After some commotion, another group of soldiers arrived. Zhu Yu immediately recognized the uniforms they wore as belonging to guards from the Imperial Palace.
These guards rushed over, first driving away the crowd of onlookers, then surrounding the women near the prison cart.
The previous clamoring instantly quieted down. The people looked at each other, startled, concerned that the guards were there to protect the women of the Duke Yan Mansion.
Just a moment ago, the crowd's emotions had been stirred, voices raised in accusations and insults. Seeing the current scenario, they began to feel apprehensive.
Zhao Bocai, who had been silent in the prison cart, shrinking into himself, now raised his head when he saw the arrival of the imperial guard. The guards separated the people shouting insults from his grandmother and mother. He hurriedly took stock of the situation outside.
