Chapter 217: Order
Everyone turned to see Shen Yanchuan, who had arrived at some unknown time.
He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, emanating a cold aura. His gaze was deep and inscrutable.
When Han Yao saw him arrive, he clenched his jaw and looked warily behind him.
Shen Yanchuan ordered everyone to wait where they were. Taking long strides, he walked forward alone.
"I have come as you requested. Now, it is time to release Second Miss Ye. She saved your life, after all, and this matter has nothing to do with her. There is no need to involve her."
The atmosphere was tense, but he walked with unhurried ease, as if taking a leisurely stroll.
Han Yao’s heart hammered in his chest as he shrieked, "Stop right there! Don’t you take another step!"
...
Princess Qingyang had just arrived when she heard the hysterical shriek.
"Whoa—"
She stopped at once, her gaze cutting through the crowd to instantly find the frenzied Han Yao and his hostage, Ye Chutang.
The atmosphere was stretched taut, the situation explosive!
Princess Qingyang was frantic with worry, but she didn’t dare draw attention to herself at such a critical moment. It was only when she caught sight of Shen Yanchuan in her peripheral vision that her heart, which had been lodged in her throat, finally settled.
’Thank goodness, thank goodness! He’s already here!’
Princess Qingyang swung herself off her horse, contemplating the best angle from which to attack Han Yao as she silently moved forward.
As she drew closer, a quick glance revealed a faint, bloody line on Ye Chutang’s neck.
She instinctively glanced toward Shen Yanchuan and saw a frigid killing intent flash in the depths of his eyes, vanishing in an instant.
A single thought instantly surfaced in her mind—’Han Yao is a dead man!’
Shen Yanchuan came to a halt. "Name your terms," he said to Han Yao.
Han Yao gritted his teeth, his voice hoarse.
"You! Send your men immediately! Have them release my father!"
Shen Yanchuan’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Han Yao, you know very well that your father’s crimes have been established. Today is the day of his execution. Do you think I can just order his release?"
Those words seemed to push Han Yao over the edge. His eyes nearly bursting from their sockets, he shrieked, "I don’t care! I don’t care what methods you use, go save him now! My father was framed! Someone wants to see him dead!"
Shen Yanchuan’s eyes narrowed slightly. "You say that, but do you have any proof?"
Han Yao glanced up at the sky.
The autumn wind carried a biting chill, and the overcast sky made the day feel even more bleak and desolate.
’It’s almost noon... I have to act fast!’
"It was Ye Heng, it must have been him! He’s done so many wicked things in the past. He was afraid it would all come to light, so he pulled this dirty trick! He’s the one who deserves to die!"
After a moment of dead silence, the crowd erupted in an uproar.
Shen Yanchuan watched him, his gaze unwavering.
"Is that so? Words are wind. How can you prove that what you’re saying is true?"
"Of course it’s all true!" Han Yao sneered. "As for proof—as long as I can see my father within the next hour, I’ll give you any proof you want!"
He grew more agitated as he spoke, seeming to descend into madness.
Yun Cheng frowned. "Master, this..."
Shen Yanchuan’s gaze rested on Ye Chutang’s pale face for a moment before he removed the Jade Pendant from his waist and tossed it to Lian Zhou.
"Go escort Han Tong here."
...
[Heavenly Prison]
CLANG—!
The cell door opened, and two prison guards walked in.
"Lord Han, it’s time to go."
Han Tong was curled in a corner, a wretched sight. Hearing the commotion, he knew his day had come and began to tremble uncontrollably.
The immense fear of death enveloped him, rendering him nearly speechless.
He summoned all his strength, forcing himself forward one difficult step at a time. His heavy leg chains scraped across the floor, rattling with every move.