C2 Meeting

In a past life, Gu Changping held immense power and influence, but a conspiracy led to his execution at the city gates. Those who once sought his favor dared not plead for him. After his death, a young woman was the only one who took care of his remains. In gratitude for her kindness, he felt compelled to repay her in this life.

This is why he ventured out of the city today—to warn her of impending danger. Despite the risks along the way, she managed to escape unharmed.

"Sir... Duke Hao has sent several messages. He says if you don't meet him soon, he might really get upset," Qi Lin cautiously observed Gu Changping, thinking that the master seemed unusually preoccupied today. Before sleeping, he had planned to welcome Duke Hao, but upon waking, he rushed out without explanation and only just returned.

"Has Mr. Twelve not entered the palace yet?" Gu Changping asked calmly, suppressing the turmoil within.

"Not yet. Duke Hao insists on seeing you first," Qi Lin replied, relieved to see Gu Changping's composed demeanor.

"I'll go see him," Gu Changping said, looking up at the clear sky, having made up his mind.

Meanwhile, Jing Bao and his group had arrived at the alley's entrance. Mrs. Lu awoke slowly, remembering her family's downfall, and tearfully exclaimed, "I want to go back!"

Jing Bao frowned, "Go back for what? To sit in jail with the whole family?"

Mrs. Lu opened her mouth but couldn't find a strong response.

Seeing this, Jing Bao softened his tone, "Mother, you head back to the Jing Mansion. I'll go check on my eldest sister."

Jing Bao's eldest sister had married into the capital eight years ago, thanks to a match made by the Marquis Mansion. She was quite close to them, so she might know something.

Mrs. Lee was so anxious she was practically hopping, "Seventh Master, you don't know your way around the city..."

"Can't I ask for directions?"

Jing Bao's gaze sharpened, "Mann and Uncle Fang will stay with me. You all hurry and leave!"

Mrs. Lee didn't dare say another word and quickly helped with the carriage, leaving in a rush.

...

After spending a few bucks to get the address, the three of them headed straight for the eldest sister's place.

By chance, halfway there, Uncle Fang, with his sharp eyes, spotted the Wu family's carriage approaching from a distance.

Brother-in-law Wu Chenggang was leisurely riding a tall horse, dressed in fine clothes, humming a tune.

Seeing his brother-in-law's relaxed demeanor, Jing Bao's heart sank. It seemed the Wu family hadn't heard about the Xuanping Marquis Mansion being seized.

Sure enough.

Wu Chenggang was first startled by his brother-in-law's sudden appearance and then shocked by the news about the Xuanping Marquis Mansion.

In a moment of shock, he stood there like a statue, completely stunned.

Jing Bao quickly said, "Brother-in-law, please go find out what happened with the Marquis Mansion. Send any news directly to the Jing Mansion."

Wu Chenggang finally snapped out of it. "What about you?"

Jing Bao smiled, "I want to chat with my sister for a bit. It's been four years, and I've missed her!"

Wu Chenggang promptly turned his horse around and left.

Jing Ruosu never imagined she'd reunite with her beloved brother under such circumstances. She couldn't help but cry and feel distressed.

She had married into the Wu family, relying on the support of the Xuanping Marquis Mansion. Now that the mansion had been seized, not only had she lost her support, but the Jing family was also implicated. What could they possibly do now?

"Sis, this isn't the time to cry. If our maternal family is truly seized, the first place they'll end up is prison."

Jing Bao's brow furrowed and then relaxed. "Your father-in-law is a high-ranking official with connections. You should ask him to help smooth things over, so they don't suffer inside."

"Alright, I'll go right away!"

"Wait, I have more to say!"

Jing Bao stopped her. "You should offer your father-in-law some money for his help. If he accepts, it means there's still hope. If he doesn't..."

Jing Ruosu's face suddenly changed.

After seeing his sister off, Jing Bao instructed Uncle Fang to drive back to the entrance of the alley.

Once the bus came to a complete stop, she stood under the shade of a tree, waiting. From midday until the sun began to set, she finally saw the men of the Lu family board the prison transport one by one. They weren't shackled, and their clothes were still respectable.

In the crowd, Lu Huaiqi sat down with a pale face, looking utterly lost. Just a moment ago, he was talking about inviting him to a show, and now he was a prisoner. Jing Bao's face was calm, but his eyes slowly turned red.

As the prison transport drove away, the women hadn't come out yet. Jing Bao felt something was off. "Uncle Fang, can you find out about the women?"

"Yes!"

Uncle Fang quickly returned. "Seventh Master, the women are being held in the small chapel in the back courtyard of the Marquis Mansion."

Not in the main prison? Jing Bao felt a glimmer of hope. "Let's go back to the Jing Mansion."

Just as he finished speaking, a horse charged toward them. The rider was Yan, Jing Bao's personal guard.

Yan dismounted, seething with anger. "Master, Second Master and the others have thrown Madam out!"

Jing Bao laughed in anger. "Let's go meet Second Uncle!"