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Chapter 34

Old Marquis Lu noticed Lu XuanNing's poor expression. "Ning'er, is something bothering you?"

"Grandfather, I'm fine. But what should we do now?" Lu XuanNing was concerned about how to deliver the evidence to the Capital City.

"Don't worry, I'll handle everything," Old Marquis Lu patted his grandson's shoulder reassuringly.

Lu XuanNing's injuries were severe, and the medical treatment in Liuzhou was inadequate. Old Marquis Lu ordered a reinforced and elongated carriage to be made specifically to transport the Young Master Lu back home.

With Li Hui's assistance, Lu XuanNing bid farewell to Old Marquis Lu. Outwardly, the person lying in the carriage was Lu XuanNing, but in reality, it was someone arranged by Old Marquis Lu to impersonate him. The journey was perilous, so Old Marquis Lu instructed Lu XuanNing to remain in Liuzhou to recuperate and arranged for people to care for him.

Old Marquis Lu patted Lu XuanNing's shoulder, "Your grandfather has been through thick and thin. You stay in Liuzhou to recover. Once you're healed, return to the Capital City to celebrate my grand birthday."

"Grandfather, wait for me in the Capital City," Lu XuanNing knew his current physical condition would only slow them down.

"Let's go back inside. Grandfather is leaving," Old Marquis Lu stood and walked out of the Governor's Mansion.

"Young Master, focus on your recovery," Li Hui advised.

"No need for such formalities. Call me XuanNing," Lu XuanNing put aside his reluctance.

"Very well, XuanNing," Li Hui changed his manner of address. "My father gave me the courtesy name Zi Hou."

"Brother Zi Hou, I'll have to trouble you again," Lu XuanNing followed suit.

Old Marquis Lu and his men encountered constant battles along the way. Fortunately, the Emperor dispatched troops to assist them. The combined forces suffered heavy casualties, with Old Marquis Lu sustaining two sword wounds and the commanding general severely injured as they entered the Capital City.

Their harrowing appearance upon entering the Capital City drew everyone's attention. Who dared to harm the Marquis Beining and the Imperial Guard troops? The Marquis Beining went straight to the Imperial Palace.

The next day, at a grand court session, the Emperor listed numerous crimes committed by Prince YongKang, including illegally opening mines, minting currency, providing weapons to southern barbarian tribes, killing civilians, oppressing men and women, establishing a private court, and executing imperial officials. He issued an edict stripping Prince YongKang of his title and ordered his entire family to be arrested and brought to the Capital City for trial.

Upon hearing the imperial edict, Prince YongKang issued a proclamation the following day, accusing the Emperor of believing slander and forcing members of the imperial family to rebel. Prince YongKang's domains in Nanping, Nantong, and Nanning provinces joined his rebellion.

The Emperor had been prepared and swiftly suppressed the rebellion. Prince YongKang was arrested and brought to the Capital City.

By this time, the news of the Young Master Lu being seriously injured but rescued in Liuzhou had spread. Previously, it had been kept secret, including Old Marquis Lu's supposed visit to friends.

Li Shan and Aunt Wang learned that Li Hui and Lu's wife had rescued the Young Master of the Marquis Beining. The mother and daughter regretted not allowing Li Shan to visit Li Hui's residence more often. Now that the Young Master had left, they had no opportunity to express their gratitude.

"How many times have I told you to maintain good relationships with the Young Master and Young Ladies? But you never listened," Aunt Wang berated Li Shan reproachfully. "Look at that wretched girl Li Xia, how skilled she is at handling situations."

Li Shan, already irritated, turned and walked away in displeasure upon hearing Aunt Wang's words.

Seeing Li Shan's reaction, Aunt Wang angrily slammed the table, startling Li Yao and causing him to cry out. Aunt Wang hurried to hug and soothe Li Yao, "Auntie is here, don't cry."

As Aunt Wang held Li Yao in her arms, an incredulous expression appeared on his face. In his previous life, the Young Master of the Marquis Beining had died in an unknown alley in Liuzhou, and no one knew about it until the rebellion broke out. As the Governor of Liuzhou at the time, Li Ming was held accountable, which led to the later marriage alliance.

But how was the Young Master alive and not dead in this life? Was it because he had been reborn, affecting the future? If so, could he change the future? Aunt Wang might not die, and he would not be taken advantage of by Li Shan. Li Xia would not be forced to marry an honorary husband. The more Li Yao thought about it, the more he felt he could change the future, and he couldn't help but smile.

Hearing Li Yao's laughter, Aunt Wang remarked amusedly, "This child goes from crying to laughing."

Li Yao, realizing his expression might have revealed his thoughts, buried his face in Aunt Wang's embrace to hide it. Seeing Li Yao's affection, Aunt Wang's earlier distress over Li Shan's insensitivity dissipated. She hugged Li Yao and said, "Only Yao'er cares about Auntie."

Due to their role in rescuing the Young Master Lu, the Li family received imperial commendations. Li Ming, who had just been promoted to Governor, did not receive a higher rank, but Lu's wife was awarded a fourth-rank noble title. The Emperor bestowed numerous gifts and rewards. Li Hui also received books and calligraphy treasures from the Emperor. With their names recorded by the Emperor, the Li family's future prospects were assured.

Upon hearing this news, Li Yao was dumbfounded once again. How had things changed so drastically? In his previous life, Prince YongKang's rebellion had occurred five years later, plunging the entire country into turmoil for over three years before stabilizing. Yet this time, it was suppressed within two months, and Liuzhou was barely affected. Could his rebirth really change such monumental events? Li Yao felt an immense weight on his shoulders.

Lu XuanNing had recovered from his injuries and was preparing to bid farewell to Liuzhou. During his recuperation, he had interacted with Li Hui, and the two found many shared perspectives, delighted to have met each other. Lu XuanNing discreetly inquired about Li Xia, who had first discovered him and killed the black-clothed men that night. He learned that she was the second young lady of the Li household, born to a servant woman. Within the Li household, she was known for her honest and unassuming nature.

However, Li Xia's actions that night contradicted her reputation. Lu XuanNing had secretly investigated, and during his period of unconsciousness, Prince YongKang had sent numerous assassins to kill him before the evidence reached the Capital City. But they were all killed by an unknown force before even entering the Li household. The killer's identity remained a mystery. Those assassins became too terrified to commit any further misdeeds in Liuzhou. Lu XuanNing left Liuzhou with suspicions about Li Xia.

Li Xia, however, was completely unconcerned. At that moment, she was fixated on the grill in front of her. Li Xia had finally managed to obtain lamb legs and had asked Wu Auntie to grill them for her. Wu Auntie's culinary skills were truly remarkable. As long as Li Xia described the dish, Wu Auntie could recreate it, often with an even better taste. Li Xia was growing increasingly grateful to Li Shan. If Li Shan hadn't driven Wu Auntie out of the kitchen, how could she have ended up in Li Xia's courtyard?

Finally, upon hearing Wu Auntie say, "It's done," Li Xia eagerly cut off a piece of meat. The crispy skin, tender meat, and flavorful juices were irresistible, causing Li Xia to squint with delight. "Wu Auntie, you should change your name to Skillful Auntie because you have such deft hands."

Pleased by Li Xia's praise, Wu Auntie smiled modestly, "Young Lady, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'll make it for you again next time."

With her mouth full of meat, Li Xia could only nod in delight. She swallowed and said, "You should have some too," inviting Qiu Shui, Qiu Kui, and others drawn by the aroma to join them.