That night, under the pretense of hunting an assassin, the Imperial Guards raided eighteen households—including the Feng Manor. The entire imperial city was placed under lockdown, but after a frenzied night, not even a bird was found.
The Imperial Guards returned empty-handed and reported to the palace. They expected at most a scolding from the Emperor, but unlike Fu Lin, their luck ran out—the Emperor was deeply dissatisfied and immediately dismissed several officers, appointing a Wang clansman as the new commander.
Afterward, William Wang Jinling learned of the incident and gave a knowing, inscrutable smile. He understood that the Emperor was appeasing the Wang family and expressing satisfaction with their performance.
This is the Emperor: with a small favor, he wipes away the harm done to the Wang family, and at the same time signals to William Wang Jinling that the Wang family should do something in return for imperial grace.
The Imperial Guards’ citywide lockdown and hunt for the assassin caused a huge stir—there was no way to hide it, and the Emperor made no attempt to do so. The next day, he summoned Reid Yale to the palace.
“Cousin, the Emperor has summoned you—it must be about Uncle’s death. When you see him at court, don’t lose your temper, and don’t tell him what to do. Uncle died in Eastlyn; even if we do nothing, the Emperor owes us an explanation.” Su Wan carefully straightened Reid Yale’s clothes and reminded him gently.
In just three days, Reid Yale seemed to have become a different person—aged decades overnight. The arrogance in his eyes was replaced by a grim fierceness; his once fair and handsome face had grown thin and sallow, making him look much more mature.
The once brash and reckless Young City Lord of Night City had finally grown up—but the price of his maturity was far too steep.
“I understand, Wendy—don’t worry.” Reid Yale had changed, but his affection for Su Wan remained. Through the thin veil, he gently stroked her injured cheek, a flash of guilt passing through his eyes.
Su Wan smiled gently. “Cousin, go quickly—don’t keep the Emperor waiting.”
Reid Yale nodded and hurried away. After he left, Su Wan's smile collapsed; she touched her injured cheek, and silent tears slid down her face.
Just as Serena Feng had predicted, the death of Night City's Lord was a crushing blow to both Reid Yale and Su Wan. From now on, Reid would have to shoulder Night City's rise and fall alone.
Night City was no longer what it used to be. Without the City Lord's protection, Reid Yale had to prop up Night City by seeking outside support—and the best way to secure allies was through marriage. But Su Wan could never be the chosen bride.
Both Reid Yale and Su Wan understood this perfectly. Even if marriage wasn't needed to rally support, Reid now had to marry a woman with a powerful maternal clan—Su Wan was not a suitable choice.
"Reid Yale greets the Emperor. Long live the Emperor!" Reid's feelings for Eastlyn were complicated—his father had died there, yet now he had to rely on Eastlyn.
"You may rise. Take a seat." The Emperor was still fairly cordial toward Reid Yale, easing some of his tension—especially after the ugly scene he'd caused at Feng Manor.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. May I ask why you've summoned me?" Reid Yale sat down and got straight to the point.
The Emperor motioned to the eunuch beside him, who handed a box to Reid Yale. "The death of Night City's Lord pains me greatly. For a murderer to strike within Eastlyn's borders is a disgrace. Fortunately, I've already identified the culprit, which should bring some comfort to the City Lord's spirit."
"Westlyn? How could it be someone from Westlyn?" Reid Yale stared at the evidence, eyes full of doubt.
Reid Yale wasn't a fool. He didn't blindly believe whatever the Emperor said. Besides, blaming the murder on someone from Westlyn was simply too far-fetched.