Chapter 288 Vacation cancelled, no adjustment!
After getting on the carriage, we rushed all the way back to Jiying Lane.

After a while, the carriage stopped in front of the Sheng Mansion.

Although it is curfew now and we should return home early, Hualan is still inside. Yang Wenyuan should go in and report that she is safe to comfort Hualan no matter what.

Entered Shou'an Hall.

As soon as I entered the room, I saw Old Madam Sheng sitting on the chair with a worried look on her face, and Hua Lan sitting beside her.

It was not until she saw Minglan return safely and made sure that Minglan did not look bullied that Old Lady Sheng showed some relief. However, she still could not help but scolded:

"It's dark outside and there are so many people around. How dare a girl like you be alone?"

Upon seeing this, Minglan immediately put on a silly smile on her face, successfully making it impossible for Mrs. Sheng to complain.

Old Madam Sheng didn't say much, she just nodded and thanked Yang Wenyuan:

"Wenyuan, tonight is all thanks to you."

Yang Wenyuan felt unworthy of the honor and quickly waved his hands.

Tonight's incident only concerns Rong Feiyan. Even if he is not there to watch over them, the Sheng family will be unharmed. At most, they will just be slower in returning home.

After talking for a few more words, Old Lady Sheng asked Yang Wenyuan:

"There was such a big commotion outside tonight that even the government office and the patrol camp were alarmed. Wenyuan, did you get any information along the way?"

Whenever faced with such a big storm, obtaining first-hand reliable information is the most important thing for many families, but the Sheng family has no strengths in this regard.

Therefore, taking advantage of the fact that Yang Wenyuan was present, Mrs. Sheng asked.

Yang Wenyuan looked a little embarrassed.

The reason why Rong Xian could tell him about Rong Feiyan's affairs, without caring about Chang Bai who was beside him, was because Rong Xian knew that he could not hide the matter from him, and he was also sure that he and Chang Bai would not tell the matter to anyone else before the result was determined.

After all, Rong Feiyan's matter was too urgent, and the golden rescue period had not yet passed. What if Rong Xian rescued her, and I told others that Rong Xian's sister was kidnapped...

It’s hard to say this.

Of course, it wasn't that Yang Wenyuan didn't trust Old Lady Sheng, it was just that not only was Old Lady Sheng in the room, but Rulan, Molan and others were also listening...

Yang Wenyuan couldn't guarantee anything for them.

However, since Old Lady Sheng finally asked, Yang Wenyuan couldn't avoid talking about it. However, he didn't say what happened specifically, but only talked about the seriousness of the matter:
"Not only the government offices and patrol battalions are dispatched tonight, but even the Central Imperial Guard has sent a team of 100 infantrymen."

"The Imperial Guards are also dispatched?"

Mrs. Sheng immediately showed surprise and said:

"Did this matter alarm the palace?"

Yang Wenyuan nodded silently, but then immediately comforted him:
"But don't worry, grandma. The trouble that happened tonight has nothing to do with us. Just wait and see."

Only then did Mrs. Sheng feel relieved.

Afterwards, Yang Wenyuan also walked aside and chatted with Hualan for a few words.

Finally:

"You can relax and stay at home tonight. When I have figured out everything, I will come home to report and take you back tomorrow."

She had just been hit at the Lantern Festival, and the carriage was not very comfortable to sit in. Yang Wenyuan was worried about letting Hualan ride back home again.

"Well, sir, you can go back without any worries."

Yang Wenyuan nodded, bowed and left with everyone else, saying:
"There's a curfew on the streets, and I need to get home early."

"Changbai, go and see your brother-in-law off."

"Yes!"

The next morning.

Ever since there was a sudden and confusing commotion in the city last night, not only was the Lantern Festival cancelled, but even the Lantern Festival holidays for all officials in the city of Bianliang were also canceled by the government.

If the Lantern Festival is gone, what’s the point of having a Lantern Festival holiday?

So this morning, officials from all departments got up early and went to the morning court obediently.

Yang Wenyuan, Sheng Hong and Changbai are no exception.

Moreover, compared with Sheng Hong, Yang Wenyuan and Changbai are even more miserable.

Sheng Hong did not have to be on duty today and could go home after attending the morning court session, but the two of them had to go through the Hongwenguan and wait until the court session was dismissed in the afternoon before they could go home.

There's something off about the atmosphere in the city right now.

Therefore, Sheng Hong, who always adhered to the prudent approach, hurried home after attending the morning court, and then ordered his servants to close the door of his house tightly.

After that, he rushed all the way to Shou'an Hall to look for Old Madam Sheng, the current "brain trust of the Sheng family."

Yang Wenyuan originally wanted to take Hualan back early in the morning, but at this moment he was conscripted into the palace, so Hualan was still staying at the Sheng family, sitting and chatting with Old Lady Sheng.

