The Ye Family.

Ye Mingze’s high fever refused to break. Afraid he wouldn’t pull through, Ye Shixian could only keep wiping him down with a towel.

But it had little effect. Ye Mingze showed no signs of his fever breaking at all.

Losing her balance, Ye Shixian knocked over the bronze basin at her side, and hot water spilled all over the floor.

The scalding heat made her jump to her feet, the back of her hand already turning a bright red.

"Eldest Miss!"

Shaoyao, who had just returned, heard the commotion and rushed into the room. The scene that greeted her made her jump in fright.

"You’re injured!"

She turned to call for help but was stopped by Ye Shixian.

"It would be useless. Forget it."

Shaoyao snapped back to her senses, and her heart sank.

’That’s right!’

’After all, the Eldest Miss already knelt to those people, but she still couldn’t even leave through the main gate.’

"Go get the medicine."

Ye Shixian ordered, enduring the pain.

Shaoyao hastily turned and began rummaging through chests and cupboards for the medicine.

Ye Shixian, feeling anxious, endured the searing pain on the back of her hand and asked, "Did you find out anything? What exactly is going on with Ye Chutang?"

At this, Shaoyao couldn’t help but let out a cold snort.

"What else could have happened? She’s no match for a vicious monster like Han Yao! I heard she was gravely injured and that the Heir of Duke Dingbei himself had to escort her back! If she’s not dead, she must be half-crippled!"

A few of those words grated on Ye Shixian’s ears, and she couldn’t help but frown.

"The Princely Heir actually went to the trouble of seeing to her?"

Shaoyao lowered her voice. "That’s exactly why I’m guessing her condition must be dire!"

’It would be a cause for celebration if she just died!’

Ye Shixian’s brow remained furrowed, and her hands clenched into fists unconsciously.

’Of course I hope Ye Chutang dies in today’s incident, but... how could it be so easy?’

’Back then, under such desperate circumstances, Ye Chutang managed to escape with her younger siblings and even make it back to the Capital City, let alone this...’

She looked at Ye Mingze on the bed and murmured to herself.

"I wonder how Father is... Mingze, you have to hold on!"

...

「Imperial Palace, Imperial Study Room」

"Your Majesty, the Heir of Duke Dingbei requests an audience."

Hearing this, Qian Zhongfeng’s anger flared. He had been waiting outside for a long time and was only granted an audience with the Holy Emperor after the Eldest Princess had left.

"He still dares to show his face!?"

Emperor Muwu shot him a cool glance.

"Qian Aiqing."

Qian Zhongfeng felt the words catch in his throat. He could only bow his head and suppress his towering rage. "I lost my composure. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness."

Emperor Muwu said, "Show him in."

A tall, erect figure dressed in white strode into the room.

Qian Zhongfeng didn’t turn his head. His face was grim, and his entire bearing radiated intense dissatisfaction.

Anyone could feel the anger rolling off him in waves.

Shen Yanchuan already knew Qian Zhongfeng was there, so he showed no surprise. He walked straight forward and bowed to Emperor Muwu.

"I acted recklessly today. Please, Your Majesty, bestow your punishment."

He knew, of course, that the man in this palace was already keenly aware of everything that had happened with the Han Family. That was why he had asked for punishment the moment he walked in.

Emperor Muwu leaned back in his chair, his majestic, weathered face unreadable.

"I had thought your temperament was like your father’s, but now it seems the student has surpassed the master."

In his youth, Duke Dingbei was famous for his bravery and skill in battle. His military achievements were legendary, and he possessed immense courage and boldness.

However, Emperor Muwu’s words were by no means a compliment.

Shen Yanchuan lowered his head slightly.

"The situation was urgent. I know I was in the wrong."