Chapter 194: Chapter 194

"Lies, she’s definitely in the mansion. She’s a cold-blooded creature, pretending not to be there to avoid dealing with her father’s matters. This ungrateful wretch, completely disregarding her own father. Does she think just because she’s climbed up to Prince Su, she can rest easy? If anything happens to the Pei Family, she won’t be able to escape blame."

Mrs. Pei slapped her thigh and wailed at the door, Pei Yuncheng looked awkward, aware of the eyes around him, his face flushed with embarrassment. Official source ıs nοvelfire.net

"Grandmother, I think Zhaozhao really isn’t in the mansion. How about we come back tomorrow?" Pei Yuncheng softly advised.

Mrs. Pei glared, scolding, "That’s your father, are you going to ignore him? He’s been arrested, aren’t you worried?"

"I am worried, but..."

"Brother Yuncheng, Grandmother is also worried that Father will suffer in prison, which is why she’s seeking help from Sister Zhaozhao, who must be heartbroken now as well. Please, don’t upset her further."

Pei Yunzhi took Pei Yuncheng’s arm and softly shook her head.

Pei Yuncheng sighed, "I know, but this is really embarrassing."

"If you know it’s embarrassing, then quickly go back!"

Yu Nianzhao slowly approached, her voice calm yet causing Pei Yuncheng’s face to flush deeper.

"Zhaozhao, you truly aren’t in the mansion." Pei Yuncheng half-smiled awkwardly.

Yiu Renjian greeted her respectfully.

"Why does it matter whether I’m in the mansion or not? What’s it to you? Crying and making a scene at Prince Su Mansion’s gate in the middle of the night?"

Yu Nianzhao crossed her arms, stepping up to look down at them, "There’s no relation between Prince Su’s mansion and you. If you want to wail, go back home."

Mrs. Pei sneered, "You crow-mouthed girl, talking nonsense! Even if you truly aren’t in the mansion, what kind of girl stays out so late at night? Shameless!"

Yiu Renjian cursed angrily, "Where’s this old hag from, daring to disrespect our princess consort at Prince Su’s doorstep? Are you courting death?"

The guards surrounded them, giving them a menacing gaze that made Mrs. Pei quail.

Zhixi rebuked, "What audacity, Mrs. Pei. Our princess consort is appointed by the emperor; even the Dowager and Empress wouldn’t dare scold her. Who are you to criticize her? If word of this gets back to the palace, people will question the emperor’s and Dowager’s judgment. Who knows who will be held accountable then?"

"Oh my, everyone’s too fierce; there’s no chance for me to shine."

Yu Nianzhao was shielded by them, putting away a charm she was holding with regret, "I truly wanted to see how brazen you get in your old age."

"You, you, you... you’re being ridiculous! I’m your princess consort’s grandmother, so what if I reprimand her a bit? Is this how Prince Su teaches you? I’m your elder!"

Mrs. Pei’s cheeks were flushed, her tone weakened.

"Sister Zhaozhao, even if there are grievances between you and Father, you are still father and daughter. Grandmother is truly worried for Father, which is why she came to seek your help."

Pei Yunzhi squeezed out a few tears, pitifully saying, "They haven’t found the culprit who killed Mr. Liu, and in his fury, the emperor imprisoned Father. Mother has fainted from crying. We had no choice but to come seek your help with the prince."

Pei Yuncheng chimed in, "Yes, Zhaozhao, he is our father."

Out of nowhere, Dongfang Chenyue appeared, hands on her hips, pointing at them accusingly, "I’ve only been in Shangjing a short while, and even I know about all the grievances the Pei Family has with my Zhaozhao. You sent Zhaozhao to Tomb Guard City, cutting ties first. Now something happens, and you come running? How shameless can you be? Cutting ties means she has nothing to do with your family, yet you dare claim to be an elder? Your behavior regresses with age!"

The Pei Family’s faces alternated between pale and flushed, staying silent in their guilt.

Seeing the crowd pointing and whispering, Mrs. Pei simply sat down to throw a tantrum, "Oh heavens, no justice! Not even helping her own father? We’re going to face ruin. If our family falls, how does it benefit you? Heartless and cold-blooded..."

"Such foul words, someone would think you’re the country bumpkin here."

Yu Nianzhao casually said, "Whether you care for your son or just the Pei Family’s glory, you know in your heart. Judging by your face, you’re sharp and mean, harmful to your offspring... hmm, your fate line..."

Yu Nianzhao looked more closely at Mrs. Pei, then Pei Yunzhi, smiling deeply, "Interesting, very interesting indeed."

Pei Yunzhi felt a chill at her gaze and complained, "Sister Zhaozhao, you’re talking nonsense. How is Grandmother harmful to her children? Even if you don’t help Father, don’t mock us."

Yu Nianzhao crossed her arms, smirking, "If you’re severing ties, then do it thoroughly. Why come to me over and over? Pei Yunzhi, hold onto what you’ve strived for, or it’ll evaporate sooner or later."

Pei Yunzhi’s heart skipped a beat at her words, prompting an urge to flee.

Pei Yuncheng, protective of his sister, complained, "Zhaozhao, stop being prejudiced against Yunzhi. I know you resent her for taking what was yours, but it’s not her fault; she’s innocent too."

Yu Nianzhao said meaningfully, "Pei Yuncheng, you’re adorably naive."

Pei Yuncheng was baffled, scratching his head, wondering if he was being insulted or praised.

Just as Pei Yunzhi was in turmoil, the sound of hooves rang out. She looked up to see a towering figure riding towards them.

Xie Jiuxiao cast a cold glance at them and commanded, "Take them away!"

The Dragon Shadow Guards advanced, showing no mercy, capturing the Pei family.

"How dare you! I am Yu Nianzhao’s grandmother, Mr. Pei’s mother; how can you treat me this way?"

Mrs. Pei panicked, glaring at Xie Jiuxiao, "Even if you’re the prince, how can you act ? When the old Mr. Pei was alive, he..."

Xie Jiuxiao looked down at her as if she were dead, and though a distance separated them, his chilling aura penetrated the Pei family to their core.

"The old lady knows, the old Mr. Pei passed away. What, do you wish to join him?"

Xie Jiuxiao coldly remarked, "Besides, as a stepmother entering the Pei household through schemes, do you want me to announce your methods publicly, to give you grand recognition?"