Chapter 605: Chapter 605: A Hero Among Wolves Mo Chen was right; just as Ye Yiheng stepped out of Ling Lang’s study, one of the Hidden Guards, who usually protected Leng Yu Yan’s safety, leaped back. “Your Highness…” He knelt on one knee, gasping for breath as he cupped his fists, “The Imperial Army has already taken the Commandery Princess to the palace.” Mo Chen stepped forward, grabbed the Hidden Guard, and demanded, “Explain clearly, how was she taken?” The Hidden Guard took deep breaths, “The Old Prince Zhenbei and his wife, along with Prince Zhenbei and the Commandery Princess, were taken to the palace, and the Princely Heir hurried to follow them there.” “The Princess was too agitated and could only stay at the Prince Mansion accompanied by the Princess, while the three sons stayed to guard the mansion.” The Hidden Guard looked anxiously at his own master and cautiously said, “Your Highness, the Imperial Army is now surrounding the Prince Mansion.” Li Yuyue had just gotten married and was enjoying his leave from his military duties. The actions of the Imperial Army suggested they were prepared. With this in mind, Ye Yiheng instructed in a calm voice, “Go back to the Prince Mansion immediately.” Considering the few Hidden Guards he had previously sent to Leng Yu Yan, he added, “Head to the Dark Guard Bureau and call up another squad of troops to secretly protect the Prince Zhenbei Mansion.” “Ling Lang, take Yin Shuang to gather the elite soldiers of the Northern Garrison at the military assembly in the capital’s suburbs; Liu Yun, assemble all forces of the Eastern Palace in the capital, acting on signal as the command,” stated Ye Yiheng with composure, “Mo Chen and Ruofeng, hurry to find crucial witnesses, and Song Guo, accompany me into the palace.” If something went awry in the palace today, he would have to ascend to the throne ahead of time. The group saluted, “Yes, Your Highness!” Song Guo expressed his concern, “Your Highness, is it really alright for only me to accompany you into the palace?” Ye Yiheng glanced at him and put on his eye veil, speaking indifferently, “Since you were seven, you have followed by my side; I can’t bear to let you die.” “That’s right, I am to serve you for a lifetime.” Song Guo wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and reached out to support Ye Yiheng’s arm. Imperial Palace, Xiande Hall. The hall was filled with members of the Lai Family. The Emperor hadn’t expected that Madam Lai from the Marquis Ningyuan’s Mansion could wield such influence, capable of rallying all branches of the Lai Family to oppose the Prince Zhenbei Mansion. He narrowed his eyes and a trace of mockery crossed his lips; even though Madam Lai from Marquis Ningyuan’s Mansion had been used by others, the current situation was only beneficial for the Tian Family, with no detriments. At this moment, several elderly Lai Family members stepped forward and saluted; the leading one said, “Emperor, the ancestors of the Lai Family fought for the world alongside the ancestors of the Tian Family, and at that time, there was no division into major and minor branches in the Lai Family. Now that Lai Ran has questionable character, he is unfit to be Prince Zhenbei, but our Lai Family still has suitable replacements.” The others nodded their agreement. Just then, from outside the hall, a powerful voice called out, “Who here wishes to replace me?” The voice was authoritative without anger. Everyone turned their heads collectively toward the direction of the voice and saw Lai Ran, clad in armor, striding imposingly. Following him were four others; Li Yuyue was supporting the Old Princess Consort, while Madam Lai Taihong was helped along by Leng Yu Yan. During the banquet, the side branches of the Lai Family had not paid much attention to Leng Yu Yan, but now, seeing her exceptionally beautiful and out of the ordinary appearance, indeed sharing a strong resemblance to Lai Ran. Moreover, she was followed by a dog with pure white fur. Leng Yu Yan herself was dressed in white, with an apricot yellow scarf looped over her arm, a look that complemented the dog beside her. However, it had to be admitted that both the person and the dog possessed stunning appearances that amazed everyone in attendance. Lai Taihong, with a commanding presence, spoke with a voice like a great bell, “The Lai Family