Chapter 1672 - 1671: Qiao Xiaomai is Missing
By evening, snowflakes began to fall once more. Tong Tiehu, Qiao Changshun, Zhuang Lühe, and Qiao Dami all returned in succession, but Qiao Xiaomai was nowhere to be seen.
Tonight was the dinner for New Year’s Eve—a rare chance for the whole family to gather and share a meal. Qiao Xiaomai was undoubtedly supposed to be the one cooking. Snow was falling, and the sky had darkened early. With visibility limited, there was still no trace of Qiao Xiaomai.
Tong Sanlang stood at the entrance of Field Manor, craning his neck as he looked ahead.
She had gone to the Palace early this morning. Why hadn’t she returned yet? He debated whether to ride into the city on horseback. Suddenly, the sound of galloping hooves came from the distance. The rhythm was hurried, each beat landing like a strike on his heart. A wave of unease swept over him.
The rider quickly reached the manor gates. Before the horse even stopped, the person leapt off its back. It was a guard from Yang Wenxiao’s side. He shouted out urgently, "Lord Tong, something terrible has happened! Qiao Xiaomai has been abducted by Bei Yun!"
"What?!" These words pierced Tong Sanlang’s heart like an icy spike, freezing him in place. His heart nearly stopped beating. "W-what did you say?"
He struggled to catch his breath and forced out the question with difficulty.
"Qiao Xiaomai has been taken by Bei Yun. You must go to the Bei Residence immediately—His Majesty, the Empress Dowager, the Crown Prince, and Prince Wei are all there!" The messenger said hurriedly.
As soon as he finished speaking, the strength drained from Tong Sanlang a moment ago instantly surged back into him. He utilized his lightfoot technique and disappeared in the blink of an eye.
He landed directly in the main courtyard of the Bei Residence. The yard was packed with guards. Without hesitation, he charged straight into the building. "Miss Bei?!"