Since the end of last year, when Wei Shao and Xing Xun began their war, the battle for supremacy in the Yellow River region became the focus of attention for feudal lords and city rulers across the land. Spies traveled along the east-west and north-south roads, delivering the latest intelligence to their masters with utmost speed.

Compared to others, Qiao Ping was even more concerned about this conflict. Although Wei Shao had never addressed him as father-in-law, and even now, after his daughter had been married to him for so long, Qiao Ping’s entire impression of this son-in-law was still pieced together from fragments of secondhand accounts. Yet, in his heart, he had unknowingly begun to feel an affection for this son-in-law he had never met.

In the numerous exchanges of letters with his daughter over the past year, when she mentioned this man, her tone gradually changed from the previous impersonal address. Between the lines, unconsciously, there was more emotion in her words.

Qiao Ping, accomplished in both civil and military affairs, had achievements not only in warfare but also in poetry and prose. Moreover, he loved his daughter deeply from the bottom of his heart. His thoughts were far more delicate than those of an ordinary father. Even though his daughter hadn’t explicitly stated it, he could sense from her words that she must have accepted this man as her husband. Furthermore, she was now about to have a child.

Naturally, he paid close attention to the changes in the war situation. He sent out spies, and every few days, the latest news about the war would be delivered to East Commandery without delay. However, this time, after he had concluded the Battle of Juye and returned to East Commandery, the latest news about the war was still the report received half a month ago: due to severe weather, Wei Shao and the northern expedition allied forces of Xing Xun and Le Zhenggong continued to face off in the area of the ancient Yellow River road. He was at a disadvantage.

Both the news itself and the fact that the spies had not returned made Qiao Ping feel uneasy. He sent out new spies.

While anxiously waiting for the latest news, it happened to be Qiao Ping’s 40th birthday. Qiao Ping himself had no desire to celebrate, but Qiao Yue insisted on commemorating it, also to welcome the victorious return from the Battle of Juye. Not only did he set up a grand feast at the Governor’s mansion, but he also rewarded the soldiers with fine wine.

That evening, the Qiao family’s generals and retainers gathered in the celebration hall. During the feast, wine cups clinked, and everyone was in high spirits. Before the banquet ended, some had already become drunk and were sent out.

While everyone at the table was enjoying themselves, only Qiao Ci drank silently without uttering a word. Zhang Pu approached him with a grin, “We’ve won the war, which is cause for celebration, and it’s also the Duke’s birthday. Tonight we should drink until we’re drunk, yet why does the young master look so gloomy?”

Qiao Ci ignored him as if he hadn’t heard.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Zhang Pu felt slightly embarrassed. Pretending nothing had happened, he smiled again and said, “I have good news that I guarantee will make the young master happy.” He cleared his throat and announced, “Left Marquis Wang Ba, an important minister of the Han court, has a daughter who has just come of age. She is beautiful and virtuous. The Left Marquis has heard of the young master’s heroic deeds at a young age and intends to offer his daughter in marriage…”

The celebration hall gradually fell silent. Before he could finish, there was a loud “bang” as Qiao Ci slammed his wine cup heavily on the table. He sneered, “Who are you? My mother may have passed away, but my father is still alive. Since when did you become responsible for arranging my marriage?”

The hall immediately fell silent.

Zhang Pu looked embarrassed and glanced at Qiao Yue.

Qiao Yue’s face darkened slightly. “Ci’er, how dare you speak so rudely! This was my idea. You’ve reached the age for marriage, and you’re the only heir of our Qiao family. It’s time to consider your marriage!”

Qiao Ping quickly intervened, “Brother means well, and I accept it on Ci’er’s behalf. I’m afraid the Left Marquis’s daughter might be too good for Ci’er. Brother, it’s better to decline the Left Marquis’s kind offer. Besides, tonight we’re all gathered here, and it’s not appropriate to discuss such matters. Everyone, please continue enjoying the wine!”

Qiao Ping was well aware that while he was battling Zhou Qun’s invading forces at Juye, Liu Yan had been enthroned as emperor by a group of old Han court ministers in Langya. He established the era named Zhengguang, and in the capacity of the legitimate Han emperor, issued an edict calling on all feudal lords to join in the crusade against Luoyang, which had usurped the court, to restore the foundation and revive the Han dynasty.

