My elder brother and Miao Yin often came to see me, and my younger sister would drop by, telling me amusing stories about her latest matchmaking attempts. I continued to eat and drink as usual, taking Xiao Huang and Yuan Xiang to the study, and painting when I had free time, though every painting turned out to be An Jin’s face, which was quite frustrating.
Anxin was detained in the dungeon for five nights when a significant commotion finally broke out. I was sleeping lightly and was startled awake, quickly throwing on my clothes and stepping outside. Mother-in-law was already standing in the courtyard, saying gravely, “They’re here.”
Father-in-law struggled out of the room but was helped back by mother-in-law. Que’er rushed in from outside, unusually serious. “Madam, many soldiers have arrived.”
Finally, they’re here. I took a deep breath, barely suppressing my anxiety. “Let me go take a look.”
I will not allow any rash actions. We should first gather more evidence.”
The assistant minister’s eyes narrowed. “Evidence? You think you can protect the An family? This is a matter of national security!”
“We’re innocent!” I shouted, feeling a surge of defiance. “You can’t just take us without proof!”
A tense silence enveloped the scene, the soldiers hesitant. Duan Chang took a step closer, his voice softening. “Let’s discuss this calmly. We can work together to clear any misunderstandings.”
Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the edge of the gathering. A figure dashed past the torches, cloaked and hooded, evading the soldiers’ grasp. Gasps erupted from the crowd as the shadowy figure sprinted toward the forest.
“Stop that person!” the assistant minister yelled, his authority momentarily eclipsed by the chaos.
Soldiers broke ranks, dashing off in pursuit of the mysterious figure. I watched, my heart racing, an inexplicable hope arising. Could this rogue be my chance to find answers—or perhaps to escape?
“Madam, we must take you inside!” Duan Chang insisted, but I stayed rooted to the spot, my mind racing.
In this moment, everything changed. I realized I couldn’t rely on anyone but myself. I had to act, and act swiftly.
The weight of the situation pressed down on me as I turned to face Duan Chang, the gravity of our plight hanging in the air. “I need to know more about Anxin’s involvement before I decide anything.”
