Chapter 408: Stone's Identity, Visiting Madam Liu

After they arrived in the capital city, they realized that things were not so simple.
Throughout the entire capital city, almost everyone kept silent about the former Duke Zhen's mansion. The late emperor even issued strict orders that anyone daring to discuss it would be executed without mercy.
At first, they also tried various methods to overturn the case, but it was too difficult. The ministers in the court who had originally been on good terms with the Duke of Zhengguo avoided the topic and some even threatened their lives.
They had no choice but to hide and disappear, slowly concealing their whereabouts.
Over the years, they lived like rats in the dark, enduring the most impoverished and desperate days. But in their hearts, there was one thing they never gave up on: clearing the name of Xu Chun, the Duke Zhen National Residence, and the Xu Family Army.
在最难的时候，他们几乎快要活不下去了，就是凭借着这一点意念，一直咬牙坚持到了现在。
到了今天，他们终于盼来了希望！
When they learned about Xie Wei's identity, several big men were almost moved to tears.
Over the years, they have endured tough and difficult days, but they couldn't hold back their emotions at this moment.
Xie Wei was also deeply shaken by their loyalty and dedication as her protectors, which was highly touching.
"Uncles, so you're saying that there was indeed a hidden truth in that case back then, right?"
"Yes." The several big men replied in unison, their faces also darkened.
"What happened then?" Xie Wei asked anxiously.
The leader replied, "Several of us participated in the great battle at Qingya Mountain. At that time, the vice general led our battalion as the vanguard and charged at the forefront. However, for some reason, all of our brave brothers, who were usually valiant, felt weak and unable to exert their strength. After being examined and treated by military doctors, we realized that we had all been drugged. With the ongoing war, the vice general didn't have the time to investigate this matter further, so he ordered the confinement of those individuals from the mess hall, hoping to interrogate them after the battle."
"Brothers, we have been drugged, and we can't continue fighting this battle. Send a message to the Duke of Zhenguo to request reinforcements from the court. However, we have been fighting for more than half a month, and the court hasn't sent a single soldier. The Army of Jizhou is not far from us at that time. If they could be called upon, they could arrive within three days. With them in our battle, it wouldn't have come to this..."
Talking about this, the leader couldn't help but choke up, "...the casualties were not that severe! The deputy general and the junior general fought with us to the end, but the Northern Liang army seemed to have divine assistance. They seemed to know all about some of our commonly used battle plans. This inevitably made us suspect that there is a spy in the military!"
"That battle was brutal, and the entire Xu family army suffered heavy casualties. In the end, the Duke of Zhen Guo had no choice but to order a retreat."
"However, the matter didn't end there. Right after the battle, the court sent an inspector to investigate, and as a result, ‘evidence’ of our deputy general's collusion and treason was found."
"You all know the rest."
After saying these words, the several burly men fell into a heavy silence. Despite more than a decade having passed, every time they recalled it, it felt as if it happened just yesterday.
Xie Wei and Qin Zhan were silent for a while.
This matter also required some time for them to sort out.
Xie Wei took a deep breath and asked, "Since there were suspicions at the time, how were those imprisoned thugs eventually dealt with?"
"Alas, don't even mention it. That group of people died inexplicably that night, and there was no way to find out anything. Besides, at that time everyone was too busy with the war and didn't have the leisure to investigate."
Qin Zhan snorted, "Killing people and covering up the tracks, done cleanly. I want to know, how did your deputy general manage to get those 'confidential letters' and 'gold' into his camp?"
"We also investigated this matter ourselves at the time, but couldn't find anything. Vice General has a good relationship with everyone, and he is easygoing and doesn't fuss over small details. Usually, there are often people going in and out of his camp, and there are too many people to keep track of."
So, this gave the enemy a chance to pin the blame on Xu Chun.
Xie Wei said solemnly, "Uncles, rest assured, I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly."
She had only suspected before, but now she can almost be certain that there must be other conspiracies behind this old case.
She must find out and restore the innocence of her grandfather, uncle, and mother.
Several big men nodded in agreement with Xie Wei's words, seeming to have gained more confidence in overturning the case.
Moreover, they also decided to help Xie Wei establish a transportation team.
Before, they had concerns, but now they had no more. Knowing Xie Wei's identity, they naturally wanted to serve her.
