"A substitute for the plum blossom," Qi Zhenzhen slowly uttered the four words.
Qian Yuanbao was first stunned, then began to ponder her meaning. Once he understood, he felt it was an excellent plan.
So, when Qian Yuanbao left, Hongdou went with him.
Madam Yun was reluctant to part with Hongdou, so she also went back with them.
Qi Zhenzhen wrote a letter for Madam Yun to take back, expressing her approval of Madam Yun taking in a goddaughter, and at the same time, she praised Hongdou profusely.
Indeed, when Madam Yun was captured, if it hadn't been for Hongdou's constant efforts, not only would Madam Yun not have been rescued, but Qin Lang would not have been trapped by Qian Yuanbao. Therefore, Hongdou's contribution was immense.
After sending Madam Yun back to the Changping Marquis Mansion, Hongdou followed Qian Yuanbao to the Qian Mansion.
They found someone whose build was similar to Qin Lang's, and with Hongdou's manipulation, Qin Lang appeared before everyone.
Coupled with the mask Qin Lang always wore, it was clearly Qin Lang himself.
Qian Yuanbao took 'Qin Lang' to the Dali Temple.
Li An was overjoyed. After ordering his subordinates to detain Qin Lang, he insisted on inviting Qian Yuanbao to dine at a restaurant.
"Finally, the culprit has been brought to justice. It's been so many years!" Li An's expression was somewhat excited. "I thought I would be as unsuccessful as my predecessor in apprehending Qin Lang during my tenure. Thanks to brother Qian, I will remember this favor. If you ever need my help, brother, please don't hesitate to ask."
Li An was very enthusiastic.
Qian Yuanbao, considering that Li An was a son of Emperor Chongwen, thought it would be beneficial to maintain a good relationship, so he agreed to Li An's proposal.
"We'll meet at the restaurant tomorrow at noon. I won't keep brother Qian any longer. I need to hurry back to interrogate that Qin Lang and force out the truth of what happened back then and his motives."
"Then I shall not disturb Lord Li."
Upon returning to the mansion, Qian Yuanbao confined Qin Lang to the Qian family's dungeon.
This dungeon was built by Emperor Chongwen for Qian Yuanbao's father. It had only one exit and was secured with a prison door made of rare profound iron. Once the mechanism was closed, it could only be opened from the outside; it was impossible to open from within.
To ensure greater security, Bai Su also intervened. In her words, her crafted蛊虫 (gu worms) could not be undone by anyone except her grandmother.
As for the interrogation, Qian Yuanbao did not want to worry about it. He would hand it over to Gu Sinian once he returned after finishing his business. After all, everyone had their own expertise, and his was making money. Dealing with someone like Qin Lang was something Gu Sinian was better equipped for.
Bai Su had to stay at the Qian Mansion to keep an eye on Qin Lang.
As for Hongdou, since there was nothing for her to do at the moment, Qian Yuanbao sent her back to the Changping Marquis Mansion. Along with Hongdou, a cartload of thank-you gifts also arrived at the Marquis Mansion.
Although it was not explicitly stated why the gifts were given, it implied that Hongdou had accomplished something extraordinary. The Emperor was aware of this matter, and therefore, the Qian Mansion was very grateful.
Qi Tianming had already read Qi Zhenzhen's letter and felt that taking in a goddaughter was excessive. She was merely a servant, was it necessary?
Upon seeing the Qian family's attitude now, Qi Tianming had no reservations. He wished Hongdou were his own daughter. After all, he knew the Qian family's relationship with the Emperor.
Now, the Qian family's stance was clear: they favored Hongdou and were willing to befriend her.
So, was this also the Emperor's intention?
Upon realizing this, Qi Tianming found Hongdou more pleasing to the eye.
Just as Qian Yuanbao was helping Li Nuan into the room, someone reported that 'Qin Lang' had sent a message, and he was no longer in the Dali Temple's dungeon.
Qian Yuanbao was bewildered. He had just sent the person away, and Li An had said he would interrogate him thoroughly. What had gone wrong?