At that time, Wang Ba, Dong Cheng, Dou Wu, Deng Xun, and others had rallied support for this cause, their voices shaking the rafters.

Thus, when he suddenly heard the news of Wang Ba’s intention to form a marriage alliance, he was taken aback and instinctively refused.

Qiao Yue looked displeased and was about to speak again when Qiao Ci suddenly stood up and said directly, “Uncle, my marriage is not urgent and can be discussed slowly in the future. I just want to ask you one thing: the Green-eyed General has been a great help to our Yanzhou. Let’s not mention the past, but this time when Yanzhou faced a second attack, if it weren’t for the Green-eyed General fighting alongside us, who knows what would have become of Yanzhou today? Yet, Uncle, why do you turn a blind eye to this and refuse to accept him? I really can’t understand!”

In the Battle of Juye, the Green-eyed General had shown formidable power, and Zhou Qun died due to his military strategy. The Qiao family’s generals all admired him, but they were surprised that Qiao Yue wouldn’t accept him. Due to Qiao Yue’s position, they didn’t dare to speak up, but in their hearts, they were all somewhat puzzled.

Now that Qiao Ci had suddenly spoken up, seemingly expressing what was on their minds, everyone turned their gaze towards Qiao Yue.

Qiao Yue still maintained a stern face and remained silent.

Zhang Pu, who was standing nearby, said, “How dare the young master speak so disrespectfully to the Lord? Bi Xi was formerly just a runaway slave of the Qiao family. The Lord is already showing mercy by not punishing him. If we were to accept him now, wouldn’t that be inviting ridicule?”

“I only know that the times make heroes! To have such a hero and not accept him, instead judging people by their birth and pushing him away! No wonder Yanzhou has fallen to this state, having to rely on offering daughters to curry favor for self-preservation!” Qiao Ci sneered.

With these words, the atmosphere immediately became tense.

Qiao Yue’s expression changed.

“Outrageous! The older you get, the more disrespectful you become to your elders! You dare to openly contradict me for the sake of a horseboy!” Qiao Yue angrily struck the table and shouted.

Qiao Ping also felt helpless about his elder brother’s persistent refusal to acknowledge Bi Xi as a son-in-law.

He could only try to persuade him slowly. Knowing that his son had just sent Bi Xi away and was in a depressed mood, which led to his outburst against Qiao Yue, he didn’t have the heart to reprimand him further. He simply stood up and said, “Ci’er is drunk. You should go now!”

Qiao Ci glared fiercely at Zhang Pu, then rose from his seat and strode out of the banquet hall.

Qiao Ping said, “Brother, please don’t be angry. Ci’er owes his life to the Green-eyed General, and this time he greatly assisted in saving Yanzhou from danger. Seeing that he wasn’t even allowed to enter the East Commandery city gates, and after drinking a few cups of wine, he must have felt unjust and thus spoke offensively. I’ll talk to him properly when we get back.”

Qiao Yue’s face remained gloomy.

Seeing this, the family generals knew that the banquet couldn’t continue. Most of them were already quite drunk, so they gradually stood up, supporting each other as they left in twos and threes, dispersing without further ado.

Only Qiao Yue, Qiao Ping, and Zhang Pu remained in the celebration hall.

Zhang Pu coughed and shot a meaningful glance at Qiao Yue.

Qiao Yue finally managed a forced smile and said, “Alright, alright. As an elder, how can I lower myself to argue with Ci’er?”

Qiao Ping thanked him.

Thinking about his son’s angry departure earlier, he felt uneasy and said, “It’s getting late. I see that my brother has also had quite a bit to drink. Why don’t we call it a night and get some rest?”

Qiao Yue said, “Wait a moment, Second Brother. You’ve been busy for so long, and we brothers haven’t had the chance to sit down and drink together like tonight in ages. Let me take this opportunity to toast you first.”

Zhang Pu picked up a wine jug placed on his table and filled Qiao Ping’s cup to the brim, presenting it with both hands.

Qiao Yue raised his cup and said, “This time in the Battle of Juye, our Yanzhou achieved a great victory, all thanks to Second Brother’s efforts. I drink to you, bottoms up first.”

Qiao Ping was startled, quickly accepted the cup, and drank its contents.

Zhang Pu filled his cup again.

“I know I’m mediocre, and over these years, it’s all thanks to Second Brother’s hard work both internally and externally that Yanzhou has achieved its current position. While I’m gratified, I also feel ashamed for holding the position without merit. This second cup, I’ll drink to you again!”

