Luo Sheng’s mind was filled with the words “Prince Zhennan’s youngest son” echoing repeatedly.

Prince Zhennan’s youngest son and the guard who rescued him had been captured and escorted to the capital—

She finally couldn’t help but glance at Luo Chen beside her.

Bao’er was clearly right here. Who was this Prince Zhennan’s youngest son that Pingli mentioned?

“Impossible!”

Meeting Pingli’s slightly surprised gaze, Luo Sheng suppressed the tumultuous waves in her heart and said in a deep voice, “My father is utterly loyal to His Majesty. How could he possibly do such a thing!”

Pingli looked at Luo Sheng with a somewhat helpless gaze, as if facing a child who didn’t understand. “Third Miss, stop making a fuss. I will investigate this clearly.”

The corner of Luo Sheng’s mouth twitched slightly.

The word “fuss” was truly interesting. If it were the real Miss Luo suddenly encountering such a thing and hearing Pingli say this, she would probably instantly fly into a rage.

Luo Sheng became even calmer, staring at Pingli expressionlessly and asking, “How does Big Brother plan to investigate clearly?”

Pingli’s eyes flickered.

It had to be said, Third Miss’s reaction was beyond his expectations.

If this girl made a fuss, it would actually be easier to handle. With the Grand Commander’s manor facing such disaster, ordering someone to look after Miss Luo so she wouldn’t come out and cause trouble—no one would say anything.

“Naturally, I’ll investigate whether the official who accused sworn father was instigated by anyone, whether there’s some misunderstanding in all this…” Pingli’s eyes held concealed impatience. “Third Miss, I will handle these matters. You and Eldest Sister just wait patiently.”

“Wait patiently?” Luo Sheng looked at Pingli, her eyes full of fear. “Big Brother, if His Majesty determines that Father committed a crime, isn’t that a charge that extends to nine generations of relatives? Then you would also become a guilty person. How could you still clear Father’s name?”

At these words, the concubines’ crying suddenly grew louder.

Pingli’s mouth twitched as he comforted, “It hasn’t reached that point yet. Since it concerns the traitorous Prince Zhennan’s manor, everything must be investigated clearly before there can be a conclusion.”

“In other words, there’s still time left for Big Brother?”

Pingli found these words inexplicably awkward.

What did she mean there was still time left for him? As if his time was running out.

But looking again at the young lady on the verge of tears, it seemed he was overthinking.

Pingli had no choice but to nod.

“Where was Father taken?”

“Currently imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice.”

Luo Sheng’s eyes widened slightly. “Then why is Big Brother still at the Grand Commander’s manor? Why haven’t you rushed to the Ministry of Justice to check?”

Pingli: “…”

Suppressing his anger, Pingli said gently, “I’m going right now. Third Miss, don’t lose your composure. Stay peacefully at the manor and wait.”

“Alright, I’ll wait for Big Brother’s news.”

Pingli breathed a slight sigh of relief. After greeting Luo Chen and the others, he quickly departed with a squad of Jinlin Guards.

Luo Sheng watched coldly as these people disappeared at the vermilion-lacquered gate. The tears in her eyes receded, returning to clarity.

“Close the main gate properly!”

In the Luo manor, Miss Luo was accustomed to having her word be law. Servants immediately went to close the main gate.

Luo Sheng surveyed the scene in a circle, her gaze settling on the First Concubine’s face. “First Concubine, the household affairs are entrusted to you. Everything should proceed as normal.”

“Miss, rest assured.”

Luo Sheng looked at Luo Chen. “You are our family’s only male heir. Look after your elder sisters.”

“Where are you going?” Luo Chen heard the implication in Luo Sheng’s words.

“I’m returning to You Jian Tavern.”

Everyone was stunned hearing this.

At a time like this, Third Miss still had the mind to return to You Jian Tavern?

But Luo Chen seemed to guess something. After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded. “Alright, come back early.”

Sheng Sanlang caught up with Luo Sheng. “Cousin, what about me?”

