Regardless of whether Xie Jiang's methods were somewhat extreme, eliminating Lu Baofang was beneficial for the nation and its people. The Lu family's actions in Pingdeng and other places, and the eventual downfall of the entire Lu clan, were entirely deserved.
Even without the background of the Xie family from Nanyang, Xu Hengyan would have firmly stood by her this time, because she had done what he had always wanted to do but couldn't due to various realistic reasons.
The Duke of Wei knew exactly what he was thinking. "There are some things Xie Jiang can do, but as the heir of the Duke of Wei's mansion, I cannot."
Which noble family, influential family, or great clan in the capital didn't have a few lives trampled upon, or a few龌龊s hidden within? None of them could withstand close scrutiny.
If Xu Hengyan were to attack the Marquis of Nanxiong's mansion in the name of justice, how would other great families view him? Who knew if he might, on a whim, attack other mansions one day?
Xu Hengyan would stand against everyone! He would become a thorn in the side of all noble families! The Duke of Wei's mansion would also become a target of public criticism!
Outliers were destined to be swept away like fallen leaves in the autumn wind! Only by protecting common interests was the path to longevity.
Xu Hengyan offered no rebuttal.
The day he became the heir of the Duke of Wei's mansion, he was destined to live his life for the Duke of Wei's mansion and for the interests of the entire Xu clan.
But he was still very happy.
Xie Jiang had removed a large stone that had been pressing on his heart for a long time, making it difficult for him to breathe.
This made him feel much more relaxed.
No matter what others thought of Xie Jiang, or how much trouble this incident would bring her, from now on, he would stand behind her.
Xu Hengyan's attitude was unquestionable. The Duke of Wei frowned deeply and pondered for a long time, but ultimately said nothing.
Seeing his elder brother like this, the Second Master Xu also stopped speaking and instead asked, "I heard it was the Heir Yi who sent you back today?"
Xu Hengyan: "Yes."
The Duke of Wei naturally changed the subject, "Heir Yi has shown Xie Jiang much care. His Majesty's attitude is quite clear."
...
Xu Hengyan returned to Shi'an Courtyard very late.
He casually asked, "Has Hengyi gone back?"
Guang Bai replied, "No, the third young master is still in the side room. He said he wanted to watch over young master Xie tonight."
Xu Hengyan nodded. "Let him be."
The next morning, Xu Hengyan came to the side room. As soon as he entered, he saw Xu Hengyi slumped by the bedside, still asleep.
When he walked to the bedside, Xu Hengyi seemed to sense his presence and looked up groggily.
An unclear transparent liquid was flowing from the corner of his mouth, staining a patch on the bedding by the bed.
Xu Hengyan frowned.
If Xie Jiang woke up and saw him like this, she would give him another good beating.
"Second Brother." Xu Hengyi, unconcerned, wiped his face with his sleeve and said with sleepy eyes, "Is it morning?"
Xu Hengyan glanced at the soft couch by the window. "You slept like this all night yesterday?"
Xu Hengyi yawned and nodded. "I was afraid that if Xie Jiang's condition suddenly recurred, I could know her situation at any time."
After speaking, he reached out a paw to touch Xie Jiang's forehead. "She's still burning. It's only a little better than when she was in prison. Why hasn't the fever gone down?"
Qian Qiu looked as if he had expected this. "We'll give her another medicinal bath later. If her condition improves, the fever should subside somewhat tonight."
"Just subside somewhat?" Xu Hengyi was displeased.
"Mmm." Qian Qiu couldn't be bothered to say more to him; Xu Hengyi was not his master.
Xu Hengyan's gaze fell on Xu Hengyi's paw. Was it stuck to Xie Jiang's forehead and unable to move?
Even in her sleep, Xie Jiang seemed to dislike it, frowning her entire face unhappily.
Xu Hengyi found it amusing and finally retracted his hand.
