Xiang Mingli was grabbed the moment he stepped out. He was immediately pummeled with fists and kicks. He was already injured, so it only took a few blows before he passed out cold.

Mrs. Wang didn’t fare any better. She was held down and beaten, screaming bloody murder.

Ye Qianning sat in the courtyard, listening to the report and sneering inwardly. "Don’t kill him," she said. "He’s still useful."

"Don’t worry, Young Miss. He’s been thrown back into the old madam’s courtyard," Luo Xuan reported, his spirits high. "When he wakes up, he probably won’t be able to move an inch."

"You seem happy about this," Ye Qianning said, turning to him.

Luo Xuan’s smile faltered slightly. "The second branch isn’t part of the Xiang family."

At his words, Ye Qianning couldn’t help but laugh. ’If they aren’t family, then we won’t have to watch Dad agonize over hurting his own kin.’

"Miss Xiang."

A guard suddenly appeared in the courtyard.

"Whose guard are you?" Luo Xuan asked, stepping in front of her.

"I am from the Changyang Prince Mansion."

"What is it?" Ye Qianning asked.

"My master, the Prince, and the Princess Consort heard the rumors on the street and came to the General’s Mansion. However, they were blocked by the crowd and couldn’t get in. The Prince and Princess Consort sent me to give Miss Xiang a message: if you encounter any trouble, please go to the Changyang Prince Mansion. The Prince Mansion will offer its full support." As the guard spoke, he presented a bronze plaque. "This is the mansion’s Token. It can be used to mobilize the treasury and the mansion’s guards."

Ye Qianning hadn’t been to the Changyang Prince Mansion in a long time, not since she’d started at the academy. For them to come as soon as trouble befell the General’s Mansion was a true show of friendship. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"We are grateful for their kind intentions, but please take the Token back with you. Tell the Prince and Princess Consort that my father’s life is not in danger right now. Once he has recovered, he will certainly pay them a visit to offer his thanks."

"Yes."

The guard bowed and departed.

"Miss Xiang."

The guard from the Changyang Prince Mansion had just left when another guard leaped into the courtyard.

"I am a guard from the Helian Royal Mansion. There are too many people, so my Prince could not get through. He sent me with guards to protect you and General Xiang."

As he finished speaking, SWOOSH, a dozen or so guards filed into the courtyard in perfect formation.

"There’s no major crisis here, so we won’t be needing guards. Please thank the Helian Royal Mansion for their kind intentions on my behalf," Ye Qianning said.

"My Prince is worried about you, Miss Xiang. It would be best if you let us stay," the lead guard said, taking a step forward.

Luo Xuan immediately blocked him. "The guards in our own mansion are more than enough."

"Many hands make light work," the guard from the Helian Royal Mansion chuckled.

"Really, there’s no need. Please go back. If I need more men, I will certainly send someone to the Prince Mansion to ask for them," Ye Qianning said with a wry smile.

"Well... alright, then."

The guard from the Helian Royal Mansion hesitated for a moment before waving his hand and leading his men away.

"Miss Xiang."

Another voice called out.

Ye Qianning’s mouth twitched. There were quite a few people hiding in the shadows. ’Are they all lined up, waiting to send their people over one by one?’

"I am from the Third Prince’s mansion..."

"I am from Lou Mountain Academy..."

"I am from Minister Qian’s Mansion..."

"..."

One after another, they came, either offering men or money. ’I don’t look that poor, do I?’

Ye Qianning sent them away one by one. Turning her head, she saw someone perched atop the wall. It was a fair-faced youth in plain clothes who had clearly huffed and puffed his way up there and had been watching for quite some time.

"And which mansion are you from?" she couldn’t help but ask.

The fair-faced youth hadn’t expected her to look his way. Startled, he lost his balance and tumbled off the wall. He scrambled to his feet, clutching his side and wincing in pain.

Watching his movements, Ye Qianning realized what he was. ’So he’s a young eunuch.’

"Greetings, Miss Xiang." The young eunuch walked up to her and performed a full kowtow.

"Get up and speak."