Luo Sheng pondered briefly and said, “Cousin, come back to the tavern with me. We also need people there.”

Sheng Sanlang couldn’t understand why they should return to the tavern at such a time, but silently followed.

He didn’t understand these conflicts and had no great ability. What he could do was advance and retreat together with his cousin and younger male cousin.

If Cousin told him to return to the tavern, then he would return to the tavern.

The sky suddenly became overcast. Before the sun had set, the sky had already darkened.

The blue wine banner in front of You Jian Tavern trembled and shook in the cold wind. The dim yellow lamplight shining from within the tavern also appeared rather desolate.

Winter seemed to have arrived all at once.

In such cold and gloomy dimness, that crimson figure became especially striking.

The moment Luo Sheng saw Wei Han, she wasn’t surprised at all.

She didn’t like deceiving herself. Given Prince Kaiyang’s words and actions these past days, she could have anticipated he would come.

She returned to the tavern not because he was coming, but seeing him arrive at this moment when everything was precarious, that cold and icy heart was still inevitably touched.

She wasn’t naturally a heartless person. Sadness, fear, hatred… even being moved—the emotions she should have were not lacking.

Wei Han strode over.

“Your Highness has come early today.”

Wei Han gazed at the young lady whose expression remained composed. “No, I came late.”

Luo Sheng’s eyelids trembled lightly, her tone unchanged. “The tavern is open for business as usual today. Please enter, Your Highness.”

“I won’t go in. There are still matters to attend to. I came to tell Miss Luo that I will investigate your esteemed father’s situation as quickly as possible.”

Luo Sheng was silent for a moment, then slightly bent her knees. “Then many thanks to Your Highness.”

“Shi Huo and the other two will temporarily remain at the tavern to help with odd jobs. Miss Luo, if you have any matters, feel free to instruct them.”

Three young men stood behind Wei Han. Shi Huo at the front had been seen not long ago at Golden Water River bank. Shi Yi’s face was seen every day. The young man in the middle was being seen for the first time, though his features were familiar.

Wei Han glanced at them and said lightly, “Introduce yourselves to Miss Luo.”

“This subordinate is Shi Huo.”

“This subordinate is Shi Yan.”

“This subordinate is Shi Yi.”

The three brothers clasped their fists and saluted Luo Sheng.

Shi Yan, dressed as a tavern server, hesitated and didn’t speak.

He had long been a person of the tavern. There was no need to be so formal.

“Your Highness need not do this—”

“Miss Luo need not be formal.” Wei Han interrupted her words, turned, and departed.

Luo Sheng stood at the entrance, not moving for a moment.

The three Shi Huo brothers stood with hands at their sides, not saying a word.

Shi Yan came over. “Miss Luo, if there’s anything, why not go inside to make arrangements?”

Luo Sheng lifted her feet and walked into the tavern.

The main hall was filled with the fragrance of wine. It seemed no different from usual.

Luo Sheng walked to the counter area and sat down.

“Cousin, what do we do next?”

“Cousin, just do things as usual.”

“Uh…” Sheng Sanlang wanted to speak but hesitated. In the end, he silently picked up a white towel and draped it over his shoulder.

Luo Sheng returned to the tavern to wait for someone: Minister Zhao who governed the Ministry of Justice.

If he didn’t come, she would take the initiative to meet him.

However, after encountering Wei Han, she changed her mind.

Since Prince Kaiyang said he would go investigate the situation, she might as well wait and see.

Understanding more of the situation before acting was better than rushing blindly like a headless fly seeking any doctor.

The time for the tavern to open for business arrived. The aroma of food gradually wafted out. But from when the tavern opened its doors until closing time, not a single patron came.

Looking at the young lady sitting alone at the counter, Sheng Sanlang felt uncomfortable and carefully comforted her. “Cousin, don’t be sad. These people not coming is their loss.”

Luo Sheng smiled. “Seeking benefit and avoiding harm is human nature. It seems the news spread quite quickly. Let’s return to the manor.”

The group, including the Shi Huo brothers, walked through the cold frost back to the Grand Commander’s manor.