After getting a positive answer, Su Nansheng took a look at the departing carriage and quickly headed towards the side hall.
She could surely ask Bitao to snatch Cui Xueying back, but this would inevitably make a big fuss and draw attention.
Moreover, with the actions of that man just now, God knows what rumors would spread. It might damage Cui Xueying's reputation, which was absolutely unacceptable.
So she could only order Bitao to quietly follow first while she thought of a way to ask for help.
Male guests were also invited to today's banquet. The first person Su Nansheng thought of was He Xun.
If he took action, he could not only quietly rescue the person but also deal with the mastermind behind it.
It was a pity that He Xun had excused himself by saying he was busy with official duties and didn't come because he didn't want to socialize.
As a second - best option, Cui Yun should also have the ability. Moreover, Cui Xueying was his younger sister, so he would surely put more effort into it.
Because of her anxiety, Su Nansheng for the first time felt that the gorgeous skirt on her body was so restrictive, preventing her from running or jumping freely.
When she reached the side hall where the noble ladies were, the feast inside was in full swing.
A dozen dancers were performing the Hu Xuan Dance. As the drumbeats got faster and faster, they spun more and more quickly. The colorful silk ribbons on their bodies turned into a colorful circle, captivating everyone.
The guests' attention was all on the dance in front of them, so Su Nansheng's arrival didn't draw much attention.
She didn't disturb Chen Wanrong. Instead, she walked up to Nanny Zhao and motioned for her to come out with her.
After briefly explaining the situation, Nanny Zhao's expression immediately turned solemn, and then she quickly left.
Su Nansheng watched her back and felt a little less anxious.
Since it concerned Cui Xueying's reputation, she didn't trust others to pass on the message, but it was also inconvenient for her to go to Cui Yun in person.
So she thought of Nanny Zhao. As an old servant of the Marquis of Anshun's Mansion, she must have a way to see Cui Yun and tell him the news.
"What happened?"
Su Nansheng turned around and saw Chen Wanrong coming out of the side hall with a questioning look on her face.
Judging from Xirui's performance, it was certain that this incident stemmed from the internal strife in the Duke of Anguo's Mansion. There might also be some other people involved, but in the end, it was just a family matter.
Moreover, saving Cui Xueying would mean offending others. It was better not to get involved.
She could help quietly, and Cui Yun could rescue quietly. It would be best if no one really stepped forward and the trouble could be resolved invisibly.
Su Nansheng wasn't sure if Chen Wanrong was willing to be involved in this matter, so her expression was a bit hesitant.
Seeing this, Chen Wanrong didn't urge her. She just looked at her with a smile.
She knew that Su Nansheng was a reliable person and wouldn't rashly call Nanny Zhao away from her. There must be something urgent.
But this child was so adaptable and intelligent in front of outsiders, yet at home, she was like a silent gourd and didn't want to say much.
This wasn't good. She had to change this.
Seeing Chen Wanrong's expression, Su Nansheng knew that she wanted to know, so she quickly and briefly told her about the matter.
Chen Wanrong frowned immediately after hearing this:
"The Duchess of Anguo is my good friend. I'll surely take care of her business. Wait here."
Chen Wanrong turned around and went into the side hall. A moment later, she came out dragging the frost - faced Duchess of Anguo.
Su Nansheng stepped forward:
"Xirui didn't leave with Miss Cui. Apparently, she has more tricks up her sleeve. We have to stop her."
"Let's go!"
Chen Wanrong responded even faster than the Duchess of Anguo. She was about to leave when Su Nansheng stopped her:
"Mother, Miss Cui didn't leave the prince's mansion just now. We need someone to testify to this."
After knowing that Chen Wanrong wasn't afraid of trouble and was willing to step forward, Su Nansheng had already thought of a countermeasure.
No matter what the other side's next move was, Chen Wanrong's status as the Marchioness of Anshun was enough to suppress those rumors.
Hearing this, the Duchess of Anguo's eyes moved. Then she said to Chen Wanrong:
"I'll trouble you to take care of Ying'er."
After saying that, she took a deep breath to calm herself down and walked towards the guest courtyard with Su Nansheng.
But halfway there, the Duchess of Anguo suddenly stopped. Then she said to Su Nansheng:
"Aunt Su, you go first and see what that girl Xirui is up to. I'll follow later."
"But I'm just an outsider. It's not appropriate for me to manage that maid. If things get out of hand..."
Su Nansheng didn't continue. She believed that the Duchess of Anguo understood what she meant.
The Duchess of Anguo sneered with a fierce look on her face:
"Then let things get out of hand."
Then she looked at Su Nansheng, and her expression softened a bit:
"I really envy Wanrong. No matter how much your two branches fight, you still care about the face of the Marquis of Anshun's Mansion. But look at our side. Has the third branch ever cared at all?
I've known for a long time that the third branch has ambitious plans, but I didn't expect them to be so ruthless. They even dared to harm Ying'er. Since that's the case, why should I keep a venomous snake by my side for the sake of face? It's just the right opportunity to get rid of them."
"But if Xirui says something absurd, it might be bad for Miss Cui's reputation."
Su Nansheng glanced at the guest courtyard. So far, it was still quiet with no sign of anything unusual.
In her previous life, the rumor of elopement spread because a maid beside Cui Xueying wore her silk dress and said that her young lady had asked her to pretend to be the mistress here to delay time.
Now it seemed that Xirui was that maid. Everything from her previous life was about to repeat itself.
"Humph, they know how important reputation is for a woman, yet they use such despicable tricks against their own family. But Aunt Su, no matter what she says, as long as Xueying comes back, the rumors will naturally be self - refuted."
The Duchess of Anguo had now regained her composure. Her complexion was better than before, but the coldness in her eyes still remained.
That was true, but...
"Does your ladyship have absolute confidence that Miss Cui can come back in time?"
Su Nansheng had many concerns. She wouldn't do something if she didn't have absolute confidence. The best way was to nip it in the bud.
Just like now, the best thing was to make Xirui unable to say a single word.
The Duchess of Anguo let out a hearty laugh and said:
"I'm a bold person. I'll do something if I have a 50% chance. Besides, I trust Yun'er. What I need to do now is to buy him more time. You go first. I'll go to the Princess of Qing's place."
No matter what the other side planned to do next, they couldn't bypass the Princess of Qing, the hostess. She had to stay by and act according to the situation.
Su Nansheng opened her mouth but didn't say anything.
Doing something with only a 50% chance. That was really bold.
At this time, there was movement in the guest courtyard, and a maid came out.
Seeing this, Su Nansheng glanced at the Duchess of Anguo and then quickly walked towards the guest courtyard.
Entering the courtyard, sure enough, she saw Xirui wearing the silk dress that Cui Xueying had changed out of before. She was holding the hand of the steward maid, looking extremely anxious.
Behind her, several noble guests came out of the private room one after another, all staring at Xirui to watch the show.