This was troublesome. Han Yan glared at Zhuo Qi – he was indeed someone who attracted trouble. But having drawn the attention of officials, just who was he?

There was no time to think further. She pushed Zhuo Qi into the inner chamber, signaling him to be quiet. Her gaze suddenly became extremely serious: “If you don’t want to die, stay silent.”

Never having been threatened like this, especially by a young girl who hadn’t come of age, his wolf-like eyes turned dark, and his handsome features became exceptionally wicked.

Very well, this little thing was an unexpected harvest. If possible, he might as well take her back with him.

The entire Zhuang Mansion was now brightly lit. The Zhou sisters put on their clothes and walked to the courtyard. Zhuang Yu Shan had also awakened, and seeing the officials surrounding the mansion with torches, she became frightened: “What’s happening?”

Zhuang Shi Yang was also puzzled. The lead officer bowed to him: “Pardon the intrusion, Lord Zhuang, we’re here on orders to search for an assassin.”

“Assassin?” Zhuang Shi Yang was shocked: “What assassin?”

The officer explained: “Tonight there was an attempt on His Majesty’s life. We tracked the assassin here and saw them enter your mansion, hence our disturbance.”

Concubine Mei, heavily pregnant, was startled and fearfully clung to Zhuang Shi Yang: “My Lord, I’m terrified. Since there’s an assassin, let the officers search. If they’re hiding in our mansion, it could be dangerous.”

Since it involved the Emperor, Zhuang Shi Yang naturally couldn’t refuse. Moreover, he was wary of assassins, so he quickly nodded: “Thank you for your trouble.”

The officer continued: “We saw the assassin enter the southeast area…”

“Southeast?” Before he could finish, Madam Zhou cried out: “Isn’t that where Fourth Young Miss lives?”

“Then we should hurry and check. Yan’er is to become Xuan Qing Wang’s Princess Consort. If anything were to happen…” Elder Madam Zhou said worriedly, though her tone carried a barely noticeable hint of joy.

Zhuang Yu Shan quickly added: “Fourth Sister is so delicate. Father, let’s hurry to Qing Qiu Yuan.”

Concubine Mei, watching everything unfold, couldn’t help but reveal a knowing smile. If the assassin wasn’t in Han Yan’s Qing Qiu Yuan, that would be fine, but if they were… Han Yan would be charged with harboring an assassin, becoming historically infamous. Even if she hadn’t harbored the assassin, being held hostage or found in the same room with one would ruin her reputation. How could she then enter Xuan Qing Wang’s mansion?

The Zhou sisters had indeed calculated well.

Though thinking this, Concubine Mei smiled and said: “I think the same, My Lord. Let’s check Qing Qiu Yuan.”

Zhuang Shi Yang looked at Zhuang Han Ming, who stood silently with clenched fists and nodded.

Perhaps in this entire group, only Zhuang Han Ming truly worried about Han Yan’s situation.

The group grandly arrived at Qing Qiu Yuan. The roosters had just crowed, and dawn was breaking. The bright torches illuminated Qing Qiu Yuan. Officials quickly surrounded it. A newly awakened old servant woman was startled and hurried to notify Han Yan.

At this time, Qing Qiu Yuan was quiet and peaceful, showing no signs of anything unusual. Everything appeared normal. Ji Lan dressed and entered the inner chamber. Soon, a woman’s voice came from inside: “What’s the matter?”

The voice was soft and timid, with a trace of languor, seeming like someone had just awoken. The lead officer announced loudly: “Pardon us, Young Miss Zhuang. We’re here on orders to search for an assassin. We hope for your cooperation.”

Han Yan’s confused voice came from inside: “Assassin? I haven’t seen any assassin.”

Madam Zhou smiled: “Fourth Young Miss, the officers are concerned for your safety. We’re all here. Perhaps you could accommodate them.”

Han Yan’s voice sounded flustered: “Let me change first…”

Then came rustling sounds from the room, but Han Yan didn’t open the door or speak.

“Fourth Young Miss?” The lead officer grew impatient, becoming suspicious of her delay.

Madam Zhou was secretly delighted, certain Han Yan was being held hostage. Though she feared the assassin, she was more overjoyed. A young lady held hostage in her boudoir by an assassin – once word spread, Xuan Qing Wang surely wouldn’t want her. Then she’d see if Han Yan could still be so arrogant.

Elder Madam Zhou’s eyes brightened. She exchanged glances with Madam Zhou and called inside: “Yan’er, Yan’er, why aren’t you responding? Has something happened?”

Seeing this, Zhuang Yu Shan also called anxiously in her thin voice: “Fourth Sister, don’t frighten us. We’re all here, are you alright?”

Zhuang Shi Yang was extremely tense, not out of concern for his daughter but from fear of an assassin in his mansion. He stepped back, afraid of getting hurt.

Zhuang Han Ming was also extremely anxious but couldn’t show it. He could only touch the flexible sword at his waist, determined that if Han Yan was truly being held hostage, he would risk his life to save her from the assassin.

Despite the calls from outside, there was still no movement inside. The officers had grown impatient. Seeing this, Madam Zhou said: “Officers, Fourth Young Miss might be held hostage… perhaps we should break in.”

The officers, already suspicious of the lack of response, heard Madam Zhou’s suggestion and prepared to break down the door without further discussion.

“Stop!” Zhuang Han Ming blocked the officers: “My sister is still in her private chamber. If you break in recklessly, how will you account for her ruined reputation?” He glared furiously at the Zhou sisters, wishing he could cut them into pieces. With Han Yan possibly being held hostage, if she were in a state of undress… to be seen by so many male officers would be unthinkable!

Elder Madam Zhou waved dismissively: “Young Master, don’t say that. The officers only want what’s best for Yan’er. If she’s in the hands of that villain now, delaying could put her in danger. Besides,” she looked at Zhuang Han Ming with feigned kindness, “Yan’er will be Xuan Qing Wang’s Princess Consort – who would dare ruin her reputation?”

These words were quite significant, and all the officers heard them. Used to bullying others, they couldn’t help but show lecherous looks at these words. If the young lady was in a state of undress, wouldn’t they get to see the future Xuan Qing Wang’s Princess Consort’s beauty? Such a rare opportunity. They immediately kicked down the door without hesitation. Zhuang Han Ming couldn’t stop them. As the door was kicked open, officers blocked the entrance while the lead officer and two guards entered first.

Elder Madam Zhou called “Yan’er” while following them in, her face full of pretend concern. Zhuang Han Ming, worried, naturally followed without hesitation. Though Zhuang Yu Shan and Madam Zhou were somewhat afraid, the thought of seeing Han Yan humiliated and her reputation ruined brought them immense satisfaction, so they followed as well.

Only Zhuang Shi Yang and Concubine Mei, along with Concubine Wan and her daughter, remained outside. Zhuang Shi Yang was too afraid to take the risk, while Concubine Mei watched with anticipation. Han Yan wasn’t easy to deal with – if Zhou and Han Yan became enemies, she might benefit from their conflict.