Xie Residence.

Xie Erli waited inside the side gate, anxious and worried.

Half an hour ago, Third Brother sent word back saying Yan Sanhe had suddenly disappeared. Considering what Yan Sanhe was investigating, he felt the sky was about to fall.

“They’re here, they’re here. Third Master is back.”

Outside the side gate, Xie Xiaohua had sharp eyes and saw a carriage racing toward them from afar. He quickly stuck his head in and said:

“Master, this old servant will go greet them.”

“Go quickly!”

Upon greeting, he discovered that besides Third Master, Second Master Zhu from the Zhu residence had also come along.

Xie Xiaohua was about to bow to Second Master Zhu when Xie Zhifei pinched the soft flesh at the back of his neck. “Where’s my elder brother?”

“Master is inside the gate. He’s been waiting for ages. Third Master, why do you look so terrible? Where are you unwell?”

“Haven’t seen my Little Flower in days—heart’s unwell.”

Xie Zhifei strode up the steps, practically leaping across the threshold. Looking up and seeing his elder brother, he said hurriedly:

“Elder Brother, nine times out of ten it was Prince Han. His Highness wants Father to impeach him tomorrow. You’re best suited to discuss this with Father.”

Xie Erli’s gaze fell on Zhu Yuanzhao.

Zhu Yuanzhao nodded at him. “The matter is grave. I’ve come to help Third Master.”

Xie Erli leaned his head forward and said, covering his mouth, “How did this happen so suddenly…”

“We were being watched.” Xie Zhifei spoke honestly.

“Then…”

Xie Erli’s legs went weak as cotton. He quickly supported himself against the wall. “That matter…”

Xie Zhifei’s expression changed drastically.

This was terrible.

In their rush to find Yan Sanhe, they had completely forgotten about the Shen family.

Shen Yande was kept in the dark by Old Imperial Physician Shen and knew nothing. But the old imperial physician had his own accounts. What if Prince Han’s people found him and this old thing, for the sake of his son…

On second thought—

He wouldn’t dare.

If this matter came out, his Shen family would also be in trouble—big trouble.

Xie Zhifei’s expression eased. “They can’t investigate that matter.”

Xie Erli was still worried. “What about Miss Yan? Will they threaten her into…”

“No.” Xie Zhifei stated firmly.

“Third Brother, are you certain…”

“Elder Brother.”

Xie Zhifei’s eyes were exceptionally cold. “I actually hope she would—that way she’d suffer less.”

This single sentence silenced everyone.

Yes.

A pure and innocent young lady falling into those people’s hands—what would she experience? Who could guarantee anything?

In the end, it was they who had implicated her.

Xie Erli took a deep breath. “Third Brother, don’t worry. I’ll go to Father’s study right now.”

Zhu Yuanzhao’s chest heaved several times. He also went all in. “Actually, Miss Li was right. But not to kill him—to target his son instead.”

In this world, deal with rule-followers by the rules.

For those who don’t follow rules, be ruthless!

Before Xie Zhifei could respond, Zhu Yuanzhao continued, “Third Master, leave this matter to me. Just find me a quiet residence.”

What’s it called when you’re drowsy and someone hands you a pillow?

This is it!

Xie Zhifei had brought Zhu Yuanzhao along with exactly this plan in mind—if we can’t touch Prince Han, surely we can touch his son!

“Xie Xiaohua, take Second Master Zhu to my courtyard.”

Xie Xiaohua was about to respond when he saw Third Master’s expression change slightly. “Someone’s coming to the alley entrance.”

No one expected it would be Third Master Zhu from the residence.

Zhu Yuanhao jumped down from the carriage and rushed into the Xie residence urgently. Seeing everyone was there, he quickly beckoned them to come closer.

Several heads leaned in.

Zhu Yuanhao took a few rough breaths and said quietly, “Third Master, we’ve found the general location of the source.”

“Where?”

“In the southeast corner of our residence.”

The southeast corner of the Zhu residence was Chonghua Palace.

In other words, Prince Han had been secretly monitoring the Zhu family all along.

