无翼乌工口里番无色无摭挡

The Wenren Family had lost everything; having a roof over their heads to shield them from the wind and rain was already more than they could ask for.

Before leaving, Madam Wenren pulled Jiang Ning aside and said tearfully, “Ningning, you are the Lady of our Wenren Family.”

Jiang Ning replied, “Madam, don’t say that. Ever since I returned to the Jiang Family with my disability, the nobles and distinguished families of Chang’an City have ridiculed and despised me. Only you and my sisters have treated me with sincerity. My rescue this time is also a reward for your kind hearts.”

Madam Wenren glanced towards the direction of Wenren Zong’s cell and sighed, “I have only this one biological son, and I don’t know what will happen to him… Alas, there’s not much more we can ask for now.”

Even the King of Chen was dead, let alone his followers.

“I really regret allowing my Ninth Daughter to marry the King of Chen.”

“Madam, it’s not just because of my Ninth Sister that your family has connections with the King of Chen. I heard that you and Concubine Lan are relatives?”

“Yes, Chen King’s birth mother, Concubine Lan, is my maternal cousin. If it weren’t for this relationship, I wouldn’t have agreed to the marriage.”

But now it was all too late to say anything.

Jiang Ning said, “Madam, rest assured and settle down with the sisters at the estate. As for Thirteen… Although I cannot influence the Emperor’s decision, I will do my best to help him, making sure he doesn’t suffer too much before it’s all over.”

“Thank you, thank you…” Madam Wenren took off a small jade Buddha from her neck and handed it over, “This is a family heirloom from my mother’s side. Please give it to Thirteen. Let it be a memento from his mother before he dies.”

Jiang Ning accepted, “Alright.”

Madam Wenren was naturally strong-willed, knowing that some things couldn’t be changed. She still had her daughters and grandchildren to take care of, so she forced herself to hold back her grief as they left the prison and moved to Jiang Ning’s estate.

Jiang Ning asked Jiang Fu to send them to the estate and also gave them some silver taels, which could be used for the sisters’ medical treatment, food, and clothing.

As for Wenren Zong, no one could do anything.

They could only wait for the Emperor’s decree.

However, before leaving the palace, Jiang Ning went to see him.

When he learned that the Emperor had spared the lives of the female members of the Wenren Family, his clenched fist slowly relaxed, and his expression softened.

He exhaled gently and said softly, “Thank you.”

Before Jiang Ning could respond, he looked up at her, “Ningning, if there is a next life, and if I meet you first, I will wholeheartedly ask for your hand in marriage.”

Jiang Ning smiled, “Alright, I’ll wait for you.”

She took out the jade Buddha and put it in his hand, “This is from Madam for you.”

Wenren Zong looked down at the jade Buddha and whispered, “Why bother with a dying man like me?”

“It’s the longing and heartache she feels as a mother for her son.”

Wenren Zong let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

Jiang Ning put down the food box and cotton-padded clothes, saying, “Although I can’t persuade the Emperor to release you, I can still make sure you have enough to eat and warm clothes while you’re alive.”

Wenren Zong said, “The Ministry of Justice is controlled by the Prince of Huai. Don’t come here again in the future to avoid attracting his attention.”

“I’m not afraid of him.”

“I know. The power of the Jiang Family is vast, and it didn’t matter before, but the Prince of Huai will soon become the Crown Prince and eventually the Emperor. If he ascends the throne, he will make things difficult for your family.”

Jiang Ning replied, “I understand.”

The reputation of the two Masters of the Jiang Family, one excelling in civil affairs and the other in martial prowess, was not good within the Imperial Court.

Everyone thought that the brothers held too much power in both the military and government, posing a potential threat to the Emperor’s authority..