The moment the words fell, a tremor suddenly echoed from afar. Where the sky met the earth, formations of soldiers were steadily approaching.
Though their speed was not as rapid as Ye Tinglan's cavalry from before, their sheer numbers were undeniable and could not be ignored.
Feng Yinwan looked up. Leading the troops at the front was Song Qingan, who had been out of sight for the past two days. Walking alongside him was the Dingnan King, who had also vanished for a long time.
Her heart sank as she heard the Emperor's stern voice, "You think I don't know about you harboring troops in secret? Since you are to return to the capital, I have long made preparations!"
The news of the Yue Kingdom's army being annihilated had barely reached him when he secretly ordered Song Qingan to take an imperial decree to Dingzhou. Ostensibly to mobilize troops to reinforce the capital's defenses, it was, in fact, preparation for today's events.
He knew Ye Tinglan and the Dingnan King had private dealings. However, he had promised that as long as the King remained loyal, all past transgressions would be forgiven, and the nation would spare no effort in finding Yun Shu's whereabouts.
As for Song Qingan, he had always been loyal to him, and moreover, he knew how important this woman was to him.
With this in mind, the Emperor's eyes darkened. He was about to order Feng Yinwan's arrest when Ye Tingyun, supporting the Empress Dowager, ascended the city wall before him.
The Emperor paused upon seeing them and looked up, frowning. "Mother, why have you come?"
He had already given orders to monitor them and prevent them from leaving the palace. He hadn't expected them to not only come themselves but also be followed by a host of court officials.
This situation caused the Emperor's brow to furrow tightly. Meanwhile, the Empress Dowager, supported by Ye Tingyun, quickly approached.
"Emperor, what do you think you are doing!"
Not seeing Feng Yinwan return to the palace last night, she had sensed something was amiss. By morning, the Emperor was nowhere to be found, and even the guards were reduced by half. After interrogating them, she learned the truth and immediately rushed over, only to find that he was indeed going to...!
Her injuries had not yet healed, and the Emperor, unwilling to provoke her further, simply replied perfunctorily, "This is a matter of state, Mother. You need not worry excessively. I have my arrangements."
Having spoken, he looked at Ye Tingyun, intending to have him escort the Empress Dowager away.
However, the Empress Dowager was not appeased.
"Your arrangement is to arrest them all and then deal with them as you see fit?"
"What wrong has Lan'er committed to make you so heartless! What wrong has the Zhen Guo Great General's family committed to suffer so repeatedly! Emperor, do not be foolish!"
She knew her son was contemplative and prone to suspicion, but she never imagined he would reach such a cold and ruthless state.
His unscrupulous methods sent a chill down her spine, filling her with utter disappointment.
The Emperor's expression darkened upon hearing her words, but he could not refute her accusations.
He merely looked at Ye Tingyun and instructed in a deep voice, "Yun'er, please escort your Imperial Grandmother down. After I have dealt with these matters, I will return to the palace with you all."
Ye Tingyun, however, did not move.
His lips tightened for a few moments before he spoke with unconcealed disappointment, "Father, must you treat Third Brother this way?"
He had been overjoyed to learn of his third brother's return to the capital, but he never expected him to suffer such hardships because of him.
He knew the Emperor had always favored him, but he never imagined this favor would come at the cost of destroying a beloved and respected relative. How could he bear such a twisted love?
He did not want this at all!
He released his hand supporting the Empress Dowager and, with a thud, knelt on the ground.
"Please, Father, stop! Your son does not wish to sit on that throne, nor does he wish to become such a cold and heartless person!"