The old emperor laughed at these words. Wen Mohan was absolutely devoted to Xiao Man, doing whatever she asked. If she told him to go east, he would never go west, especially considering Wen Mohan's limited experience.
"Hu Wan, who do you think I trust the most?"
Hu Wan stepped forward with a fawning smile, "Your Majesty, could it be me?"
The old emperor glanced at Hu Wan, finding it amusing. "With your brain, could you be the mastermind?"
Hu Wan quickly replied, "I don't have that much capability."
"Besides you, the people I trust most are the leader of the Dragon Riders and the leader of the Dragon Shadow Guard."
Hu Wan thought carefully. "Your Majesty, you've missed someone."
"Who?"
"The Imperial Advisor," Hu Wan said with a smile. "Your Majesty has always respected the Imperial Advisor. However, he is known for his detachment from fame and fortune and his disinterest in worldly affairs, so it's not surprising that Your Majesty didn't recall him immediately."
"The Imperial Advisor..." the old emperor frowned. The Imperial Advisor was skilled in both literary and military arts, and few could match him. He had placed great trust in the Imperial Advisor. It wasn't just him; the Xiao family also held him in high regard and trusted him. Xiao Man, in particular, had been taught by the Imperial Advisor and shared a master-disciple relationship. The Imperial Advisor wouldn't have harmed Xiao Zhen. Who, then, was the killer?
The emperor wracked his brain but could not fathom who the suspect was.
When Xiao Man returned to the General's manor, she saw the Old Madam Xiao admiring flowers in the garden. Upon seeing her return, the Old Madam immediately stood up, "You're back."
Xiao Man nodded, "Old Madam, you have a good disposition."
"Staying indoors all day can make even a healthy person feel unwell, so I came out for a stroll." The Old Madam Xiao stood up, "You've lost weight recently. Have you been eating properly?"
Xiao Man's expression remained unchanged. "Does Old Madam have something to say?"
The Old Madam's expression shifted; she wanted to smile but couldn't. "I... I was just worried about you."
"Does Old Madam think I would believe that?" Xiao Man looked at her calmly. "Now, we are in this together. I hope you won't cause any trouble, or I won't be so lenient."
The Old Madam Xiao lowered her gaze. Could she never gain Xiao Man's forgiveness or trust, no matter what? She had tried her best to please her, but in Xiao Man's eyes, her intentions were malicious. Was this the retribution for her past misdeeds?
"You've been going out early and returning late recently. I'm a little worried about you..."
"Old Madam doesn't need to worry about me. If the person behind all this wants to harm me, they will have to think twice." Xiao Man's voice was cold. "As for Mother, there are many patients recently, and Mother is very busy, which is why she's returning home late."
The Old Madam Xiao took two steps forward. "Have you... had dinner? I asked the kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes."
Xiao Man frowned slightly. "Shui Yue Xiao Zhu has a small kitchen, and meals are prepared daily. Old Madam doesn't need to worry."
With that, Xiao Man headed towards Shui Yue Xiao Zhu. The Old Madam Xiao quickly reached out and tugged at Xiao Man's sleeve. "That... I asked the kitchen to make your favorite sweet and sour pork ribs."
Granny Xu quickly stepped forward. "Eldest Miss, Old Madam has been waiting for you to dine together and hasn't had dinner yet."
Xiao Man turned and saw the Old Madam Xiao looking expectant but hesitant. She couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The former Old Madam Xiao was an imperious woman, but this current Old Madam Xiao was merely an elderly woman in her twilight years.
"I... if you're busy..."
Xiao Man sighed and turned towards the dining hall. "Have the meal served. Don't wait for me to dine in the future."
Upon hearing this, the Old Madam Xiao's face bloomed with a smile. She had Granny Xu support her as she followed Xiao Man towards the dining hall, instructing people to serve the meal quickly as they walked.
At the dinner table, the Old Madam Xiao lovingly served Xiao Man dishes. Watching Xiao Man eat in silence, a pang of sadness welled up in her heart. They used to sit together like this, grandmother and granddaughter. Back then, Xiao Man would always offer her the best food first. It was her mistake that had hurt Xiao Man's feelings. Now, she knew she was wrong, but was it too late?
Xiao Man's early departures and late returns became more frequent, leaving her almost unseen daily. The Old Madam Xiao would watch from the second gate every day, but as night fell and the houses lit up, Xiao Man was still nowhere to be seen, filling her with worry and disappointment.
"Miss, Old Madam has been waiting for you at the second gate every day for the past few days," Yin Zhu said as she unfastened Xiao Man's hair.
Xiao Man waved her hand, signaling Yin Zhu to stop. "That's enough, don't bother. You've worked hard these days. My father's full seventh day memorial is approaching. Tomorrow, please represent me and accompany Madam and Old Madam to Gan Ye Temple to pray for my father."
Yin Zhu put down the wooden comb. "Your servant obeys, Miss. I know you are a person of great ambition, and though I may not understand much, I will support whatever you do."
"Even if your mistress were to turn the world upside down, you would still support me?"
"Yes."
Xiao Man was amused and reached out to pinch Yin Zhu's cheek. "Silly girl, go get some rest. You'll be busy enough from now on. Don't worry, your mistress will not abandon you."
Yin Zhu immediately felt relieved. She had always been perceptive, and from Ying Xue's scattered remarks, she had guessed the gist of it. Miss was planning to leave the capital. She didn't know where, but she wanted to stay by Xiao Man's side.
"Thank you, Miss."
Xiao Man told Yin Zhu to rest and then called for Ying Xue.
"Miss, what are your orders?"
"My father's full seventh day is approaching. Go and send a message to Madam, asking her to accompany Old Madam to Gan Ye Temple tomorrow to pray for Father. Have Yin Zhu and Granny Xu go with them," Xiao Man said slowly. "If Old Madam asks, tell her that the prayer is for seven days, and they will return after seven days."
"Yes, Miss."
Most of the General's manor staff were old soldiers who had followed Xiao Zhen onto the battlefield. After years of facing life and death, Xiao Man had made arrangements for their future, but none were willing to leave, which gave Xiao Man a headache.
"Miss, everything is ready," Qin Xue appeared in the room. "There are still five days until the third day of the third month."
Xiao Man looked up, her eyes filled with a murderous aura. "All preparations are made. We are just waiting for the east wind."
"Miss, when will the east wind arrive?"
"When the time comes, the east wind will arrive," Xiao Man said softly. "Arrange for people to look after Gan Ye Temple."
"Miss, rest assured, everything is arranged," Qin Xue replied. "However, there is one matter that this subordinate does not understand."
"Are you asking about Old Madam Xiao?"
"Yes." Qin Xue did not hide her thoughts. "Old Madam Xiao has tried to harm you time and time again, yet why do you still..."
"Some people always think they are acting for your own good, but they don't realize they are falling into someone else's trap. She meant well but did wrong. Moreover, she has a son and a granddaughter; she naturally prioritizes her son, as he is her heart's desire. This is understandable," Xiao Man said slowly. "Now, she is all that remains of the Xiao family. Even if not for the sake of the Xiao family, for Father's sake, I cannot abandon her."