Chapter 827 Threat (4)
Xiao Ruiqing, though a son of the Marquis Mansion, had a mother infamous for her shamelessness—pregnant before marriage—and thus, his reputation in Jing City was not particularly good. Moreover, when compared to a brother who was skilled in warfare and promised a limitless future, his mere title as a Scholar seemed even less noteworthy.
It was highly unusual for this young master from a prominent family, with no exceptional talents and not even residing in Jing City, to catch the eye of Princess Ruining and even overcome the scrutiny of Emperor Huian.
Thinking of this, Xiao Ruiyuan said indifferently, "Would His Majesty still bestow a marriage if he knew of Xiao Ruiqing’s actions?"
Xiao Xiong let out a cold huff and contemptuously replied, "Even if you present the evidence before His Majesty now, do you think he would choose to believe you over Princess Ruining?"
With an expressionless face, Xiao Ruiyuan looked at Xiao Xiong and the smug Lady Wei, and sneered, "I don’t know whom His Majesty would trust, but our family’s ancestral tomb is thousands of miles away from Jing City. Should any accidents occur on the road and a few people die, it wouldn’t really matter."
Effortlessly killing someone without leaving a trace was not difficult. Did they really think by using the arranged marriage with Princess Ruining and the Imperial Edict from His Majesty as leverage, he would obediently allow Xiao Ruiqing to return? Delusional!
"You wouldn’t dare!" Xiao Xiong trembled with fury, pointing at Xiao Ruiyuan and scolding, "Don’t forget what you promised your grandfather before he passed away. If you dare do anything against Qing’er, you will be defying filial piety. How will you face your grandfather in the future?"
Xiao Xiong was well aware of Xiao Ruiyuan’s resolute nature. If pushed to the edge, not to mention killing a half-brother who bore a grudge, even his own father would not have good days ahead. That’s why he exhausted every scheme to help his younger son connect with Princess Ruining, hoping to bring his son back and marry the princess. Once husband and wife joined forces, they could snatch the title of Princely Heir from Xiao Ruiyuan’s hands.
Upon hearing his grandfather mentioned, Xiao Ruiyuan’s demeanor turned shadowy: "If grandfather were alive and knew of Xiao Ruiqing’s deeds, do you think he would still be living? Since you’re all so eager to escort Xiao Ruiqing to his death, I’ll oblige you!"
As he spoke, in front of Xiao Xiong and Lady Wei, Xiao Ruiyuan commanded Xiao Eleven: "Keep a close watch on Xiao Ruiqing. Don’t let him step out of the clan’s tomb. As for the so-called Imperial Edict of marriage... a dead man has no use for it!"
Xiao Eleven’s heart lifted with joy as he responded loudly with a salute, "Your command is received!"