bookrebus Chapter 287 Dead
Chapter 287 Dead
Marquis Wu'an left Ru Yue's house with heavy steps, his heart feeling as if a bottle of five flavors had been overturned, with all kinds of feelings intertwined.
The son he had been searching for for five years finally had a definite whereabouts, which was undoubtedly great news for him.
He felt that he could finally comfort Qing'er's spirit in heaven. After all, for so many years, he had always felt deeply guilty for not being able to protect them. At the same time, he could finally pass the title to Xuan'er with peace of mind, fulfilling his long-cherished wish.
However, it was precisely because this son was found that his other son and his mother became the culprits of the incident.
This cruel fact hit Marquis Wu'an's heart like a heavy hammer, making it difficult for him to accept it.
What made him even more heartbroken was that all this was caused by the betrayal and deception of those he once considered the most trustworthy people.
He returned to the Wu'an Marquis Mansion in a daze, his mind reeling from past events. Even his favorite food, placed before him, lacked any interest.
As soon as he returned home, he immediately summoned his trusted aides and solemnly explained the cause and effect of Chu Ning'an's murder in detail, but he omitted the warning given to him by Ru Yue.
The atmosphere in the spacious conference hall was extremely depressing, so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
The trusted aides present looked at each other, and no one dared to speak up or offer suggestions.
Marquis Wu'an stared fiercely at the people seated below him. His mind was, in fact, as clear as a mirror. On the surface, it seemed like a major incident involving the persecution of the Marquis Wu'an's heir, but ultimately, it was simply a trivial matter within his own backyard. If there was any blame to be laid, it lay entirely with his own incompetent management of the household, which had led to this mess.
Faced with such a situation, how can we force others to make rash suggestions?
However, this matter involves such a major issue as the succession to the throne? The more difficult problem is how to find the culprit who dared to commit the crime and obtain solid evidence of the black hand hiding behind everything.
Time passed minute by minute, and the whole room was filled with suffocating silence, as if even the air had frozen.
I don’t know how long it took, but finally someone couldn’t help but break the dead silence.
A middle-aged man in a navy blue Confucian robe, with an elegant demeanor, slowly stood up. He first bowed respectfully to Marquis Wu'an, then said solemnly, "My Lord, are you truly determined to thoroughly investigate the truth of that incident? I'm afraid..."
At this point, he paused for a moment, as if hesitant about whether to continue. But was there any need to say this? If this matter were thoroughly investigated, it would very likely lead to the separation of Wu An Hou's wife and children! Is such a price really worth it?
Although he did not finish his words, everyone present was a smart person and could naturally understand the deeper meaning of his unfinished words.
Yes, pursuing the truth often comes at a huge price, especially when the truth may shake the foundation of a family.
Marquis Wu'an had spent half his life in the military, enduring countless life-and-death experiences. He was renowned for his bravery and fearlessness, and he had always harbored a distaste for intrigue and deception. Now, faced with this momentous issue, one that concerned his own principles and bottom line, he showed no sign of retreat or hesitation.
He responded in a deep but firm voice, "Chu Ning'an, the top scorer in this year's imperial examination, is the prince I've been searching for for five whole years! Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will definitely be among the top three in this imperial examination, and he may even become the first person in our dynasty to achieve a 'Six First Place'!"
He didn't say anything else, but everyone present was smart and naturally understood what he meant. The Marquis must find out the truth of what happened that year, give justice to the prince, and give an explanation to everyone in the Marquis's Mansion!
In fact, all kinds of rumors about this matter had already spread throughout the Marquis' Mansion that afternoon.
These people had naturally heard about it before, but when they got the confirmation from Marquis Wu'an himself, the shock they felt was simply indescribable.
You know, among the many children of the powerful families in the capital, this Second Young Master is actually not bad. However, if you compare him with the Crown Prince, the difference is as huge as heaven and earth, the gap is staggering. Even if he tries hard to catch up, he will probably be far behind and unattainable!
The prince had been wandering outside for five years, but now he has returned in such an outstanding and glorious manner.
If given time, when he inherits the title of Marquis of Wu'an, I could, without exaggeration or disrespect, perhaps become a figure even greater than the current Marquis of Wu'an. By then, the Marquis of Wu'an's mansion would surely continue to prosper, extending for another thirty to fifty years without any problem.
Seeing that Marquis Wu'an had made up his mind, his trusted aides instantly lost all their worries and concerns. As a result, they began to come up with new ideas and thoughts on how to find the real culprit and welcome the Crown Prince back to the palace.
At that moment, an elderly man with gray hair stepped out of the crowd. He bowed to Marquis Wu'an and slowly spoke, "My Lord, there were quite a few guards assigned to protect the Crown Prince back then, and without exception, they all fought alongside you on the battlefield, facing life and death together. Therefore, if we pursue that incident without any method, I'm afraid not only will we fail to identify the culprit, but we'll also chill the hearts of others!"
The old man looked tall and straight, and in good spirits. Although he was approaching sixty, he showed no trace of fatigue from the years. In particular, his eyes sparkled with clarity and wisdom, as if they could see through everything in the world.
Marquis Wu'an asked respectfully, "Does Mr. Han have any brilliant ideas?" His voice revealed deep respect and expectation for the old man.
Upon hearing this, Old Han volunteered without hesitation, expressing his willingness to take on this important task: "If you trust me, Lord Marquis, please leave this matter to me!" His tone was firm and powerful, leaving no room for doubt.
This old man, Han, was a trusted advisor and advisor to Marquis Wu'an for many years, having fought alongside him on the battlefield, through life and death. He was not only intelligent and courageous, but also meticulous and meticulous in his dealings with others. For this reason, Marquis Wu'an was naturally fully confident in having him oversee this matter.
"Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Han. However, this matter needs to be implemented as soon as possible. I hope that after the palace examination results are announced, I can celebrate for the Crown Prince at the Marquis of Wu'an's Mansion and announce the Crown Prince's return to the world."
Marquis Wu'an said this with a serious face, his words revealing his deep love and earnest expectations for the prince.
He added, "If you need any assistance during this process, please feel free to ask, Mr. Han. I will fully support you."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present was shocked.
They knew very well that Marquis Wu'an's words not only showed everyone his determination to support the prince, but also meant that he would pave the way for the prince at all costs to ensure that the thorough investigation of what happened that year could proceed smoothly.
Several people stood up and saluted in unison, expressing their willingness to take on this matter.
Just at this moment, a figure rushed into the meeting room.
The man who arrived was none other than Marquis Wu'an's long-servant. He looked terrified, his face filled with surprise and panic. Before he even got close, he shouted at the top of his lungs, "My Lord, this is terrible! Zhang Dazhuang is dead!"
These words were like a thunderclap, exploding in everyone's ears.
In an instant, everyone couldn't help but tremble, with expressions of astonishment on their faces.
You have to know that Zhang Dazhuang is no ordinary man. He risked his life on the battlefield to block a knife for the Marquis of Wu'an and saved his life. In this mansion, not only are the servants in awe of him, but even in front of the masters, he is a very respectable person.
How could such an important and respected figure suddenly and mysteriously die? Could it be... could his death be somehow connected to the recent disappearance of the Crown Prince?
For a moment, all kinds of speculations and doubts surged into everyone's minds like a tide, and the entire conference hall suddenly fell into a solemn and tense atmosphere.