Lily Evans strode forward, her gaze cold and commanding as she looked down at Quentin Qian, whose face twisted with resentment and unwillingness. With a graceful flick of her hair, she said, "Lord Qian, you really have grown muddled with age. Have you forgotten Zhao Family's fate so quickly? Going against the Palace of Qin—do you still not understand what happens? You think hiding in the shadows, firing off cheap shots, and pushing the Ma Family out as your shield will keep you safe? Tsk tsk, after all these years, how are you still so naïve?"
The smile on Lily's face made Quentin Qian feel nothing but terror. He had never imagined that this woman, who usually seemed gentle and refined, could be so frightening.
"King Alexander has long wanted to deal with your Qian Family, but lacked evidence and a proper excuse. And you, Lord Qian, just handed us the pillow when we needed a nap—bringing Kingston's secrets right to Chancellor Evans. With such a golden opportunity, how could I possibly waste the chance you've given me?" Lily chuckled softly, gently covering Quentin Qian with the nearby quilt. "Kingston is famous for its porcelain, and it's your Qian Family's biggest economic pillar. Now that this treasure trove is in my hands, you can stop your wishful thinking. The Qian Family will soon continue on its path of decline, whether you like it or not. If you behave and stop stirring up trouble, perhaps I'll spare the rest of your clan and let them live out their days in peace. But if you keep plotting, don't blame Chancellor Evans for being ruthless."
Quentin Qian stared at Lily Evans in terror, his body trembling. He opened his mouth to speak, but his stroke left him unable to utter a single word.
Lily stood up and smiled. "Lord Qian, since ancient times, commoners never win against officials—let alone when King Alexander commands hundreds of thousands of Qin's Black Armor soldiers. Even the Zhao Family was crushed. Your Qian Family is just a local clan with a bit of influence in this backwater southeast; in the capital, you are nothing. Such a small clan dares to challenge the Palace of Qin? You really are like a birthday boy hanging himself—just asking for trouble. That's all Chancellor Evans has to say today. The Qian Family's future depends on whether you listen or not."
After speaking, Lily glanced at Mia Qian, who had fainted on the ground, then swept out of the room, leaving Quentin Qian struggling to rise but unable to move.
Quentin Qian watched Lily Evans leave the room, making muffled sounds from his throat, desperately trying to wake Mia Qian.
Mia Qian had fainted from fright, but the noise at her ear finally woke her up.
Mia Qian had fainted on the ground, so when she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was a floor littered with heads. One of them, right in front of her, stared back at her with wide eyes—big eyes staring into her own.
Just as Mia Qian regained consciousness, she was startled again. She let out a piercing scream and nearly fainted all over again.
Quentin Qian grew anxious, making muffled noises from his throat, finally drawing Mia Qian’s attention back.
Mia Qian turned, staggering to the bedside, and burst into tears in fright: "Grandfather, there are so many heads! How did they kill so many of our clan? Grandfather, what do we do now? Will we die in the Palace of Qin?"
Quentin Qian stared at Mia Qian with wide eyes, making muffled sounds as if trying to say something.
Panic-stricken, Mia Qian grabbed Quentin Qian’s hand: "Grandfather, what are you trying to say?!"
Quentin Qian continued to make muffled noises.
In her panic, Mia Qian suddenly remembered what Quentin Qian had said before and blurted out, "Grandfather, do you want Second Uncle to hurry and snatch Su Li’s business so we can avenge our clan?"