"By His Majesty's command, Duke Yan harbored sinister intentions and sent men to abduct Princess Ximing, plotting against the Imperial Family. Duke Yan has now been imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison pending a thorough investigation! Arrest every member of Duke Yan's Residence. Leave no one behind!"
Liu Shi raised the command token and delivered the order in a ringing voice.
As the government soldiers scattered to make arrests, Yu's entire body went limp. She collapsed to the ground, her expression numb and desolate.
Abducting the princess-Duke Yan was courting death, and he meant to drag her and both her sons down with him!
No wonder. No wonder the people she had sent returned with word that Duke Yan was inciting the people of Hezhou to riot against Princess Ximing.
His purpose had been to drag her down with him now.
He no longer wanted the Duke's Residence.
Did that mean he no longer wanted Yan Xiurong either?
Despair filled Yu's heart.
Like a rotten persimmon, she was dragged into a prison cart.
Most of the bodies in the courtyard had been cleared away.
Liu Zi Xing blocked the government soldiers, spreading his arms to shield his parents, his face full of wariness.
But Liu Shi came over and patted his shoulder, reassuring him. "Boy, look who's here!"
"Brother Zi Xing!"
The little girl's two hair buns bounced as she ran over on her short legs, finally throwing herself into Liu Zi Xing's arms.
Liu Zi Xing's eyes grew hot. He crouched down and embraced her. "Little sister."
"Little brother." The voice was young but steady. It was his elder brother.
Liu Zi Xing looked up to see Liu Zimu standing beside him with his lips pressed together, reaching out to pat his shoulder.
Liu Zi Xing lowered his eyes to