Chapter 402: Killing Father’s Revenge, Seizing Wife’s Hatred

On this day, the entire city was abuzz with discussion about the event, as the arrival of such a large group of knights in bright yellow armor was indeed a grand spectacle. It was well-known that in this world, yellow had largely become the exclusive color of the emperor. Consequently, very few people in Brightmoon City had ever seen such a contingent, but that didn't stop them from immediately realizing this was the Emperor's personal guard!

“What's going on? Why are troops from the imperial capital in Brightmoon City?”“Has something major happened?”“They seem to be heading towards the Chu family residence.”“Lord Brightmoon has really been through a lot lately.”...

While the city was rife with speculation, Chu Zhongtian and Qin Wanru were even more on edge. They were utterly bewildered upon hearing the news of the imperial envoy's arrival. However, they dared not show any disrespect and rushed out to greet him.

In the main courtyard of the Chu family estate, two neat rows of warriors in bright yellow armor stood guard. A middle-aged man sat comfortably in the center of the courtyard, where the Chu family servants had already prepared a table, chairs, and various fruits. He leisurely ate grapes, spitting out the skins, a stark contrast to the Chu family members who dared not even breathe loudly. After all, the display before them was quite intimidating.

Chu Zhongtian and Qin Wanru hurried out at the news. Their hearts sank at the sight, and they exchanged a glance, both realizing the visitor meant trouble.

Chu Zhongtian lightly coughed, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, “Greetings, General Liu. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?”

The middle-aged man before them was Liu Yao, a Guard General of the imperial court, in charge of the capital's Imperial Guards, and also a peak ninth-rank master. He also held another esteemed title: he was the uncle of the current Empress! Thus, while he appeared middle-aged, he was actually quite advanced in years.

Upon seeing Chu Zhongtian bow, Liu Yao unhurriedly swallowed a grape, chewed for a moment, and then casually spat the skin near Chu Zhongtian's feet. Qin Wanru was furious; this was utterly humiliating! Chu Zhongtian discreetly squeezed her hand, warning her not to act impulsively.

Only then did Liu Yao speak, “I didn't expect Lord Brightmoon to remember my name after only meeting once in the capital all those years ago.”

Chu Zhongtian offered a faint smile. “General Liu's distinguished presence makes it hard for anyone to forget you.”

Liu Yao burst into laughter. “Everyone says Lord Brightmoon is honest and straightforward, but I see you're quite cunning yourself.” At the same time, he cast a glance at Qin Wanru, thinking that the rumors were indeed true: Lord Brightmoon's wife was truly a stunner, voluptuous, graceful, and strikingly beautiful.

Feeling his aggressive gaze, Qin Wanru frowned, her anger simmering beneath the surface. However, seeing the imperial guards nearby and considering his status, she could only suppress her feelings and say, “May I ask, Lord Liu, what brings you to the Chu residence with such a grand display?”

“Lady Chu, I almost forgot,” Liu Yao exclaimed, slapping his head and suddenly losing his smile. “Someone has reported to the imperial court that the Linchuan Commandery Salt Transport Office has accumulated a massive deficit over the years, and that your Chu family used these funds to bribe various imperial officials.”

Chu Zhongtian and Qin Wanru's hearts sank, and they felt a chill run through them. The bomb they had hidden for years had finally detonated. However, they naturally couldn't simply plead guilty based on a single accusation, especially since the money hadn't been embezzled by their Chu family to begin with.

Chu Zhongtian stated, “Our Chu family has always maintained an upright and honest reputation; we would never do such a thing. May I ask, Lord Liu, what is the basis for this accusation?”

Liu Yao smiled. “Lord Brightmoon, since His Majesty dispatched me, he naturally possesses certain evidence. It's not something you can dismiss with a single sentence.”

Qin Wanru, standing by, also spoke up, “Dare I ask, Lord Liu, you mentioned someone reported this to the imperial court. Who was it? Could it be a groundless accusation?”

“Lady Chu, are you implying that I am wrongly accusing you, or that His Majesty intends to frame you?” Liu Yao sneered.

Qin Wanru said in a deep voice, “That is certainly not what I mean. However, the Chu family has been in Brightmoon City for hundreds of years, and it's hard to guarantee we haven't offended anyone. Perhaps these individuals have made false accusations out of thin air.”

