Chapter 248: Secret


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The news article shed light on a pair of illegitimate children from the Liao Family’s previous patriarch, who happened to be Liao Ning’s grandfather. The patriarch had been framed and bore two illegitimate children, whom he never allowed to return to the main Liao Family. Instead, they were raised within a side branch. The elder siblings were then ced in the Liao Family’s caravan.


    Tragedy struck when one of the girls fell victim to an attack by rebel forces, and her whereabouts remained unknown. However, the capable brother made his way back to the main Liao Family, positioning himself as a strong contender for the future head of the family—Liao Chen.


    A gossip site sought to attract attention by sensationalizing the Liao Family’s affairs, portraying Liao Chen, who was just a minor manager at the time, as more influential than reality dictated.


    But Loya understood that Liao Chen had since transformed. He now oversaw numerous properties of the Liao Family within the Interster Alliance. Although not officially registered under his name, his capabilities were evident.


    Loya’s previous business ventures had connections to Liao Chen, who even managed a military factory on the capital.


    The sight of Liao Chen and Liao Xi together in the news struck Loya with surprise. Liao Xi bore a striking resemnce to the present Sami.


    If there were any connections between the Liao and Sam Families, it would likely be through this pair of siblings. If Liao Xi had not returned to interster space, it indicated that they harbored alternative ns within the empire.


    Liao Ning and Liao Nai had already been designated as heirs to Liao Jun’s legacy. Considering Liao Nail s young age, Liao Chen regarded Liao Ning as his greatest threat.


    Loya meticulously analyzed the connections. While she hadn’t yet unraveled the intentions behind Sami and the others, she grasped the core aspect. As long as she held Sami and the others’ secret in her hands, she needn’t fear being abandoned.


    Following the conclusion of the livestream, Liao Ning remained proactive. In addition to fostering a positive rapport with the staff, she began investigating the current state of affairs within the empire.


    As anticipated, significant turmoil erupted within the rebel army once she departed. Moreover, the empire had curtailed the supply of essential ingredients to the rebels, prompting a forting mental breakdown among their soldiers.


    Upon returning to the room, Liao Ning discovered Zhou Ling and Liao Nai eagerly awaiting her. She presented them with the potato cakes she had made.


    “Enjoy them while they’re still hot, or they’ll lose their crispinesster,” she lovingly patted Liao Nai’s hair, and the little boy eagerly grabbed two pieces of pancakes with his hands, offering the remaining one to Zhou Ling.


    Confused, Liao Ning observed them closely as Zhou Ling removed the ne from around his neck and set it aside. After a few minutes, he reverted back to his original form.


    “What’s happening?” Liao Ning quickly locked the door, ensuring no one would stumble upon Zhou Ling.


    Zhou Ling smiled and proceeded to recount the entire story to her.


    Only then did Liao Ning carefully ce the ne back on him. “Just be careful not to let anyone discover your true identity.”


    “You’re the only one who knows.” He approached Liao Ning, and she ced the ne around his neck, causing him to transform back into a mermaid.


    Noticing Liao Nai’s curious gaze fixed upon them, Liao Ning gently pushed him away and changed the subject. ‘Will the mermaids rebel again? Is there any


    chance for us to escape?”


    “The mermaids have been appeased, and the empire is currently stable,” Zhou Ling responded, his expression turning serious. “I’ve spoken with Zhou Ye, and he has taken the opportunity to send the deer back to the capital. The rebel army is in a weakened state and unlikely tounch an attack on the empire for the time being.”


    With the empire no longer in turmoil, their chances of escaping dwindled.


    Additionally, the interster space did not n to directly oppose the empire.


    Worry clouded Liao Ning’s gaze as she nced at Liao Nai, her thoughts dwelling on how the system had failed to inform her about the decrease in Liao Nails evil value.


    “Auntie, please don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ve been studying and training within the empire. If anything happens, I’ll protect you,” Liao Nai assured her with confidence.


    Seeing the boy’s unwavering conviction, Liao Ning forced a smile. “Yes, you’ve grown into a young man. Thank you for your efforts!”


    Liao Nails ears turned red. He grabbed a piece of potato cake and started to eat it with head lowered.


    Seeing the embarrassed look on his face, Liao Ning and Zhou Ling exchanged a look and smiled, showing a trace of happiness in each other’s eyes..