Xie Chen readily agreed without a second thought, arranging for six people to stay with Qi Zhenzhen. He also spoke with the abbot, asking the temple's martial monks to strengthen their guard.
Qi Zhenzhen informed Madam Da Qin that if those people could target her, they might also target Madam Da Qin.
Originally living in separate courtyards, the two women moved together for convenience.
"What kind of mission is A Nian on?" Madam Da Qin asked worriedly.
Qi Zhenzhen shook her head, "I don't know the specifics, but it seems very dangerous right now."
"Shall we return to the manor?" Madam Da Qin suggested.
"A Nian instructed us not to return to the manor until he comes back," Qi Zhenzhen replied.
Madam Da Qin was a bit puzzled, "Returning to the manor would be the safest at this time."
"Not necessarily," Qi Zhenzhen said seriously, "I suspect the previous Xu Miaoniang is now involved with those people."
Madam Da Qin was very surprised, "Didn't she promise you she wouldn't harm anyone again?"
"A promise can be broken, and there's no price to pay for breaking it." Qi Zhenzhen now regretted listening to the old madam's advice and letting Xu Miaoniang leave. Some people are not capable of correcting their mistakes.
"What are we going to do? She uses such venomous methods. What if she targets A Nian again..."
"Don't worry about that, Doctor Luo Shen is with A Nian," Qi Zhenzhen said. "With him there, A Nian will be perfectly fine."
Madam Da Qin was slightly relieved, but her brow remained tightly furrowed.
After offering some comfort, Qi Zhenzhen returned to her room, asked Chunfeng to prepare brush and ink, wrote a letter, and asked Er Xi to help deliver it.
"Zhenzhen, stop frowning. Don't worry, I will protect you," Bai Su comforted her. "That Shadow Pavilion is nothing to fear."
"People like this are impossible to guard against."
This time they impersonated people from the palace; what about next time?
"In any case, as long as we stay in the temple, they can't do anything to us."
Three days passed uneventfully.
However, the calmer it was, the less Qi Zhenzhen dared to relax her guard. She had a feeling that a storm was brewing.
"Madam Gu, the senior monk guarding the mountain gate said someone from the Changping Marquis's manor wishes to see you." A young monk, who usually followed Yuanjue, came to report.
Someone from the Changping Marquis's manor?
Qi Zhenzhen was a little perplexed.
"Did they say why they are here?"
"No, the senior monk said the person seemed very anxious. Oh, she said her name is Hong Dou," the young monk replied.
Hong Dou was someone close to Madam Yun. Could Madam Yun have something urgent to inform her about?
"Er Xi, go and bring her in."
Soon, Er Xi led the person in.
Bai Su stepped forward to examine her and shook her head at Qi Zhenzhen, "No disguise."
"Hong Dou, what happened?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"Madam is gone," Hong Dou said anxiously. "I found this letter in Madam's room."
The signature was Qin Lang.
Qi Zhenzhen was greatly alarmed, "When did this happen?"
"Yesterday afternoon."
"What is the situation in the manor now?"
"The first thing I did was find someone who resembled Madam and had her disguised as Madam," Hong Dou said calmly. "For now, no one in the manor has discovered this matter."
"Is that person reliable?"
"She is a servant born in the manor. I've used means on her parents, elders, and siblings. If she leaks even a bit, her entire family will pay with their lives."
The methods were a bit crude, but they were undoubtedly the most effective at the moment.
Qi Zhenzhen tried to recall what Madam Yun had told her about Qin Lang. Why did he take Madam Yun away? Was it a coincidence, or intentional? If Qin Lang was related to the matter A Nian was investigating, then Qin Lang's purpose must be to use Madam Yun to restrain her. If that were the case, then at least Madam Yun would not be in danger for now.