“Very well, I shall put your mind at ease.” If Chu Zhongtian had said these things, Liu Yao wouldn't have bothered to respond, but with the mature and beautiful Lady Chu, a little more conversation was not unwelcome. He then gestured outside. “Come in.”

Soon, a figure timidly walked in. His once handsome face had lost its former dignified appearance, and his eyes constantly darted around, revealing his profound guilt.

“Hong Xingying!” At that moment, the Chu family members recognized him and immediately understood what was happening, erupting into curses. Last time, after Zu An quelled the rebellion of Chu Tiesheng and Hong Zhong, Hong Xingying had already fled when people were sent to arrest him. No one expected him to return so soon.

Constantly being cursed at, a flicker of anger crossed Hong Xingying's eyes. “Have you had enough? All of you, shut up! It's uncertain whether any of you will live to see tomorrow!”

The crowd grew even angrier, but their hearts were also filled with apprehension as they looked at Liu Yao's fully armed soldiers, each person becoming increasingly anxious.

Qin Wanru glared at Hong Xingying. “We believe the Chu family treated you well, so why have you and your father repeatedly betrayed us?”

“Treated me well?” A fierce glint flashed in Hong Xingying's eyes. “For all these years, I diligently worked for the Chu family, risking my life countless times, simply because you hinted that you would marry the eldest daughter to me. Yet, you turned around and brought in some common hooligan as a son-in-law. What does that make me then?”

Rage points from Hong Xingying +714!

“All these years of effort and sacrifice were a joke, and I myself became a laughingstock in the eyes of everyone in the Chu family!”“I am not reconciled; what's wrong with wanting to reclaim what was originally mine?!”...

Hearing his accusations, Qin Wanru trembled with rage. “Nonsense! I did say things like you had a good chance, but when did I ever say I *must* marry Chuyan to you? While I thought highly of you, ultimately, it was Chuyan's decision. She didn't choose you; she chose Azu. What could I do?”

“At first, I thought she was confused, but now it seems fortunate that Chuyan didn't choose a wolf-hearted ambitious fellow like you, or else you would have been a great disaster for our Chu family!”

Hong Xingying burst into laughter. “It's useless to say all this now. What I've lost, I will reclaim with my own hands!” Chu Chuyan will still be mine; it's just a pity that Zu An got to her first!

Rage points from Hong Xingying +999!

“But it doesn't matter, there's still the second young miss. What I can't get from the eldest young miss, I can get from her sister just as well!”

Just then, Liu Yao, standing by, grew impatient. He shoved Hong Xingying aside. “Are you done with your endless drivel? Who are you putting on this 'my destiny is my own' act for? Are you in charge here, or am I?”

A flicker of anger crossed Hong Xingying's eyes and vanished, but he knew he absolutely could not offend this man. He quickly bowed and apologized, “Please forgive me, General. Returning to my old home, I momentarily lost control of my emotions.”

“Get out of the way.” Liu Yao scoffed, then looked at the Chu couple. “Are you completely convinced now?”

Chu Zhongtian said in a deep voice, “We refuse to accept this. Everyone heard it; this Hong Xingying harbors resentment against our Chu family, and his father was just killed during a rebellion in the Chu residence not long ago. So how can his words be considered valid?”

Liu Yao chuckled. “Don't worry, I have been sent by imperial decree this time to thoroughly investigate this matter. After all, it concerns not only the Chu family but also many important officials throughout the imperial court.”

Finishing, he dropped his smile and commanded his subordinates, “Men, arrest everyone in the Chu family, from top to bottom. Register each one; no one is to escape.”

Hong Xingying's eyes lit up, and he volunteered, “I'll lead the way. I'm familiar with the Chu family and know everyone there.” He thought to himself that the first thing he would do was to capture Zu An, not only to get revenge for the women he had lost to him, but also for the murder of his father.

“Achoo!” At that moment, Zu An, who was teaching an arithmetic class at the academy, suddenly sneezed. “Is someone talking about me again?”

Seeing the stream of rage point records from the backend, his eyes narrowed. “Hong Xingying!”

Just then, the classroom door was suddenly flung open.

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Today, I've been brainstorming the plot for the next volume and researching a lot, which has left me feeling dizzy and overwhelmed. I will publish the second update shortly.