Emperor Muwu was not surprised by his answer. He asked again in a slow voice, "Then have you asked your brother why he is here today?"
Xie Anjun's heart hammered against his ribs, threatening to leap out of his chest.
'Of course I asked, but Xie Anbai didn't say a word!'
After a moment, Xie Anjun lowered his head even further. "I... do not know either."
Emperor Muwu said nothing.
Xie Anjun grew increasingly uneasy. He racked his brain for an excuse, finally stammering, "This brother of mine... while we share the same blood, he has been peculiar since he was a child. It wasn't just me—even our late father frequently admonished him to no avail. He was a constant source of trouble, so..."
Xie Anbai's gaze was frigid, and the corner of his mouth lifted in a faint, mocking smile.
'Even now, Xie Anjun still hasn't forgotten to slander me. In a way, the man is remarkably persistent.'
