Chapter 180: Not Allowed
Ye Shixian stopped in her tracks. She turned her head slightly, a sorrowful smile on her face.
"I understand, Mr. Murong. You have your own concerns, so you truly don’t need to feel guilty. Mother and Mingze are waiting for me at home. I must be getting back."
With that, she turned to leave.
Watching her slender, frail figure, Murong Ye acted on impulse and blurted out, "I’ll help you!"
Ye Shixian turned back, stunned. Her expression was a mixture of hope and trepidation. "Mr. Murong?"
Murong Ye took a deep breath. "Your father is in trouble, your mother is ill, and Mingze is still unconscious. Your entire family is relying on you alone—how hard that must be. Don’t worry. No matter what, I will do my best to try!"
Moved to tears, Ye Shixian immediately curtsied in a deep bow.
"Mr. Murong, for this kindness... I truly don’t know how I can ever repay you—"
Murong Ye immediately helped her up, his voice soft as he consoled her.
"There’s no need for such formalities between us. You know how I feel about you... How could I possibly abandon you in a situation like this?"
Murong Ye spent some time consoling Ye Shixian. Only after repeatedly assuring her that he would rescue her father as quickly as possible did he turn and head back to his mansion.
He passed through the covered corridor and headed straight for the rear courtyard.
Murong Yang was in the courtyard, practicing his archery.
He had spent years on the battlefield and was a formidable martial artist. Even now, holding the high position of a Second-rank Commander, he had never neglected his training.
WHOOSH—THUD!
The arrow flew from the bow, landing squarely in the bullseye.
Murong Ye walked up to him. "Father."
Murong Yang drew another arrow from his quiver, ignoring him.
Normally, Murong Ye wouldn’t disturb his father at a time like this, but today’s circumstances were special. He simply couldn’t wait.
"Father, I have a favor to ask."
At this, Murong Yang’s movements still didn’t pause, his expression remaining indifferent.
"If you’re here about Ye Heng’s matter, then don’t even bother."
Murong Ye’s heart sank.
Though his father was strict, he usually granted the majority of his requests.
This was the first time he had been refused before he even finished speaking.
Ye Shixian had waited outside the Murong Mansion all afternoon, a fact known to everyone in the household. His father must have guessed he was coming to plead on her behalf, but he never expected to be rejected so bluntly.
"Father," Murong Ye pressed, unwilling to give up. "You must be aware of the Ye Family’s situation. Ye Heng is no fool—there’s no way he did this!"
Murong Yang said, "Whether he did it or not, Su Wei has already had him locked up. Don’t you understand what that implies?"
His eyes narrowed slightly as he shot Murong Ye a look.
"I know you have feelings for that Ye Shixian girl, but her father has landed himself in serious trouble this time. It would be best if you didn’t get involved."
Murong Ye grew anxious. "But—"
WHOOSH!
Murong Yang loosed another arrow, which also struck the bullseye.
His voice turned cold. "You’ve been neglecting your riding and archery lately. To think you could even lose to some upstart brat with no formal training. Instead of focusing on self-improvement, you’re meddling in matters that don’t concern you. You truly disappoint me!"
A wave of panic washed over Murong Ye. "Father, I haven’t! I was just..."
He wanted to explain himself, but not a single word would come out. After all, he really had lost to Ye Yunfeng.
An invisible weight settled on his shoulders, leaving him tongue-tied.
Murong Yang didn’t spare him another glance.
"That’s enough. You’re dismissed. From now on, stay far away from the entire Ye Family."
He narrowed his eyes, adding with emphasis,
"And that includes Ye Chutang. Understood?"