I Became the Eye Candy: Four Bigshots Claimed to be My Dad?

Chapter 423: Dare Not Openly Convict Them

’And to die like that would be such a waste!’

"Our deal was only to help her evade capture. There’s nothing else between us. All I know is that she’s a pitiful woman who was abducted by a tyrant and imprisoned because of his lust," Ye Qianning explained simply.

’Even if I explained further, they probably wouldn’t understand. Their subconscious is steeped in blind loyalty.’

’I hate the feeling of having my fate decided by others.’

For a moment, Zhan Yi was at a loss for words. The Emperor’s lechery was an open secret known to everyone in the court.

Madam Zhan was silent for a moment. As a woman herself, she could deeply empathize. She had heard that when the Emperor went on his inspection tours back then, he had snatched several beauties from among the common folk. Not long after they entered the palace, they all died, one way or another.

"If we’re talking about who’s at fault, it’s not her—it’s the man who abducted her. And if we’re talking about treason, he’s the one who secretly kept a woman from Xi Yan. How could he possibly claim to have no part in it?" Ye Qianning’s tone suggested she was ready to expose the whole affair to the world if they were discovered.

The great Emperor of Beili imprisoned a member of the Xi Yan Imperial Family for over a decade. If the people of Xi Yan found out and the situation escalated, a war would be inevitable.

And if the people of Beili learned the reason, who would they blame? The high and mighty Emperor, of course.

Even if the Beili Emperor found out, he wouldn’t dare to convict them openly.

"Pangtuan, you mustn’t be reckless," Madam Zhan said in alarm.

"I know. I was just thinking through the consequences. Grandma, a favor from the Xi Yan Imperial Family is a favor worth taking. It will benefit us in the future."

"The Emperor’s search will continue for a few more days. She can’t stay in the General’s Manor," Madam Zhan said worriedly.

"The Left General has already searched the manor, so they probably won’t send anyone again. We just need to hide her for two more days. After that, wherever she wants to go will have nothing to do with us," said Ye Qianning.

Zhan Yi let out a long sigh. "If we throw her out now and she gets caught, she might expose the General’s Manor. But, girl, this is the only time. That woman is too hot to handle."

"As soon as the troops conducting the house-to-house searches are withdrawn, I’ll have her leave immediately."

’With the Crown Prince of Xi Yan in the Capital City, she won’t have any trouble finding a place to go.’

"Fine." Zhan Yi nodded.

"I’ll watch her myself for the next two days." Madam Zhan was worried the Xi Yan woman might harbor ill intentions. This was the General’s Manor, after all.

If she caused any trouble, the General’s Manor wouldn’t be able to escape the consequences.

"If she stays with the concubine, no one will find her." Ye Qianning had just seen the woman’s makeup. The heavy, garish cosmetics were a far cry from how she looked when they first met.

Even if she were standing right in front of someone who knew her, they would have to look twice to recognize her.

"Then I’ll stay with Huaihua and the others, too." Madam Zhan was not at all reassured.

Ye Qianning couldn’t dissuade her, so she nodded. "I’ll have Ying Ge keep an eye on her at all times. Ying Yuan will be in the courtyard. Call for her if you need anything."

"Alright. Their martial arts are good, so having them watch will put my mind at ease."

"It’s almost dawn. Ying Yuan, take Grandma to rest."

Ying Yuan’s form appeared at the doorway. "Madam Zhan."

"Pangtuan, you get some rest, too. Grandma won’t be able to spend time with you for the next couple of days." Madam Zhan patted her head.

"Grandma, it’s okay. You don’t have to be so tense." Ye Qianning reached up, pulled the large hand from her head, and held it tightly.

The warmth and softness of her hand in the little girl’s grasp, and the sight of her granddaughter before her... the tension in Madam Zhan’s heart did indeed begin to fade.

’For this little girl’s sake, it would be worth risking my old life.’

Ying Yuan led Madam Zhan away.

"You should go back and rest too, little girl. I’ll just nap for a bit here in the living room." Zhan Yi had also come around a little.

"Grandpa, you should sleep in a guest room."

"No need. It’s almost dawn anyway. You’ve been up all night, so hurry back and get some sleep."