trembling with emotion, as if this parting would be their last...

"I'll come to see you again in a few days, okay?"