Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1375 - 562: The Warm and Cold Faces of Human Relationships (Part 2)

Brother Feifei and Brother Xu also nodded, indicating that Father would return soon.

Yueyao said: "Who knows what other tricks that madman might pull? Shengsheng, Feifei, Xuxu, I want you to stay at Marquis Jingning’s Residence for a few days. It’s much safer than the Earl of Pingyang’s Mansion." With An Zhichen thrown into the Heavenly Prison, the Earl of Pingyang’s Mansion was in a state of panic, and Yueyao worried Zhou Shu might exploit the situation.

The three brothers were unanimous in their opinion and did not wish to leave. Even Brother Xu showed a fierce aura, saying: "Mother, if he dares to come, I’ll kill him."

Brother Shengsheng nodded and said: "Right, if he dares to come, we’ll kill him."

Brother Feifei also did not want to leave home: "Mother, we’ll be fine, you don’t need to worry about us." A man should not run away in the face of danger.

The three children were adamantly against leaving their home to seek refuge at Marquis Jingning’s Residence, so Yueyao had no choice but to let them stay in the main courtyard.

Not long after, a maid reported that Marquis Weiyuan had arrived. An Zhiren came specifically to inquire about Yueyao’s situation after hearing that his brother had incurred the Emperor’s wrath and was thrown into the Heavenly Prison.

Yueyao recounted everything An Zhichen had said to the children that day.

An Zhiren listened to Yueyao’s words, his brows furrowed tightly, as if they could crush a fly. He couldn’t believe it was truly a feud against his third brother; the enmity must have been deep for someone to act so ruthlessly. Looking at his three nephews, An Zhiren said: "You should still go to the Marquis’ household! The household is just a widow and her children, with such a great enemy lurking in the shadows, I’m really worried."

Yueyao refused, and so did the three children. Yueyao said: "Don’t worry, Marquis, I will protect the children with my life if I have to."

Brother Shengsheng spoke up: "We’re not going anywhere, we’ll stay home and wait for Father to return." Only cowards run away during times of crisis.

An Zhiren had no choice but to say: "Since you all refuse to go to the Marquis’ household, I’ll send some guards over so that the residence is a bit safer."

Yueyao did not refuse this offer.

By the afternoon, people from Prince Duan’s Mansion also arrived. They weren’t here for anything else; they came to ask Yueyao for the Beauty Painting.

Yueyao handed the painting over briskly. Seeing her so straightforward, the messenger developed a good impression of her. When receiving the painting, they whispered: "Rest assured, Madam, the Earl of Pingyang’s life is not in danger." Since An Zhichen himself was not in mortal danger, his family wouldn’t be implicated.

Yueyao gratefully said: "Please convey my endless gratitude to the Prince." Prince Duan sending this message at such a crucial time made Yueyao very thankful.

After seeing off the messenger, Yueyao turned and said to Xiang Wei: "With Heyue thrown into the Heavenly Prison, I originally thought no one would dare to call on us, but I didn’t expect them to come and comfort me." They say there are many who add to your success, but few who help in adversity; however, Yueyao now felt otherwise.

Xiang Wei said: "The Earl’s situation isn’t that severe, Madam, don’t overthink it." Although An Zhichen’s crime wasn’t punishable by death, the Emperor’s suspicion was still aroused, and most people stayed away fearing they’d get implicated; the fact that so many people still came was a testament to how well-regarded Yueyao and An Zhichen were.

Yueyao wasn’t particularly worried about An Zhichen; she was mainly concerned about that lunatic Zhou Shu. However, there were plenty of guards at the Earl of Pingyang’s Mansion, so there was little cause for concern.

In the evening, Zhuang Ruolan came over. Seeing Yueyao’s haggard appearance, she said: "I was out handling some matters this morning, so I couldn’t come over promptly."

Yueyao felt indescribably moved: "Cousin-in-law, I’m really sorry. With Keyue’s wedding coming up, it’s because of me that you and cousin are troubled and can’t focus on her wedding arrangements."

Zhuang Ruolan said: "Keyue still has about twenty days until her wedding, by then, the Earl will surely be out. If you feel guilty, make sure you’re not stingy when adding to her dowry." Zhuang Ruolan had come specifically to keep Yueyao company, fearing that she’d be alone with her thoughts, talking with someone would be much better.

Xiang Wei secretly praised in her heart, Ma Peng and his wife were indeed admirable people.

The next day, several ministers jointly petitioned the Emperor, but were rebuffed. The Crown Prince also wrote a memorial pleading for An Zhichen, but was rebuked by the Emperor, who even severely scolded the Crown Prince.

Xiang Wei was a bit anxious, as the situation was more severe than she had imagined: "The Emperor grows more suspicious with age, and who knows how this matter will resolve."

The Emperor had twice lost his temper, and no one dared provoke him further. Ma Peng, Guan Jingshuo, and Marquis Weiyuan among others ran around tirelessly but to no avail.

From ancient times, there were always many who would kick someone when they were down, and just three days after An Zhichen was thrown into the Heavenly Prison, someone submitted a memorial to impeach him.

The Emperor received the memorial but showed no response.

Throughout history, many have attempted to gauge the Emperor’s intentions. Since he didn’t speak, many speculated that the charges in the impeachment were insufficient. Adding to this was the grudge the Seventh Prince bore against An Zhichen for aiding the Ninth Prince to achieve great military success, thus, memorials impeaching An Zhichen grew in number and severity. Eventually, someone accused An Zhichen of unlawfully mobilizing troops, even plotting rebellion.

Rebellion is the gravest crime, and once associated with it, not only your closest kin but even acquaintances would be implicated.

The Seventh Prince wanted An Zhichen dead, but the Crown Prince could not ignore it; otherwise, he would dishearten those who supported him. The Crown Prince submitted a memorial refuting the charges, saying they were baseless. An Zhichen was guilty, but not to the point of deserving death.

Originally, An Zhichen intended to use this opportunity to lure Zhou Shu out, but did not expect it to spark a conflict between the Seventh and Ninth Princes.

ps: My stomach hasn’t been feeling well lately, so I plan to go to the hospital for a check in the afternoon. Updates will be delayed until around 10 PM, apologies.