Although the two brothers often had disagreements due to differing views, at this moment, seeing his elder brother’s sincere words, Qiao Ping couldn’t help but feel emotional. Thinking of the difficult path they had traveled over the years, and how his painstaking efforts had finally begun to bear fruit, he bowed and said, “Brother, you flatter me. Without your tolerance, what could I have achieved on my own? I should be the one toasting to you, Elder Brother.”

He then drained his cup again.

Qiao Yue seemed moved as well, raising a third cup of wine, “Very well. From now on, if we brothers are of one mind, what can’t we achieve?”

Qiao Ping nodded and drank the contents of his cup once more.

After three cups, Qiao Ping was about to take his leave when Qiao Yue said, “Wait a moment. I have one more thing to tell you, Second Brother.”

“Please speak, Elder Brother.”

“To be frank, I’ve decided to lead Yanzhou in supporting the Han Emperor and completely break ties with the traitor Xing Xun!”

Qiao Ping was shocked, “Liu Yan? Why didn’t you mention such a major decision beforehand, Elder Brother?”

Qiao Yue spoke slowly, “What do you mean by that, Second Brother? Are you suggesting that I need your permission before making decisions?”

Qiao Ping felt anxious. The wine he had just drunk seemed to suddenly churn in his stomach, burning his chest and lungs. His forehead and back were instantly covered in sweat.

“That’s not what I meant! Breaking ties with Xing Xun is certainly the right thing to do, but supporting Liu Yan is something Elder Brother should reconsider! Given the current unstable situation in the world, Yanzhou can temporarily protect itself. In my opinion, we should observe the situation first and not rashly pledge allegiance to Langya!”

Qiao Yue snorted, “Second Brother, do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking? You’re still hoping to rely on Wei Shao, to get a piece of the pie in the future. Let me advise you, stop harboring false hopes! Wei Shao is now suppressed by the allied forces of Xing Xun and Le Zhenggong at the old Yellow River road. His defeat is certain, and he can barely protect himself. How can you still expect him to shelter our Qiao family in the future? Liu Yan is the legitimate Han Emperor, and the world is turning to him. Not to mention others, even Yuan Ze has openly supported him! With the Emperor’s vast grace, our Qiao family has been loyal for generations, entrusted with governing the people here. Now, following the general trend and supporting Liu Yan, how can you call this a rash move?”

Qiao Ping suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, and his vision seemed to darken.

Struggling to regain his composure, he said, “Has Elder Brother considered that our Qiao family is related by marriage to the Wei family? When Wei Shao is in trouble, our Yanzhou should send troops to help. Even if we don’t help, we shouldn’t make any rash moves at this time! Elder Brother’s decision is no different from kicking someone when they’re down. What about my daughter’s position?”

Qiao Yue coldly replied, “Second Brother, all you’re saying is that you want to tie the fate of our Yanzhou and the Qiao family to Wei Shao, isn’t it? Not to mention that Wei Shao can barely protect himself now, but even if by some miracle he escapes this crisis, he’ll have only two options in the future. Either he submits to Liu Yan as emperor, or he declares himself emperor. If he submits to Liu Yan, my decision today aligns with his, so why can’t you agree? If he declares himself emperor, how is he any different from the traitor Xing Xun? If he’s charged with treason, our Qiao family will suffer collateral damage, and we’ll be despised by the whole world. How can I face our ancestors then? As for our niece, she was forced to marry into the Wei family due to circumstances, and you were also very reluctant at the time. If that’s the case, it’s not too late to remedy the situation. In my opinion, we should take this opportunity to bring her back, cutting ties cleanly with the Wei family to avoid future entanglements!”

Qiao Ping could no longer contain himself and burst out in anger: “I cannot agree with Elder Brother’s words! Since you’ve spoken so bluntly, I’ll be frank as well! Your sudden decision to support Liu Yan must be because you’re certain Wei Shao will lose this battle. You fear Xing Xun will hold us accountable later, so you’re rushing to cut ties with Wei Shao to prove your innocence, aren’t you? The marriage alliance between the Wei and Qiao families was originally your idea. Now, at the first sign of trouble, you’re breaking promises and abandoning alliances. How is this behavior any different from grass that bends with the wind?”

