People’s emotions are contagious, and seeing her family distressed made Daohua very agitated herself, especially since the engagement between her and Xiao Yeyang was under the Emperor’s control, and the Emperor was not someone their family could hurry along.
Daohua felt uneasy and found it difficult to confide in her family. After some thought, she asked Wang Manman to prepare some medicinal herbs and daily necessities, changed into men’s clothing, and went to visit Dong Yuanyao again.
...
Daohua arrived directly by carriage to the alley where the Dong Family’s residence was located in South City. She got off the carriage and proceeded towards the Dong Family with Wang Manman and Bi Shi.
Along the way, the trio heard arguing voices coming from the end of the alley.
South City was chaotic, Daohua had no intention of meddling in other’s affairs. However, as she was about to knock on the Dong Family’s gate, a sudden, overtly angry female voice reached her ears.
"Miss, it seems to be Miss Dong’s voice," Wang Manman immediately said.
Daohua frowned slightly and gestured to Bald and Zhuzi who were guarding by the carriage.
South City was a place of mixed repute; whenever she came here, she brought along Bald and Zhuzi, who were skilled in martial arts, for security.
Once they approached her, Daohua quickly walked towards the end of the alley.
"Yuanyao, is that you?"
From a distance away from the alley’s end, Daohua called out loudly.
The people in the alley looked up, saw Daohua’s group, stopped arguing, and before Daohua could get closer, a man in brocade clothes came out from around the corner, glanced at Daohua and her companions, and left with his followers.
Once they left, Daohua hurried over and saw Dong Yuanyao and her maid Hong Ying at the corner.
At that moment, Dong Yuanyao’s face still bore a visible expression of shame and anger.
Daohua quickly asked, "Yuanyao, are you alright?"
Dong Yuanyao shook her head and forced a weak smile, "I am fine."
Daohua did not question further but rather led Dong Yuanyao away from the spot.
They found a teahouse to sit down, and then Daohua asked, "Who was that just now?"
Dong Yuanyao had calmed down somewhat, but her tone was still somewhat agitated, "He was Luo Hongyuan."
Daohua’s eyes widened, "Luo Hongyuan? The one who was engaged to you from the Duke Residence?"
Dong Yuanyao grimaced and nodded.
Daohua asked, "You have already broken off the engagement, why did he come looking for you?"
Lips pursed, Dong Yuanyao did not answer and looked troubled.
Unable to hold back, Hong Ying angrily interjected, "That scoundrel Luo Hongyuan! Seeing the Dong Family’s downfall, he actually wants my mistress to become his concubine!"
Dong Yuanyao took Daohua’s hand, "Thank you, Yiyi."
Daohua shook her head smilingly, "I’ve told you not to be so formal with me."
Dong Yuanyao changed the subject, "How have you been these last few days?"
Daohua glanced at Dong Yuanyao, somewhat helplessly, "You’ve heard the rumors about Xiao Yeyang and me?"
Dong Yuanyao nodded.
Daohua huffed, "The Jiang Family really is capable!"
Sighing, Dong Yuanyao said, "Yiyi, I know the Little Prince is good to you, but you must not underestimate the Jiang Family. Did you know that in Beijing, the Jiangs were once so influential they were nicknamed ’Jiang Half Court’? Not to mention the Empress Dowager and the Empress, there were numerous powerful officials in the court who leaned on the Jiang Family."
"Even though the Emperor has been consolidating power in recent years and has eradicated the Eight Princes Party, the nickname ’Jiang Half Court’ gradually decreased in usage. Yet even so, compared to the Jiang Family, the Little Prince’s roots are still too shallow."
Daohua was stunned, Jiang Half Court? This was new to her.
No wonder the Emperor was so wary of the Jiang Family, she couldn’t bear it either!
Dong Yuanyao continued, "The Jiang Family has always been domineering, and you and I both know Jiang Wanying’s intentions towards the Little Prince. You must be very cautious. In Beijing, underneath its splendid veneer lies all manner of filth and secretive affairs."
Daohua nodded solemnly, "Don’t worry, I’ll be careful."
After talking with Dong Yuanyao for a while and seeing her in low spirits, Daohua decided to return to the residence.
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