A group of people left the peculiar mountain.
Not long after they departed, the secret residence on the mountaintop suddenly caught fire.
The soaring flames and thick black smoke seemed to dye the entire sky a sooty black.
Yun Shu glanced back.
Building such a place must have cost an immense fortune, not just money, but time as well.
Those behind Bai Chun would surely be furious and enraged if they saw this blaze.
She lowered her gaze to her unharmed sons beside her and said softly, "It seems I need to get some defensive items for the three of you next."
"This king will have people protect them from the shadows; you need not worry," Zhan Tian Ye said gently.
His gaze upon Yun Shu was incredibly focused.
So focused that Yun Shu directly avoided his eyes.
Meanwhile, Yun Xiao Jing and the other two were already sleepy, yawning.
Ruan Xi directly lifted Yun Xiao Jing onto his back.
Jing Heng and Qiu Lu each carried one.
The three children, on their shoulders, closed their eyes. They were truly exhausted after a day of turmoil!
Zhan Tian Ye glanced at Ruan Xi.
Seeing Yun Xiao Jing's deep reliance and trust in Ruan Xi, his gaze deepened.
He let out a soft scoff.
This sound made Ruan Xi acutely aware, and he raised an eyebrow, "Is Lord Ye dissatisfied with me?"
"Too much nonsense," Zhan Tian Ye frowned slightly, showing clear disdain. Why would Yun Shu be interested in such a character?
And, the people of the Ruan family...
He immediately dismissed the thought. Whether it was the Ruan family or Ruan Xi, they were insignificant.
...
In the deep, quiet night.
Yun Xiao Jing was fast asleep.
Yun Shu watched as Yun Chang Feng, perched at the crack of the door, cautiously observed Yun Xiao Jing on the bed.
He watched for a long time.
It was as if the Yun Xiao Jing lying on the bed might disappear.
Yun Shu waited nearby.
Only after Yun Chang Feng had finally looked his fill and was certain that Yun Xiao Jing wouldn't suddenly vanish did he walk towards Yun Shu.
Father and daughter arrived at the pavilion together.
A Cha, being very attentive, had already prepared steaming hot wine.
The boiled wine, its fragrance rich and pervasive.
Yun Chang Feng's face lit up immediately. He quickly sat down and eagerly filled his cup, "So fragrant! It smells so good!"
Yun Shu smiled.
She took a small sip.
It was truly a lingering fragrance.
"Good wine!"
After father and daughter had a few cups together, they began to discuss serious matters.
"I believe this matter might involve some misunderstanding. However, as for what kind of person Lord Ye is in private, I cannot quite ascertain yet," Yun Chang Feng said after deep thought.
But he had no recollection of Bai Chun or the Bai family.
Therefore, he could not make a definitive judgment.
Yun Shu nodded, "So, this matter is likely true. I don't care what kind of person he is in private, but he must not involve my sons. This time, if we can't deal with those mechanisms, it's unimaginable what Xiao Jing and the others would have faced."
Thinking of this, Yun Chang Feng also became displeased. "Shu'er is right. In that case, Lord Ye is truly not someone to entrust your life to. By the way, who is Shu'er engaged to? What is their character? Why not bring them before your father so I can have a look? As long as the marriage hasn't taken place, nothing is set in stone."
"The fiancé? This is a misunderstanding. I never had the chance to tell Father. I simply didn't want Young Master Yi to waste any more time," Yun Shu explained briefly.
Yun Chang Feng's eyes widened, and after a moment of surprise, he suppressed his astonishment. "It's fake?"
"Mhm. The fact that Lord Ye and I have three sons will soon be known to everyone. Before that happens, having Young Master Yi give up his intentions will prevent any awkwardness," Yun Shu said.
Yun Chang Feng's heart ached immensely. Shu'er was just too sensible!
And too considerate of others!
But had she ever thought of herself?
The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached. "Alas! Come, let's drink first. As for what happens next, we can discuss it later! Right, regarding this matter of Bai Chun you mentioned today, you must be extremely careful. The person behind Bai Chun might not only be targeting Lord Ye but you as well, especially since you bore Lord Ye three sons."
What kind of situation was this?
Shu'er had to bear all the hardships, and now she also had to deal with all sorts of assassination plots and conspiracies!
He really wanted to go and beat up Lord Ye.
Yun Shu nodded slightly, "Okay."
...
Lord Ye's Mansion.
Qiu Lu arrived before Zhan Tian Ye, somewhat frustrated.
"Your Highness, Bai Chun has a tough mouth and won't say anything," Qiu Lu gritted his teeth.
Zhan Tian Ye hummed softly, "No hurry. We'll interrogate him again tomorrow."
"This subordinate is very curious. How did Miss Yun the Second interrogate him? She managed to get him to reveal his identity. I just asked him his name, and he wouldn't even say it. He bit his tongue until it bled but refused to utter a word," Qiu Lu said with utter helplessness, his heart filled with curiosity.
Just then, a report came from the gatekeeper outside.
"The heir of Marquis Wu'an's mansion requests an audience."
"What's with the report? We haven't seen each other for a few months, and you don't recognize me anymore? Why are you reporting my arrival in such detail!" Xie Jin spoke with extreme arrogance and dissatisfaction, pushing the door open and walking in directly.
Zhan Tian Ye turned his head to look at the newcomer upon hearing the voice.
The newcomer had alluring, upturned phoenix eyes, eyebrows like flying swords, and a handsome, straight nose above a pair of ruby-red lips.
An innate pride emanated from his very being, a pride unmatched by others.
At first glance, Xie Jin possessed a similar aura to Prince Regent Zhan Ming. But upon closer inspection, they were worlds apart. Zhan Ming's 'evil' was sinister evil.
Xie Jin, on the other hand, was filled with allure.
"You're back?" Zhan Tian Ye raised an eyebrow, his tone very casual.
There was no excitement or surprise at seeing someone after several months.
Xie Jin looked somewhat disappointed, shaking his head and sighing as if his heart were broken. "Do you really not miss me? I just found out you ran into some trouble and came to help, but you're treating me like I'm not welcome!"
Zhan Tian Ye remained silent.
Xie Jin was long accustomed to this. They had grown up together and experienced many things. Apart from not knowing when Zhan Tian Ye got someone pregnant and had several children, he knew everything else.
He glanced around, then looked at Qiu Lu. "Why do I feel like your Lord has that 'old tree blossoming' look? Has he finally taken a liking to some woman recently?"
Because he was too familiar with Zhan Tian Ye,
He had sensed it!
Qiu Lu dared not say anything. "This, Young Master, please ask Lord Ye! This subordinate still needs to investigate Bai Chun's origins, so I'll take my leave."
Watching Qiu Lu slip away, Xie Jin caught a whiff of something and stared at Zhan Tian Ye, asking, "Who is that woman? Is it the woman who bore your children? Or perhaps, it's Miss Yun the Second who went to rescue your son last night?"
Zhan Tian Ye raised his dark eyes.
Xie Jin excitedly slapped the table hard. "It's her, it must be her! I'm telling you, this time I traveled the world and stumbled upon something! I wasn't deliberately looking for it, it was an accidental discovery!"
"It's about Miss Yun the Second!"