Miss Truth
Chapter 508 - 336: Ran Yunsheng Goes Missing_2

Chapter 508: Chapter 336: Ran Yunsheng Goes Missing_2

Xiao Song was himself a master of disguise, and ordinary actors could never fool him. Moreover, he was relatively familiar with Xiao Xuanzhi.

Xiao Xuanzhi’s aloof character was largely due to Lady Dongyang. With her indifferent nature, even towards her own son, she wasn’t affectionate. Xiao Xuanzhi had experienced years of chaos in his childhood and had no playmates. When he was first brought back to the main family, his relationship with his brothers was also not good, which led to his current coldness. He always protected himself with aloofness, unlike Xiao Song who excelled at pretending.

"So it seems Chun Lai’s meeting with Xiao Shiyi might indeed have been commanded by Lady Dongyang, but to avoid implicating Shilang, she refused to disclose the true reason for their meeting... I’m afraid this reason is not simple either," Ran Yan speculated.

Xiao Song moved his lips, but no sound came out. Ran Yan was certain she saw his mouth form the words: "plot for the Crown Prince."

If all this were to become known, not only Lady Dongyang but the entire Xiao Family would be implicated, and Xiao Xuanzhi, being Lady Dongyang’s son, would be the primary target.

With these three words, the mystery was already half-revealed. Lady Dongyang must be conspiring with a prince for some reason and was poisoned by a political rival of that prince. Of course, it was also possible that she couldn’t reach an agreement with the Dong Family, resulting in being silenced by them.

Ran Yan faintly felt that Ling Xiang’s death and Lady Dongyang’s poisoning were greatly connected. The closer she got to the truth, the more terrifying it became. Beneath politics lies many victims; a plot for change is no less significant than a war between two countries. Perhaps, Ling Xiang was just an unspectacular beginning.

Ran Yan felt a chill down her spine. Looking at Xiao Song, she deeply understood why he needed to be hypocritical, ruthless, and cunning—to avoid becoming a sacrificial pawn in politics. She also began to truly admire people like Duke Song and Wei Zheng for their courage to speak truthfully. Describing Wei Zheng as risking his life in his audience with the emperor was no exaggeration.

Although Li Shimin was magnanimous, even in an era where monarchs reigned supreme, politics was not solely the domain of the emperor.

Realizing this, Ran Yan understood why Xiao Song, a passionate man, could be so forbearing. Without absolute certainty, one would only act if they were willing to risk complete annihilation should luck turn against them.

"As for Chun Lai..." Ran Yan’s dark eyes reflected a glint of pity. If Chun Lai hadn’t known the importance of the matter, if she wasn’t trying to protect Xiao Xuanzhi, she might not have had to die.

"Regarding the honor and disgrace of my Xiao Family, this morning when I stopped the clan from handing Chun Lai over to the Government, both my father and the Clan Leader readily agreed, which suggests they may have guessed the underlying connections," Xiao Song leaned back into his chair, picked up his teacup for a sip, and then said, "This matter may not necessarily be beyond remedy; the key lies in Lady Dongyang’s attitude."

The Xiao Family had always adhered to ancestral teachings and would not indulge Xiao Shiyi, but he might just get a few beatings and kneel for a few days and nights at the ancestral hall. Chun Lai, however, was to be executed.

Putting aside the matter of poisoning, the private meeting between Xiao Shiyi and Chun Lai was a fact. Xiao Jing had already spilled lofty words in the ancestral hall; punishment was inevitable, but Chun Lai’s life and death still had room for negotiation.

"Sir, Lady," Wan Lu called from outside.

"What is it?" Ran Yan asked.

Wan Lu said, "The Clan Leader has sent word to deal with Shiyilang and Chun Lai tonight. If Sir has the time, he may act as a witness."

If he had the time, he could act as a witness. Did that mean attendance was optional?

Xiao Song asked Wan Lu to reply with "Understood," without specifying whether he would attend or not.

After Lady Tai’s funeral, Xiao Song’s life had been much more relaxed. To distract herself from constantly thinking about Ran Yunsheng’s affairs, Ran Yan personally laid out orchids to dry in the yard in the afternoon, while Xiao Song sat opposite her, sipping tea and enjoying these rare leisurely days.

But someone just wouldn’t let him rest. He had been sitting for less than the time it took to finish a cup of tea when a maid came to report that Xiao Shilang had arrived.

Xiao Song ordered that he be invited in.

Xiao Xuanzhi looked haggard as if overnight, his brow furrowed with a faint line, his thin lips constantly pursed slightly. With some resemblance to Xiao Song, he looked much gentler by comparison.

"Jiuge, Jiuge’s wife," Xiao Xuanzhi’s voice was hoarse.

Xiao Song nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Come in."

Xiao Xuanzhi bowed to Ran Yan and followed Xiao Song into the hall.

In another part of Xiao Mansion, a courtyard with rustling bamboo in the breeze added a sense of tranquility to the already quaint little yard. A woman in plain clothes, with brows like distant hills and eyes like autumn waters, yet pale in complexion, was seated in the corridor.

Several pots of vibrant green Gardenia were in front of her, not yet in bloom but promising beautiful flowers by autumn from their lush appearance. She was meticulously pruning the excess branches and leaves of the Gardenia.

"Lady, Shilang has gone to Jiulang’s place," a middle-aged woman dressed in a gray gown said with her head bowed on the corridor below.

Lady Dongyang paused in her pruning for a moment but soon continued, her demeanor unchanged from before. After a long while, as the woman had not left, she said indifferently, "Let him go."

The woman in gray responded and withdrew, but she could not help but sigh inwardly, finding it sad that a son would rather seek help from his estranged elder brother than from his mother. However, Lady Dongyang did not care in the slightest.

After the woman left, Lady Dongyang’s pruning slowed, and she sat in silence for a long time. As the breeze stirred, accompanied by the rustling of bamboo leaves, she chuckled lightly, whether in self-mockery or mocking Xiao Xuanzhi was unclear. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket, monthly ticket; your support is my greatest motivation.)