Taking her into his tent, he incurred the wrath of a powerful and mad minister, from which he could

The maids on duty outside the door blushed when they heard the commotion coming from inside.

The girl had a delicate voice, moaning softly. When she was bullied badly, her cries were tinged with sobs, weak and pitiful.

Then, thinking of that official, who was in his prime, full of vigor and vitality, with his usual stern and impartial demeanor, he didn't seem like the kind of person who would cherish a delicate flower.

Even the seasoned old nanny, who was used to seeing all sorts of things, was too embarrassed to listen any longer, but she had no choice but to listen.

Finally, after an unknown amount of time, the passion inside the house subsided.

The old nanny then composed herself, lowered her head, pushed open the door, and led a group of young maids carrying clean water and cloths as they slowly entered to serve.

As they approached, the old woman quickly glanced at them.

Sure enough, the girl on the bed had been exhausted and had fainted, sinking into the bedding.

Looking at the man beside him, he leaned against the edge of the couch with broad shoulders and a loose outer robe draped over his shoulders. His chest was covered with fresh scratches.

It was obviously scratched by the girl.

"..."

The old woman clicked her tongue inwardly, never expecting that this seemingly delicate girl would harbor such a fierce spirit; no wonder she had caused so much trouble.

The old nanny quickly lowered her eyes and gestured for the maid to come forward and serve her.

Two quick-handed maids first placed a basin of warm water next to the dressing table, soaked a cotton towel, and gently wrung it out.

Then, carefully walking around to the end of the tatami mat, avoiding the man, he bent down to wipe the girl's body.

Another maidservant was waiting to the side, holding a clean undergarment and a plain-colored petticoat.

Others stepped forward to tidy up the mess on the couch, putting away the scattered brocade and crumpled pillows and mattresses one by one. Their eyes swept over the mottled marks on the edge of the couch, and they hurriedly lowered their heads, their ears turning red as if they were about to bleed.

The servants dared not breathe loudly throughout, keeping their footsteps extremely low, and changed the water, cleaned the towels, and tidied the bed in an orderly manner.

The old woman took another basin of cold water and handed a towel to the man, saying, "Sir, wipe yourself down."

Zong Xian casually took the handkerchief and draped it over his chest, his gaze falling on the sleeping woman, his brows furrowing slightly.

She was very naughty today, so he deliberately wanted to teach her a lesson so she would remember it.

Don't take advantage of the preferential treatment you receive and keep testing his limits. If you don't obey, he has plenty of ways to smooth out your rough edges.

He can't even subdue a mere little girl?

He has plenty of patience.

Zong Xian coldly withdrew his gaze, looked at the old nanny, and said, "Seeing that you have served me fairly well, go back and pack your things. We will return to the capital together tomorrow, and from now on you will be responsible for serving the young lady's daily life."

Upon hearing this, the old nanny was overjoyed and immediately led the four young maids to kneel down and express their gratitude.

They were all servants from a collateral branch of the Li family, a family of disgraced officials. They had never been involved in the trouble, but after the family was convicted, all the servants were implicated, and ordinary families dared not take in former servants of the disgraced family.

The fact that the higher-ups didn't pursue the matter was already an extraordinary act of kindness, but now they're even willing to bring them back to the capital to take care of the young lady. That's truly the best thing ever!

"This servant thanks you for your kindness, sir! From now on, I will serve you wholeheartedly, never leaving your side, and will never dare to be negligent in the slightest!"

...

Zong Xian did not stay overnight and got up to leave.

The next morning, Mingyi was woken up by her maid and got up to get dressed and wash up.

Upon learning that these servants were to be taken back to serve him, Mingyi showed no outward reaction.

He didn't ask her whether she was used to these servants or whether she liked them. He made the decision himself and then had the servants inform her at the end.

She didn't want to accept it, but she had no choice but to.

The old nanny respectfully introduced: "My surname is Feng. You may call me Granny Feng, young lady. These four maids are Caiyun, Caixia, Ningshuang, and Ningxue."

Ji Mingyi's gaze swept lightly over the four people kneeling below the steps. "Were you once servants of the Li family?"

Granny Feng bowed her head and replied, "Yes, Miss. The master does not look down on our background and allows us servants to serve you. We will never forget such a great kindness."

Mingyi understood perfectly, and secretly admired Zongxian's skill in winning people's hearts.

These people were all former servants of disgraced officials, with nowhere else to go.

Zong Xian had their Achilles' heel and completely controlled their lives. He could make them devoted to him and grateful with just a little favor.

To put it bluntly, he sent them to monitor her.

But Granny Feng knew in her heart that her true master was Zong Xian.

The girl in front of her was cunning and didn't seem to genuinely want to stay by the adults' side, so she had to keep a close eye on her.

Otherwise, if anything goes wrong, her old bones will break.

-

The convoy, fully equipped and ready to go, marched through the streets of Qingzhou City.

At the end of the procession was Li Dan, who was paraded through the streets in shackles. The crimes of the corrupt official had already spread throughout the city, and the streets were full of onlookers.

Ordinary people hate corrupt officials the most, and they rushed forward, throwing rotten vegetable leaves and rotten eggs at him one after another.

Only a ragged, seemingly insane young woman blocked the crowd, preventing them from throwing anything. This woman was Li Yunwan, the daughter of a disgraced official.

"Don't hurt my father! Get out of here, all of you!" The woman's eyes were bloodshot, and she shouted hoarsely.

Inside the carriage, Mingyi heard a commotion outside and lifted one of the curtains to look.

He then indifferently put it down and looked away.

She didn't understand why Zong Xian hadn't punished Li Yunwan.

But she knew that Li Yunwan's fate, ending up on the streets, would be no better than being exiled to the frontier to become a military prostitute.

Mingyi felt no sympathy or pity. After all, her own situation was terrible. She sympathized with others, but who would sympathize with her?

As soon as the carriage left the city gate, Yuegui called out softly beside her, "Miss, look over there."

Mingyi opened her eyes and looked out the window. Not far away, under a tree, stood a gray-blue carriage.

With just one glance, a light red tinge appeared in her eyes.

She recognized the car; it belonged to Xie Huaiyu.

Even now, he still came to see me off...

But she could no longer give him any response; she couldn't hurt him.

Not wanting to cause any trouble for Mingyi, Xie Huaiyu didn't get off the carriage. He sat inside and could only watch her go through a small window.

Even though he didn't show himself, Zong Xian still noticed.

He raised his hand and lowered the carriage curtain expressionlessly, showing no regard for Xie Huaiyu.

"To steal someone's love and still be so at ease, only you, Second Master Zong, could do that. Congratulations, Prime Minister, on winning the heart of your beauty."

Fan Siyuan rode alongside on horseback, making sarcastic remarks.

Zong Xian ignored him.

Fan Siyuan, unable to remain silent, continued after a while, "Speaking of which, you didn't actually intend to take his life, did you?"