Shou'an Hall.

After Sheng Hong entered the room, he did not shy away from Hua Lan, and even wanted her to discuss the matter. He directly told her all the information he had heard in the court:
"The court reported that the Nung bandits in the southwest were dispersed by Commander Yang Du who went south. A group of vagrant soldiers who were still determined to kill the bandits were fleeing all the way to Bianjing, dreaming of catching the leader first. In order to prevent any accidents, the lantern festival was stopped and the tourists were dispersed."

As he spoke, Sheng Hong still looked depressed:
"For this reason, the emperor has also ordered that daily court sessions will be resumed from today, and officials from all departments are not allowed to take leave."

Workers' holidays have been cancelled and there is no chance of compensatory leave. It is hard not to feel depressed at the moment.

"This group of rebels caused trouble in my hometown of Youyang years ago. We originally thought it was just a small fight as usual, but who would have thought it would cause the imperial guards to go to the southwest. We thought the matter was over, but who would have thought it would cause such a commotion again." Hearing this, Old Lady Sheng shook her head and sighed.

"Yes, the North finally had some peace, but in the past few years the court has been at war with the one in the west, and now the South is also in turmoil."

Sheng Hong thought about the endless disputes in the court, which caused officials to lose interest in state affairs, and said with a worried look on his face:
"It's really a matter of internal and external troubles, it's really worrying!"

"correct!"

Sheng Hong thought that the general who quelled the rebellion in the south was Yang Wenyuan's uncle. As the eldest lady of the Yang family, Hualan must be more informed than himself, so he immediately asked Hualan with an eager look:

"Hua'er, do you know anything about this group of soldiers? How big is it?"

Hua Lan frowned slightly, with an uncertain look on her face:

"I haven't read many military-related letters from your residence, but I vaguely remember that before the New Year, my uncle sent me a letter saying that the southwest had won a great victory and that they would be able to return to the capital before summer. Could there be stray troops that could threaten Bianjing now?"

"Is there still this?"

Sheng Hong naturally believed Hua Lan's words, and was also sure that the letter Yang Yuqing sent back home would not deceive anyone.

Since the southwest had won a great victory, where would the stray troops come from to threaten Bianliang?

Could it be that the provincial capitals along the way could just watch a group of soldiers galloping along?
"There is something wrong with this."

At this moment, Old Lady Sheng thought of what Yang Wenyuan said last night, so she asked in confusion:

"When Wenyuan sent his brothers and sisters back last night, he said that the matter had alarmed the palace and even the imperial guards were dispatched. If it was just a group of vagrant soldiers, why would there be such a big fuss?"

"Not to mention that in the past, even if there was a war at this time, the Lantern Festival was still going on as usual, and it never stopped. But now, there is only a group of soldiers heading towards Bianjing. It is not certain whether they can pass the Acropolis. How can it affect Bianjing City? It makes the court panic?"

"Mother is right!"

Sheng Hong nodded in agreement, then looked puzzled and asked:

"But other than the riots, what else could it be?"

"The emperor is in good health and attended the morning court today. If I think about it carefully, I can't find anything wrong with it."

"In fact, the master did say a few words to me last night. I don't know if it has anything to do with this matter." While Sheng Hong and Old Lady Sheng were puzzled, Hua Lan suddenly spoke up. "Oh? What did you say?" Sheng Hong immediately cheered up and asked.

The sooner he knew what happened last night, the sooner he could respond, so as not to be affected inexplicably.

"The official said that he saw Rong Xian of the Marquis of Fuchang's mansion last night."

The city of Bianjing was full of dignitaries. As a progressive middle-aged man who sought to win by maintaining stability, Sheng Hong had done background checks on those portals that were on the rise.

Therefore, when Hua Lan mentioned the name "Rong Xian", Sheng Hong only had to think about it for a moment and immediately found out who this person was:
"Rong Xian, Rong Fei's biological brother? The one who is currently serving in the Imperial Guards?"

Hua Lan immediately turned her head and looked at Sheng Hong with a puzzled look, not understanding why her father knew so much about Rong Xian.

"It's him." Hua Lan nodded.

“This is really unexpected.”

Sheng Hong smacked his lips and said:
"I thought Rong Xian was just a man who relied on his sister Yu Hui to gain seniority in the Imperial Guards. Who would have thought that he was on duty in the palace during the Lantern Festival last night."

Sheng Hong couldn't help but nodded, stroking his beard and praising:

"This diligence alone is rare among the children of aristocratic families!"

Old Madam Sheng thought more deeply than Sheng Hong did. She turned to Hua Lan and asked:

"Did he say anything else to you?"

Hua Lan shook her head affirmatively:

"That's what I said."

Seeing this, Old Lady Sheng said to herself:

"Why did Wenyuan mention this? Could it be because... this matter is related to the Rong family?"

