Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play-Chapter 884 - 860: Picked Up

Han Ziqi was keen on redemption and actively sought out the remnants of the Priest Court, interviewing almost everyone connected, but he gained nothing.

Gradually, Han Ziqi felt his lies were about to be exposed, so he tried to avoid Xie Jue, fearing Xie Jue would inquire further about Fang Chuning. Despite searching Mudan City thoroughly, they couldn’t find Fang Chuning, and his portrait was posted throughout the streets and alleys of Sannan. If someone found Fang Chuning, it’s unlikely they’d hide it, given the high reward offered; providing a clue would guarantee a lifetime of riches and comfort.

Yet, as autumn quietly passed, Fang Lingjun’s belly gradually swelled. Her pregnancy was stable, and she had overcome three months of morning sickness. Now she could eat and sleep, her health was improving, and her complexion was rosy. Though there was no news of Fang Chuning, holding onto a glimmer of hope, Fang Lingjun became slightly more cheerful.

Xie Jue had promised Ruyi to return to the Capital City by the year’s end. As autumn quietly passed, the weather in Sannan gradually cooled, and it was time for him to depart for the Capital City.

He also had a premonition that Fang Chuning was not in Sannan.

Six months had passed, and Fang Chuning’s injuries must have healed. Given his strength, he wouldn’t willingly remain imprisoned unless he was held in a place where no one could hear his cries or if his injuries hadn’t improved. Xie Jue searched all over Sannan, but if Fang Chuning were there, how could he stay hidden? Who took him away and concealed him, and for what purpose? Gradually, Xie Jue ruled out the High Priest.

Even though Han Ziqi had told him it was the High Priest’s people who took Fang Chuning away.

But the High Priest was dead, and everyone connected to the Priest Court had been questioned; none knew Fang Chuning’s whereabouts, nor did they admit to having any contact with him.

If the High Priest had truly taken Fang Chuning, he would have perished in the fire long ago. If Fang Chuning were still alive, the opposing party would certainly use this chip to negotiate with him. He had patiently waited in Sannan for several months, yet no one came to negotiate, and Fang Chuning seemed to have vanished into thin air. Strangely, Xie Jue became increasingly calm and confident.

If a person lives in the world, they cannot simply disappear; if he has value, someone will eventually negotiate with him. Since neither is the case, if something unusual happens, there must be a reason.

Unless he had truly died.

But in Xie Jue’s mind, he always reasoned as if Fang Chuning were still alive, excluding the possibility of Fang Chuning’s death.

The situation in Sannan stabilized. The new governance initially proceeded disorderly, but now it has settled. The officials Xie Xun sent to Sannan were all in place, with both civil and military authorities guarding the main cities. Vigilance will not be relaxed for the next five years. Once Sannan truly has its place, and officials return to the Capital City to report, only then will Xie Xun consider changing Sannan’s governance model; otherwise, things will remain as they are.

Dugu Jing and Fang Lingjun initially thought Xie Jue would celebrate the New Year in Mudan City. But just after the start of winter, Xie Jue bade farewell to Dugu Jing and Fang Lingjun, stating he was heading back to the Capital City. Regarding whether he would return to Mudan City, Xie Jue did not make it clear, and Fang Lingjun didn’t meet with Xie Jue; it was Dugu Jing who received him.

After seeing Xie Jue off, Dugu Jing returned to the backyard, where Fang Lingjun, supported by her maid Qiangwei, was walking. She was nearly five months pregnant, slowly recovering her vitality, with a rosy complexion. Following the doctor’s advice, she walked in the courtyard for an hour daily. Seeing Dugu Jing arriving, Qiangwei excused herself to prepare snacks in the small kitchen, leaving Dugu Jing to support her on her walk. Fang Lingjun asked, "Leaving so soon?"

"I have nothing to say with him; it’s just a polite farewell. Sending someone to convey this would suffice; I suspect he’s doing it somewhat out of consideration for you, though you didn’t see him." Dugu Jing had heard countless rumors about Xie Jue and Fang Chuning over the past six months. Their intrigues had nearly turned into a theatrical play in Mudan City.

Though no one dared openly perform them, some theater troupes cleverly titles these plays, insinuating their stories, and there was no shortage of them. Fang Lingjun heard one once and nearly smashed the theater troupe.

Rumors, when heard often enough, almost become believed. However, Dugu Jing was unlike others; deep down, he firmly believed Xie Jue and Fang Chuning were simply brothers, and that the people of Sannan had maliciously concocted such scandalous tales. He advised Fang Lingjun not to pay attention, deeming them false.

Fang Lingjun, knowing the truth, remained silent.

Indeed, almost half the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry believed them true, yet Dugu Jing thought them false. Fang Lingjun naturally wouldn’t discuss her brother’s secrets, opting instead to avoid the topic, though she didn’t wish to see Xie Jue.

In her heart, she resented Xie Jue while also feeling sorry for him. She resented him for Fang Chuning’s uncertain fate, filled with regret, yet pitied him as Xie Jue persevered alone, searching for a brother of unknown life or death, his reputation damaged, suffering from numerous rumors and slander.

Certainly once a young man with a bright future, now portrayed as a violent demon with divided reputations. Fang Lingjun, feeling conflicted, chose avoidance, unable to face Xie Jue calmly.

Even though she knew, if her brother were here, he’d wish for her to get along well with Xie Jue.

"Frankly, I was not familiar with him, and there’s nothing to say." Holding Dugu Jing’s hand, Fang Lingjun couldn’t help but sarcastically remark, "Has he given up on finding my brother already? So quickly? My brother must not mean much to him."

"Mudan City was searched thoroughly; if a person isn’t here, then maybe truly not in Mudan City." Dugu Jing, for once, spoke justly on behalf of Xie Jue. "He’d be wasting time in Mudan City. Better to try elsewhere. Considering, he’s been very diligent; even while searching for Fang Chuning, he’s been pushing forward the new governance. Without him present, implementing the new governance in Sannan would demand energy and time; with year-end approaching, he ought to return to the Capital City."

Fang Lingjun also thought of the Capital City, though she wouldn’t return. The Marshal had taken Mrs. Fang and Xiaoqi to Jiangnan, and she had no attachments in the Capital. Pregnant, she couldn’t travel far; most likely, she’d wait until the child is born and stable before leaving Mudan City. Returning to Beining meant going to Jiangnan, ensuring rare reunions and frequent separations with Ayu.

"I find one thing strange!"

"What is it?"

Dugu Jing hesitated to speak, piquing Fang Lingjun’s curiosity. Her husband was a straightforward man, his thoughts always visible, difficult to hide, never leaving her to guess. Thus, after marrying Dugu Jing, Fang Lingjun was open and honest, avoiding deceit. To Beiman, deception was taboo, and Fang Lingjun knew better than to commit such offenses; Dugu Jing naturally wouldn’t lie to her.

"Your brother’s fate is unknown, and the family held a funeral, presumably confirming his death, but Xie Jue found traces in Mudan City. He’s openly looking there; yet, your father and mother show no urgency, not even sending anyone to search. It seems they’re indifferent. Was Fang Chuning adopted by your family?"