Arika hurriedly said, "I'm sorry. I—I don't know him, but I've heard a few things about him. He has a grudge against my Fire Domain and even extorted my disciples, so that's why I said that."
"Extorted?" Ming Zhaoshu's gaze flickered.
Arika nodded and told Ming Zhaoshu what he'd heard about Lu Yin extorting Lanuk and several other students.
Ming Zhaoshu pondered for a moment. "Understood. Take him away, and don't let him die."
Not long after Arika was taken away, Tang Si entered the study.
"Your Highness, word of the County Princess's incident has already spread. We can't keep it hidden," Tang Si said gravely.
Ming Zhaoshu was furious. "This is outrageous! Ming Hao's people in my mansion are so bold. He must be behind this, trying to ruin Yan'er's reputation."
Tang Si's eyes turned cold. "The most urgent thing is to capture that outsider called Lu Yin. His death will prove the County Princess's innocence."
Ming Zhaoshu's gaze flickered as he fell into thought.
Tang Si said nothing.
"Leave for now. Keep searching for Lu Yin, but remember: you are not to take his life," Ming Zhaoshu ordered.
Tang Si immediately acknowledged the order and withdrew.
Ming Zhaoshu thought for a while, then left the study and went to Ming Yan's room. "Yan'er, may Father King come in?"
"Please come in, Father King," Ming Yan said softly.
Ming Zhaoshu pushed open the door and saw his daughter staring blankly at herself in the mirror, her gaze bitter. In Shenwu Continent, a woman's chastity was held in the highest regard. If anyone saw her naked, the consequences were severe, and it became very difficult for her to marry. That was the custom in Shenwu Continent.
Thinking of this, Ming Zhaoshu grew furious. That outsider had, of all things, fallen