Upon hearing this, Ning Wanwan’s heart sank, her face turned pale.
The two officials realized he was indeed a noble person, reportedly the biological father of Lin Zhengyang. They quickly bowed, saying, “Greetings, Princess.”
“No need for formalities,” Ning Wanwan said, “I’ve come to see my father. I hope you can accommodate me.”
The guards exchanged glances, and one hesitated before saying, “…Very well, Princess, please follow me.” He led the way.
Ning Wanwan and Fuyi followed the guards inside, while Xu Niang and the servant were stopped. She anxiously called out, “Young Mistress!”
Ning Wanwan turned and told the leading guard, “They are my people.”
The guard then waved to let them in, and Xu Niang and the servant hurriedly followed with their belongings.
As they entered the dungeon, a damp, bloody smell assaulted them.
Fuyi and Xu Niang’s servant quickly covered their noses, cowering in fear. Only Ning Wanwan remained calm, as if she had been to this dungeon countless times, having been confined in a lightless Cold Palace for nearly three years.
The prison guard led them down a row of cells for serious criminals.
In the gloomy corridor, thin hands stretched out from the bars, weakly crying, “Save me, save me…”
Fuyi and Xu Niang huddled behind Ning Wanwan, frightened, until they reached the last cell.
Lin Zhengyang rushed over, peering through the bars. Seeing Ning Wanwan, he exclaimed, “Waner?!”
Ning Wanwan, standing quietly outside the cell, looked at him with a distant gaze.
The guard reminded them, “Lin Zhengyang is a serious criminal who hasn’t been tried yet, so the conversation cannot be too long.”
Fuyi slipped a gold ingot into the guard’s hand, saying, “Thank you, sir.”
The guard happily accepted it and turned to leave.
Lin Zhengyang and Ning Wanwan exchanged glances; his joy gradually turned to shame and dejection.
Xu Niang called out, “My lord.”
Lin Zhengyang forced a weak smile upon noticing her, “You’re here too.”
Xu Niang quickly approached him, pushing a bundle through the cell bars, “It’s cold inside. I’ve brought some thick clothes for you.”
Lin Zhengyang took the bundle, surprised that this usually neglected concubine would think of him in his time of trouble. “…You’re thoughtful.”
After a long silence, Ning Wanwan asked, “Do you know what crime you’ve committed?”