Sheng Hong was also startled, then suddenly realized:

"Most likely!"

"Otherwise, even if Rong Xian was diligent on duty today, he probably wouldn't be allowed to do such a tough job."

This kind of investigation and search for murderers is the most time-consuming and tiring task, and it often does not fall to people with connections. At most, they are asked to cooperate in the case, and then they are left alone.

"It's probably something related to the Rong family."

Old Madam Sheng was almost certain and said:

"Otherwise, apart from his family, how many other families in Bianjing City can not only get the palace to help, but also help cover up in the court today?"

"Now all I have to do is wait for news at home."

As she spoke, Old Lady Sheng turned to look at Sheng Hong and said:

"Your eldest wife has also visited her sister-in-law from the Wang family. Who knows, she might bring back some news."

In the past, before the relationship with the Yang family, the Sheng family was completely in the dark about the changes in the court and could only rely on Wang Ruofu to inquire from the old lady of the Wang family and the sisters and sisters-in-law.

So, the Sheng family really benefited a lot from Wang Ruofu.

Sheng Hong nodded and responded:
"Thank you for your hard work, ma'am."

After asking for help on behalf of the absent Wang Ruofu, Old Lady Sheng turned to Hua Lan and explained:

"Your mother is also thinking about her family, so it would be good to get more information. Besides, we also need to visit the Wang family."

Hualan had no complaints and readily agreed.

The sun is setting.

When the sky began to darken and it was almost time for the government to close, Wang Ruofu finally returned.

Under the eager gazes of the crowd, Wang Ruofu stepped into the room impatiently, with an expression as if she had eaten something big.

After taking a quick sip of tea to quench his thirst, Wang Ruofu couldn't wait to speak out:

"You may not believe this, but Rong Fei's sister also went to watch the lanterns at the Lantern Festival last night. But halfway through her journey, she was suddenly kidnapped by a group of people and has disappeared without a trace!"

Although Sheng Hong had already anticipated that this matter might be related to the Rong family, Wang Ruofu's words were truly earth-shattering.

In the city of Bianjing, at the feet of the emperor, someone kidnapped the emperor's sister-in-law in the street?

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Sheng Hong couldn't help but retort:

"Rong Fei's sister is of such a noble status, how could she be abducted during the Lantern Festival? Did you hear it wrongly?"

Wang Ruofu was in high spirits at the moment, but was suddenly interrupted by Sheng Hong, which dampened her mood. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at him:
"Sir, if you can't find out the inside story, don't blame others. I have very sharp ears! I can't miss a single word!"

Sheng Hong felt a little embarrassed after being rebuked by Wang Ruofu in front of a group of juniors, but he had gotten used to it over the years.

I simply digested the embarrassment in my heart, turned around and laughed:

"You are not a good manager. Your subordinates just said a few words for your consideration, but you insisted on squeezing them out."

Then he laughed to himself and said:

"Forget it, forget it. I just hope you can tell me soon, madam. Everyone in the room is waiting anxiously."

Wang Ruofu immediately looked like a victorious rooster, raised her neck and snorted with pride, then continued:
"If you ask me, it's just that the second young lady of the Rong family is unlucky. The Lantern Festival is so lively, and this year's Aoshan is said to be more spectacular, but the whole area is packed with people, and she insisted on going to see the big Aoshan."

When everyone heard this, they immediately realized that the incident happened near Aoshan Mountain.

Therefore, the few people in the room who had also been to Aoshan that night were feeling relieved but also secretly weak, and buried their heads in silence.

"The results of it?"

Wang Ruofu shook his head repeatedly and sighed:
"There were more than a dozen servants and maids surrounding him, but in the blink of an eye, he was gone. He was abducted!"

"Oh my God!" Hualan was so shocked that her beautiful eyes widened.

She never expected that the "danger" last night would be so close.

"At the feet of the emperor, during the Lantern Festival, a prince and a noblewoman were missing?"

Old Madam Sheng immediately told Sheng Hong:
"It seems that the world is a bit chaotic nowadays. We should be careful in everything we do."

Sheng Hong was also surprised and nodded repeatedly to assure:
"Don't worry, mother. I have issued a strict order to the whole family. Except for Changbai and I who go to court every day, other people who want to go out must get your approval first."

After saying this, Sheng Hong thought for a moment, then turned to Wang Ruofu and said:

"Of course, we need the lady's consent."

Only then did Wang Ruofu look better.

Since she had saved her face, Wang Ruofu was good at talking to people, so she quickly said:
"Sir, let mother decide on this matter. It's not a big deal for me."

Old Madam Sheng immediately shook her head and said:

"This is your duty as the head lady of the family. You just need to watch over it."

After some humble and polite remarks, Wang Ruofu finally agreed reluctantly.

But the excitement between his brows could not be suppressed.

(End of this chapter)