ancestors fought for the world; centuries ago, our family united under one line, that’s true. The Lai Family has always been clear about legitimate and illegitimate branches, with the main and supporting lines inherited by our Prince Zhenbei Mansion. How can our mansion’s contributions to Tiansheng be compared to yours? You side branches get a taste of power and think to start a dye house; who gave you such audacity?” Someone immediately said, “Old Prince, speaking like that is beneath your dignity. How can you compare us with that dog by your side?” Hearing this, the five people from Prince Zhenbei Mansion stopped in their tracks and gave a cold look at the speaker. Yinhui bristled all over, threw back his head, bared his sharp fangs, and let out a piercing wolf howl. In an instant, the white fur on his forehead spread to both sides, and the lightning-shaped scar turned blood-red. His eyes also turned crimson, ferocious and intimidating, which made the branch members of the Leng Family unconsciously shrink their necks and shuffle their feet. In this period, Ye Yinhui had grown rapidly; at just over five months old, he was already larger than a fully grown dog. Now he was furious, grinding his sharp teeth, his presence intimidating. It seemed as if one more irritation, and he could easily snap a person’s neck. Old Madam Lai glanced at Leng Zongfa. Leng Zongfa got the message, plucked up his courage, and bellowed, “Lai Ran has had an illicit affair with Mrs. Zhang and fathered Leng Yu Yan. With such conduct, Lai Ran is unfit to be Prince Zhenbei.” The branch members of the Leng Family echoed in unison, “Right, the title of Prince Zhenbei should be passed around.” Upon hearing such remarks, Leng Yu Yan reached out to gently stroke Yinhui’s head, then her beautiful eyes glinted coldly as she said in a clear, cold voice, “Ye Yinhui, attack!” At her command, like a swift wind, Yinhui charged towards Leng Zongfa, leaping up on his hind legs and instantly tackling Leng Zongfa to the ground. His crimson tongue rolled out of his wolf’s mouth, baring his teeth as he aimed for Leng Zongfa’s neck. Terrified, Leng Zongfa screamed, “Causing chaos in the hall, you do not hold the Emperor in regard.” Leng Yu Yan indifferently ordered, “Yinhui, come back.” Yinhui snorted an unhappy breath at Leng Zongfa, then turned and elegantly walked back to Leng Yu Yan’s side. His previously bristled fur became smooth instantly, the crimson in his eyes returning to deep black, and the lightning-shaped mark on his forehead was once again covered by white fur. He looked very docile, and no one could connect him with the ferocious beast from moments ago. The Emperor furrowed his brows, “Beilan, is this a wolf?” He had clearly heard the howl of a wolf. Everyone from the Leng Family branches was shocked. The Emperor was not directly administering punishment but instead inquiring whether that dog was actually a wolf. “Replying to the Emperor, it is indeed a wolf,” Leng Yu Yan nodded and turned to call, “Yinhui, show your manners.” Yinhui lay prostrate on the ground, his head respectfully lowered, looking quite well-behaved. A wolf actually paid respects to him, truly showing that he was the Lord of Tiansheng. The Emperor laughed heartily, “Majestic as none, a hero among wolves.” At that moment, Ye Yiheng, supported by Song Guo, approached Xiande Hall. “Father Emperor, this wolf is named Ye Yinhui, raised by your son and Beilan.” On hearing this, everyone inside the hall looked towards Ye Yiheng, who wore a white brocade robe and a golden crown, a white scarf covering his eyes, his demeanor lofty and noble. Ye Yinhui delightedly ran towards Ye Yiheng, his usually drooping tail wagging unusually. Ye Yiheng’s hand, as smooth as jade, gently patted Yinhui’s head, his voice serious, “Have you been good?” Yinhui nodded his head as if to say that he had been very good. Seeing the tide turning, Old Madam Lai stepped forward and urged the branch members of the Leng Family, “Dear elder brothers, sisters-in-law, and distinguished nephews, let us all petition the Emperor together!” With these words, the branch members of the Leng Family knelt down and kowtowed, “Emperor, Lai Ran is unfit to be Prince Zhenbei, and Leng Yu Yan, being his illegitimate daughter, is unworthy to be the Crown Princess Consort. We implore you, Emperor, to uphold justice!”