Everything had already been packed. Before leaving, Cheng Xiran intended to bid farewell to Helian Duo. However, when she went to find him, Zuo Yan reported that he had already gone out. Only then did Cheng Xiran leave.
"Clip-clop, clip-clop..." The carriage came to a steady stop in front of the Cheng Mansion. The emblem exclusive to the Regent's Mansion caught the curious glances of the onlookers.
Suddenly, a pair of delicate hands lifted the curtain. Along with a clear voice as melodious as a lark, a charming figure alighted from the carriage.
"It's really not easy to return home safely," Cheng Xiran raised her beautiful eyes and looked at the gate of the Cheng Mansion, sighing with emotion.
A sharp-eyed servant spotted Cheng Xiran at once and dashed inside to deliver the news.
Inside the Cheng Mansion, a servant whispered something to Mrs. Liu in secret. She raised her eyebrows with a concealed delight and waved her hand, signaling him to retreat.
"My lord," Mrs. Liu called out to Prime Minister Cheng in a soft voice. Her tender hands began to knead his shoulders. The moderate pressure on his shoulders made Prime Minister Cheng close his eyes in comfort.
"What's the matter?"
"I... I don't know how to put it," Mrs. Liu's voice was full of anxiety. She stopped her handiwork and leaned against the headboard with a worried look on her face.
The pleasant sensation on his shoulders disappeared, and Prime Minister Cheng felt a tinge of annoyance. He turned around and put his arm around Mrs. Liu. Seeing her pitiful look, his heart softened.
"Just speak your mind."
This was exactly what Mrs. Liu wanted to hear. She pretended to frown tightly.
"I just heard that Xiran fell into the water during the flower banquet. An unmarried girl actually went to the Regent's Mansion and returned in the Regent's carriage."
Mrs. Liu stole a glance at Prime Minister Cheng's expression. Seeing a hint of solemnity on his face, she took out a handkerchief from her bosom and secretly wiped away her tears.
"Now there are all kinds of gossips outside. It's detrimental to Xiran's reputation and also damages the honor of our Cheng Mansion!"
Prime Minister Cheng gave a heavy snort. His face was filled with anger. He stood up and was about to stride outside. "Where is that rebellious girl?"
"Just now the servant reported that she has returned," Mrs. Liu quickly followed Prime Minister Cheng. As they walked outside, they happened to meet Cheng Xiran who had just entered the main hall.
Seeing Prime Minister Cheng's furious face, Cheng Xiran's heart skipped a beat. Before she could say a word, Prime Minister Cheng waved his hand, signaling the servants to step forward.
"Come here! Seize this rebellious girl and administer family punishment!"
A hint of smugness flashed across Mrs. Liu's face. She winked at a person beside her, and the family punishment implement that had been prepared in advance was presented. It was a thick black whip as wide as a wrist, emitting a chilling glint under the candlelight.
"Father, what did I do wrong?" Cheng Xiran frowned slightly, and her bright eyes stared straight at Prime Minister Cheng.
"Not only did you return late, but as an unmarried girl, you actually went to the Regent's Mansion and came back in his carriage. This has damaged the honor of our Cheng Mansion! Family punishment must be administered!"
Cheng Xiran's bright eyes widened defiantly. She clenched the fingers hanging by her side. "I just accidentally fell into the water and was rescued by the Regent. What's wrong with that?"
Seeing Cheng Xiran's stubborn look, Prime Minister Cheng waved his big hand down. "Hold her down and administer family punishment!"
"Stop!" The majestic voice of the old lady rang out. Supported by several maids, she walked over from the corridor and stood in front of Cheng Xiran to protect her.
"That was something Xiran had no choice but to do. Now that she's back, it's fine if you don't even care about her, but you still want to beat her?" The old lady raised her walking stick and struck the ground heavily, making a dull sound.