Chapter 641: Late Night Mourning 2

Prince Helian felt a persistent sense of unease. He kept glancing back. Inside the main hall, everyone from the Zhan Mansion was present, as were many members of the Gu family.

It seemed like half of the Qian family’s entire household was at the General’s Mansion. He had previously assumed it was simply because the child was adorable and had won the elders’ affection.

’But the events at Four-direction Mountain had completely changed his perspective. Even if it were their own flesh and blood,’ he thought, ’no one would dare to defy the Emperor over something like this.’

The frenzied attitude of these families... they were practically throwing their lives away.

Their attitude toward Xiang Minghou’s daughter—the Zhan family, the Gu family, and the Qian family—it was all just too bizarre.

If he hadn’t met Ye Qianning himself, he might have suspected the child possessed some power to bewitch people’s minds.

"The Qian family is large. Without citizenship, you’ll face discrimination everywhere," the old Prince added. "The City Lord of the southern border city was once a subordinate of mine. I will write him a letter. If you haven’t decided on a plan by then, you can stay at the border temporarily. Feel free to ask them for anything you might need."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"There’s no need for thanks. Qian Fu rendered great services to Beili in his time. The events of the past have already forced the Qian family to suffer injustice for many years. To now end up stripped of your citizenship..." The old Prince sighed. "It is Beili that has wronged the Qian family."

"Father," Prince Helian interjected.

"Alright, alright, I’ll say no more." The old Prince waved his hand dismissively.

Qian Fanji escorted the group to the main gates of the General’s Mansion before calling out solemnly, "Prince Helian, Prince Changyang."

"There’s no need to see us out," Prince Helian said, looking back.

"Regarding yesterday’s events, I must thank you both." Qian Fanji cupped his hands and bowed deeply to the two princes.

Prince Helian and Prince Changyang knew at once what he was referring to.

"There’s no need for thanks. It was all we could do," Prince Changyang said, a hint of shame on his face.

"It was more than enough," Qian Fanji said gratefully.

If the men from the two Prince Mansions hadn’t blocked the Royal Hidden Guards, they never would have had the chance to kill Yuan Yintang.

Prince Helian walked over and patted his shoulder. Nothing more needed to be said.

The night was deep. At a street corner near the General’s Mansion, a carriage was suddenly blocked by another that came galloping up to it.

Prime Minister Gao descended from his carriage with a grim expression and walked over to the one that had been blocked.

"My lord." The servant driving the carriage saw who it was and hastily dismounted to bow.

Prime Minister Gao shot him a cold glance before turning his attention to the carriage. "Are you not going to get the hell out?"

Gao Qi lifted the curtain. "Father..."

"So you still remember I’m your father? Are you trying to get me killed?" Prime Minister Gao berated him.

"I just wanted to see her... to mourn her! To see her one last time! Father, why are you stopping me? Why!" Gao Qi leaped from the carriage, grabbing and pulling at Prime Minister Gao’s robes.

Prime Minister Gao restrained him. "She and our family are sworn enemies! What are you doing mourning her?"

"We were friends! Father, I have to go pay my respects. Please, just let me go."

"What friends? It seems you’ve lost your mind! While the Emperor hasn’t explicitly forbidden officials from paying their respects at the General’s Mansion, anyone with any sense knows that to go there now is to openly defy His Majesty."

"I don’t care! Let me go! Let me go!" Gao Qi struggled.

Seething with anger, Prime Minister Gao gritted his teeth. "Men! Tie him up and take him back home!"

"I won’t go back! I’m going to the General’s Mansion...!"

"Young Master, our apologies."

The attendants seized Gao Qi from both sides and quickly bound him securely.

"Let me go! Let me go!"

Gao Qi screamed hoarsely.

The carriage driver stood to one side, trembling uncontrollably.

"As for this servant who disobeyed a direct order," Prime Minister Gao said coldly, "drag him back to the manor and beat him to death."