Zhao Lie's arrival naturally came as no surprise to Elder Master Xiao.
His expression remained unchanged as he ordered breakfast prepared and sent someone to fetch Xiao Jinghong. Only once everything was ready did he come outside Qingjing Residence and stand waiting.
Wang Lixing and the others guarded the surroundings. Their gleaming armor looked as good as new on their burly frames, and their solemn expressions immediately lent the central courtyard a murderous chill.
Elder Master Xiao glanced at them and waved a hand. "A visitor from afar is a guest. There's no need to be nervous."
Wang Lixing, Liu Si'er, and the others promptly saluted, then relaxed considerably.
Having spent years in the Marquis's mansion, they knew all too well the Xiao Family's circumstances of late, so they could hardly help overreacting somewhat.
Especially since Marquis Zhaowu, Zhao Lie, had just suffered the loss of his son. When a man like him came calling, even if he had not come to demand an accounting, there was still a chance he might go too far.
Wang Lixing and the others were naturally rather tense.
Once Xiao Jinghong arrived upon hearing the news, however, everyone relaxed.
Xiao Jinghong glanced toward the front courtyard. Hearing Zhao Lie's heavy footsteps approaching, she bowed to the Old Master. "Grandfather."
"Marquis Zhaowu arrived so quickly."
Elder Master Xiao nodded slightly, his expression revealing nothing. "Indeed, several days earlier than I expected."
Chen Xuanji had set out from Guangyue Prefecture earlier, yet he had only reached the vicinity of Guang'an County and was still a day or two from the Prefectural City. Zhao Lie had arrived before him, which was enough to show how he had reacted upon learning of Zhao Yi's death.
Xiao Jinghong was about to speak when she saw Zhao Lie stride through