Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Then Su Bin turned towards his siblings, addressing them one by one. âSister, Second Brother, Fourth Brother, Fifth Brother, Sixth Sister, what are your thoughts?â
They had listened attentively, grasping every word.
Why had their father fled their home? What led him to claim that all their relatives in the capital had perished?
They sensed that the Old Marquis was trying to safeguard his own life on equal terms.
Moreover, who could be behind the sabotage of Su Binâs future? Apprehension gripped them â they feared that once Su Bin ascended to greatness, the marquisate would be passed onto him.
Su Bin had previously cautioned them about the perils that awaited them upon their return to the Marquis Mansion. There was a looming danger that threatened their lives.
However, the foremost concern was honoring their fatherâs dignity.
Their father had broken away from the clan to establish his own household. Returning to the Marquis Mansion in this manner would surely displease him upon discovery.
In light of this, Su Lan spoke up, her voice resolute. âThird Brotherâs reasoning
is sound. I wonât step foot in the Marquis Mansion until the investigation concludes.â
The one among them with a more fiery temperament chimed in. âI, along with my sister and Third Brother, stand in accord.â
Su Qing and her younger brothers echoed their sisterâs sentiments.
Observing their collective reluctance to return, the Old Marquis couldnât hold back his tears.
âI comprehend that youâre all dutiful children, raised well by your father.â
âI understand your hesitations about returning to the Marquis Mansion at this juncture. I shall patiently await the day your perspectives change. But are you so averse now, even to addressing me as your grandfather?â
Softness crept into Su Lanâs heart. She wished to utter the word âgrandfather,â yet upon seeing her brotherâs expression, she swallowed the word back.
Lin Nan had intended to voice his thoughts, but paused in reflection.
As Su Binâs siblings voiced their positions, he was on the verge of interrogating the Old Marquis, but before he could proceed, the Old Marquis interjected.
Yet, witnessing the Old Marquisâ request for them to call him âgrandpa, â a surge of irritation overcame Su Bin.
âNever did I imagine the Old Marquis would resort to such manipulative tactics!â
The Old Marquis reddened. âI merely wish my grandchildren to address me as
âgrandpa.â Itâs a simple gesture!â
Lin Nan retorted sharply, âYou know perfectly well thatâs not the heart of my concern!â
âAllow me to inquire, when you disclosed their whereabouts, why did you withhold the information about someoneâs deliberate attempts to sabotage Su
Binâs future?â
âYouâre apprehensive that we would seek retribution once weâre aware of this. You wish to shield the Madam of the Marquisâ Mansion from consequences!â The Old Marquisâs complexion grew even more flushed.
âIâve reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing, and I am committed to uncovering the truth!â
âI was pressed to meet them promptly. My intention was to bring them back, so we could confront the situation and unveil more detailsâ¦
Lin Nan cut off the Old Marquis in a surge of anger. âAre you implying that unless they return to the Marquis Mansion, you cannot ascertain the truth?â
He held the title of Marquis, yet Lin Nan displayed no deference, eliciting deep frustration within the Old Marquis.
âIâve assured you, I shall delve into the matter thoroughly! Rest assured, before departing, Iâve arranged for someone to keep watch over her. No one shall have contact with her until my return!â
Lin Nan sneered. âYour supposed thoroughness is all too conspicuous!â
âSo, the tale circulating at the tea house in the prefecture is tied to the Marquis Mansion!â
âOver two decades ago, your selfish actions drove away the heir, and now, twenty years later, you attempt to manipulate my cousin once again. Youâre well aware of her involvement, yet instead of dealing with her initially, you feign desolation here.. Disgraceful!â