His little mouth pouted, looking extremely wronged. How could he be so cute?
Xu Hengyi chuckled foolishly. "Second Brother, you don't know, but Xie Jiang is so funny when she's asleep. She's like a child, not fierce at all."
Xu Hengyan thought to himself that she was not old, and she was frail. When she was sick and vulnerable, she naturally looked pitiful.
For the sake of her family, she had crossed the ocean alone at such a young age with an unknown future. It was not easy.
But Xu Hengyi's doting demeanor, was he treating Xie Jiang like a small toy or a pet?
Where did he get the nerve?
"Oh, right, Second Brother, did Grand Uncle call you over yesterday? Did he talk about Xie Jiang's matter? They won't drive Xie Jiang away now, will they?"
Although Xu Hengyi didn't know anything yet, he had great confidence in his second brother.
As soon as his second brother went to the palace, Xie Jiang was smoothly released from prison. His second brother could even handle His Majesty, so could he not handle those two old stubborn people at home?
Seeing that Xie Jiang was sleeping relatively peacefully, no longer showing the fear and distress she had in the Dali Temple prison, Xu Hengyan was slightly relieved.
"No, Xie Jiang will be staying in Shi'an Courtyard from now on." Moreover, this was His Majesty's decree. Even if his father was unwilling, he could only turn a blind eye.
...
After having breakfast at Madam Xu's place, Xu Hengyi rushed back to Shi'an Courtyard, feeling that Xie Jiang would wake up soon.
Xu Hengyi just felt that if Xie Jiang woke up and the first person she saw was him...
He would feel very proud.
Unlike the Duke of Wei and his brother, who felt they should stay away from people like Xie Jiang.
The female members of the Duke of Wei's mansion were all very fond of Xie Jiang.
Women were naturally attracted to beautiful things, especially a beautiful child.
They all felt that the annihilation of the Marquis of Nanxiong's mansion was deserved!
When you do too many evil deeds, there will always be such a day.
Xie Jiang merely hastened that day, saving countless children from harm. Her actions were truly immeasurable in merit, noble and rare!
Furthermore, after doing so much, Xie Jiang ended up in the Dali Temple prison. It wasn't for herself, but for the countless children who were harmed and killed by the Marquis of Nanxiong's mansion and Lu Baofang. How noble and upright she was.
How could they not like such a person? If Xie Jiang wasn't staying in Xu Hengyan's Shi'an Courtyard, they would have gone to show their affection as soon as she returned yesterday.
They kept Xu Hengyi, asking him about Xie Jiang's condition for a long time before letting him go.
Xu Hengyi muttered all the way, "I feel like I've been neglected."
Upon returning to Shi'an Courtyard, he saw the two maids left by Yi Yancheng guarding outside.
Xu Hengyi's eyes suddenly lit up. "Has Xie Jiang woken up?"
Xu Hengyan had planned to go directly to the study. Upon hearing that Xie Jiang had woken up, he followed Xu Hengyi to the side room.
"Xie Jiang! Xie Jiang—"
The entire Shi'an Courtyard echoed with Xu Hengyi's joyous loud voice.
He saw Xie Jiang leaning against the headboard, lost in thought, her eyes somewhat dazed.
"Xie Jiang! You're finally awake!"
Xu Hengyi excitedly rushed to the bedside and raised a paw to touch Xie Jiang's forehead. Xie Jiang shot him a glance, and the silly grin on Xu Hengyi's face instantly froze.
He quickly hid his paw behind his back.
He, he hadn't done anything.
"Has the fever gone down?"
Xie Jiang weakly remained silent. Xu Hengyi then turned to look at Qian Qiu.
Qian Qiu replied, "No."
"Xie Jiang, what's wrong? You seem a bit silly?" Did the fever damage her brain?
Xu Hengyi asked with worried eyes.
Before Qian Qiu could speak, Xie Jiang opened her mouth, "You're too noisy. Get out."