The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 635: Chu Yan is not Duke’s Biological Son

Chapter 635: Chu Yan is not Duke’s Biological Son

Each word rang out with firmness!

Elder Cao looked at Chu Yan, who was holding his neck and his face flushed with excitement, and a seed of doubt began to grow in his heart.

It seemed... seemed like he was truly a loyal patriot.

But!

No matter whether Chu Yan was loyal to the country or not, the Chu family was flourishing at the moment. If this matter wasn’t used to suppress them, the Chu family would only grow even more powerful in the future.

The Ninth Prince was also supporting his wife, and soon, the entire court and even the whole Mu Nation would be dominated by the Chu family!

Elder Cao gritted his teeth, making up his mind, and said, "What you say makes sense. This matter can be discussed later, but for now, let’s go to the palace. The officials are waiting."

After Chu Yan calmed down, he realized he had acted disrespectfully earlier. He quickly bowed and lowered his head. "My apologies, Lord Cao. I misspoke."

"Follow me," Elder Cao said curtly, not saying anything more, and led the way.

Chu Yan sighed with relief. It seemed his Second Brother had been biased when he called Elder Cao petty. This man was clearly very magnanimous.

But as they followed Elder Cao, they didn’t head toward the cabinet but instead took a detour and arrived at Qianlong Palace.

What was going on?

They had spoken of revisiting an old case, so why were they at Qianlong Palace?

Shouldn’t they be discussing it first with the cabinet officials and then go to the emperor to present it?

Although Chu Yan had met Emperor Muwu before, this was the first time he was going to discuss political matters with him, and he couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous.

Once inside, he saw senior officials above the third rank, both civil and military, gathered together. Emperor Muwu was seated on the dragon throne and was just finishing a sentence: "Why are you all here, Elder Cao? What urgent matter could you possibly have that requires the presence of so many officials in the palace?"

Chu Yan’s heart skipped a beat.

Because he saw his father in the crowd.

Chu Hanlin was in full armor, without his sword, looking somewhat travel-worn, clearly having been summoned straight from the capital’s military camp.

He met Chu Yan’s gaze.

The two locked eyes.

Then, Chu Hanlin shifted his gaze to Elder Cao, his expression darkening, and a bad premonition rose in his heart.

Sure enough, Elder Cao walked to the center of the hall, cupped his hands in respect, and said loudly, "Apologies for making His Majesty wait. The matter I wish to report is extremely urgent, which is why I asked the officials and generals to come to the palace to witness it."

Emperor Muwu looked up, first glancing at Chu Yan, who was also bowing, and then noticing Chu Hanlin was present as well. His expression changed slightly.

Could it be?

Ninth Brother, how did you foresee this?

But!

Why did you leave the capital at this time, taking your wife on a trip, and leaving this mess for me to handle?

Emperor Muwu felt unwilling and gestured for the chief eunuch to send a Whisper Talisman to call the Ninth Prince back.

No matter what, he needed to get him back.

However, when Elder Cao saw the emperor’s action, he became angry and snapped, "Could it be that Your Majesty is already aware?!"

Prime Minister Lu and Elder Xu were completely puzzled.

But they were used to Elder Cao’s unfiltered way of speaking, even to the emperor.

Emperor Muwu pretended to be confused and replied, "Elder Cao, you haven’t explained what this matter is, how could I possibly know?"

Elder Cao had initially felt some sympathy for Chu Yan, fearing that this young, loyal man might lose his life. But now, realizing that Emperor Muwu might already know Chu Yan’s true identity, his anger flared.

As the ruler of the nation, how could Emperor Muwu know that Chu Yan was Emperor Qi’s younger brother and yet not punish him, even trying to cover it up?

I’m sorry, Chu Yan!

Elder Cao continued, "Then I’ll speak plainly. I have investigated and found that the Fifth Son of the Duke of Anguo’s Residence, Chu Yan, is not the Duke’s biological son!"

He waved his sleeve, pointing directly at Chu Yan.

"He was adopted from outside!"

Qi Hong had just arrived at the capital.

He had received news that A’Yuan’s true identity had been discovered by Elder Cao!

He went straight to find the leader of his spies, but when he arrived, he found that he was too late—A’Yuan had already been brought into the palace by Elder Cao.

"Damn it!" Qi Hong clenched his fists, his forehead veins bulging.

He could scale the palace walls.

But the demonic array would block his path. Once he entered, his body would be burned, making it nearly impossible for him to advance any further.

His spy leader, who had been following Chu Yan and protecting him in secret, spoke up. "Your Majesty, I saw Elder Cao politely escorting the Fifth Son of the Duke into the palace, not dragging him. The news may be false."

"That’s impossible!" Qi Hong snapped. "The person he entrusted to investigate in Qi Nation got hold of my mother’s portrait. I found out, and I tortured that person. Now, Elder Cao has all the evidence prepared. The moment Ye Siheng and Chu Nanli left the capital, he brought A’Yuan into the palace. His intentions are clear!"

The spy leader paled upon hearing this.

"How did this secret leak?"

Qi Hong’s eyes flickered, and he suddenly thought of someone: "Qi Mu!"

It must be her!

She must have sold the information for her own gain!

In an instant, he disappeared.

"Your Majesty..." the spy leader paused, realizing that they should be focused on bringing back the Ninth Prince and his wife, but seeing his master acting irrationally, he finally understood why the emperor had been so reluctant to act.

The Fifth Son was the emperor’s life!

After all the harm Qi Hong had caused in the past, he had learned not to act impulsively anymore.

First, to the Duke’s residence!

The Chu family had to have a way to contact the Ninth Prince and his wife.

Previously, Qi Hong had gone to investigate Qi Mu’s residence before leaving the capital.

As soon as he arrived, he saw Qi Mu practicing her martial arts.

Qi Mu froze for a moment, then quickly grabbed her blade.

"You broke your word. I’ll take your life!" Qi Hong’s killing intent surged, and his figure blurred as he lunged at her.

Qi Mu didn’t dare slack off, concentrating all her energy to defend.

Ordinarily, anyone would be defeated in a few moves under Qi Hong’s black mist, but thanks to her Heaven-Shocking Blade, which could cut through the mist, she managed to hold her own.

However, the sound of fighting soon attracted her parents.

"Who’s this little thief!?"

Mr. and Mrs. Qi weren’t easy targets either. They drew their weapons and rushed to help their daughter.

"Hey, don’t get involved!" Qi Mu shouted.

But it was too late.

Qi Hong raised an eyebrow and turned his body, using the black mist to restrain their limbs, choking them by the neck.

At that moment, Qi Mu could no longer move.

"I’ll settle things with you later. How dare you attack my parents?" she shouted.

"Yes, keep fighting. We’re just passing by," Mr. Qi remarked.

"A’Mu, how could you bring such a powerful enemy back? If you don’t like us here, we can go back to Qi Castle, but now look—before enjoying the blessings, your life might end," Mrs. Qi cried.

They continued to argue.

Qi Hong, annoyed, used the black mist to cover their mouths, then glared at Qi Mu. "No wonder you can’t keep secrets. You’re just like your parents."