Chapter 41 Sudden Events

From the conversations, Ning Ye had already gathered a rough idea of the current situation. It seemed that if the matter solely concerned Sun Liancheng, the resistance would likely be minimal.

Shortly after Sun Liancheng sent away his clansmen, he came to meet Ning Ye.

Seeing how young Ning Ye was, Sun Liancheng showed not the slightest bit of contempt; instead, he apologized politely, "I am truly sorry for the delay caused by some family matters. I hope I haven't kept you waiting too long, Young Master."

Ning Ye smiled slightly. "Rest assured, I have at least this much patience. Otherwise, how could we successfully conduct business? However, I wish to discuss the subsequent matter with Patriarch Sun alone."

Sun Liancheng did not mind. After all, this was the Sun residence, and he firmly believed no one could pull off any tricks on his own turf. He immediately motioned for the previous steward to withdraw.

"Now, Young Master, you may speak."

Before Ning Ye could say anything, Zhang Zihe proactively removed the black cloth from his face. "Uncle Sun, I wonder if you still recognize me?"

Looking at Zhang Zihe, a trace of shock flickered in Sun Liancheng's eyes. "Zihe, why have you returned?"

"Uncle Sun should remember that Qingyu and I are betrothed. With such a major event happening, I had no choice but to come back and see for myself."

Sun Liancheng sighed and said, "You should not have come back. Do not blame me, for I am truly powerless in this matter. I originally intended to keep you far away from this trouble, yet I never expected you to return."

Zhang Zihe replied, "I appreciate your kind intentions, Uncle Sun, but I truly care for Qingyu. There is a turning point to everything; perhaps there is still room to reverse this situation."

With a bitter expression, Sun Liancheng said, "This matter is already as difficult as ascending to the heavens. I can only stall day by day now. If there were a way, I would have used it long ago."

"Patriarch Sun, you are speaking too soon. If you truly wish to save your daughter, I do happen to have a method here. However, whether we should proceed still depends on the wishes of Miss Sun and yourself."

Only then did Sun Liancheng remember there was another person in the room. "Since this young master came with you, shouldn't you introduce him?"

Zhang Zihe quickly said, "This is Ning Ye, Young Master Ning. He is the person I currently serve, and a genuine Centurion. Although he is just starting out, his future prospects are undoubtedly boundless."

Though a mere Centurion was not enough to catch Sun Liancheng's attention, since Zhang Zihe had put it that way, he naturally had to show some courtesy.

"So it is Young Master Ning. I presume your visit today is simply to arrange a meeting with me?"

"Perhaps Patriarch Sun is unaware, but Brother Zhang arrived yesterday. Unfortunately, he wasn't even allowed through the gate, which is why we had to resort to this desperate measure today."

A gloomy shade crossed Sun Liancheng's face. He had heard nothing of this. It was clear those people were already making their moves; even these peripheral details and minor actions were gradually encroaching upon the people under his command.

"The two of you should leave quickly. Under normal circumstances, I would certainly treat you both with the utmost hospitality, but for now, please leave."

Yet Ning Ye remained completely unconcerned. "Please rest assured, Uncle. If we were afraid of trouble, we would not have come. Our visit today is precisely to discuss with you how to resolve this problem."

Sun Liancheng shook his head. "I appreciate Young Master's kind intentions, but the current situation is completely irremediable. Further talk is useless."

"Uncle, I have a miraculous medicine here. Once consumed, it is indistinguishable from a dead man within a day. I guarantee there is not the slightest problem with this medicine; it all depends on whether you, Uncle, are willing to make this resolute decision."

Zhang Zihe chimed in, "Our Young Master has personally tested this medicine, and it is completely effective. If Uncle does not believe it, you may have someone else try it first, provided it is someone you absolute trust."

As he spoke, Ning Ye produced the feigned-death pill. The pill was pure white, and only two of them remained.

Sun Liancheng took the feigned-death pill with a mixture of doubt and hesitation. "If Young Master doesn't mind, once I have tested the efficacy of the medicine, I will send someone to look for you, and we can make our final decision then. May I ask where Young Master is currently staying?"

"Once Patriarch Sun has made up your mind, simply send someone to Chunlai Inn to find me. If Patriarch Sun has no further questions regarding today's matter, we shall take our leave."

At that moment, the door was knocked on frantically, and the old steward shouted anxiously, "Master, this is terrible! The young lady is trying to jump from the tower!"

Hearing this, everyone in the room lost their composure and hurriedly rushed out the door.

Sun Liancheng grabbed the old steward and demanded, "What on earth is going on? Why would the young lady suddenly have thoughts of ending her life again?"

"The heir apparent has come again and gone straight to the young lady's tower. It seems a commotion has already broken out over there, Master. We'd better hurry over and take a look."

The group strode swiftly toward the tower. Upon arrival, they found two guards armed with sabers standing watch at the entrance, refusing to let anyone else pass, while chaotic noises could already be heard echoing from upstairs.

Unable to care about anything else, Sun Liancheng tried to charge straight in, only to see a man dressed in scholar's robes walk out. "Patriarch Sun, the heir has already given you plenty of time, yet you persistently fail to show sense. Do you now intend to disturb the heir's pleasant mood?"

"Master Chu, that is my daughter in there after all. Please let me in."

Chu Yuesheng shook his head. "I am sorry, Patriarch Sun. My master can wait no longer, so today, by hook or by crook, this auspicious union will be sealed. This is, after all, a tremendous blessing for your Sun family."

The noises from upstairs were growing louder and louder. No matter how anxious Sun Liancheng felt, he still did not dare to force his way in. He was torn internally: should he sacrifice the entire Sun family for the sake of his daughter?

If it were merely letting his daughter go, he could do it. But to plunge the entire Sun family into utter destruction because of it—that would make him an unforgivable sinner.

Ning Ye said in a low voice, "If you want to force your way in, I can help you, but I cannot guarantee what will happen afterward."

Zhang Zihe's eyes were bloodshot. If he backed down at this moment, what face would he have to claim he truly loved Sun Qingyu?

Without a single moment of hesitation, Zhang Zihe took a large step forward. The two armed guards simultaneously drew their steel sabers, their stance unmistakably clear: if anyone dared to challenge them, they would not hesitate to send that person to their death.

Ning Ye also prepared himself for action. At such close range, he was confident he could subdue the opponents without giving them a chance to resist.