Helian Duo found a clean place to sit down and then dusted off his clothes.
To his surprise, Cheng Xiran remained calm even after his intimidation. Apparently, she was not affected at all.
"Cheng Xiran, aren't you afraid? Aren't you afraid that your timid father will hand you over to the Ren family?"
He tried to sound mysterious, but Cheng Xiran remained unmoved. She widened her eyes and smiled at him. "Why should I be afraid? Don't I still have you, my lord? Since you're concerned about *Anecdotes of the Capital*, you won't abandon me, right?"
She was really quick-witted.
When their eyes met, it was Helian Duo who averted his gaze first. He didn't know what was wrong with himself. Cheng Xiran was just a woman, so why was his mood being led by her?
He must be overthinking...
Helian Duo composed himself and deliberately cooled his tone. "Cheng Xiran, it was you who said in front of everyone before that this is a matter of your Cheng family and doesn't require an outsider like me to interfere."
As soon as he finished speaking, he felt Cheng Xiran's burning gaze. He saw her puff out her cheeks and look at him pleadingly.
"My lord, you're so just and honorable. You won't let *Anecdotes of the Capital* decline, right?"
Her soft tone, sincere attitude, and pleading eyes really made it hard for him to refuse.
He was about to readily agree, but then he changed his words. "It depends on my mood."
He had to put some pressure on her and let her know that she couldn't do without him.
"Is my lord in a bad mood today? Did someone upset you? Do you need me to do something for you?"
She was really cute like this. Helian Duo had to admit that he quite liked it, although he didn't realize it himself.
"Miss... Miss, are you asleep?"
The voice of Zhuque came from outside the house.
By the time Zhuque climbed to the window, Helian Duo had already left, and only the faint sandalwood fragrance on him lingered in the air.
Cheng Xiran tiptoed to the window and carefully opened a small gap. Zhuque was always so concerned about her. From the memories of the original owner, she knew that Zhuque had been with the original owner since childhood, and her loyalty was probably unparalleled.
Whenever the original owner was in trouble, wasn't it always Zhuque who accompanied her? It was more appropriate to say that Zhuque was her sister rather than her maid. This kind of friendship was really rare.
Thinking of this, Cheng Xiran suddenly felt her eyes getting moist. Looking at Zhuque again, the girl was on the verge of crying. She tried hard to hold it back for fear of being discovered, which touched Cheng Xiran even more. She whispered comfortingly, "Silly girl, I'm fine. Why are you crying?"
"Just now I wanted to go to the prime minister's room to plead for you, miss. But I heard Mrs. Liu say that this time they won't let you off easily. She also said that you've been different since you woke up after falling into the water last time, and that you're not the real you. It's all nonsense!"
Cheng Xiran said seriously, "Zhuque, do you believe her or me?"
"Of course I believe you, miss. I've been with you for decades. Although you're different from before, I like the current you better."
As Zhuque was speaking, she handed the cloak she had brought for Cheng Xiran through the window. She said with a worried face, "Miss, you've always been in poor health. It's almost early autumn, and the days are getting colder. This ancestral hall is extremely cold. I'm afraid you won't be able to bear it."
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of myself."
Cheng Xiran didn't say much. Seeing the reluctance in Zhuque's eyes, even though she wasn't sure herself, she still comforted her. "Alright, this matter will be handled properly. I'll be fine. Please don't worry. It's getting late. Go back and sleep early. The outcome will be revealed early tomorrow morning."