Tang Moyu took calming breaths the moment their car reached the gates of the Ye ancestral mansion. Compared to the Tang's, the Ye mansion had classic ivory walls and high ceilings. The front doors were so wide that even if three people spread their arms at the same time, it wouldn't be enough to reach both ends.

  Song Huifen sat next to her, watching her with amusement. She hadn't said a word since she assured the empress that they would be able to retrieve her children without a problem.

  The empress couldn't stop herself from worrying. This was the first time someone had actually managed to kidnap her children. She could never be at peace until she was assured that they were safe from danger.

  "Calm down." Song Huifen finally said.

  "It's easier said than done, Lady Song. What if she did something to those children?"

  "Then we'll slap them with multiple criminal charges and force their company to bankruptcy. Whoever messes with us will always be on the receiving end of our retaliation. The one Ye Xixi needs is Lu Ziluo, not your children."

  Why did Song Huifen sound like Ye Xixi wouldn't have a choice in this? Would the Song family really go this far to protect her children, who held no importance to their family?

  Her son had told her that he met Qin Jiran's mother, who turned out to be Lady Song of the Qing Tian Group. Within the business community, the Qing Tian Group was definitely no stranger. Their status and reputation were comparable to that of the Gu family of Beijing, the He family of Chengdu, and the Yun family of Shenzhen.

  While their headquarters was located in Shanghai, Song Huifen had frequent their Shenzhen branch since her son was living in this city. It was also convenient for her to keep an eye on Feng Conglomerate.

  Finally, the car stopped in front of the huge mansion and the backseat door was opened for the two of them.

  As soon as Tang Moyu and Song Huifen alighted from the car, they saw Ye Xixi rushing out of the mansion to meet them.

  "Lady Song." She politely greeted Song Huifen before turning to look at Tang Moyu, who had this icy aura swirling around her.

  "Miss Tang." Ye Xixi gave her a curt nod. She had no clue as to why Song Huifen demanded to see her today and it surprised her that she brought Tang Moyu along.

  How did they end up being acquainted anyway? As far as she knew, the Tang Enterprise had no relationship whatsoever with Qing Tian Group.

  Ye Xixi's jaws hardened. Was this their way of pressuring her to hand Lu Ziluo over to Lu Tianxin?

  Somewhat reluctantly, she welcomed them inside her home. Song Huifen walked in, chin up and proud. Her regal manner exuded her dignified status. Tang Moyu, Ye Xiaozu and Lu Tianxin followed her in immediately after.

  "I admit I wasn't expecting your visit today, Lady Song. Had I known you were coming today, I should have prepared ahead." Ye Xixi sat down.

  "Please have some tea," she said as they settled inside the sitting room of the mansion, which magnificently reflected the family's wealth and history.

  "There's no need for that, Lady Ye. I only came here to pick up my grandchildren, whom you've taken this morning." Song Huifen said as she took a sip from the expensive teacup served for her and Tang Moyu.

  The empress didn't bother to touch her cup and remained still in her seat.

  "Grandchildren?" Ye Xixi raised a brow. "I don't understand, Lady Song. Since when did you have grandchildren?"

  As far as she knew, Song Huifen's son was involved in a nasty car accident that had forced him to lie low and stay away from the public eye. She hadn't heard anything about the devil for about five years now, much less about him getting married or having children.

  "Oh, I don't actually. But I consider Tang Feiyu and Tang Feixiu as mine." Song Huifen gave her a knowing look. "I was told you've taken them without Moyu's permission. Did you purposely take them along with Lu Ziluo to cause trouble for Moyu?"

  Ye Xixi tensed and glanced at the empress, who hadn't said a word since their arrival. Why was Song Huifen doing all the talking? She laughed awkwardly before replying.

  "Of course not. It's my fault. My people had accidentally taken them as well in the spur of the moment." She said in defense. Had she known that the fallen empress of Shenzhen was close to Lady Song of Qing Tian Group, she would've made proper plans and avoided causing trouble for her.

  "Her twins are currently sleeping with Little Ziluo upstairs. I assure you, no harm had fallen on them." She told Tang Moyu, whose cold, piercing gaze made Ye Xixi feel like she was staring into the eyes of a vicious tiger.

  Song Huifen nodded, pleased with Ye Xixi's answer.

  "Good! In return, the Qing Tian Group will not touch the Ye Corporation." She replied, which sounded more like a threat in Ye Xixi's ears.

  Her face blanched in realization. This meant that anyone who opposed or offended Tang Moyu would suffer the consequences through the Qing Tian Group. The fallen empress had gained such a strong backing, no wonder Tang Moyu was able to build connections with the Gu family and seal a partnership with Xu Wenyang.

  Ye Xixi's smile and expression turned ugly. She had a bad feeling about this.

  'Don't tell me Song Huifen would also force me to hand over Lu Ziluo?' She thought as she looked at Ye Xiaozu and Lu Tianxin.