Xie Zhifei asked, “What method did you use?”

Zhu Yuanhao replied, “Third Master, don’t ask. Underhanded tactics.”

Xie Zhifei sneered coldly. “Underhanded tactics are good.”

Zhu Yuanhao asked, “Has Miss Yan been found?”

Xie Zhifei said, “Not yet.”

“Then…I can’t help much.”

Zhu Yuanhao said with difficulty, “To prevent those black-clothed men from returning, Elder Brother is setting up arrays in the residence. His health isn’t good—I need to go back and help him.”

Xie Zhifei asked, “How is the old steward?”

Zhu Yuanhao shook his head.

Xie Zhifei patted his shoulder. “Go quickly then.”

Zhu Yuanhao didn’t even catch his breath before hurrying away as urgently as he’d come.

At this moment, the fourth watch drum sounded.

Xie Zhifei said, “Elder Brother, Second Brother Zhu, let’s each proceed with our tasks. Don’t delay.”

…

In the study.

After hearing his eldest son’s words, Xie Daozhi didn’t speak for a long time.

Time flowed on.

Xie Erli looked at the hourglass on the curio shelf and said steadily, “Father, Third Brother has already gone with His Highness to Prince Han’s residence. Our Xie family’s position should be clear now—no need to hide and cover anymore.”

Xie Daozhi looked up at his son.

Xie Erli continued calmly, “Publicly speaking, the Crown Prince is legitimate. Standing on the legitimate side means we’re blameless before our conscience and justice.

Privately speaking, Yan Sanhe is your sworn daughter. Without considering the monk, consider the Buddha—by moving against Yan Sanhe, he’s showing no respect for you or our Xie family.

If we’re still timid and hesitant at this point, we’ll not only disappoint Yan Sanhe but also the Grand Prince.”

Xie Daozhi neither nodded nor shook his head but asked instead, “What about the political situation?”

“The political situation has also reached the point where sides must be chosen. His Majesty is advanced in years.”

Xie Erli lowered his voice. “There’s something Father doesn’t yet know. For this imperial campaign, Prince Han absolutely will not accompany them.”

Xie Daozhi asked, “Why?”

Xie Erli replied, “The Bureau of Astronomy divined fortune and misfortune—he’s the malevolent star.”

The last trace of hesitation was dispelled.

Xie Daozhi rose and walked to the window, pushed it open, and facing the cold wind, said, “Have Third Brother relay a message to His Highness—ask him to rest assured.”

“Yes.”

“Tomorrow evening, have Steward Xie prepare a table of food and wine. I want to invite a few friends to the house for drinks.”

Hearing this, Xie Erli knew his father was rallying his people to stand together in support of the Crown Prince.

“Father, I’ll personally prepare this banquet.”

…

Qianqiu Alley.

The shadow guard came forward to knock on the door. Dong Xiao opened it and asked, “What is it?”

“The Prince orders you to extract something from her mouth quickly, then release her and return to the prince’s residence. The Prince has matters to discuss with you.”

Dong Xiao pointed at the bloodstains on the ground. “Can’t extract anything. Her mouth is tighter than a clam’s.”

“Then…just release her.”

Dong Xiao remained silent with a dark expression, seemingly very unwilling to return empty-handed.

The shadow guard was about to offer some persuasion when he saw Dong Xiao suddenly turn and walk into the house, bend down to grab a wooden bucket from the floor, and strike Yan Sanhe heavily on the head.

Blood flowed down Yan Sanhe’s head, dripping onto the ground drop by drop, quickly pooling.

The shadow guard was secretly alarmed—wasn’t the advisor too ruthless? She was Master Xie Daozhi’s…

“Throw her on the street outside.”

Dong Xiao threw down the bucket, walked out with his hands clasped behind his back.

The shadow guard looked at the flowing blood and quickly hoisted the person up, leaping onto the courtyard wall.

He thought—better not throw her on the street. If something went wrong, when the Prince blamed him…

He’d throw her at the Five Cities Military Command entrance instead.