C6 Escape

The Marquis Mansion still stands, but the liveliness is gone.

Thanks to the emperor's grace, the Xuanping Marquis family has been pardoned.

Jing Bao walked inside.

A servant spotted him from afar and quickly ran to the main hall to report. The steward personally came forward to lead Jing Bao into the room.

Inside, the Xuanping Marquis sat upright in a grand chair, his face full of melancholy.

Three days in prison felt like a nightmare!

Seeing Jing Bao, his expression softened slightly, "You're here?"

"Uncle!"

Jing Bao was about to bow, but the Marquis extended his arm, gently supporting him to prevent him from kneeling.

The two exchanged a look, each seeing something profound in the other's eyes, though their interpretations differed.

A servant brought tea, and after a few sips, the Marquis said quietly, "You handled this matter well. I'm grateful."

Jing Bao stood up, walked closer, and after a moment of hesitation said, "If you're truly grateful, Uncle, perhaps it's time to resign. Being a retired Marquis might not be so bad. Look, your hair is already turning gray."

The Marquis stared at him, looking deep into his eyes.

Jing Bao smiled, "The emperor spared the Marquis Mansion this time out of consideration for the relationship with Consort Lu. But what about next time, Uncle?"

The Marquis felt a deep sorrow.

...

Leaving the study, Jing Bao went to see Fourth Miss's mother, Lady Liu.

As soon as I entered the courtyard, the scent of medicine was unmistakable. Pulling back the curtain, I saw a frail woman leaning against the window on a large bed. Her cheeks were sunken, and her eyes were lifeless.

Aunt Liu looked at Jing Bao, too pained to even shed a tear. What a fine young man, she thought. How could such a good child have such a short life?

Jing Bao smiled and said, "I should call you Aunt, just like Fourth Miss does. If you ever need anything, just come to me. If I have time, I'll visit often. Take good care of yourself. The good days Fourth Miss fought for shouldn't be wasted."

Tears finally fell from Aunt Liu's hollow eyes. She understood the deeper meaning behind his words. Everyone in the Marquis Mansion owed their lives to her daughter and son-in-law. From now on, no one would dare show her any disrespect.

"Oh, my child!" Aunt Liu struggled to sit up, embracing Jing Bao and sobbing bitterly.

Jing Bao gently patted her back, soothing her, "Don't cry. I'm here. The best days are still ahead. Let's not cry."

Outside in the courtyard, the maids and servants wiped their eyes with handkerchiefs, moved by the scene.

Jing Bao stayed for another hour, comforting Aunt Liu and making sure she took her medicine before leaving. After departing from Aunt Liu's quarters, Jing Bao headed straight to Rongxi Hall.

As soon as he entered the hall, five or six young maids standing along the veranda noticed the young cousin master arriving. They quickly sprang into action, some holding back the curtains, others announcing his presence. The previously lifeless courtyard suddenly buzzed with energy.

Inside the room, the elderly lady was reclining on the couch. His mother, Mrs. Lu, sat beside a rosewood table, while Lady Sun stood by the couch, both trying to coax the elderly lady to take her medicine.

Seeing Jing Bao, Mrs. Lu hurriedly wiped her tears and urged him forward to greet the elderly lady. She was the only one in the household privy to Jing Bao's true background, and her eyes fixed on him without blinking. After a long pause, she signaled for Lady Sun to leave the room.

Once they were alone, the elderly lady gestured for Jing Bao to come closer. He leaned over the edge of the couch, holding her hand gently.

"Grandmother, you must take care of yourself and live a long life!" he said.

Her hand trembled slightly. "Bao, it was my decision to raise you as a boy back then. Do you resent me for it?"

Jing Bao smiled, pressing his cheek against her hand affectionately. "Why would I? I enjoy being a boy, it's so freeing."

A bittersweet smile appeared on her lips. "But you've grown up now, and in the future..."

"Grandmother, we'll deal with the future when it comes. Let's enjoy each day as it is. Why worry so much? It's exhausting!"

Jing Bao paused for a moment and coaxed, "Grandmother, why don't you have someone prepare a room for me? This place is so peaceful, perfect for studying. From now on, I'm going to stay here with you!"

"Nonsense!" Mrs. Lu feigned annoyance. "You're too grown-up to be hanging around the inner quarters like this. Is that appropriate?"

"Hmph, what's so inappropriate about it?" Jing Bao retorted, lifting her chin defiantly. "I've never had the chance to get close to you, Grandmother. Maybe Mom's afraid I'll steal your affection away from her and is trying to keep me away on purpose!"

"You... you..." Mrs. Lu was so exasperated she was about to hit her.

Jing Bao just gave her a look that said, "Go ahead, try it."

The old lady, having lived most of her life, knew well enough that this mother and daughter duo were just trying to cheer her up. Though she still felt a bit of sorrow, her heart lightened somewhat.

As the three of them chatted, a maid called from outside, "Madam, the eldest cousin is here to pay her respects!"

Before entering, Jing Ruosu wiped away her tears and forced a smile, greeting each elder respectfully. She then sat with the old lady for a while, chatting to keep her company.

Seeing that the old lady was getting tired, Mrs. Lu waved the siblings outside to talk.

A maid brought in hot tea, and Jing Bao sipped it quietly, saying nothing. When trouble struck the Marquis Mansion, she had sent someone to wait at the Wu family’s door, but no news had come.

It's one thing for Brother Wu to slack off, but our eldest sister has received so much kindness from the Marquis Mansion. No matter what, she should have at least sent a maid to inform us.

Jing Ruosu knew exactly what Jing Bao was thinking.

She wiped her tears and said, "They've stationed people to guard my courtyard, not letting me leave. Bao, it's my fault for being useless."

Jing Bao felt as if he'd been struck by lightning.

"The Wu family... how dare they?"

"People are inherently selfish. The Wu family has hundreds of mouths to feed; they want to survive too!"

This was unsettling...

Jing Bao frowned, "Sister, do you know something?"

Jing Ruosu nodded, "Bao, do you know why the Marquis Mansion is facing this disaster?"