Princess Qingyuan called out for a long time, but there was no response from outside. The family retainers from the Marquis of Yongjia, whom she had brought with her, didn't even reply.
Princess Qingyuan sensed that something was amiss. The Duke of Wei and his brother exchanged glances, and the three of them looked towards the entrance.
They saw Xu Hengyan entering the main hall, dusty and travel-worn, his steps hurried but orderly.
"Father, Second Uncle."
He first paid his respects to the Duke of Wei and his brother, then turned to Princess Qingyuan with a solemn expression. "Greetings, Your Highness the Princess."
Princess Qingyuan's expression remained grim. "Young Master Xu returns at this hour. Could it be that you are also here to protect this madman?"
"Young Master Meng does not seem to be feeling well. Perhaps a physician should examine him first. We can discuss Mr. Xie's matter later."
Xu Hengyan beckoned behind him, and the Duke of Wei's household physician stepped forward, carrying a medicine chest.
Xu Hengyan's intention to protect was very clear. However, since the Marquis's retainers could not be summoned, Princess Qingyuan couldn't possibly tear them apart herself.
Moreover, Meng Junyu's face was pale at the moment, and fine sweat was beading on his forehead. He truly appeared to be enduring pain.
Seeing this, Princess Qingyuan immediately knelt beside Meng Junyu, no longer concerned with anything else. "Quickly examine Junyu. Has he injured his internal organs?"
Compared to killing Xie Jiang to vent her anger, her son's safety was naturally more important.
The Duke of Wei wanted to ask Xu Hengyan why he had returned at this particular time, but he held back the words, deciding it was better to resolve Princess Qingyuan's issue first.
The physician examined both sides carefully and, after confirming, replied, "The young marquis's injuries are not serious, nor have his internal organs been harmed. He will only experience pain for a while."
It was good that there were no serious injuries.
Princess Qingyuan breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but Junyu was still in pain. "Is there any way to alleviate Junyu's pain?"
The physician shook his head. "Your Highness, please forgive me, but he can only endure it. It will subside on its own in about half an hour."
Princess Qingyuan looked coldly at Xie Jiang. She was doing this deliberately!
Xie Jiang nodded vigorously. Of course, she had done it deliberately. If Meng Junyu wanted to hit her, should she make him happy instead of causing him pain?
Before Princess Qingyuan could lash out, Xu Hengyan spoke. "Why don't we have someone carry Young Master Meng to the guest courtyard to rest?"
Servants from the Duke of Wei's manor had already brought a sedan chair.
Princess Qingyuan certainly couldn't let her son continue lying on the ground. She didn't believe the Duke of Wei's manor could let someone surnamed Xie escape!
The sudden return of the young master Xu Hengyan from Ninghe, and his undisguised intention to protect Xie Jiang, made her wonder how Xu Hengyan would account for himself.
As she left, Princess Qingyuan cast a cold, sinister glance at Xie Jiang.
Only then did Xu Hengyan look at Xie Jiang. "Young Master Xie, why don't you go back and rest first? I will handle matters here."
Xie Jiang frowned, unwilling to leave. "Am I not handling it quite well myself?"
The Second Master Xu choked on his tea, coughing violently, feeling as if his lungs were about to leap out of his mouth.
She still thought she was handling it well!
Princess Qingyuan was almost hating the Duke of Wei's manor!
"Young Master Xie, it's best you go back and rest. We will handle matters here and will certainly not trouble Young Master Xie."
The Duke of Wei also felt it was best to send her away quickly. At the time, they shouldn't have harbored any illusions and invited her. It was even more wishful thinking to expect her to bow to Princess Qingyuan.
If they didn't manage to force Princess Qingyuan to bow down, it would be considered a good day for Xie Da Ye.
But how could they make Princess Qingyuan bow to Xie Jiang in return?
Did they expect Princess Qingyuan to say to Xie Jiang that the Princess of Le'an's single broken leg was insufficient, and she should have broken both legs instead?
Therefore, only bloodshed was inevitable.
Xie Jiang said very earnestly, "I don't feel troubled."
The Duke of Wei: "..." Exactly! It's them who are troubled!
The Second Master Xu coughed even more violently, covering his mouth tightly with his hand. If his lungs were to pop out, he could stuff them back in himself.