Chapter 474

After leaving the Eastern Palace, Shen Rang went to the Ministry of Rites and threw himself into his official duties as if nothing had happened.

He returned to the Marquis's residence that evening, and as expected, he was greeted by a sudden storm.

"I heard you went to the East Palace today to part ways with His Highness the Crown Prince. Is that true?!"

"What were you thinking? You've ruined such a bright future! Shen Rang, what exactly are you trying to do!"

"Do you know that when His Highness the Crown Prince summons me to speak, I can't even lift my head! I don't know what my future holds. You come with me to the Eastern Palace now, apologize to His Highness the Crown Prince, and say that you were out of your mind! Say that you are willing to continue serving His Highness!"

As he spoke, Shen Jun stepped forward, seemingly preparing to forcibly drag Shen Rang away.

But Shen Rang directly avoided his movements, his gaze indifferent: "The words have been spoken, and the die is cast. I cannot take them back just because I want to, Father."

Shen Jun was even more furious: "Can't take it back? If you can't take it back, then kneel at the gate of the East Palace! Until His Highness the Crown Prince forgives you!"

Shen Rang didn't speak, but just stared intently at him.

His eyes were indifferent, as if the person in front of him was not his father, but a... stranger.

Shen Jun suddenly felt a chill and an ominous premonition rose in his heart.

He always felt that Shen Rang seemed like a completely different person.

Although Shen Rang was stubborn in the past, and the father and son had argued countless times, this was the first time Shen Rang had said nothing and just looked at him calmly.

But the calmer his reaction was, the more flustered Shen Jun became, just like now.

Shen Jun was about to say something when Shen Rang had already looked away: "I won't go. From now on, I will walk my own path."

Having said that, Shen Rang stepped forward and brushed past him.

After taking a few more steps, Chen Rang stopped and turned his head slightly: "Of course, if Father can find Xi'er and treat her well, I would be happy to pretend to be deaf and dumb as before and act in accordance with Father's wishes."

“If the father cannot do it, then the son has no choice but to be unfilial.”

Having said that, Chen Rang did not linger.

Shen Jun turned around, staring incredulously at his retreating figure, before finally speaking after a long pause: "This unfilial son, he dares to talk back to me for the sake of a woman?!"

The butler wore a bitter expression and dared not utter a word.

This was the first time he had ever seen this father and son like this... neither willing to give in.

"What did he just say, that he wanted to bring that concubine back? Dream on! As long as I'm alive, that woman will never set foot in the Marquis's mansion again!"

The butler sighed and quickly tried to calm Shen Jun down.

Meanwhile, Shen Rang walked faster and faster until he returned to Ji Bai Residence, at which point he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"No need to come in and serve me."

Today, every wisp of life at Jibai Residence is precious.

Jing Yuan stopped outside the door in response.

Shen Rang loosened his clothes and lay on the bed, his large hand stroking the empty bed before slowly closing his eyes.

Xi'er...

——

Jizhou.

A few days later, Yunxi and her group finally settled down, and Duan Huaichuan prepared to leave.

He hasn't been officially appointed yet, so he needs to hurry back.

Yunxi was still recovering and couldn't see him off any further, so she only escorted him to the city gate and watched him ride away alone. It took her a while before she looked away.

She had just returned to the house when Le'an suddenly went out for a while. A short while later, she returned mysteriously with a man and beckoned Jixiang to leave.

When Jixiang went into the courtyard, she saw that the man was none other than Jing Er!

"How did you get here?!"