"Thatâs right, I almost forgot about him. Iâll tell him later. You all should not study too late; get some rest early."
"Understood, mother." "Just two more words; Iâll sleep after finishing them." The two children nodded simultaneously, and Yang Chuxia hugged them before leaving.
After saying a word to Linhao, Yang Chuxia exited Prince Anâs Mansion. There was a small sedan chair waiting at the back door. Once inside, she was carried to a small courtyard, and then got on a carriage, heading out of the city. Yang Chuxia noticed that the token used to leave the city was from Prince Fuâs Mansion.
Yang Chuxia chuckled to herself, thinking that since the old hag was already captured, how could Brother An still be mingling with people like Prince Fu?
The carriage traveled for over two hours outside the city and stopped in front of a house at the entrance of a small village. After Yang Chuxia got down, the carriage promptly drove away.
She knocked lightly twice on the door, and upon hearing a sound from inside, someone opened it, revealing an old man at first, followed shortly by Ye Ziâanâs face.
"Lady, please come in."
"So itâs Madam who has arrived." The old man hurriedly bowed to Yang Chuxia as soon as he heard.
"Oh, you donât have to do that, old man."
"Why not? Thereâs no harm." The old man laughed, "I am one of Masterâs people."
"Oh?" Yang Chuxia was completely unaware of why this old man would be affiliated with Ye Ziâan.
"Lady, letâs discuss that matter later," Ye Ziâan said, "First letâs go see her."
Following Ye Ziâan to the back, Yang Chuxia discovered that there was more courtyard and houses behind.
Inside one of the rooms, Ye Ziâan fumbled around the surface of a cabinet for a while until a seemingly blank wall opened.
"A hidden chamber indeed."
Once inside, after walking a ways, Yang Chuxia saw the old hag bound at her hands and feet, surrounded by Ye Yi and several others.
"Master, Madam!"
"She still refuses to speak?" Asked while looking at the old hag, appearing to be in her forties but poorly maintained, her face heavily wrinkled. Even hearing Yang Chuxiaâs voice, her eyelids did not move.
"She hasnât said a word."
"In that case, bring me some water, a pair of scissors, a pair of gloves, and a change of clothes."
"Madam, what do you need those for?" Ye Yi felt something was off hearing her requests, they sounded like preparations for slaughtering a pig.
"Donât ask too many questions; just do as I say."
Ye Yi instinctively looked at Ye Ziâan, and upon seeing him nod in agreement, led the others to prepare.
Yang Chuxia, meanwhile, lowered her head to search among the objects set out on the table.
"Lady, what are you searching for?"
Yang Chuxia whispered a few words into his ear upon hearing him.
"This is it."
"Very good." Yang Chuxia took the item, rinsed it with water, then went over to the old hag.
The old hag still didnât open her eyes, and without saying anything else, Yang Chuxia firmly grasped her jaw.
The old hag tried to struggle, but Yang Chuxiaâs grip was unyielding.
"If you wonât speak, fine, stay silent." Yang Chuxiaâs eyes flashed maliciously, her demeanor reminiscent of a venomous snake, causing the old hag to involuntarily open her eyes and tremble, noticing her unease. "Donât be afraid, I wonât let you die."
"Hmph," the hag merely scoffed, seemingly disdainful of Yang Chuxiaâs words.
Hearing this sound, Yang Chuxia realized she hadnât poisoned herself mute; she simply refused to talk, which gave her a clear understanding.
Without hesitation, she poured the contents of the bowl down the hagâs throat, and soon after, the old hag closed her eyes.