On this day, a cold wind whipped through the streets and alleys.
Qiulan was on her way back to the Xie Mansion, carrying two bags of fresh bird's nest.
The air was freezing, and the streets were nearly empty.
Taking a shortcut, Qiulan cut through a secluded alley.
She walked quickly, feeling as if someone was following her.
But every time she looked back, she saw nothing.
Qiulan looked forward again, her heart filled with doubt.
Suddenly!
Several tall, stern-faced guards appeared as if from thin air.
They seized Qiulan by the arm.
She turned pale with fright and shrieked, "Who are you? Why are you grabbing me?"
The lead guard said coldly, "Our master wants to see you. Come with us."
Before Qiulan could struggle, a rag was stuffed into her mouth.
The bird's nest fell to the ground as Qiulan was dragged away.
The guards threw her into a carriage.
A short while later, the carriage stopped. When Qiulan was pulled out, she looked up to see an imposing gate before her.
