Chapter 137: Rumors Circulating
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Ye Qingxuan’s secret guard informed him about the rumors.

After hearing that, his expression remained stoic. After he placed the cup on the table, he said, “Got it.”

The secret guard bowed slightly and said, “Then do you need me to send people to suppress the rumors?”

Ye Qingxuan seemed to have thought of something and chuckled softly. “There isn’t a need. Someone will naturally take care of it.”

The guard didn’t know what he meant and didn’t probe further after hearing his instructions. He nodded before he retreated. In an instant, he disappeared from the room.

…

The next day after the morning court assembly, Xia Jingtian mustered his courage and stopped Ye Qingxuan, who was about to leave. “King Zhennan.”

Ye Qingxuan stopped in his tracks and smiled. “Lord Xia, what advice do you have for me?”

Xia Jingtian bowed even more deeply and spoke in fear, “How would I dare to advise you, Your Highness. I just… I have something to discuss with you.”

Their behavior attracted the attention of all the officials present. They had also heard about the rumors circulating the city and wanted to know what happened next.

Xia Jingtian glanced at the minister beside him, before he gestured for Ye Qingxuan to speak in private. Ye Qingxuan surveyed his surroundings and said, “Lord Xia, if you have anything to say, just say it. Do we have anything shameful to discuss?”

Xia Jingtian couldn’t figure out what he meant and could only brace himself. “Your Highness, it’s about my daughter.”

He was certain that Ye Qingxuan had heard of the rumors. Since the matter had blown up, someone would definitely inform him even if he didn’t know.

Ye Qingxuan ignored his hint and asked worriedly, “What happened to Qing’er?”

From his expression, Xia Jingtian didn’t doubt that he was lying. He really had no idea?

He replied, “It’s not Muqing. It’s Churan, my concubine’s daughter, Xia Churan.”

Ye Qingxuan pretended to be ignorant. “What has she got to do with me?”

With that, he left. The onlookers had a clearer view of the rumors. It was obvious that Xia Jingtian wanted to cozy up to King Zhennan, who simply wasn’t bothered.

Xia Jingtian couldn’t proclaim loudly in front of everyone that His Highness had seen his daughter’s body. He could only return to the Xia residence under everyone’s mocking gazes.

He had just returned to the Xia residence when Xia Churan and Ruan Yu approached him. He had told them yesterday that he would discuss with King Zhennan after the court assembly today.

Therefore, Xia Churan and Ruan Yu had been waiting at the entrance of the manor for a long time.

Xia Churan was about to ask what King Zhennan had said, but Ruan Yu noticed that Xia Jingtian didn’t look too good. So she secretly tugged at Xia Churan to get her to stay silent for the time being.

Xia Jingtian’s expression darkened when he saw them. “What are you all doing here? Is everyone too free?”

After venting his anger, he felt a little better. He flicked his sleeves and strode towards the study.

Xia Churan pulled Ruan Yu anxiously and asked, “Mother, what happened to Father?”

Ruan Yu didn’t know either, so she shook his head and said, “Go back to your room first. I’ll go check on him.”

Xia Churan had no choice but to nod and return to her room.

Ruan Yu went to the kitchen to get some pastries before walking to the study.

She went to the study and knocked on the door gently. She entered after receiving a response.

“Old Master, I’ve brought some pastries for you. You woke up early this morning for court and didn’t eat much. You must be hungry.”

She was very smart and didn’t ask about King Zhennan. Instead, she expressed her concern. She placed the pastries on the table and walked behind Xia Jingtian to gently massage his shoulders.

With his wife’s gentle tone and concern, Xia Jingtian’s expression finally turned better. He gently placed his hand on her hand that was massaging her shoulders. “I didn’t mean to lose my temper at both of you earlier.. Explain to Churan later.”