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Chapter 1701: 1701 Jade Pendant
Chapter 1701: Chapter 1701 Jade PendantZhulan was washing her hands when she saw Lady Li rushing in, “Mother, the well water is cloudy.”
The kitchen was preparing dinner, and the well water was not only turbid, but the chickens and ducks sent from the farm in the morning were running amok. She thought of what her mother-in-law had mentioned about reactions before an earthquake.
An earthquake… she had never experienced one, but she had heard about it. A few years ago, an earthquake hit a certain state, reportedly collapsing many houses. Her heart was filled with fear and anxiety now.
The disaster her mother-in-law spoke of… she had never faced an earthquake before, and just thinking about it sent chills down her spine. She mumbled to herself, “This is the capital… how can there be an earthquake here?”
Zhulan didn’t have time to explain the history of earthquakes in the capital. She quickly wiped her face and said, “I’ll go and check it myself.”
She was startled as well. Thinking back, although she had experienced natural disasters during her years in the capital, she had never suffered. If an earthquake were to strike the capital, she would be terrified.
Soon, Zhulan checked the well water, then went to the kitchen to look at the chickens and ducks. She didn’t miss the lake in the garden either. After seeing everything, her heart sank.
Before returning to the main hall, Zhulan had someone deliver a message to Zhou Shuren. On her way back, she instructed Lady Li, “Have everyone in the residence leave the house, and prepare some water and food.”
Lady Li was extremely frightened, but hearing her mother-in-law’s instructions steadied her heart. With her mother-in-law around, there was nothing to fear.he garden became extremely quiet. Elder Zhou stood up, his voice slightly trembling, “Mother, are you alright?”
The earth shook, and such fear even made Elder Zhou lose his composure.
Zhulan didn’t move, still seated, “I’m fine. I heard the sound of tiles falling. Check if anyone is injured, and be cautious of aftershocks.”
Elder Zhou replied, “Yes.”
Steward Ding followed him. Zhulan signaled Qing Xue to check if any maids were injured as she had heard quite a few of them fall due to the sudden earthquake.
Several aftershocks occurred later. Zhulan left the tent only after they had passed. Most of the household workers were injured from falls, but thankfully, no one was seriously hurt.
Zhulan then sent people to gather information on where the damage was severe, also sending someone to wait for Chang Xhong. Since he hadn’t returned yet, she felt uneasy not seeing her son. As for Zhou Shuren, she trusted him completely.
Gradually, messages came from Xue Mei and Xue Han’s attendants, inquiring about Zhulan’s safety and informing that they and their children were unharmed.
Several in-laws also sent messages, reporting no serious injuries.
Steward Ding returned with Chang Xhong. Seeing her son unharmed, Zhulan’s voice choked, “Why did you come back so late?”
Chang Xhong felt guilty, “Mother, the fourth Prince and I were found by the guards, but just as we were returning to the capital, the earthquake struck, so we had to wait in place. I’m sorry to have worried you.”
Zhulan took a deep breath, holding back tears, “It’s good that you’re alright.”
Chang Xhong asked, “Mother, were you frightened?”
Zhulan glared, “I taught you all the knowledge you know. How could I be scared?”
Chang Xhong supported his mother, “You’re the best, Mother.”
“Was the fourth Prince injured?”
Chang Xhong shook his head, “The guards protected him well. Not a hair on his head was touched.”
Zhulan turned to Steward Ding, who reported the news, “I heard the earthquake occurred south of the suburban county near the capital.”
Chang Xhong said, “I wonder how it is south of the suburban county?”
Zhulan replied, “Let’s wait for more information.”
Hoping the intensity wasn’t high.
The capital itself didn’t suffer much damage. Thanks to the planned development, many houses were newly built, so property damage was minimal. Injury and casualty details still needed compiling.
Zhulan hadn’t let anyone return indoors for fear of more aftershocks. When she brought Chang Xhong back to the tent, she noticed something missing, “Where’s the Jade Pendant at your waist?”
Chang Xhong was taken aback, looking down to see it indeed gone, “The situation was chaotic back then. It might have fallen off in the carriage.”
He instructed a young servant to search the carriage for it.
The young servant quickly returned but hadn’t found the Jade Pendant, “I searched along the road but couldn’t find it.”
Chang Xhong slapped his forehead, “It must have been lost in the chaos.”
The Jade Pendant was a birthday gift from his father, not measured in Silver Coin, but a testament of his father’s affection.
Just then, Steward Ding entered, “Master, someone has returned the Jade Pendant.”
He was about to send people outside to search for it, surprised someone brought it to them instead.
Chang Xhong asked, “Who found the Jade Pendant?”