Xie Wei nodded with a smile, "Okay, I'll discuss the specific details with you later."
Xie Wei originally wanted to arrange a new place for them to live, but several people refused. They were fine living here. This also wouldn't easily arouse suspicion from others.
Moreover, the village outside the city where they kidnapped Xie Wei last time is actually Liu Six's home, and the girl at that time was his sister.
If they really want to live better, they can go over there.
Furthermore, they will have to send Xie Wei to Nanling for business in the future, which will take up a lot of time. They don't need to rent another house over here.
Xie Wei didn't insist on it any longer after seeing this.
After confirming the date with them, she and Qin Zhan plan to leave.
As they reached the door, they were suddenly called back.
A few of the elders came out with a serious expression and said, "We forgot to mention an important thing when we talked to the young lady just now."
"What's the matter?"
"Miss, do you know the background of that young lad in your noodle shop?"
"Are you referring to Shitou?" Xie Wei asked with some surprise. "He used to be a beggar, but I found him clever and hardworking, so I decided to keep him. What's the matter?"
"It's like this..." a few big guys hesitated, but finally spoke up, "We saw him that day, and found that he looks... very similar to the Lieutenant General."
"Lieutenant General?"
"Yes, it's your eldest uncle."
"However, your nephew was also rumored to have been executed back then. If that child were still alive, he would be in his early twenties this year. But that young man doesn't look like he's in his early twenties at all."
Xie Wei was suddenly shocked and speechless.
She still remembered what Fu Shen said before, saying that her eldest brother's wife was pregnant when she was beheaded...
In that case, is the stone the child in her eldest brother's wife's belly at that time?
If that's the case, the stone should be a few months younger than one year old.
But why does he say he is only fifteen years old?
But that's not right either. Aunt Fu said that her eldest aunt should have been pregnant not long ago, and she died. How could she have given birth to a healthy child?
Unless...
Someone secretly rescued her aunt-in-law!
Just like her father secretly rescued her mother.
Her aunt-in-law was rescued, and gave birth to a child.
However, it is unknown why her aunt-in-law passed away later, and the stone turned into a street beggar again.
Xie Wei kept thinking about this on her way back. Qin Zhan noticed that she was lost in thought and sighed helplessly. He raised his hand and gently rubbed Xie Wei's brow.
He whispered softly, "Alright, stop worrying about all that. It's no use worrying anymore. Since the situation has come, let's investigate each matter clearly, hm?"
But Xie Wei couldn't help but say excitedly, "Ah Zhan, if Shitou is really my eldest uncle's child, then I will have another relative."
If one day the truth of the old case in the Duke Zhen Guo's mansion is revealed, her grandfather, as well as her three uncles and her mother, would probably feel relieved to know that the Xu family still has one child.
Qin Zhan knows that Xie Wei is very good to her family, she is a person who values family very much.
He is also happy when he sees her happy.
"Yes, the Xu family can also be considered to have a successor."
Xie Wei didn't think about this point, after all, her thoughts are somewhat different from the people here, but she didn't refute this statement, as it is indeed true.
"I just can't understand who saved my aunt and how she managed to escape and give birth," Xie Wei pondered.
Qin Zhan thought for a moment and said, "Your aunt's maternal family is the Yong'an Marquis Mansion. With their abilities, it wouldn't be difficult for them to secretly rescue your aunt."
"Yong'an Marquis Mansion?"
"Yes, the current Yong'an Marquis is your uncle's sister's brother."
Xie Wei was overjoyed and suddenly thought of something, "Then the Liu old lady in the Yong'an Marquis Mansion is my uncle's mother, right?"
"Huh? You know Madam Liu?" Now it was Qin Zhan's turn to be surprised.
Xie Wei couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of fate.
Her connection with Madam Liu goes back to two years ago when they met at a villa in Nanling.

I didn't expect that, after going around in circles, I actually got close to someone.
No wonder at that time, Aunt Liu looked at her with a strange look and treated her extremely well. At that time, she didn't think much about it, but now she realizes that Aunt Liu must have recognized her resemblance to her mother, so she treated her that way.

In this way, everything is explained clearly.
Xie Wei suddenly said, "Azhan, I want to visit this old lady."
Qin Zhan raised an eyebrow lightly, "You have the wrong person for this matter."
