Chapter 1537: Xia the Criminal Has Perished

The conversation between Chu Ze and Xia Houzhe was reported to Emperor Chu.

The Emperor’s expression remained indifferent, his emotions unreadable, as if he were listening to a trivial matter, showing not the slightest concern.

"How accurate is your speculation?"

Song Zhiyuan walked slowly alongside him and replied, "I have always been concerned about the fire at the charitable estate. If it indeed covered up that person’s whereabouts, the fire would effectively erase all traces. Should he escape to a small island across the East Sea, it would be like finding a needle in a haystack. The manpower and resources needed to unearth him are currently beyond our capacity."

It’s been two or three years since efforts to train the naval forces and open sea routes were discussed, yet nothing has been fully accomplished. After all, our ships haven’t even been built, and the silver invested hasn’t made much of a sound; how could we possibly penetrate the East Sea?

Emperor Chu chuckled, "Ning Hongde is quite a character, like a cunning rabbit with many burrows."

"What he’s involved in is a matter that could lead to the annihilation of his family, so it makes sense he’s prepared." Song Zhiyuan glanced at the snow-laden trees; if he were in Ning’s position, he too would be like the cunning rabbit, digging several escape routes.

The Emperor then said, "So the plague I suffered from was his doing? What a clever tactic."

The tone was not entirely complimentary, but rather cold and menacing.

Song Zhiyuan said, "Your Majesty should investigate the details when the Ning clan came to the capital. This elusive fish, although you dismiss it, could return as a man-eating shark."

If indeed he started that fire, it proves his resolve is firm and ruthless. The most important thing is that this person was chosen and protected by Ning the Cabinet Minister, which indicates extraordinary intelligence and capability.

However, if he is truly intelligent and has reached the East Sea to recuperate, he’ll have ample time to grow stronger.

Ning the Cabinet Minister surely played a strategic move.

The Emperor didn’t respond, but his commanding presence and murderous intent were palpable.

He claimed not to care, as long as the opponent made no moves against him, but as soon as the threat appeared, it could not be tolerated.

How can one allow another to slumber under one’s imperial bed?

As they were about to leave the villa, they heard footsteps from behind. It was an eunuch, steady on his feet, clearly skilled in martial arts.

The eunuch knelt on the ground and respectfully reported, "Reporting to Your Majesty, Xia the criminal just passed away."

Emperor Chu and Song Zhiyuan exchanged a look, not surprised, only asking, "Did Prince Min see him off?"

"He committed suicide by the sword."

The Emperor’s lips curled into a cold smile as he said, "Arrange for his burial and send him back to the Xia clan for interment."

"Yes, Sire."

Song Zhiyuan bowed, "Your Majesty is merciful."

The Emperor replied indifferently, "Whether the Xia clan will let him rest in peace is another matter."

Song Zhiyuan: "..."

Due to Xia Houzhe and his group’s actions, the Xia clan has become increasingly despised, leading to several broken marriages. They probably hate him enough to want to desecrate his corpse, don’t they?

...

Chu Ze received the news of Xia Houzhe’s death and stood motionless beneath the grim sky.

No matter how proud, how reckless, or how invincible he was, it all ended in suicide?

So much of the past twenty-some years turned into nothing but a mockery.

Chu Ze lifted his head as white snowflakes fell from the sky, melting on his face almost instantly.

It’s snowing.

Yet his heart was calmer and emptier than ever before.

From now on, dust to dust, earth to earth.

Chu Ze lowered his gaze and walked away slowly, leaving a long trail of footprints behind.