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

Chapter 88: It was she who didn't want Pei Yanzhi.
Chenghua and Mingxiang looked at Pei Yanzhi's calm expression and were at a loss for words.

The two had no choice but to lower their heads and agree, then turned and left to take care of it.

By changing Xiang Ning's in-law contract to a death contract, Xiang Ning can only belong to the Pei family.

The master is determined to keep Xiang Ning by his side.

After leaving the Pei residence, Mingxiang let out a long sigh.

"Although I have never met this Miss Xiang Ning, to be treated like this by the master, she must be very much favored by him."

Upon hearing this, Chenghua nodded: "I just didn't expect that everything she said before was a lie to you."

Otherwise, I wouldn't be so angry.

"In a way, this Miss Xiang Ning is the first person who dares to deceive adults."

If given the chance, Mingxiang would really like to meet her.

At this moment, Xiang Ning was escorted to the riverbank by someone with their arms around her waist.

"Seventh Sister, is she still alive?"

A voice came from the shore, and the woman called Seventh Sister poked her head out of the water: "Nonsense, after taking so much money from them, would I let them die?"

As she spoke, Xiang Ning was pulled ashore. Qi Niang climbed ashore, pinched Xiang Ning, and she spat out a mouthful of water before regaining consciousness.

"Girl? Girl, wake up."

Xiang Ning opened her eyes when she heard someone calling her name. She saw that it was Qi Niang and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Where is this place?"

"We are already twenty miles outside the capital."

The cargo ship had sailed a long way before Qin Rui decided to make his move against Xiang Ning.

The couple, Qi Niang and her husband, followed them in their small boat until they finally rescued Xiang Ning.

"Words cannot express the gratitude I owe you for saving my life."

Xiang Ning spat out another mouthful of water and thanked the two of them. Hearing this, Qi Niang laughed and said, "Are you stupid? The money you paid is enough to save your life."

"You're all wet, go change your clothes in the carriage first."

Seventh Sister helped Xiang Ning up and put her into the carriage, where clothes had already been prepared.

After Xiang Ning finished tidying herself up, Qi Niang asked, "My husband said something happened in the city. The Dali Temple lost a fugitive and they are searching everywhere for him."

"Where are you going? Shall we give you a ride?"

The couple, Qi Niang and her husband, already ran a cargo ship. Traveling on the Haihe River would be less strenuous than traveling by land, and it would also make it less likely for Pei Yanzhi to discover them.

After thinking for a moment, Xiang Ning said, "Ling An."

Hearing this, Qi Niang smiled and said, "What a coincidence! We happen to have a shipment to deliver to Ling'an. Let's go."

The three of them drove their carriage through the night toward the docks a little further out of the city.

Not far away, someone lifted the curtain of a carriage, and Pei Mingxiu watched as the carriage drove further and further away.

"Master, let's go back, otherwise the young master might find out."

Ping An spoke up to remind him, and Pei Mingxiu said, "Find a few people to confuse the situation and make sure she can get far away."

Upon hearing Pei Mingxiu's instructions, Ping An exclaimed, "If the young master finds out, we'll be in deep trouble!"

They might even lose everything they've painstakingly built up over the years.

"It won't be discovered."

Pei Mingxiu responded, and Ping An had no choice but to do as Pei Mingxiu instructed.

The carriage turned around and headed towards the Pei residence.

At first, Pei Mingxiu thought that it was the First Madam who was trying to send Xiang Ning away.

Because they wanted to consolidate their power.

But unexpectedly, it was all Xiang Ning's doing, in order to escape from the Pei residence.

I wonder if Pei Yanzhi has realized what's happening yet. Pei Mingxiu is really looking forward to seeing Pei Yanzhi get furious.

He wanted to see what emotions would appear on that usually expressionless face.

Since the waters are already muddy, let's stir them up even more. I really hope Xiang Ning can run far and long enough. Meanwhile, Xiang Ning had already boarded the boat of Seven Sisters and her husband, heading towards Ling An.

She brought nothing with her; she didn't take a single penny of the things Pei Yanzhi had given her, or the extra silver.

She only took the token given to her by Lady Wanyi. She wanted to go and see the Lu family business because her mother had connections with it.

Besides, her mother said that she has an uncle who does business in Ling'an.

"Mother, I will definitely help you fulfill your last wish."

Find your only relative and give your uncle the things your mother told you to do.
-
As soon as Pei Mingxiu arrived at the entrance of the Pei residence, he saw Chenghua waiting there.

"Third Young Master, my master requests your presence at Mosong Garden."

Upon seeing Chenghua, Pei Mingxiu knew that Pei Yanzhi had something to say to him.

However, Pei Mingxiu had anticipated this when he was preparing to send the message.

He stepped into the Pei residence and followed Chenghua to the Ink Pine Garden.

Pei Yanzhi sat in the pavilion of Qingyi Residence, with tea beside him.

His right hand was wrapped in a white cloth, from the burns and cuts he had suffered previously.

"Big brother."

Pei Mingxiu walked behind Pei Yanzhi, bowed, and behaved with utmost respect.

"Thank you for today."

Pei Yanzhi had his back to Pei Mingxiu and only said this sentence. Upon hearing this, Pei Mingxiu said, "Brother, you flatter me."

"sit down."

Pei Yanzhi reached out, picked up the teacup, and took a small sip. Upon hearing this, Pei Mingxiu walked over and sat down: "I wonder what brings you here so late, elder brother?"

"Third brother, it's impressive that you were able to deliver the message so quickly."

His words made Pei Mingxiu's heart tighten immediately. He lowered his head and said, "To be honest, I do have some business dealings outside."

"I don't mean to blame you, but people have to find a way to live."

Pei Yanzhi put down his teacup and turned to look at Pei Mingxiu: "You agree, don't you?"

He was very calm, without the hysteria that Pei Mingxiu had expected, as if the person who ran away was not someone close to him.

"Brother is right."

"Want to go on a scientific expedition?"

This question made Pei Mingxiu once again marvel at Pei Yanzhi's keen insight. He hadn't revealed anything, so how did he know?
"I have this idea, but if you, brother, think it's inappropriate..."

"It doesn't matter."

Pei Yanzhi's lips curled slightly as he looked at Pei Mingxiu and said, "However, I hope that the exam will be taken under the Pei family's name."

Regardless of Pei Mingxiu's intentions, as long as he was a member of the Pei family, Pei Yanzhi could keep him in check.

Pei Yanzhi was naturally grateful to Pei Mingxiu for sending the message, but he could also see Pei Mingxiu's other intentions.

He is not someone who is content to keep himself hidden forever.

It could even be said that Pei Mingxiu has the ability to fight against him.

In the past, he had underestimated his younger brother.

"That's natural; Mingxiu has always been a descendant of the Pei family."

"Third brother, Xiang Ning is mine."

Just as Pei Mingxiu got up to leave, he heard Pei Yanzhi's warning.

“Mingxiu understands.”

Pei Mingxiu remained respectful throughout, showing not a trace of dissatisfaction.

After saying that, he left.

"Master, the Third Young Master seems to be quite cunning. Should I have someone keep an eye on him?"

(End of this chapter)