This was no frame-up.
The accusations were true.
Lu Chongyuan’s composure, steady since the Fourth Prince’s arrival, finally cracked. If even a fraction of these claims held truth, it meant ruin for the Lu family.
The eligible Lu women—wives in their thirties to fifties—panicked. Second Madam Lu cried out, “Father, I’ve never interacted with Prince Cheng! Jing’er grew up under your eyes—how could he be that man’s son?!”
Eldest Madam Lu paled. “If they search our quarters, what dignity will we have left? Our children’s reputations—”
“Enough!” Lu Chongyuan cut through the chaos. “The Lu family will not endure this humiliation!” He turned to the Fourth Prince. “Where is the imperial edict? You claim His Majesty’s order, yet bring no decree!”
The Fourth Prince wavered, but Lu Chongyuan pressed on, voice icy. “If His Majesty wishes to destroy the Lu family, let him execute us outright! But this disgrace—I will not bear it! I demand an audience with the Emperor!”
From the rooftop, Tangning whispered into Xiao Yan’s ear, “He’s stalling. Buying time to cover their tracks.” Her breath brushed his neck, warm and distracting.
Xiao Yan’s grip tightened imperceptibly around her waist. “Cang Lang won’t let him.”
Below, Cang Lang scoffed. “Minister Lu, do you think ancestral merits absolve crimes? The Hè family had greater glory—yet were slaughtered for mere association with the Crown Prince. You oversaw their execution yourself.”
Lu Chongyuan’s face drained of color.
Seizing the moment, the Fourth Prince hardened his resolve. “Search every chamber. Detain the women!”
Chaos erupted. Lu family guards clashed with Black Armor Soldiers. A young Lu clansman lunged, only to be struck down by Cang Lang’s sword. Screams filled the air as women were restrained.
Amidst the fray, a shadowy figure darted toward the rooftops—only to freeze as a crossbow bolt pierced his heart.
Lu Erlang, an unassuming Lu cousin, lowered his blade innocently. “A trespasser, Grandfather. How careless of our guards.”
Cang Lang stared, impressed by the audacity.
Xiao Yan descended gracefully with Tangning, his chuckle cutting through the tension. “How careless indeed. Perhaps His Majesty should assign better guards to… protect Minister Lu.”
The Fourth Prince’s eye twitched. “Governor Xiao… I thought you weren’t coming.”
Xiao Yan’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Merely ensuring justice prevails.”
As the Black Armor Soldiers dragged away the Lu women, Tangning glanced at the dead infiltrator. “He could’ve been a lead.”
Xiao Yan shrugged, steering her away. “Dead men tell no tales. But alive… the Lu family just gifted us a new game piece.”
His gaze lingered on Lu Erlang, who bowed respectfully—a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
You can read ahead to chapterr 400 (100+ extra chapters) here
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