At his words, everyone exchanged glances and fell silent.

’He said he has evidence? Then...’

Shen Yanchuan’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly. "If that’s the case, then present your evidence. As long as you can prove your words are true, Ye Heng will not escape punishment."

Han Yao sneered. "What, none of you believe me? Fine! You want evidence—"

He whipped his head toward Han Tong. "Father! It’s come to this! What more is there to hesitate about?"

’This is the perfect chance to turn the tables on Ye Heng!’

’Once the evidence is out, Ye Heng’s reputation will be in tatters, and his entire family will be implicated and punished alongside him!’

Yet, Han Tong showed no reaction to Han Yao’s words.

His face was ashen, his jaw clenched tight. He didn’t say a single word.

Han Yao assumed his father simply hadn’t grasped the stakes and urged him on frantically, "Father! What are you waiting for!? Are you really going to let them walk all over us until we’re dead?!"

’If I hadn’t been prepared, I would have died in that fire!’

He truly didn’t understand. The Han Family estate was already a ruin, its people dead or wounded—why was his father still refusing to give in?

But how could Han Yao know? It wasn’t that Han Tong was unwilling to speak—he was utterly unable to.

The scene was truly bizarre. Han Yao screamed himself hoarse like a madman, while Han Tong, opposite him, remained completely silent.

Watching this unfold, the crowd grew suspicious.

’What kind of act are this father and son putting on?’

Han Yao’s temples throbbed violently.

He had endured so much humiliation to secure this one chance, only for his father to remain completely unmoved!

"Fine! Fine! If you won’t speak, then I will!"

At these words, Han Tong’s eyes flew open, and the veins on his neck bulged.

But Han Yao could no longer be bothered with that. He looked straight at Shen Yanchuan and let out a cold laugh. "There’s a box buried beneath the osmanthus tree in the backyard! The evidence you want is inside!"

Ye Yunfeng’s heart leaped, and he immediately spun around and sprinted toward the courtyard.

But after only a single step, he remembered Ye Chutang was still Han Yao’s hostage. He stopped, frowning as he looked back.

Shen Yanchuan turned his head and instructed Yun Cheng, "Go with him."

"Yes."

Yun Cheng accepted the order and hurried to Ye Yunfeng’s side. "Fourth Young Master Ye, rest assured," he said reassuringly. "My master is here. He will ensure Second Miss Ye remains unharmed."

Ye Yunfeng certainly trusted Shen Yanchuan. He glanced one more time at his sister, then turned and dashed toward the courtyard again.

’The thing my sister wanted is in there!’

Han Tong’s eyelid twitched violently. He opened his mouth to shout, but no sound came out.

He gritted his teeth so hard they nearly shattered, his heart a turmoil of anger and panic.

’When I was taken away, I knew my chances of getting out were slim. That’s why I told these secrets to Han Yao—so he would have a way to protect himself.’

’Who could have imagined this defiant son would be so reckless!’ 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Shen Yanchuan’s gaze remained calm as he stared at Han Yao. "If this so-called evidence of yours truly exists beneath that osmanthus tree, then today’s matter isn’t without a chance for resolution. And you and your father may yet find a way to live."

Hearing this, Han Yao’s eyes lit up. "Really!?"

When he revealed this secret, he had been fully prepared to take Ye Heng down with him.

He was willing to throw his own life away to ensure Ye Heng suffered!

He hadn’t expected Shen Yanchuan to offer him a glimmer of hope.

But a sliver of doubt remained in Han Yao’s heart. "Shen Yanchuan," he asked uncertainly, "can I trust your word?"

Shen Yanchuan’s deep-set eyes were impassive. His gaze was as placid as still water, yet it felt tangible, weighing heavily on one’s heart.

It was the innate air of command that only came from one long accustomed to power.

"Of course."

Han Yao met his gaze for a moment and felt an involuntary sense of awe.

’Right, how could I forget? This man is from the Dingbei Marquis Mansion!’

Shen Yanchuan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he enunciated each word.

"But on one condition: do not harm a single hair on her head. Otherwise, I guarantee you will pay the price for everything you’ve done today."

His voice was perfectly calm and composed, yet it carried an inexplicable, bone-chilling aura.

A shiver ran through Han Yao. He felt a chill shoot up from the soles of his feet, straight up his spine to the crown of his head.

He spat on the ground.

"Fine! Shen Yanchuan! Those were your words!"