Chapter 701: Chapter 702: A Bolt from the Blue

Emperor Muwu was not surprised by his answer. He asked again in a slow voice, "Then have you asked your brother why he is here today?"

Xie Anjun’s heart hammered against his ribs, threatening to leap out of his chest.

’Of course I asked, but Xie Anbai didn’t say a word!’

After a moment, Xie Anjun lowered his head even further. "I... do not know either."

Emperor Muwu said nothing.

Xie Anjun grew increasingly uneasy. He racked his brain for an excuse, finally stammering, "This brother of mine... while we share the same blood, he has been peculiar since he was a child. It wasn’t just me—even our late father frequently admonished him to no avail. He was a constant source of trouble, so..."

Xie Anbai’s gaze was frigid, and the corner of his mouth lifted in a faint, mocking smile.

’Even now, Xie Anjun still hasn’t forgotten to slander me. In a way, the man is remarkably persistent.’

Emperor Muwu raised his eyes slightly, giving Xie Anjun an emotionless glance. His tone was unreadable.

"Now that you mention it, I recall that as well. In the past, Xie Pei was indeed often angry with the boy. Whenever he spoke of him, it was with deep frustration that he wasn’t living up to his potential."

Xie Anjun relaxed inwardly.

"My brother is unruly. As the elder, I should have guided him better, but alas—"

"Before he died, he told me that your health was poor and unsuited for martial arts. Fortunately, his second son showed some talent in that regard." Emperor Muwu cut Xie Anjun off. "A pity the boy cared for nothing but carousing all day. It was a great disappointment to him."

"..."

The rest of Xie Anjun’s words caught in his throat, choking him. His face turned a ghastly shade of pale, and his cheeks burned as if he’d been soundly slapped.

’The Emperor’s words were a clear statement: Xie Pei had originally favored Xie Anbai, and had only given up on him because An Bai himself had no interest!’

Xie Anjun knew this was the truth, but he had never been willing to admit it.

’Xie Anbai?’

’An ignorant good-for-nothing. So what if he was a little clever and learned some kung fu?’

’What waves could he possibly make?’

Xie Anjun had never once taken Xie Anbai seriously.

But now, the Emperor’s words had laid the comparison bare right before his eyes!

Xie Anjun’s face was stiff. He could only manage to force a twitch of his lips, not knowing what he should say.

However, Emperor Muwu seemed not to notice the change in his expression. He smiled and said, "But this time, the boy has rendered me a great service. If Xie Pei’s spirit is watching from the heavens, he would surely be gratified."

Xie Anjun could barely stop himself from looking up.

’Rendered a service?!’

’What service?!’

’Wasn’t Xie Anbai kneeling outside the hall all morning? He looked like he was pleading for forgiveness! How could it be—’

With his gaze lowered in a picture of humility, Xie Anbai replied calmly, "You flatter me, Your Majesty. An Bai is unworthy of such praise."

Emperor Muwu smiled and gestured toward him. "Why be so modest! If you hadn’t personally stood watch yesterday, how could you have captured the scoundrel trying to poison Zheng Baosu alive? This is a great accomplishment! I ought to reward you handsomely!"

The words struck Xie Anjun like a bolt from the blue.

His mind went blank with shock. Forgetting all courtly etiquette, he snapped his head up, his face deathly pale.

Seeing his reaction, Emperor Muwu met his gaze with a smile, but there was no trace of mirth in his eyes.

"Oh, I forgot. You’ve only just arrived at the palace, so you wouldn’t know about this yet."

Every word that followed was like a clap of thunder, exploding in Xie Anjun’s ears.

—"I have decided to personally interrogate that scoundrel and Zheng Baosu. Since you’re here, you can act as a witness. How does that sound?"

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