Qiao Yue was also enraged: “How dare you speak to me like this? Do you still see me as your elder brother? Don’t forget, I am the head of the Qiao family and the Governor of Yanzhou!”

Qiao Ping said, “I know that strife between brothers leads to great disaster. But in this matter, forgive me, I absolutely cannot agree! I advise you, Elder Brother, don’t underestimate Wei Shao based on hearsay. Even if he’s at a disadvantage now, he might still have a chance of victory in the Yellow River battle! The spies I sent out earlier haven’t returned for some unknown reason, and the news we have is from half a month ago. The situation in war can change in an instant, and we don’t know the actual circumstances yet. I’m still waiting for news. I also advise you, Elder Brother, to have more patience and not do something foolish that would please our enemies and pain our loved ones!”

Qiao Yue’s expression darkened.

“Wei Shao’s forces were already inferior to Xing Xun’s, and with Le Zhenggong added, they were utterly defeated at the Battle of Gaotang. They retreated to Muye, and if not for the severe cold weather, they would have already been destroyed by the Allied forces. How could he possibly turn defeat into victory? I have no son, and I treat Ci’er as my own. Am I doing this for myself? It’s for the long-term consideration of Yanzhou! You don’t need to say more. I’ll tell you frankly, I’ve already sent a memorial to Langya! This matter is no longer open for your input!”

Qiao Ping suddenly felt a tightness in his chest, his vision blurred, and his eyes seemed to be pricked by countless fine needles. Realizing something was wrong, he shouted, “You’ve drugged my wine—”

His eyes suddenly became excruciatingly painful, and he could no longer see.

Qiao Ping, in his fury, overturned the table in front of him. Relying on his memory of positions from moments ago, he drew his sword and stabbed Zhang Pu opposite him. Zhang Pu’s shoulder was pierced, and he fell to the ground with a scream.

Qiao Ping swung his sword to strike again, but the drug took effect rapidly. He swayed, his sword fell to the ground, and he collapsed as well.

With the last bit of consciousness remaining in his mind, he gritted his teeth and hissed, “Elder Brother, I fear Yanzhou will be ruined by your hand—”

Qiao Yue trembled all over. Watching Qiao Ping gradually stop struggling on the ground, he hurried forward to check his breathing. Realizing he had only fallen unconscious, Qiao Yue let out a sigh of relief. He suddenly turned back and angrily asked, “What drug did you put in his wine? Why can’t he see?”

Zhang Pu, stabbed in the shoulder and sitting on the ground, covered his bleeding wound with one hand, feeling panicked and confused.

The drug added to the wine was given by Liu Shan, said to be colorless and odorless, but several times stronger than ordinary anesthetics. Fearing it might not be enough to subdue Qiao Ping, he had added more.

Qiao Ping’s collapse was within expectations.

But the damage to his eyesight was unexpected.

Enduring the pain in his shoulder, Zhang Pu said, “My Lord, don’t panic. It must be that the Duke’s anger affected his heart, causing a temporary loss of vision. After a few days, it should gradually improve. My Lord’s urgent task now is to control the Duke. Tomorrow morning, in the name of both you and the Duke, inform the family troops and retainers, then wait for His Majesty to arrive personally to help you control the situation. Once the Han Emperor arrives, who would dare to disobey?”

Qiao Yue barely composed himself and asked, “What about Ci’er? Just restrain him, don’t harm him!”

Zhang Pu nodded, “Rest assured, My Lord. I’ve arranged capable and trusted men. It will be foolproof.”

…

Qiao Ci left the celebration hall in anger. After cooling off outside, he thought about his brother-in-law not being accepted by his uncle and the uncertain fate of his second sister’s husband in the Yellow River battle. Feeling helpless despite his concerns, he became increasingly frustrated. As the effects of alcohol set in, he went back and fell asleep immediately.

When he woke up early the next morning, he found himself locked in his room.

The guards said they were there on the Duke’s orders, instructing the young master to reflect on his actions in his room.

At first, Qiao Ci didn’t think much of it.

Last night, he had indeed publicly confronted Qiao Yue, which was disrespectful and unfilial. It was normal for his father to be displeased and want him to reflect on his actions.

But soon, he became suspicious.

There were over a dozen guards visibly posted, securing all doors and windows tightly.

This wasn’t just making him reflect on his actions; it was more like guarding a prisoner.

