Chapter 604: Rushing to the General’s Mansion
Sang Zhi stepped past him and walked straight out the door.
The sounds of fury and shattering objects erupted from behind him, but his expression remained unchanged as he descended the steps.
Mr. Li stood outside the hall, watching the small, frail figure depart. Worry clouded his eyes. ’Ever since the Eighth Prince woke up, he’s become a completely different person.’
’He actually dared to point a longsword at the Emperor...’
’What’s going to happen now?’
"Chief Li," a young eunuch called out, hurrying over.
"What is it?"
The young eunuch leaned in and whispered something in his ear.
Mr. Li’s expression shifted. Hearing the Emperor’s roars from within, he hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. "Your Majesty, all the civil and military officials have gathered at the palace gates. Prince Helian, Prince Changyang, and the old ancestor of the Zhong family have all entered the palace. They are currently outside Chongyang Hall, requesting an audience."
The Beili Emperor’s fury intensified. "The old ancestor of the Zhong family came to the palace too?"
"Yes."
The Beili Emperor’s expression instantly grew complex. The old ancestor of the Zhong family hadn’t left his residence in over twenty years, refusing to see any visitor, no matter their status. Years ago, he had even turned the Emperor himself away at the gates of the Zhong family’s estate.
’Who has that much clout, to get the old ancestor of the Zhong family to enter the palace on such short notice?’
"Go and bring the old ancestor of the Zhong family, along with everyone kneeling outside the hall, to the Imperial Study. I’d like to see for Myself just what this group thinks they’re doing."
"Yes."
"Attendants, help Me change My robes."
Several palace maids entered, curtsied, and then rose to help the Beili Emperor with his robes.
The Beili Emperor mulled over Sang Zhi’s recent actions. ’A son who dares to attempt regicide is one I could do without. But those eyes of his... getting them willingly might be difficult. For now, I’ll have to play along with him.’
’As for Ye Qianning’s death, that won’t be settled so easily without a proper explanation.’
’With the old ancestor of the Zhong family making an appearance, it will be difficult to handle this without a good plan. Yuan Yintang can’t be allowed to die just yet.’
—
「The General’s Mansion」
When Sang Zhi arrived at the General’s Mansion, the first things he saw were the white silks and white lanterns of mourning adorning the main gate. His figure wavered, and he stumbled toward the entrance.
The butler from the Zhan Mansion, who had been temporarily assigned to manage affairs at the General’s Mansion, saw him arrive. Not daring to stand in his way, he instructed a young servant to announce the arrival while he himself went forward to greet him.
In the main hall, a coffin of the finest wood was on display, a small figure lying within. The room was filled with the sound of weeping.
Leaning on her maidservant, the lady of the Zhan Mansion had already fainted from crying several times. Her face was now puffy and swollen.
Many members of the Gu family were there as well. Elder Gu said nothing, merely clutching Ye Qianning’s hand as he leaned over the coffin. He wouldn’t budge no matter who tried to console him, his old eyes bloodshot with grief.
Of the Gu family’s various branches, only a few had arrived: Gu Zhifeng’s family from the main branch, the couple Gu Mingqiu and his wife, Gu Yuan, and Gu Chi.
Gu Yuan and Gu Chi stood quietly by Elder Gu’s side.
Gu Chi was very sad as well. ’To be honest, he’d been quite fond of the little girl,’ he thought. ’It’s just a shame her life was so short and ill-fated.’
Gu Yuan felt a pang of sorrow as well. Even though they had their disagreements, he was a scholar, and he believed in respecting the dead. At a time like this, all past grievances vanished into thin air.
Gu Mingqiu had never been fond of Ye Qianning, and Mrs. Dai had practically dragged him to the General’s Mansion. He was not at all pleased to be there.
Mrs. Dai’s eyes were already rimmed with red. Upon seeing the still figure lying there, she could no longer contain her grief and burst into tears.
"What is there to cry about? It’s not like she’s..." Gu Mingqiu muttered under his breath, but Mrs. Dai heard him loud and clear.
"Get out."
Mrs. Dai hissed.
Gu Mingqiu grumbled but didn’t dare say more, turning and shuffling toward the door.
Mrs. Dai gasped for breath, pressing a hand to her chest. The sight of the little girl lying there so still made her heart ache to the point of suffocation, even though they had only met a few times.
She felt she had a special connection with the girl; seeing her always felt so familiar and dear. ’And now, before we even had a chance to spend more time together, she’s gone forever...’