Chapter 210: Together in Life and Death
Even from a distance, Murong Ye could smell the thick stench of something burning.
He looked ahead, his brow deeply furrowed.
By now, the fire at the Han Family’s residence had been extinguished, leaving behind a pitch-black, scorched ruin. The acrid smell was overwhelming.
A squad of soldiers stood guard outside the gate, but Shen Yanchuan was nowhere to be seen.
Murong Ye froze. ’What—what’s going on?!’
’Where is Shen Yanchuan?’
His instincts screamed that something was wrong. He turned his head and ordered his servant to go and make inquiries.
A few moments later, the servant came scurrying back, a panicked look on his face.
"Young Master, it’s bad! They... they said—"
Murong Ye snapped impatiently, "What is it? Spit it out!"
The servant wiped the sweat from his brow. "Young Master, they all say the Heir of Duke Dingbei left here long ago. He went to the Ye Family!"
"What!?"
Murong Ye couldn’t believe it.
Worry for Ye Shixian instantly seized him at the thought of her being at home, and he had no idea how she would handle a situation like this.
"To the Ye Mansion!"
...
"Hiyah!"
The servant cracked the whip, sending the carriage hurtling down the road.
It was late at night, and the roads were deserted. A single carriage rounded a corner and passed them.
Murong Ye was lost in thought and failed to notice that the driver of the other carriage was none other than Ye Yunfeng, the very man he held a grudge against.
The sound of the carriage faded into the distance. Ye Chutang lowered the curtain, closing the gap that let the moonlight filter in.
Ye Jingyan, who was sitting across from her, saw this and glanced outside as well. Unfortunately, the night was dark and the carriage was already too far away for him to see clearly. He asked, "Sister, what were you looking at?"
Ye Chutang smiled faintly. "That was Murong Ye who just passed by."
Realization dawned on Ye Jingyan, and he smiled as well.
"It seems his feelings for Ye Shixian are genuine. A pity he’s too late."
Ye Yunfeng had, of course, also seen Murong Ye. Overhearing the conversation from inside the carriage, he scoffed, "So what if he’s here? Does he really think he can get past all those guards and through the gates of the Ye Mansion?"
Ye Chutang gently stroked the face of Xiao Wu, who was nestled in her arms. She carefully smoothed down the girl’s messy hair before giving a faint smile.
"Perhaps their love is truer than gold," she said lightly. "Willing to share in hardship, to live and die together."
...
The closer he got, the more Murong Ye felt that something was wrong.
His anxiety finally peaked when he saw the Ye Mansion surrounded by guards.
He leaped from his carriage and strode forward. Unsurprisingly, he was blocked.
"Mr. Murong, please stop right there."
The men accompanying Shen Yanchuan today were his most capable subordinates, so they naturally recognized Murong Ye.
Their attitude, however, was anything but respectful.
Murong Ye frowned. "What’s the meaning of this? I can’t go in?"
The guard stared straight ahead, showing no intention of letting him pass.
"The Princely Heir has given an order," the guard said. "Without his permission, no one may enter the Ye Mansion. Mr. Murong, you should leave."
Murong Ye’s heart sank.
’The Ye Mansion has been sealed off?!’
’What in the world happened to make Shen Yanchuan issue such an order!?’
Murong Ye grew more anxious, but he knew it would be unwise to force his way in. "Fine, I won’t go in," he said. "But you can at least send a message. Ask Miss Ye Shixian to come out and see me."
’He felt ashamed for being unable to help her at the palace, so he had to come and explain everything. More importantly, he needed to confirm that Ye Shixian was safe and sound.’
However, the guard didn’t budge. "Mr. Murong, it is not convenient for Miss Ye to see visitors right now. Please leave!"
Murong Ye was used to being domineering and getting his way. Today, however, he had been repeatedly rebuffed and met with nothing but rejection. He was furious, and his face turned cold.
"Who the hell do you think you are to order me around? Today, I’m definitely going to—"
Before he could finish, a familiar voice drifted over.
"Those were my orders. If you’re dissatisfied, Mr. Murong, feel free to take it up with me."