In Beijing, there never seemed to be an end to the fresh topics of gossip. Last month, everyone was discussing the imperial edict that arranged the marriage between Xiao Yeyang and the Countess of Shengping; this month, it was all about the misfortune of the Jiang Family and the closing case of the Eight Princes Party.
"It’s truly rare to see the Jiang Family take a fall."
"Isn’t it? First, the Jiang Family’s eldest legitimate grandson, Jiang Jinghui, failed to protect the tribute, causing several ships loaded with top-quality silk to burn. The Emperor didn’t even spare the face of the Empress Dowager and the Empress, and directly stripped Jiang Jinghui of his duties."
"Not long after that, the third son of the Jiang Family, Jiang Jingyao, had an accident at the horse track and broke his left leg. With the old master Jiang already bedridden, now his son is crippled too!"
"With the Jiang Family having one misfortune after another, could it be that they’ve offended someone?"
"Who would dare to provoke the Jiang Family? I tell you, it must be that the Jiang Family’s actions have been too excessive in the past, and now they’re reaping what they sowed!"
"Shh, keep your voice down. Such talk should not be spread recklessly; the Jiang Family has significant influence in the court. Be careful not to be suppressed."
"I’m just speaking privately with Fan brother..."
"Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. I heard that the criminals being exiled to Xiliang were taken away today. Let’s go have a look."
At the Xizhi Sect, hundreds of criminals being exiled to Xiliang were being escorted.
Outside the city gate, there were criminals, officials, and also those who had come to see them off.
Among the crowd, the Dong Family remained particularly silent.
Unlike other families who had at least some friends and relatives to see them off, not a single person had come to bid farewell to them.
It couldn’t be helped; Dong Yuanyao had killed Luo Hongyuan, which meant that they had made an enemy of the Duke Residence. Even relatives by marriage to the Dong Family dared not show any signs of closeness at this time.
Old Master Dong, leaning heavily on his son and looking pale, attracted the worried gaze of the second master Dong. Since his eldest brother had been beheaded, his father had fallen ill and could not receive treatment in prison. Now they were to be immediately escorted to Xiliang—a long and arduous journey under tough conditions. He truly did not know how much longer his father could hold on.
Let alone his seriously ill father, he also had no confidence that the rest of his family could survive the journey.
The second Madam Dong, supporting Old Lady Dong, kept looking around anxiously as if searching for something.
Amidst the urging and cursing of the officials, this group of once high-ranking nobles was now stepping further and further away from Beijing.
When the criminals had traveled nearly ten miles, the head official ordered a rest stop.
"Boss, why are we resting so soon? There’s still a long way to go," one of the officials asked with confusion.
The head official ignored him, simply watching a few people in a nearby pavilion.
"Yuanxuan and the others are, after all, criminals exiled by the Imperial Uncle. When we approach later, remember to keep it brief. We can’t linger too long, understand?" Xiao Yeyang instructed while helping Daohua adjust her veiled hat.
Daohua nodded repeatedly: "I understand."
Yan Wentao, Yan Wenkai, and Zhou Chengye did not wait for them, they left the pavilion directly and headed towards the group of criminals.
On the other side, the Dong Family noticed Xiao Yeyang and his companions, revealing looks of excitement.
Dong Yuanxuan handed Old Master Dong over to his father, his eyes slightly moist as he watched Yan Wentao and the two others approaching, followed by Xiao Yeyang and Daohua walking side by side.
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