Ning Chen was about to head back with the register. He needed Xiao Yanxi to check whether it was genuine.

But Yuan Zhenzhen rushed over and knelt in front of him again.

"My lord prince, this commoner woman's parents are both dead, and the family has nothing. Thank you, my lord prince, for having my parents buried."

Ning Chen waved a hand. "Don't mention it. Get up, quick!"

Yuan Zhenzhen looked up at him. "My lord prince, this commoner woman is all alone now, and she has no skills to speak of. I beg my lord prince to take her in.

All I ask is that my lord prince give me enough to eat. This commoner woman will do anything."

Ning Chen: "..."

"What can you do?"

Yuan Zhenzhen's eyes lit up as she looked at him. "Washing and cleaning, making beds and folding quilts, this commoner woman can do all of it!"

Ning Chen thought for a moment. "Yuan Long, find her some work at the residence later."

Yuan Long bowed. "Yes, sir!"

Yuan Zhenzhen bowed her head to the ground in thanks. "Thank you, my lord prince, thank you, my lord prince..."

Ning Chen waved her off and hurried away with Feng Qizheng.

Suddenly the hair on the back of his neck stood up.

He glanced back and saw Yuan Zhenzhen staring at him intently, with a very strange look in her eyes.

When she saw Ning Chen look back, Yuan Zhenzhen lowered her head shyly.

Ning Chen frowned slightly. Once he was out the gate and on his horse, he said to Feng Qizheng, "Old Feng, I'm heading back first... You go ask around the neighbors about this family. Every last detail. Find out everything about them for this prince."

Feng Qizheng nodded. "Got it!"

Ning Chen rode his beloved Diaochan, hooves clip-clopping, back to the city lord's residence.

In the study, he sent for Xiao Yanxi.

As soon as she arrived, Ning Chen handed her the register.

"This is the Myriad Nations Society's register of members. Since Li Qiu is dead, I can't confirm right now…