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墨書 Inktalez
A scream echoed from the inner courtyard, causing the servants to rush about in a flurry, their garments fluttering.
The old steward of Qin Manor, over sixty years old, hurried along with his cane, his face pale as he made his way to the main courtyard. His voice trembled as he spoke, “Madam, Miss, it’s bad! The Imperial Guards… The Imperial Guards have surrounded the estate!”
Before he could finish his words, the dull sound of iron hooves and clashing weapons resonated from outside.
At that moment, Qin Fenghua was deep in slumber within her chamber.
The maid A Yue burst in in a panic, whispering urgently, “Miss, wake up! The Imperial Guards are here!” Her voice quivered with a hint of tears as she hurriedly draped a brocade robe over Qin Fenghua.
Qin Fenghua blinked her eyes open, her expression one of confusion and fear, startled by the sudden upheaval.
Yet beneath her trembling hand, her heart was as calm as ice, her mind racing. There had been no significant events in the manor recently; logically, such a calamity should not occur.
She asked softly, “Did something unusual happen when Father returned home?” Her tone was gentle but carried an underlying authority.
A Yue shook her head with a choked voice. “The master was still discussing matters with Er Ye in the study this morning; nothing seemed amiss…”
Qin Fenghua pondered for a moment as hurried footsteps echoed from outside.
She adjusted her collar and quickly followed the maid out of her chamber. The corridor was brightly lit, the snow reflecting the red lanterns hanging under the eaves. The wind caused the shadows to flicker ominously, as if signaling an impending doom.
In the front courtyard, the Imperial Guards stood in strict formation, their cold steel glinting under the light of day.
Qin Shangshu maintained his composure, dressed in a bright red official robe, standing before everyone.
Lady Qin wrapped herself in a fox fur coat, her face ashen. Beside her, her young son Qin Jin and elder daughter Qin Xue were both in tears.
Eldest brother Qin Xiao forced himself to remain calm, his anxious gaze fixed on their father.
The commander of the Imperial Guards was tall and imposing, his expression stern. Holding a golden tablet high, he declared loudly, “By order of His Majesty, Qin Shangshu is suspected of colluding with merchants and betraying the country. Based on confidential reports, you are to be escorted to the Dali Temple immediately for questioning!” As his words fell, the Imperial Guards closed in around them.
In an instant, everyone in Qin Manor fell to their knees, cries and shouts intertwining in the air.
Lady Qin collapsed into Qin Shangshu's arms, tears streaming down her face. "My lord, this is an injustice! Where is the justice in this world—"
Amidst the chaos, Qin Fenghua observed everything with keen eyes, her gaze sharp and calm.
She noticed that her father's expression showed no signs of panic; instead, his brows twitched slightly upon hearing the words "secret report."
A sense of unease gripped her heart as she pondered: This matter is surely not a coincidence. Could it be that both the political and business realms are under attack at once?
Her father had always been cautious; how could he fall into such a trap? Who was behind this, orchestrating the downfall of the Qin Family?
The commander of the Imperial Guards urged, "Time is of the essence, Minister. Please proceed." Though his tone was respectful, there was no warmth in his eyes.
Qin Shangshu nodded slightly and discreetly took out a smooth jade pendant from his sleeve. While the Imperial Guards were distracted, he quietly passed it to Qin Fenghua's palm.
Leaning in close, his voice was like a whisper carried by the wind over a snowy plain, imbued with undeniable resolve. "Qin Fenghua, prioritize protecting our home and preserving our family. Do not act rashly.
Remember my words—'Iron Horse, Ice River, Entering Dreams.' Fortune and misfortune are unpredictable; you must remain composed."
The jade pendant felt cool against her skin. Qin Fenghua's fingertips trembled as tears welled up in her eyes, but she held them back. She replied softly, "Father, rest assured. Qin Fenghua will not fail you."
Qin Shangshu was escorted away by two Imperial Guards. Lady Qin lay weeping on the ground, while her elder sister and younger brother pleaded with sorrowful voices.
The remaining snow in the courtyard had yet to melt; the night wind stirred the lanterns hanging from the eaves, casting a somber glow. Throughout Qin Manor, everyone knelt in farewell, their wails lingering in the cold December night.
As the Imperial Guards led Qin Shangshu away from the manor gates, the sound of hooves faded into the distance, and the flames grew dimmer.
At the entrance of Qin Manor, Qin Fenghua supported her mother, forcing herself to appear weak as she whispered comforting words. "Mother, Father has always been loyal and steadfast; justice will prevail in due time."
"You must hold on for the sake of the family; do not harm yourself." She embraced her younger brother, Qin Jin, gently wiping his tears and soothingly said, "Jin'er, I'm here. Don't be afraid."
Lady Qin was in a daze, tightly gripping her daughter's sleeve, choking back her sobs. "Qin Fenghua, the family relies entirely on you..."
Qin Fenghua lowered her head, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Taking advantage of the others' distraction, she quietly instructed her trusted old steward, "Quickly send someone to investigate the whereabouts of the Imperial Guard and keep an eye out for any unusual movements outside the manor. The Shanghao accounts and the seals for the storerooms must be securely hidden; not a word should leak out." The old steward's expression turned serious as he quietly withdrew.
The various courtyards of the manor were brightly lit. After ensuring her mother and younger siblings were settled, Qin Fenghua held tightly to the jade pendant gifted by her father, recalling the line from a poem: "Iron Horse, Ice River, Entering Dreams." The iron horse symbolized the sharp edge of power, while the ice river represented the coldness of the world.
Her father had given her this poem for a reason. Could it be that this calamity stemmed from hidden currents in the marketplace or from court intrigues?
She quickly reviewed her family's recent accounts and social dealings in her mind. Thinking of Shanghao within the manor made her heart race: if an enemy were to take advantage of this situation, the Qin Family would surely be in danger!
"Father, I, Qin Fenghua, will protect our family business and vow to uncover the truth!" she murmured to herself with a resolve as firm as iron.
At that moment, a shadow flitted past under the distant high wall. The figure was dressed in dark clothing, slender and quick-moving, seemingly merging with the night.
A chill ran down Qin Fenghua's spine as she focused her gaze. She saw the figure pause just out of reach of the firelight, as if spying on the activities of Qin Manor before vanishing without a trace.
A warning bell rang in her mind: an unexpected turn at midnight, Imperial Guards, secret reports, a mysterious figure... Could there be an even deeper conspiracy behind this turmoil?
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