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Upon seeing Wang Jinhe unharmed, Yuan Xu breathed a sigh of relief. He then fixed a cold gaze on the patriarch of the Yu family and said, “Daring to hold the princess hostage is a capital offense.”
The patriarch of the Yu family didn’t take Yuan Xu’s words seriously, saying, “Teaching the younger generation a lesson—what’s that to do with you?”
Such lofty words left Wang Jinhe rolling her eyes in disbelief, “Teaching a lesson? You think you’re worthy of that?”
“Moreover, the existing ruler and subjects have their roles, akin to father and son. Are you trying to surpass the imperial authority?” Wang Jinhe asked with a smile that wasn’t quite a smile.
This statement left the Yu family ancestor speechless. He dared not claim superiority over imperial authority; doing so would be disastrous.
“Yuan Xu, arrest this ancestor of the Yu family. When we return, hand him over to the Ministry of Justice for holding the princess hostage. Let’s see what crime that amounts to,” Wang Jinhe declared, looking at the Yu family.
“Understood.”
Yu Baiya looked at Wang Jinhe and saw seriousness in her eyes, understanding that she was not joking this time; this was for real.
“Aren’t you afraid of being ridiculed by everyone for doing this?” Yu Baiya said coldly.
“No matter what, he is still your elder. Since you are unharmed now, why bother being so petty?” Yu Baiya remarked.
Yu Baiya’s words made Wang Jinhe smile, “I didn’t ask him to hold me hostage. If someone is hell-bent on seeking their own demise, no one can stop them. Yuan Xu, have him taken away.”
“Understood.” Yuan Xu gestured, and two individuals emerged from the shadows, ready to escort the patriarch of the Yu family away.
Before they could reach him, several hidden guards appeared around.
Glancing at the guards, Wang Jinhe narrowed her eyes slightly, “What do you intend to do?”
“Since you’re here, don’t leave,” the ancestor of the Yu family said hoarsely.
Wang Jinhe’s expression carried a sense of determination.
To them, this princess was a nuisance, and only her death would put their minds at ease.
“It seems that the Yu family is no longer loyal to Xuan empire but to another nation,” Wang Jinhe, upon realizing their intentions to harm her, deduced that the Yu family had likely pledged allegiance elsewhere.
At this moment, Wang Jinhe felt grateful for one thing: Su Yu had taken away the Yu family’s iron mines.
With the iron mines gone, the Yu family lost their leverage in Xuan empire, eventually becoming pawns in someone else’s eyes within the Xuan court.
“Without evidence, refrain from making baseless accusations.”
Wang Jinhe looked at Yu Baiya’s warning gaze and suddenly smiled, “Whether it’s baseless or not, you all know in your hearts. Since their people have shown themselves, Yuan Xu, don’t hold back.”
“Understood.”
With Yuan Xu’s command, the individuals who had been protecting Wang Jinhe by her side all appeared before everyone.
Yu Baiya, with a grim expression, looked at Wang Jinhe, “I never expected the Prince to treat you so well, placing so many people around you.”
“That kind of affection is something you all can’t envy,” Wang Jinhe said with a smile.
“Arrest them all.”
“Understood.”
While Yu Jingchuan stood silently on the side, Wang Jinhe’s words triggered something in him.
He looked at Yu Baiya, “Back then when you targeted our family, it was because you collaborated with someone else, am I right?”
Seeing Yu Jingchuan’s calm demeanor, Yu Baiya smirked mockingly, “Realizing this now is too late. Today, you won’t be leaving the Yu family’s premises.”
“Is that so?” Nan Qiao’s voice came from outside.
Wang Jinhe turned to look at Nan Qiao with a smile in her eyes, “Nan Qiao, you’ve arrived at the perfect moment.”
Nan Qiao approached Wang Jinhe, scrutinizing her for a while. Upon confirming that she was unharmed, Nan Qiao finally felt at ease.
“Sister-in-law, don’t pull off such stunts again. If Brother Yu finds out you’re joking with your safety, he’ll straighten us out,” he said. Knowing that they had them around to handle things, yet still risking it all, they would be in big trouble.
Wang Jinhe cleared her throat, feeling a bit apprehensive about Nan Qiao’s words.
“As long as we keep quiet about this matter, everything will be fine,” Wang Jinhe said to Nan Qiao and the others.
Su Yu was currently far away at the border, and it was best to keep these things to themselves without letting him know.
Observing Wang Jinhe’s reaction, Nan Qiao wasn’t sure whether to warn her. The extent of Su Yu’s influence was significant. Even if they didn’t inform Su Yu, someone else might. Everyone would face consequences then.
Fortunately, for Sister-in-law, she could simply charm her way out with Brother Yu, but the others would be in deep trouble.
“Sister-in-law, in the future, you must speak up for us, or we’re done for,” Nan Qiao looked at Wang Jinhe with a bitter smile, almost tearfully.
Upon hearing Nan Qiao’s words, Wang Jinhe was momentarily at a loss for words. Should she tell Nan Qiao that even she feared the formidable Su Yu’s anger?
Would she risk losing face?
“I can only try my best. As for whether Su Yu will listen afterwards, I cannot say,” Wang Jinhe said with a look of sorrow.
“Let’s not dwell on this for now. Let’s deal with these people first,” she continued.
Nan Qiao gazed at the Ancestor of the Yu family, his eyes filled with surprise.
Noticing Nan Qiao’s reaction, Wang Jinhe asked curiously, “Why are you looking at him like that? Do you know this person?”
Nan Qiao nodded, stating with curiosity, “I saw this person when I was young in Nanjiang. Back then, he was expelled from Nanjiang by Imperial Uncle, and it seemed like something significant had happened then, as imperial uncle was extremely furious.”
He didn’t inquire further about the specifics of the incident.
Both Yu Jingchuan and Wang Jinhe turned to look at the ancestor of the Yu family simultaneously. Yu Jingchuan said, “Nan Qiao, when you return, write to your Imperial Uncle to inquire about the purpose of this person’s visit to Nanjiang in the past.”
“Sure.”
The Ancestor of the Yu family gazed at Nan Qiao, “Are you the young prince of Nanjiang?”
Nan Qiao didn’t spare a glance for the ancestor of the Yu family, who then asked, “With your close ties to the people of Xuan Empire, does the ruler of Nanjiang know?”
Observing the Yu family patriarch’s attempts to sow discord, Wang Jinhe glanced at Yuan Xu, who nodded in understanding.
“Take them away. Those who resist, kill them.”
With Nan Qiao by Wang Jinhe’s side, Yuan Xu proceeded confidently to eliminate the individuals nearby.
Witnessing Yuan Xu and his team swiftly neutralizing their own people, the patriarch of the Yu family’s expression grew increasingly grim.
Yu Baiya, filled with rage, exclaimed, “What are you waiting for?”
Nan Qiao couldn’t help but look curiously at Yu Baiya, realizing there were others from the Yu family.
Soon, several individuals emerged from the back of the house, surprising Nan Qiao with their appearance.
Luo Hou’s expression turned cold.
“Have you consulted Boss Chen before coming out?” Luo Hou asked coldly, looking at those individuals.
Seeing Luo Hou and Nan Qiao standing by Wang Jinhe, the individuals whom Yu Baiya had considered as his trump card showed signs of unease.
“How… Luo Hou, Nan Qiao, what are you doing in this place?” Su Yu had headed to the battlefield, and they should have followed him there. Why were they still here?
This unexpected turn left the group feeling anxious. No matter how powerful they were, they couldn’t compare to Luo Hou and Nan Qiao, especially with the gu worms in Nan Qiao’s possession.