Shen Yanchuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze settling impassively on Han Yao.

Meanwhile, a horrified Han Tong roared without a second thought, "You wretched boy! What nonsense are you spouting!"

His heart pounded like a war drum, threatening to leap from his chest. ’If Han Yao really spills everything, he’ll drag us all down! We’ll be utterly finished!’

Han Yao, however, seemed to have gone completely mad. He screamed hoarsely at Han Tong, "Father, it’s already come to this! How can you still not understand!?"

’Others are dead set on destroying us, so why should we hold back!?’

’Death would be a release. The real fear is dying a pathetic, cowardly death!’

’Ye Heng’s actions had already pushed him over the edge! Even if I die, I’m taking Ye Heng with me!’

Han Tong’s scalp prickled with terror. He took a step forward, about to clamp a hand over his son’s mouth.

But the person behind him was faster.

"Lord Han, what’s the rush?" Lian Zhou seemed to be using no force at all, his hand resting lightly on Han Tong’s shoulder, yet it kept him from moving an inch. "Since Mr. Han is speaking out, he must have suffered a terrible injustice. Why not hear him out?"

Han Tong instantly broke out in a cold sweat.

As the wind blew past, he felt chilled to the bone.

He opened his mouth, but no sound came out. It felt as if a heavy pressure was bearing down on his chest, making it impossible to speak.

Suddenly, a realization struck Han Tong, and he whipped his head around to look at Shen Yanchuan.

There he stood, hands clasped behind his back, his white robes fluttering. He was the very picture of cold nobility.

As if sensing the stare, Shen Yanchuan turned his head slightly. His deep eyes were perfectly placid, yet they carried a calm, detached certainty, as if he saw everything.

Han Tong’s heart lurched, and all strength seemed to vanish from his body.

’He finally understood. Shen Yanchuan hadn’t brought him here hoping to question him!’

’He was merely using me as a tool to provoke Han Yao!’

’Han Yao was still young and hot-blooded. Once provoked, he was capable of doing or saying anything!’

’From start to finish, Shen Yanchuan’s target hadn’t been me, but—Han Yao!’

...

The color had drained from Ye Chutang’s lips. The wound on her shoulder reopened from the pressure of Han Yao’s grip, sending a sharp, stinging pain through her.

’Han Yao, I know you’re desperate to save your father, but you can’t just spout nonsense.’ She tilted her head slightly, exhaling softly. "Three years ago, in the dead of winter, my mother, father, and I were traveling north to Wuzhou. We were attacked by bandits, and our family was torn apart by death and separation."

Her voice was remarkably placid, as if she were recounting someone else’s past.

And yet, everyone could sense the unspeakable pain and grief surging beneath her calm exterior.

The murmurs of the crowd slowly faded as they watched the scene before them, their faces a mixture of emotions.

"My father doted on his only younger brother and always took great care of him. My second uncle was grateful for that support, and our families were always close. When my father was suddenly demoted, my uncle had his own concerns and didn’t speak up for him before the Holy Emperor. But my father never held it against him." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Ye Chutang’s voice grew hoarse.

"Later, when my parents and older brother met with their accident, my siblings and I were forced to flee south. We lost all contact with our second uncle. It was only after many trials that the four of us were able to return to the Capital City. And though our families have had some misunderstandings recently, for you to claim that he is the one who harmed my father, my mother, and my brother? Without proof, I, Ye Chutang, will absolutely not accept it!"

Han Yao looked as if he’d just heard the biggest joke in the world.

"Proof?" he scoffed. "If I didn’t have any, why would I be wasting my breath here today!"