Xie Wei: "?"
Seeing her confused, Qin Zhan smiled and reached out to pinch her nose. "When women meet, they naturally seek help from other women. How can I, a man, be of convenience?"
With his reminder, Xie Wei finally reacted.
After dinner, Xie Wei specifically went to find Madam Qin.
She explained her intention to visit Madam Liu to Madam Qin, who was somewhat surprised by the news.
Xie Wei didn't have anything to hide in front of her, so she just told her everything.
After listening, Lady Qin smiled gently and said, "Fine, I'll help you with this matter. Tomorrow, I will send someone to deliver a letter to Mrs. Liu. Mrs. Liu has been resting quietly in recent years and rarely sees guests. But for my sake, she will make an exception."
Xie Wei stood up and made a bow: "Thank you, Mother."
"Silly child, there's no need to be formal with me," said Mother.
Xie Wei stayed with Madam Qin and chatted for a while before returning to her own courtyard.
The next day, during dinner, Madam Qin replied to Xie Wei: "Madam Liu has sent a reply and asked us to visit her tomorrow."
Xie Wei smiled, "Okay."
Early the next day, Xie Wei got up early and tidied herself up specially. She wore a green wide-sleeved Ruqun, which looked particularly light and elegant. She also put her long hair up in a bun, appearing more gentle and graceful than usual, with a hint of her usual straightforwardness and boldness seemingly softened a bit.
Madam Qin almost thought she was seeing things when she first saw her.
Xie Wei, dressed like this, really looked too much like Yan Wan.
Xie Wei took in Madam Qin's reaction and couldn't help but smile silently.
She dressed up like this on purpose, in order to make Madam Liu believe that she is Xu Yanwan's daughter.
The two of them got on a carriage and headed towards the Mansion of Duke Yong'an.
When they arrived at the entrance of the mansion, servants came to receive them.
They were led all the way to the courtyard where Mrs. Liu lived.
"Madam Qin, Mrs. Qin, our elderly lady is currently in the Buddhist hall reciting scriptures. Please wait for a moment," a maidservant said as she served them tea before quickly retreating.
Mrs. Qin and Mrs. Xie leisurely took a few sips of tea. Not long after, a faint sound came from the inner room, followed by the appearance of Mrs. Liu, supported by Mrs. Zhou.
Before she arrived, her voice came first, laughing and saying, "Miaorong, I heard recently that you just got married to your daughter-in-law. This old body of mine can't move anymore, I couldn't even go to the wedding banquet. Why did you think of coming today..."
Halfway through the conversation, she looked up and glanced at Mrs. Qin and Xie Wei.
With this look, she was shocked and her eyes widened for a moment. Excitedly, she took a few steps forward: "Wan'er..."
The voice still carried a slight tremor.
Astonished, Zhou Mama also looked at Xie Wei.
Madam Qin had already anticipated Liu Madam's reaction. She smiled slightly and said, "Madam, this is my newly-wed daughter-in-law, Xie Wei. Today, I brought her here to pay her respects and to let Madam take a look."
Mrs. Liu seems to have aged more in the past two years. Her hair has turned much grayer, and her body trembles slightly. It must be that her physical condition is not as good as before.
However, her gaze remains the same as before, exuding a hint of wisdom and depth.
Hearing Lady Qin's words, she slowly regained her senses and smiled, waving at Xie Wei: "Good, good. Girl, come over here and let this old body have a good look at you."
Xie Wei walked over as requested.
Openly and boldly, she showed Liu Laofuren a clear view.
The more Liu Laofuren looked at her, the more she felt that she resembled the daughter of the county magistrate in Nanling.
But hadn't she already married someone else? How could she have married into the Qin Prime Minister's mansion?
"Miss, have I met you somewhere before?"
Xie Wei knew that the old woman was testing her. She smiled slightly and replied, "When I saw the senior, it also seemed like I have seen you somewhere before."
Madam Liu was slightly startled after hearing this, then she smiled and said, "It seems that my old bones are indeed not as good as before, my memory is not good."
"Madam, you are saying nonsense. I still remember seeing you two years ago, you were in good health."
Hearing what Xie Wei said, Mrs. Liu trembled slightly and her eyes shook: "You, who are you..."
"Mrs. Liu, long time no see," Xie Wei replied with a smile.