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

Chapter 437: Zhan Yi’s Heart Seized Up

"Officer, wasn’t this place searched two days ago? Why the search again?" the butler asked as he pushed the main gates wide open. "Officers, please come in. I will go and inform my master."

Guards in black led the soldiers and rushed in.

The butler jogged toward the main hall, thinking, ’This is terrifying!’ Seeing the soldiers and a eunuch following close behind, he didn’t dare try to stop them.

"Old Master Zhan! Old Master Zhan!" The butler ran straight into the main hall, so flustered that he tripped over the threshold and tumbled inside.

Zhan Yi was reading in the living room. Hearing the shouts, he looked up just in time to see the butler tumble in head over heels...

"What’s going on?"

Just as he stood up, he saw the Hidden Guards leading soldiers charge into the hall behind the butler.

Ignoring the pain, the butler scrambled up from the floor. "The officers are here to search again."

Zhan Yi’s eyelid twitched. He looked at the guards who had entered. He was all too familiar with their black, gold-trimmed, close-fitting uniforms—they were the Emperor’s personal Hidden Guards.

However, before he could recover from his shock, two eunuchs walked in.

"Old Master Zhan," Mr. Li said with a bow.

"This... Mr. Li, are you also here for the search?" Zhan Yi was even more shocked.

’The Emperor sent both the Hidden Guards and the eunuchs out to find someone. If that woman in the rear courtyard is discovered, it’ll be a disaster.’

"Indeed. The city-wide search over the past two days has yielded many clues. The thief’s identity has been confirmed as someone from the imperial harem. Therefore, the Emperor has ordered those who have seen the person’s face to accompany the soldiers in the search," Mr. Li explained.

"You’ve seen the thief, Mr. Li?" Zhan Yi’s heart clenched.

"I have seen everyone in the imperial harem."

Zhan Yi’s hands, hidden in his sleeves, clenched quietly as his palms began to sweat.

"Bring out all the women of the residence," a Hidden Guard commanded, his voice cold and flat.

"This..." Zhan Yi hesitated slightly, then looked at the butler. "Go and bring everyone to the front hall."

"Yes, sir." The butler hurried out the door.

A Hidden Guard gave the soldiers a look, and they split into four groups, scattering in all directions.

"How can you just barge around like this?" Zhan Yi’s heart was already in his throat. Seeing the soldiers disperse to search without a word, he was instantly displeased.

The Hidden Guard didn’t even spare him a glance. Several other Hidden Guards behind him leaped into the air and vanished from sight.

"You..."

"Old Master Zhan, please don’t be angry just yet," Mr. Li placated him. "The search of all residences was ordered by an imperial decree from the Emperor. This matter is extremely serious, and no household can be exempt."

"Extremely serious? Just how serious is it?" Zhan Yi asked in a low voice.

"The Emperor is absolutely furious. If anyone dares to hide the culprit, the consequences will be dire."

Zhan Yi’s heart sank. ’The search came so suddenly, giving me no time to prepare at all. If she is recognized—’

The more he thought about it, the more restless he became, though he didn’t dare let it show on his face.

The household staff were gradually brought to the front courtyard, with the maids and male servants separated into two groups.

"Mr. Li, to think you’d be accompanying the soldiers on a search as well," Qian Fanji said as he approached.

Mr. Li bowed. "Minister Qian."

"Has the person not been found yet?"

"Not yet."

"The Capital City isn’t exactly huge, but it’s not small either. It seems you have your work cut out for you, Mr. Li."

"It is all for the imperial family. I wouldn’t dare call it ’work.’ But I am curious, Minister Qian, what brings you to the General’s residence?" Mr. Li asked with a smile.

"Before Dean Chen returned to Lou Mountain, he specifically tasked me with tutoring Miss Xiang in her studies."

Hearing this, Mr. Li couldn’t help but remark, "Miss Xiang is truly fortunate."

As they spoke, a noisy commotion arose.

Madam Zhan led the way with Ye Qianning, with Zhan Chi walking to their left.

Behind them, the butler led the concubines and maids from the rear courtyards, with soldiers following closely. The entire group walked into the front courtyard.