Chapter 405: Killing Father's Revenge, Taking Wife's Hatred

That day, the entire city was abuzz with discussions about the matter, as the sight of such a large contingent of knights in bright yellow armor entering the city was truly grand. In this world, yellow had largely become the exclusive color of the emperor. Consequently, very few people in Brightmoon City had ever seen this troop before, but that didn't stop them from realizing it must be the Imperial Guard, serving the emperor!

"What's going on? Why is the Imperial City's army here in Brightmoon City?""Has something major happened?""It looks like they're headed towards the Chu family.""Lord Brightmoon has certainly faced a lot of misfortune lately."

As the city dwellers buzzed with speculation, Chu Zhongtian and Qin Wanru were even more on edge. They were utterly bewildered upon hearing the news of the imperial envoy's arrival. However, they dared not show any disrespect or delay, and hurried out to greet him.

In the Chu family courtyard, two neat rows of warriors in bright yellow armor stood guard. A middle-aged man sat casually in the center of the courtyard, while the Chu family servants had already prepared a table, chairs, and fruit. He leisurely ate grapes, spitting out the skins, a stark contrast to the Chu family members, who dared not even breathe loudly. After all, the display before them was quite intimidating.

Chu Zhongtian and Qin Wanru hurried out upon hearing the news. Seeing the scene, their hearts sank, and they exchanged glances, both realizing that the visitors meant trouble. Chu Zhongtian lightly coughed, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, General Liu. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"

The middle-aged man before them was Liu Yao, the Imperial Guard General, in charge of the capital's Imperial Guard, and also a peak Ninth-Rank expert. Additionally, he held another distinguished identity: he was the current Empress's uncle! Although he appeared middle-aged, he was actually quite old.

Upon seeing Chu Zhongtian's bow, Liu Yao slowly swallowed a grape, chewed for a moment, and then nonchalantly spit the skin onto the ground near Chu Zhongtian's feet. Qin Wanru couldn't help but feel enraged. This was simply too insulting! Chu Zhongtian subtly pulled her hand, warning her not to act rashly.

Only then did Liu Yao speak: "I'm surprised that Lord Brightmoon still remembers my name, considering we only met once in the capital all those years ago."

Chu Zhongtian smiled slightly: "General Liu's impressive demeanor makes it difficult for anyone to forget him."

Liu Yao burst into laughter: "Everyone says Lord Brightmoon is honest and sincere, but I see you're quite a smooth talker." At the same time, he cast a glance at Qin Wanru, who stood nearby, thinking to himself that the rumors were indeed true: Lord Brightmoon's wife was truly a temptress—full-figured, graceful, and alluringly beautiful.

Feeling his intrusive gaze, Qin Wanru frowned, a surge of silent anger rising within her. However, seeing the Imperial Palace guards nearby and recalling his identity, she could only force herself to say, "May I ask, Lord Liu, the purpose of such a grand and public visit to the Chu estate?"

"If Lady Chu hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten," Liu Yao said, patting his head, and suddenly his smile vanished. "Someone has reported to the imperial court, claiming that the Salt Transportation Office in Linchuan Prefecture has incurred massive deficits over the years, and that your Chu family has used this money to bribe officials at all levels of the court."

Chu Zhongtian and Qin Wanru's hearts skipped a beat, and they instantly felt a chill run through them. The hidden bomb they had covered for years had finally exploded. However, they naturally couldn't just confess based on a single accusation, especially since the money hadn't been embezzled by their Chu family in the first place.

Chu Zhongtian said, "Our Chu family has always maintained a clean and upright family tradition and would never engage in such activities. May I ask, Lord Liu, where this accusation originates?"

Liu Yao chuckled, "Lord Brightmoon, since the Emperor sent me here, he naturally possesses certain evidence. You can't simply dismiss this with a single denial."

Qin Wanru, standing nearby, also spoke up: "May I ask, Lord Liu, you just mentioned someone reported this to the imperial court. Who was it? Could it be a groundless accusation?"

"Is Lady Chu implying that I am framing you, or that the Emperor intends to falsely accuse you?" Liu Yao sneered.

Qin Wanru said in a low voice, "Of course, that's not what I mean. It's just that the Chu family has been in Brightmoon City for centuries, and it's hard to guarantee that we haven't offended anyone. Perhaps these people are making false accusations out of thin air."

