Chapter 576: Chapter 576: Arriving on Command

The remark was hardly courteous.

Xie Anjun’s face turned livid, but he was deeply wary of the man before him and could only force himself to endure it.

However, Shen Yanchuan and Xie Anbai were extremely close. His arrival now was a clear sign that he was here to back Xie Anbai. How could Xie Anjun possibly look at him without resentment!?

Suppressing his anger, Xie Anjun asked in a low voice,

"What do you mean by that?"

"Exactly what I said," Shen Yanchuan replied coolly. "Marquis Zhongyong served the nation his entire life. His Majesty is deeply grieved and saddened by his sudden passing today."

Xie Anjun’s brow twitched. He subconsciously glanced in the direction of the Imperial Palace, his heart filled with alarm and uncertainty.

’His Majesty already knows!?’

’That makes sense. With something this major, the palace would naturally be the first to find out.’

’So Shen Yanchuan’s sudden appearance... could it be on His Majesty’s orders?’

At this thought, Xie Anjun grew even more uneasy.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm, and cupped his hands in a salute. "Once the affairs of the mansion are settled, I will personally go to the Imperial Palace for an audience with His Majesty! At that time—"

"His Majesty is aware of your devotion. However, His Majesty has been burdened by matters of state lately. He is already weary, and having just recovered from a serious illness, he is in great need of rest."

Shen Yanchuan cut him off. His calm, detached words immediately put Xie Anjun on edge.

"Wh-what do you mean by that!?"

Shen Yanchuan’s expression was impassive.

"I am here on His Majesty’s verbal orders to pay my last respects to Marquis Zhongyong."

Everyone was shocked!

’Doesn’t that mean he’s here representing His Majesty!?’

Xie Anjun’s expression was particularly grim—this meant there was no longer any reason to bar Shen Yanchuan’s entry!

Shen Yanchuan was definitely setting foot in the Duke Zhongyong Mansion today!

Xie Anbai looked back, a rare expression of astonishment on his face.

"...What?"

He had been stuck inside the Marquis Mansion, tied up with this group of people. Shen Yanchuan’s arrival was already a surprise, but these words left him utterly stunned.

’With Shen Yanchuan’s resources, it was actually normal for him to find out what happened here so quickly.’

’But... how could he be here on official orders!?’

’This was clearly—’

"Princely Heir, have you just come from the Imperial Palace?" Ye Chutang asked softly.

Though it was a question, her tone was quite certain.

Sure enough, Shen Yanchuan met her gaze and nodded slightly. "Correct. His Majesty had just finished discussing the Wazhen affair with the Cabinet when he was shocked to learn of Marquis Zhongyong’s sudden death. He then sent me to come here."

The meaning behind his words couldn’t have been clearer—he had come with an imperial command!

Whatever he did would be a reflection of His Majesty’s will!

Who would dare defy it!?

Having said his piece, Shen Yanchuan finally turned his gaze back to Xie Anjun and Xiao Jiayi.

"Now, does anyone else have any questions?"

...

The servants retreated in unison. Lanterns in the courtyard cast a dim, yellow glow. The Marquis Mansion, which had been unbearably noisy just moments before, now fell into an eerie silence, carrying a chill that pierced to the bone.

CREAK—

The tightly shut doors finally opened.

Xie Anbai’s eyes were rimmed with red. His fists were clenched so tightly at his sides that he could hardly breathe.

Just a short while ago, his father had been right here talking to him. Yet in the blink of an eye, they were separated by death forever!

Shen Yanchuan patted his shoulder.

Xie Anbai closed his eyes for a moment, then walked inside, one step at a time.

On the bed, Xie Pei lay quietly, as if asleep. But a dark, bluish tinge colored the space between his brows, and it was clear he was lifeless.

With a THUD, Xie Anbai fell to his knees, his voice choked with sobs.

"Father!"

Shen Yanchuan tilted his head slightly to look at Ye Chutang.

Her gaze was still, and she seemed to be lost in thought.

But it was only for a moment. She then raised her gaze to look ahead once more.

’She had to see just who was moving the pieces on this board!’

Sensing Shen Yanchuan’s gaze, Ye Chutang looked back at him, and their eyes met.

"Please, Princely Heir."

Shen Yanchuan gave a slight nod and entered the room first.

Ye Chutang followed a step behind him.

Watching this from behind, Xie Anjun felt like he was about to have a heart attack.

He raised his hand as if to stop them, but ultimately lacked the courage and could only give up in frustration.

’Shen Yanchuan had let Ye Chutang in—what could he possibly do about it!? He couldn’t just lock the door and throw them all out!’

Xiao Jiayi’s expression was cold, as if she wanted no part in dealing with this mess. She just stood there, motionless.

Only a flash of sharp hatred, fleeting and instantly gone, surfaced in her eyes.

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