Chapter 2361: Sudden Accident

The fire erupted suddenly and with great intensity. Flames shot up into the sky, and thick smoke billowed into the dark night. The entire courtyard was engulfed in chaos, with panic spreading among the officials and servants. People ran in every direction, shouting and colliding with one another in their frantic attempt to escape. The scene was a complete mess.

Amidst the chaos, Ruan Lijuan rushed to Qiao Xuan, her voice trembling as she pleaded, “My grandmother isn’t feeling well. Please, can you get a doctor for her? She wasn’t well a few days ago, but she said she’d be fine in a couple of days. We didn’t think much of it then, but…”

Ruan Lijuan was nearly in tears, almost begging on her knees.

Qiao Xuan, startled by the urgency, quickly ordered someone to fetch a doctor while trying to reassure Ruan Lijuan. “Don’t worry. I see that she seems to be in good health. The doctor will arrive soon, and we’ll take a look at her.”

Given Old Madam Ruan’s age and the hard life her family had endured, it was understandable that she might fall ill, especially after the recent stress and exposure to the elements.

Qiao Xuan felt a pang of regret. She should have arranged for a doctor to see Old Madam Ruan sooner, perhaps even two days ago, which might have improved her condition.

After reassuring Ruan Lijuan, Qiao Xuan went to the bedroom with her.

Inside, Old Madam Ruan lay on the bed with her eyes closed, her face deeply lined with age. Ruan Erlang and Ms. Ding stood anxiously by her side, both looking distressed.

They greeted Qiao Xuan as she entered.

Qiao Xuan waved her hand gently and said, “No need for formalities. How is the old lady?”

Ruan Erlang wiped his eyes and spoke quietly, “She’s not well. I’m truly sorry for the trouble, Madam.”

“You’re welcome. I should have come to check sooner,” Qiao Xuan replied with a reassuring smile as she moved closer to the bed.

As Qiao Xuan approached Old Madam Ruan, she bent down to examine her. Suddenly, a sharp pain struck the back of her head. She felt a wave of disorientation and her vision blurred. Her last coherent thought was a silent scream of, “Oh no!” before everything went black.

Who would have thought that a family appearing so timid and honest, nervously rubbing their hands, would harbor ill intentions?

The backyard of the government office was ablaze as well. With two kitchens, two gardens, and four rooms on fire, it was a chaotic and frightening scene. Everyone scrambled to extinguish the flames. Once the immediate danger was under control and no major damage had been done, Caiyue and the others who had been serving Qiao Xuan suddenly realized she was missing.

When Qiao Xuan regained consciousness, it was already the next day.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the old, heavy wooden windows, illuminating the dust motes that danced in the beam of light. The room was dim and carried a strange odor.

Qiao Xuan found she could move her hands and feet, but those who had captured her seemed indifferent to her presence.

The cold, hard floor was uncomfortable, but she managed to sit up and took a deep breath, feeling a sense of relief.

She wasn’t overly frightened. Her abilities had significantly improved, and she felt confident that she could handle the situation.

As she gathered her thoughts, it became clear to Qiao Xuan that she had been deceived.

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