Chapter 84: No Exceptions
Xie Rong remained silent for a few moments.
His grip around Wang Gege tightened ever so slightly as he looked straight at Xie An’an.
"What are you doing here?"
His voice was low, yet there was an unmistakable hint of suspicion within it.
"This is not a place for you to wander around leisurely."
Xie An’an was momentarily stunned.
She had never expected her elder brother to question her first.
"I..." She blinked several times before hurriedly explaining, "I was on my way to look for Sister-in-law."
Her brows gradually knitted together.
"I heard from the servants that Sister-in-law had received an invitation to the Princess Consort’s Flower Banquet this morning."
A faint smile that failed to reach her eyes appeared on her face.
"So... I wanted to ask if Sister-in-law would like to go together."
She lowered the beautifully embroidered invitation card she had been holding all along.
"I received one as well."
Only then did Wang Gege slowly notice the invitation in Xie An’an’s hand.
Xie Rong’s gaze briefly swept over it before returning to his younger sister.
His expression remained unreadable.
Just then, Xie An’an took another step forward.
Her eyes fell upon Wang Gege’s unusually pale face before looking back at Xie Rong.
"Gege..." Her voice became noticeably softer. "What happened?"
"Nothing." Xie Rong answered without pausing. "Return to your courtyard."
Xie An’an was taken aback.
"But..."
Her gaze instinctively shifted toward Wang Gege again.
Wang Gege remained quietly nestled against Xie Rong’s chest, her complexion pale, her eyes devoid of their usual brightness.
The sight alone made Xie An’an’s heart tighten.
"Gege..." she called again, unable to hide the worry in her voice. "Did something happen to Sister-in-law?"
Xie Rong’s expression remained calm.
"This matter has nothing to do with you. Go back."
It was not a loud command.
Yet the firmness in his tone left no room for negotiation.
Xie An’an quietly bit her lower lip. She had lived under the same roof as Xie Rong for many years.
Ever since he had returned from the battlefield where he had nearly lost his life, he had become even more reserved than before.
His emotions were almost impossible to read.
Just then, Wang Gege’s soft voice finally broke the silence.
"Husband."
Xie Rong immediately lowered his gaze toward her.
"I... can walk now." She managed a faint smile, "Please put me down."
He remained silent for a brief moment before giving a slight nod.
"As Furen wishes." Xie Rong carefully lowered her onto the ground.
The moment her feet touched the stone path, Wang Gege instinctively reached out, lightly holding onto his sleeve to steady herself.
Only after making sure she could stand on her own did Xie Rong slowly withdraw his hand.
Xie An’an hurried forward.
"Sister-in-law..." Her worried gaze carefully examined Wang Gege’s pale complexion.
"You look so pale..." She hesitated for only a heartbeat before quietly asking, "Did someone die?"
The words had barely left her mouth when the sharp sound of steel echoed through the corridor.
A cold blade instantly stopped against Xie An’an’s neck.
Her breathing caught, "Gege?"
Xie Rong stood before her. His expression was devoid of warmth and his sword remained perfectly steady. "How did you know?"
Xie An’an’s eyes widened. "I..."
Xie Rong took one slow step forward. His gaze never left her face.
"I have yet to mention anyone’s death." He paused, "Answer this..." His voice was calm, "Was this your doing?"
Xie An’an’s face immediately turned pale.
She dared not move even the slightest bit, afraid the sharp blade would cut against her skin.
"Gege..." Her voice was barely above a whisper, "I don’t understand."
Xie Rong’s expression remained unchanged, "You asked whether someone had died."
His gaze never left her face. "How did you know?"
Xie An’an slowly lowered her eyes before letting out a bitter smile.
"Because..." She carefully glanced toward Wang Gege.
"I saw that my sister-in-law has always been cheerful... Even when she encountered troublesome matters, she still smiled."
"But right at this mkment..." Her voice softened, "Her face is completely pale. Her eyes... look as though she had just witnessed something she never wished to see."
She paused before taking a slow breath, "I simply guessed."
The corridor became silent once more.
Xie Rong quietly watched her.
Every flicker in her eyes. Every subtle change in her expression.
But... He found nothing.
Xie An’an slowly raised both hands.
"If Gege still doubts me... You may have someone search my courtyard. You may question every servant under me. I will not object."
Her voice remained calm despite the blade resting against her neck, "I have done nothing that cannot bear investigation."
The surrounding guards exchanged subtle glances.
Even Mo Yan’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
Everything she said... It made perfect sense.
After several moments of silence, Xie Rong slowly withdrew his sword. The blade disappeared back into its scabbard.
"I hope..." His gaze remained fixed upon her, "that your words are true."
Xie An’an quietly lowered her head, "They are."
Only after Xie Rong turned away did Xie An’an finally let out the breath she had been holding and turned around to leave too.
Hidden beneath the long sleeves of her robe, her hands had already clenched into tight fists.
Only after turning the corner did she finally realize her palms were already damp with cold sweat.
Meanwhile, Xie Rong slightly turned his head to the left.
It was only a subtle movement. Yet somewhere beyond the corridor, a shadow silently descended from the rooftop.
"Young Master." Gui Lin appeared behind him before respectfully cupping his fist.
Wang Gege instinctively turned toward the newcomer.
Xie Rong lowered his voice, ensuring only Gui Lin could hear.
"Investigate."
Gui Lin immediately understood that the order required no further explanation.
"This subordinate understands."
Xie Rong’s gaze remained on the path ahead.
"Everyone." He paused briefly. "No exceptions."
Gui Lin’s expression turned solemn, "This subordinate obeys."
With another respectful bow, his figure disappeared into the shadows as silently as he had arrived.
Xie Rong slowly lifted his gaze toward the direction of the Punishment Courtyard.
His expression remained unreadable but one thought lingered in his mind.
Someone... had already begun making their move.