Chapter 364: Evidence (First Update)

"Get in there! Search every inch, inside and out! Do not let a single corner go unexamined!"

"Yes!"

At Lu Yun's command, a multitude of guards immediately rushed forward, intending to work together to ram open the gates of the Chu residence.

Chu Ning arrived just in time to witness this scene.

"Lu Yun!"

He barked out an immediate, sharp reprimand.

"You dare!"

Lu Yun turned around to look. Seeing Chu Ning rushing toward him with his people, he showed not a hint of panic; instead, a gloating smile spread across his face.

"Oh! If it isn't Lord Chu Ning? You must be quite busy with your official duties. Why have you suddenly come here in the middle of the day?"

Chu Ning stepped forward quickly, his face cold

"This is my residence. I'll see who dares to trespass!"

As he spoke, he unleashed the powerful pressure of a fifth-tier martial artist, instantly making Lu Yun feel a sense of chest tightness and shortness of breath.

Even the guards standing at the entrance felt a surge of trepidation, causing them to stop their movements and exchange uncertain glances.

Lu Yun felt irritated, and the smile on his face gradually faded.

"Lord Chu Ning, what are you doing? I have come today by the Emperor's decree! If you truly intend to obstruct us, you are defying an imperial command!"

Chu Ning stared at him coldly

"I naturally wouldn't dare defy the Emperor's decree. However, even if there is to be a search, you must provide a reason, mustn't you? After all, I am the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guard—"

"My apologies, Lord Chu Ning, but we are merely following orders. If you truly wish to know the reason, why don't you go find His Majesty in person?"

Lu Yun snorted coldly and waved his hand.

"Continue!"

"Yes!"

Just as Chu Ning was about to step forward, Zhao Ming, standing behind him, whispered a warning

"My Lord, please, stay calm! They have come with the Emperor's decree this time. If this escalates, it will bring you no benefit whatsoever!"

If things went poorly, it might even make the Emperor think that Chu Ning was being disrespectful of imperial orders.

Chu Ning took a deep breath, suppressing his rage.

"Fine! In that case, I shall see what it is you manage to find!"

He asked himself if he had done anything wrong, and naturally, he was not afraid!

But just why had the Emperor suddenly acted this way?

Seeing Chu Ning lower his head, Lu Yun felt triumphant in his heart.

During this period, Lu Yao had been miserably victimized by the Chu family, and the most excessive culprits were the father and daughter, Chu Ning and Chu Liuyue!

If they hadn't deliberately stirred up trouble, Lu Yao would still be in control of the Chu family's internal affairs! How could she have fallen to this state where everyone wanted to strike her down?

His relationship with Lu Yao wasn't particularly good, but Lu Yao was a member of the Lu family after all; since her reputation was dragged through the mud, the Lu family had naturally suffered significant collateral damage.

More importantly, she would eventually have to turn back to the Lu family for money to fill those holes.

Lu Yun harbored dissatisfaction toward Lu Yao, and even more resentment toward the Chu father and daughter.

Now that he had the chance to settle scores with them, he certainly wouldn't miss it.

*Thud!*

The gates were violently rammed open!

A swarm of guards poured in!

Lu Yun flashed a provocative smile at Chu Ning before stepping inside.

Chu Ning's brow furrowed deeply as he followed closely behind.

The group had already dispersed, searching through the courtyard and rooms with rapid, crude movements.

Lu Yun stood in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, continuously giving orders.

"That room! Go in and look! And the one next to it! Search thoroughly! Has anyone gone to the backyard yet?! Report immediately if you find anything unusual!"

Standing not far away, Chu Ning clearly saw those men throwing many items out of his bedroom.

Bedding, bookshelves, clothing.

Even tea sets, brushes, and ink were tossed haphazardly onto the ground outside.

Many things were shattered, leaving a scene of total chaos.

Lu Yun glanced back at Chu Ning. Seeing his grim expression, he couldn't help but move closer, advising him with a smug air

"Lord Chu Ning, don't be so angry. This is all by the Emperor's decree. Instead of being filled with indignation here, why don't you think about what kind of 'good deed' your precious daughter has done?"

Chu Ning's gaze sharpened as he stared him down

"What did you say?!"

Lu Yun shrugged indifferently.

Chu Ning's brow furrowed even tighter.

He had never imagined that this matter would be related to Yue'er.

What exactly had Yue'er done to cause the Emperor to issue such an order?

As he was thinking, his peripheral vision caught sight of men preparing to rush into Chu Liuyue's room.

"How dare you!"

Chu Ning barked. With a flash of movement, he intercepted them!

Lu Yun raised an eyebrow

"Oh? Lord Chu Ning, do you really intend to go against His Majesty?"

Chu Ning's gaze swept over the crowd as he spoke, word by word

"You may search, but if you dare damage a single item in here... do not blame me for showing no mercy!"

The pressure emanating from him was extremely intense, and combined with his fierce tone, it left everyone feeling wary.

Even Lu Yun couldn't help but shudder, forcing himself to say

"Didn't you hear him?! Everyone, be careful!"

Only after hearing this did Chu Ning finally step aside.

The excitement had vanished from the men's faces; they each entered the room with extreme caution.

Chu Ning stood at the doorway, his gaze cutting through them like a sharp blade.

Lu Yun felt quite stifled, but he knew that if he provoked Chu Ning, there would be no good outcome, so he had to swallow his pride.

Once they found something, he would make sure to ask the Emperor to punish Chu Ning severely!

While watching their movements, Chu Ning continuously pondered why the Emperor had suddenly done this.

Yue'er had gone to Taiyan Academy ten days ago and had not been home during this time. What exactly were they looking for here?

Just as Chu Ning was lost in thought, someone shouted loudly from outside

"Lord Lu! We found it!"

Chu Ning's heart jolted, and he immediately turned around.

A guard came running from the backyard, rushing to Lu Yun's side and presenting an object

"Lord Lu! Please look!"

Lu Yun picked up the hairpin, examined it closely, and his expression shifted. He looked at Chu Ning with a cold sneer.

"Lord Chu Ning, now that the evidence is irrefutable, what else do you have to say?!"

Chu Ning walked over quickly

"What are you talking about?"

"Lord Chu Ning, why bother playing dumb?" Lu Yun held up the hairpin, sneering repeatedly. "This hairpin is an ornament worn by the Fourth Princess, yet it has appeared in your backyard. Do you still intend to quibble?"

Chu Ning froze for a moment, and then he suddenly understood!

The Fourth Princess, Rong Zhen, had gone missing, and for that reason, the Emperor had placed the Empress under house arrest.

Not many people knew about this, but as the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guard, he was well aware.

And now, the jewelry of the missing Fourth Princess had been found in their home...

"You suspect that Yue'er is the one hiding the Fourth Princess?!" Chu Ning blurted out.

"It is not a suspicion. Now that there is evidence, it is a fact."

Lu Yun put the hairpin away, his gaze mocking

"Lord Chu Ning, please come with us."

***

Prince Li's Manor.

Rong Xiu was taking a nap on a rattan chair when Yu Mo came running in quickly

"Your Highness! Lord Chu Ning has been arrested!"

(End of Chapter)