Moreover, they were all his uncle’s men.

The more Qiao Ci thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. He immediately tried to leave but was stopped by the guards. When he attempted to force his way out, hundreds of guards emerged from hiding and firmly restrained him.

Qiao Ci was furious. He struggled to break free and made it to the courtyard, but was tripped by a hidden rope and captured again, then locked up once more.

He was confined for three days.

On the fourth day, Madam Ding came to see Qiao Ci, bringing a food box.

The deputy commander in charge of guarding Qiao Ci, named Chen Shao, was Qiao Yue’s confidant. At first, he refused to let her pass, saying he had orders from the Lord that no one was to enter or leave. Before he could finish speaking, Madam Ding spat in his face and angrily said, “I don’t care what that old fool said. I’m bringing some food to my nephew, and you dare to stop me? Kill me if you dare, otherwise I’m going in!” She then walked forward.

The guards didn’t dare to stop her and watched as Madam Ding entered.

Chen Shao had no choice but to follow her, requesting to inspect the food box first.

Madam Ding opened the lid herself.

As Chen Shao carefully inspected the contents, Madam Ding coldly said beside him, “Does Commander Chen also want to search my person?”

Chen Shao quickly replied, “I wouldn’t dare!”

After a moment’s hesitation, thinking that Madam Ding had always been weak and uninvolved in affairs, treating the young master like her own son, he figured that her sudden appearance today must be out of concern for the young master. Even if he let her in, he thought, nothing would likely happen.

So he ordered the guards to let her pass.

Madam Ding gave a cold laugh, took back the food box, and proceeded.

Chen Shao ordered the guards to keep a close watch while secretly sending someone to inform Qiao Yue.

Qiao Ci had heard the commotion outside. As soon as Madam Ding entered, he rushed to her, anxiously asking, “Aunt, what exactly has happened? Is my father alright? Why has Uncle locked me up—”

“Bah! That old bastard! Don’t call him uncle anymore!” Madam Ding cursed angrily, grabbing Qiao Ci’s arms and looking him up and down. Seeing that he was unharmed, she sighed in relief and said, “I haven’t been allowed to see your father these past few days and don’t know the details, but he must also be locked up by that old fool!”

Qiao Ci was initially furious and turned to rush out again, but when he reached the door, he abruptly stopped and slowly turned back.

“Aunt, what has happened these past few days? Tell me!”

Madam Ding let out a long sigh: “That old bastard listened to Zhang Pu and submitted to Liu Yan! That Liu Yan is in our home today!”

Qiao Ci was stunned.

…

Yesterday, Qiao Yue welcomed Liu Yan into Yanzhou, summoned the family troops and retainers to pay respects as subjects to their ruler, and then claimed that he and Qiao Ping had jointly decided to lead Yanzhou in serving the Han Emperor.

As this came so suddenly, everyone was surprised at the time. Moreover, they hadn’t seen Qiao Ping for the past two days, which inevitably raised some doubts.

Liu Yan had once risked his life to rescue the young emperor from danger in Luoyang, but unfortunately, the young emperor passed away due to illness on the journey. Subsequently, Liu Yan was enthroned as the new emperor by old Han court ministers like Wang Ba and Dong Cheng, becoming the legitimate ruler of the Han dynasty.

This was known to all under heaven.

Now that he had arrived in Yanzhou, and the family head Qiao Yue was constantly referring to himself as a Han subject, if anyone were to question this, it would be seen as openly defying authority, even potentially viewed as treason.

Therefore, in the end, everyone followed Qiao Yue in paying respects to Liu Yan as subjects to their ruler.

…

“Your aunt doesn’t understand these great matters of the world. I only know that the old fool listened to Zhang Pu and submitted to Liu Yan, which must have been opposed by your father, who then fell victim to his scheme! Yanzhou is now under Liu Yan’s control, and the family troops who used to obey your father were all replaced overnight. You must not act rashly. Wait until you can escape and inform your elder sister’s husband, telling him to come and rescue your father! Otherwise, if we delay any longer, I fear your father might be in danger!”

Qiao Ci’s knuckles cracked as he clenched his fists, his chest heaving violently. He barely controlled his emotions and nodded, saying, “Thank you for telling me, Aunt. I understand now. Please leave quickly to avoid being blamed.”