"Fine, I'll let you see for yourselves." If Chu Zhongtian had said this, Liu Yao wouldn't have bothered to respond, but with the mature and beautiful Lady Chu, engaging in a little more conversation wasn't entirely unpleasant. So he gestured outwards: "Come in."

Soon, a figure timidly walked in. His once handsome face had lost its former dignified appearance, and his eyes darted nervously, revealing his profound guilt.

"Hong Xingying!" At that moment, the Chu family members recognized him. They immediately understood what was happening and began to hurl curses at him. Last time, after Zu An quelled the rebellion led by Chu Tiesheng and Hong Zhong, Hong Xingying had already vanished when people were sent to capture him. They never expected him to return so soon.

Being continuously cursed, a flicker of anger appeared in Hong Xingying's eyes. "Have you finished cursing me? Shut up, all of you! It's uncertain if any of you will even live to see tomorrow!"

The crowd grew even angrier, but their hearts were also filled with alarm and uncertainty. Seeing General Liu's fully armed soldiers, each of them became apprehensive.

Qin Wanru glared angrily at Hong Xingying: "We believe the Chu family treated you quite well, didn't we? Why have you and your father repeatedly betrayed us?"

"Treated me well?" A cruel glint flashed in Hong Xingying's eyes. "For years, I diligently worked for the Chu family, risking my life countless times, all because you hinted that you would marry the eldest young lady to me. Yet, you turned around and took a street hooligan as your son-in-law. What does that make me?"

Anger value from Hong Xingying: 714!

"All these years of effort and sacrifice were just a joke, and even I became a laughingstock in the eyes of everyone in the Chu family!"

"I won't accept this. What's wrong with wanting to reclaim everything that should have been mine!"

Hearing his accusations, one after another, Qin Wanru trembled with rage: "You scoundrel! I did say things like you had a good chance in the past, but when did I ever say I would *definitely* marry Chuyan to you? While I had high hopes for you, ultimately, it still depended on Chuyan's own wishes. If she chose Ah Zu instead of you, what could I do?"

"At first, I also thought she was confused, but now it seems, it's fortunate Chuyan didn't choose a ruthless schemer like you, otherwise, you would undoubtedly have been a great disaster for our Chu family!"

Hong Xingying laughed loudly: "It's useless to say all this now. I will personally reclaim everything I've lost!"

Chuyan will ultimately still be mine, it's just a pity that Zu An got to her first!

Anger value from Hong Xingying: 999!

But it doesn't matter, there's still the second young lady. What I can't get from the eldest young lady, I can get from her sister just the same!

Just then, Liu Yao, standing by, grew impatient. He pushed Hong Xingying aside. "Your nonsense is never-ending!" he snapped. "Who are you putting on this 'my destiny is my own' act for? Are you in charge here, or am I?"

A flash of anger flickered and vanished in Hong Xingying's eyes. However, he knew he absolutely could not offend this man. He hastily bowed and apologized: "Please forgive me, General. I lost control of my emotions for a moment upon returning to my old home."

"Get out of the way," Liu Yao snorted, and then looked at the Chu couple. "Are you completely convinced now?"

Chu Zhongtian said gravely: "We refuse to accept this. Everyone heard that this Hong Xingying holds deep resentment towards our Chu family. Furthermore, his father was recently killed while instigating a rebellion at the Chu estate. How can his words be considered valid?"

Liu Yao chuckled, "Don't worry, I am here on imperial orders to thoroughly investigate this matter. After all, this matter doesn't just concern the Chu family; it also involves many high-ranking officials within the imperial court." After speaking, his smile vanished, and he commanded his subordinates: "Men, seize everyone in the Chu family, and register each one. Do not let a single person escape."

Hong Xingying's eyes lit up. He volunteered eagerly: "I'll lead the way. I'm familiar with the Chu family, and I know everyone here." He thought to himself that the first order of business would be to capture Zu An. He wanted to avenge the resentment for taking what he believed was rightfully his, and also avenge his father's death.

"Achoo!" At this moment, Zu An was teaching an arithmetic class at the academy. He couldn't help but sneeze. "Is someone talking about me again?" Seeing the stream of anger value records appearing in his system backend, his eyes narrowed. "Hong Xingying!"

Just then, the classroom door was suddenly slammed open.