“It’s nothing major. Do you still remember the esteemed benefactor we mentioned back then? That was the grandmother of the current Duke of Dingbei. She is now the Dowager Princess of Dingbei. The current Duke inherited his title from his father. The late Duke of Dingbei made great contributions by securing the northern borders of the Qi Dynasty, and the Emperor made an exception by granting him the title of a non-imperial Duke. The title will continue for five generations before being discontinued.

“The late Duke passed away a few years ago due to old ailments, and his wife, deeply devoted to him, passed away not long after. The current Duke is their only son, and he continues to guard the northern borders. The late Duke didn’t have many children, only one son and one daughter. The current Duke is just over twenty years old and already married, with his wife accompanying him in the northern region.

“As for the daughter, she is only fourteen and has also been exceptionally granted the title of ‘County Princess,’ with the title ‘Changning.’ According to the Dowager Princess’ wishes, if County Princess Changning were a year or two older, she would have wanted to marry her to your fourth brother.

“Now, there are only the grandmother and granddaughter living in that vast Duke’s Mansion. The Emperor likely feels guilty towards them and continues to shower them with favors. During any festivity, they receive abundant rewards, a privilege that even royal princes seldom enjoy.

“Many families keep their eyes on Princess Changning, believing that marrying her would bring them immense benefits. However, I guess it’s most likely she will end up marrying into the royal family.”

Xiao Cao wasn’t particularly interested in listening at that moment, but since her mother was speaking, she assumed it wasn’t irrelevant and tried hard to calm herself and focus. She didn’t have many thoughts about the matter, other than feeling pity for the Dowager Princess.

Han Shi, Xiao Cao’s mother, was trying to distract her daughter, so she continued to speak after seeing her daughter calm down. She exhaled gently and said, “Our family has had ongoing contact with Duke Dingbei Mansion. Although the Dowager Princess and Princess rarely visit, not a single year has passed without their sending gifts, and out of ten banquets they host, our family attends seven or eight. Today, they also sent us a generous gift. I’ll take you to visit the Dowager Princess in a couple of days. If it weren’t for her back then, neither I nor your fourth brother—nor even your eldest sister—would still be alive today.”

Xiao Cao nodded. “We should.”

“Perhaps we can ask the Dowager Princess for assistance.”

Xiao Cao was stunned for a moment, then said, “Mother, any favors we owe, I will find a way to repay.”

“Don’t talk nonsense.” Han Shi embraced her daughter and patted her head gently. “Back in her day, the Dowager Princess was a warrior in her own right. It’s said she’s even been to the battlefield with her husband and once saved him. She’s skilled in archery and horseback riding. But she’s also quite pitiful—losing her parents in childhood, her husband in middle age, and her son in her old age. Worse yet, she suffered injuries that left her with only one child. Now, her sole grandson is stationed in a dangerous place, and she spends every day in constant fear.” Han Shi sighed sincerely.

Xiao Cao thought the Dowager Princess was even more pitiable than she had previously imagined.

“Given the favor Duke Dingbei Mansion enjoys, shouldn’t it be easy to recall the Duke back to the capital?”

In the Qi Dynasty, emphasis was placed on simplicity, so princes were given single-character titles while dukes had two characters in their titles. Although these titles might not mean much to the average person, the plaques on their mansions clearly distinguished between princely or ducal residences.

“It technically wouldn’t be difficult. However, the Dowager Princess once said that defending the northern borders is the duty of the Mu family men. It’s been said that the Mu family was once a powerful clan in the northern regions, but several decades ago, they were almost entirely wiped out during an invasion by foreign forces. Only a few bloodlines survived.”

“With such a deep family vendetta, it’s no wonder they are so committed. The Dowager Princess truly is an impressive woman.”

“Who isn’t in awe of her? But, Xuan’er, have you ever considered that this situation might not be related to Wei Shizi at all?”

“Once it’s confirmed, we’ll know. If it’s not him, it will be someone else. No one goes out of their way to give such an extravagant gift without reason.” Xiao Cao lowered her gaze. She wasn’t sure whether it was her overthinking or a gut feeling, but she suspected that Wei Shizi might be connected to Tingyu in some way. Either way, it was better to meet first and then decide.

Just then, Wenren Taibo lifted the curtain and entered, smiling, “What are you two whispering about?”

Han Shi rose to greet him. “You’re finished?”

Wenren Taibo nodded in affirmation and then looked toward Xiao Cao. Noticing something off about her expression, he asked, “What’s wrong, Xuan’er?”

“Father, it’s nothing. Mother, please explain the situation to Father. I’m going back to my room.” She stood and made a slight bow before picking up a brocade box from the table, then paused. “Mother, let me take this box.”

“Of course, take it.” Han Shi handed the valuable item over without even batting an eyelash, showing how little material things mattered to her compared to her daughter’s well-being.

Wenren Taibo, still confused, listened to Han Shi’s explanation as his expression turned from shock to a deep frown. “This is indeed a tricky situation. What I fear is that the bracelet might be a stolen item placed with us just to shift suspicion or, worse, deliberately used to frame our family.”

Han Shi was surprised. “That can’t be, could it?”

“Who can be sure about anything?”

“But why would anyone expend so much effort to implicate us?”

“Who said the objective is solely to harm us? And who said the purpose is purely to frame us? Recently, there’s been more unrest in the northern territories, and the Duke of Dingbei has once again achieved great military successes. The Mu family in the Duke Dingbei Mansion has few heirs, but they enjoy overwhelming imperial favor. Luckily, the Dowager Princess is pragmatic and careful. The Duke’s wife comes from a family of mere military officials, not from a prestigious household. The bride’s family doesn’t hold any presence in the capital, merely residing in an empty estate. Looking around the entirety of Kaiping’s capital, the Duke Dingbei Mansion is most closely linked to our family.”

Han Shi’s heart raced. “So it’s possible this is all directed at the Duke Dingbei Mansion?” She had only just been speaking to her daughter about them, and now trouble might land right on their doorstep? Was she jinxing them?

“Or, more specifically, aimed at Princess Changning. The Duke of Dingbei is, in some ways, a solitary official. The royal family would naturally want to draw closer to him, and it’s almost a given that Princess Changning will eventually be married into royalty. But who exactly she marries—that’s unclear. Extortion or favors might be exchanged, leading to the Princess being married off as repayment.”

“If that’s the case, whoever is behind this certainly thinks highly of our family. Even if Princess Changning marries into royalty, wouldn’t her future be decided by the Dowager Princess? Why would she trade her granddaughter’s happiness for our family’s safety? And besides, it’s us who is indebted to the Dowager Princess, not the other way around. Does someone think we’re fools?”