Madam Ding said, “That old bastard has no loyalty or righteousness. He doesn’t acknowledge my daughter and son-in-law, so I don’t consider him my husband anymore. What blame do I fear from him? There are nearly a hundred guards outside, and beyond that are layers of checkpoints. You can’t escape alone no matter what. You can take me hostage and fight your way out.”

Qiao Ci immediately refused: “How could I put you in danger, Aunt?”

Madam Ding shook her head and lovingly stroked Qiao Ci’s hair, saying, “Don’t worry. Although that old fool and I have long lost our marital affection, I doubt he would dare to kill me openly. Once we’re out of the city gates, you can escape on your own.”

Seeing that Qiao Ci still seemed hesitant, she angrily added, “Your father’s fate is unknown, and Yanzhou has fallen into the hands of others. If you remain trapped here, do you want the Qiao family to end at the hands of that old bastard?”

Tears welled up in Qiao Ci’s eyes as he knelt before Madam Ding, kowtowing and saying, “Aunt, your righteousness is great. Please accept your nephew’s bow!”

Madam Ding’s expression finally softened. She helped him up and took out a concealed knife from her person, handing it to him and saying, “Take me hostage and go out.”

…

Qiao Yue, upon receiving the news, rushed over with his men. He saw Madam Ding being held at knifepoint by Qiao Ci, and they had already reached the screen wall inside the main gate.

Hundreds of soldiers surrounded Qiao Ci and Madam Ding.

Qiao Yue, flustered and exasperated, pushed through the soldiers and rushed forward, shouting, “Ci’er, what are you trying to do? Put down the knife and come back with me!”

“Where is my father now? Call him out. Once I see him, I’ll naturally go back with you. Whether you want to beat me or kill me, it’s up to you!” Qiao Ci stared at him, enunciating each word.

Qiao Yue felt guilty for a moment and couldn’t speak.

Zhang Pu, standing nearby, quickly said, “Young Master, don’t be rash. Please release the Madam quickly…”

“I’m talking to my uncle. Who are you to interrupt?” Qiao Ci rebuked.

Zhang Pu looked embarrassed.

Qiao Yue composed himself and said, “On the night of the birthday feast, your father drank too much wine and fell on the way back, hitting his forehead, which caused him to lose consciousness. Don’t worry, Ci’er, I’ve already called for good physicians to treat him. He’ll recover in a few days. Put down the knife and come inside with me first. I’ll take you to see him…”

A shadow flickered in Qiao Ci’s eyes, but he remained silent, turning his head and continuing towards the gate with Madam Ding as his hostage.

The soldiers had always been loyal to Qiao Ping and Qiao Ci, father and son. Today, facing this scene, although they didn’t understand the situation, their hearts were all with Qiao Ci. Moreover, with Madam Ding in his hands, who would try to stop them? They merely put on a show of resistance, essentially allowing the two to reach the gate.

Qiao Ci ordered the gate to be opened.

Zhang Pu anxiously commanded the soldiers to block them.

The soldiers were driven forward and gradually surrounded them again.

Madam Ding suddenly stopped and turned her head, calling out loudly, “Your Majesty, I know you’re nearby! You are now the Emperor of the Han dynasty, the supreme ruler. Do you still remember when you were in distress as a youth and stayed at our home? Do you remember how I treated you then? I dare not ask for Your Majesty’s repayment, but now I’m being held hostage by my nephew. He must leave the city, but his uncle won’t let him go. If he can’t leave, he will surely harm me. Your Majesty has always had a reputation for being virtuous and benevolent. I’ve heard that when Your Majesty ascended the throne in Langya, people throughout the land danced and sang, praising Your Majesty as an unparalleled benevolent ruler! I know Qiao Yue obeys you. Even an ant cherishes its life, let alone a human! I beg Your Majesty, in memory of our past relationship, to save my life. I will be eternally grateful!”

Madam Ding, who usually lived in seclusion and rarely appeared in public, now spoke words that seemed to touch everyone’s hearts.

The soldiers, following Madam Ding’s gaze, all turned around as if Liu Yan was really behind them.

For a moment, inside the Qiao family’s main gate crowded with hundreds of people, not a sound was heard.

After a while, Liu Shan emerged from behind the screen wall and whispered something in Qiao Yue’s ear.

Qiao Yue, though reluctant, had no choice but to comply. He glared fiercely at Madam Ding and grudgingly said, “Let him leave the city!”