The Prime Minister's mansion was not far from the Marquis's mansion, and they arrived in the time it takes to brew a cup of tea.
Yun Chang asked Hong Jin to wait outside and walked towards the inner hall alone.
"Greetings to the Old Madam," Yun Chang said, bowing respectfully at the entrance to the inner hall.
A warm and loving voice came from the room, "Come up quickly, Chang'er, and let this old woman get a good look at you."
"Yes," Yun Chang replied, rising and walking to Madam Zhao. She curtsied and said, "Is the Old Madam in good health recently? Are you still feeling unwell? Chang'er has specifically asked Hong Xiang to stew some tonic for you, Old Madam. Chang'er knows you prefer light flavors, so I've had a few vegetarian dishes prepared. I hope you like them."
"Oh, you've worked so hard, Chang'er," Madam Zhao said with a face full of relief.
Yun Chang shook her head and smiled, "These past few days, I've been in the palace. It's been the Old Madam taking care of me. I'm extremely grateful. Everything I'm doing now is what I should be doing."
"Good child, you're getting more beautiful the older you get," Madam Zhao said, holding Yun Chang's hand and praising her softly.
Seeing Yun Chang's rosy complexion, clear eyes, and that she seemed to have gained some weight, Madam Zhao was very happy. "Chang'er, I remember you weren't like this before. You used to be so timid and shy. How are you so generous and well-mannered now? Chang'er, has the Empress been kind to you and changed you?"
Yun Chang pursed her lips and lowered her head. After a pause, she nodded gently. "Yes, she has indeed been kind. My disposition is all thanks to the Empress. If not for her, I fear I would have died long ago in the cold palace."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise flashed in Madam Zhao's eyes. She hadn't expected Yun Chang's experiences to be so convoluted.
"The Empress helped you back then simply because she valued your talent. If not for you, the Xia royal family might have been wiped out. It's no wonder the Empress would help you. This way, you can also repay the Empress's kindness," Madam Zhao said slowly after a moment of silence.
Yun Chang softly agreed, "Yes, the Empress has been extremely good to Chang'er. Without her, I fear I would have died long ago in the cold palace."
Madam Zhao patted Yun Chang's shoulder and said, "Over the years, the Empress has always treated you very well. She is the only woman in the Xia kingdom that can be trusted. I believe you wouldn't want to see any further turmoil in the Xia kingdom, would you?"
Yun Chang lowered her eyes and said softly, "Chang'er understands. I'm just worried about my father. He's been searching for the scroll these past few days, but after so long, there hasn't been a single clue. Father has lost so much weight. If he can't find it, I fear he won't be able to bear it."
Madam Zhao nodded and sighed softly. "It would be best if the scroll cannot be found. This would actually be a good thing for you. Your nature is inherently gentle. If you were to get involved in this matter, I fear you would suffer losses. I don't think you would want to become the target of public criticism."
Yun Chang nodded. "Chang'er understands. Therefore, I have decided that once Father returns, I will discuss it with him and we will search together."
Madam Zhao smiled and nodded. "That would be excellent. Judging by your father's temperament, he will likely insist on finding the scroll before giving up. I think it would be better for you to give him the scroll sooner, so he can put his mind at ease and finish his affairs."
Yun Chang nodded and didn't say much more. After a brief chat, they let a maid lead Yun Chang to Xia Huanyu's study.
Xia Huanyu's study was very spacious. As Yun Chang entered, she saw rows of exquisite rosewood chairs, each three meters high. Next to each chair hung a calligraphy and painting. Yun Chang recognized them as works by famous artists with just one glance.
"Father," Yun Chang called out softly as she entered the study.
Behind the desk, Xia Huanyu heard Yun Chang's voice and looked up, a hint of confusion in his eyes. He then smiled and said, "Why are you here? Is there something urgent you need to discuss with Father?"
Yun Chang nodded gently and said softly, "Father, Chang'er is here today to ask a favor of you."
"Oh?" Xia Huanyu raised an eyebrow.
"I know that the calligraphy and paintings in your study were all commissioned by you at great expense. I can never repay this kindness in my lifetime. Therefore, I implore you, Father, to take out that scroll and let me sell it to earn some money to repay your kindness." Yun Chang said softly.
Xia Huanyu frowned. "My child, my helping you was just a small gesture. There's no need to be so polite. Besides, you've also helped Father a lot. These past few years, Father has merely been doing his humble bit for the Xia kingdom."
Yun Chang smiled and said, "Father, if you say that, you're looking down on me. I promised you that I would assist my brother well. Father, this matter is just a small gesture to you, but for me, it concerns the happiness of my entire future life! Therefore, I must do it, and you cannot refuse."
Yun Chang's voice was soft and sweet, with a hint of coaxing, which felt somewhat intoxicating to the ears.
Xia Huanyu pondered for a moment before smiling and saying, "Since that is the case, Father will agree. However, Father has one thing he doesn't understand. Chang'er, who was the person who saved you back then?"
Yun Chang was slightly stunned, then said softly, "Father, Chang'er doesn't know how to describe it to you, but that person is very important to me. If you don't want to know, you don't have to ask."
"Alright, if you don't want to say, Father won't ask. It's just that Father is curious, who is your savior?" Xia Huanyu raised an eyebrow, his eyes full of inquiry.
Yun Chang smiled, shook her head, and said, "Father, I don't want to lie to you, but..." Yun Chang hesitated for a long time, then bit her lip and said, "Father, can you tell me if the person who saved me back then was a man, tall and handsome, wearing a black robe?"
Xia Huanyu's eyes were filled with shock: "Chang'er, you actually know this person? Who is he?"
Yun Chang pondered for a moment. "I have a vivid memory of his appearance. He was a boy of about sixteen, with a beautiful face and a hint of wickedness in his brows and eyes. However, Chang'er doesn't know who he truly is."
Xia Huanyu's expression darkened. "What is his name? Do you remember it now?"
Yun Chang frowned and said, "No, I only vaguely remember his name as 'Gongsun Jing'. As for his full name, I dare not speculate rashly."
"Gongsun Jing?" Xia Huanyu murmured a few times, then suddenly seemed to recall something. He turned to Yun Chang. "You said his name was Gongsun Jing?"
Yun Chang nodded. "Father, what's wrong?"
Xia Huanyu pondered for a moment before speaking. "I remember your mother mentioned someone when she was alive, but I never expected him to still be alive!"
"Father, you know him?" Yun Chang asked, surprised.
"More than just know him," Xia Huanyu sighed and said, "Back then, your mother married me, intending to join the Xia court. However, the court was too murky, and your mother disliked the deceit and treachery. She eventually chose another path. Although that path was arduous, it was much more stable. However, your mother's temperament was gentle and kind. She married into our court and endured all sorts of grievances and insults without ever complaining. Instead, she continuously planned for the Xia kingdom. Later, your mother's family was devastated by a plague in our Xia kingdom. The Emperor of Xia bestowed a mansion upon your mother as compensation. Alas..."