CHAPTER 242: CHAPTER 239 HER CONCERN

After Du Zhuo left, there was no one else beside Song Xian.

Song Xian walked towards Xie Liangchen.

Xie Liangchen was talking to Chang Yue, the embroideress in the village was killed, but fortunately, Chang Yue and his group arrived in time to catch the death warrior who set the fire.

Upon seeing the death warrior, Cui He understood even more of Princess Jiahui’s schemes. How many lives would be lost in this plot? Seeing through these things, Cui He could no longer have any expectations of Princess Jiahui.

Seeing Song Xian approach, Xie Liangchen spoke: "The people sent by Princess Jiahui, the death warriors won’t talk, but the one who raised the alarm should be able to go to the government office and explain the details."

Song Xian nodded, not continuing with Xie Liangchen’s topic, but instead looked at Xie Liangchen and asked, "Are you hurt?"

Liu Erniang beside noticed that General Song’s voice was much gentler now, showing a concern in his words. She wanted to look up to see General Song’s expression, but she dared not, retreating two steps subconsciously.

Xie Liangchen replied, "No injuries, Chang Yue and his group were nearby, and thanks to the alarm, Zhong Dong reacted quickly, so my sleeve arrow didn’t come into play."

Standing nearby, Chang An heard this and glanced at the elder master.

He remembered a few days ago when Chang Yue sent someone to report to the elder master that "Miss Xie and her caravan encountered mountain bandits, Miss Xie used the small crossbow, sleeve arrow, and whip; the small crossbow directly killed two people, and the whip didn’t miss."

Chang Yue reported these matters to reassure the elder master, implying Miss Xie was more formidable than he thought and capable of fighting at critical moments.

But Chang An, listening, felt frightened; it wasn’t reassuring at all, it was like pouring boiling water on the elder master’s heart.

Carrying a weapon for self-defense, using it all meant facing danger?

Sure enough, when he saw the elder master, the eyes carried a hint of gloom, and if the elder master wasn’t going to personally meet Du Jiedu, he would have personally protected Miss Xie secretly.

Later, when the elder master took Du Jiedu to Xingzhou, he cast unfriendly glances at the Du Family since the mountain bandits were instigated by the Du Family.

The elder master chased Du Jiedu away all the way, like herding ducks, eager for the Du Family horses to grow extra legs.

Beside, Chang An worriedly feared the elder master would lose his temper and settle accounts with the Du Family directly.

However, no matter what, the elder master would never spare Du San. Things had escalated to this point, even if Du San was lucky enough not to die, he’d be ruined, no doubt facing punishment and exile.

Song Xian said, "We found those mountain bandits. They haven’t yet sold off the thread tassels they took. It’s not much, but it’s all painstakingly spun by the villagers, and I’ll have someone bring them back."

Upon hearing this, Xie Liangchen immediately thanked him: "Uncle has been losing sleep over those few carts of thread tassels. If he knew this news, he’d surely be happy."

Song Xian changed the topic, wanting to ask about people from Chen Family Village: "Where is Chen Lizheng?"

Xie Liangchen replied, "Uncle went to Cizhou. I was worried they would be cautious with him around, so I deliberately sent him away."

The drinking incident was diluted by the mess of people and events before them, and as Song Xian scrutinized Xie Liangchen, he noted her gaze no longer avoided his, as if she had finally adapted.

It’s quite a good change.

Song Xian, although unaware of how many foolish things he might have done, knew it was different from his usual manner. With more interactions like this, they would unconsciously become closer and more familiar.

Song Xian said, "I prepared a courtyard outside the city for you to settle for now, and once matters concerning Du San are resolved, we’ll send these people to the government office."

Xie Liangchen nodded.

Song Xian said, "I’ll leave Chang Yue and Chang An with you, since it’s near Liao State and there are many spies, just in case."

Leaving both Chang Yue and Chang An with her?

After speaking, Song Xian walked ahead with a few household generals.

"General Song," Xie Liangchen couldn’t resist as she watched Song Xian’s distant back, then looked at Chang An standing still beside her, "Is General Song going to eradicate the mountain bandits?"

The death warrior was captured, the embroidery shop people were apprehended, now what’s left are those mountain bandits.

Is this worry for him? Song Xian’s heart leaped with joy, like someone who had never seen light finally catching a glimpse, enveloped by a radiant beam.

Song Xian struggled to keep his emotions in check as he responded.

Xie Liangchen said, "Those mountain bandits should be quite numerous."

Song Xian couldn’t help but smile slightly, "These few men are more than enough."

Song Xian left with his men, and softly, Chang An said: "Rest assured, Miss, the elder master brought not many, but they are battle-hardened. We should leave this forest early, and I’ll quickly report to you any news from the warehouse and the elder master."

Song Xian left, and with the invisible pressure gone, Liu Erniang relaxed as well. She looked at Chang An beside General Song, feeling that when Chang An spoke to Liangchen, he was more respectful than when facing General Song.

...

Mingzhou.

Unaware of outside events, Du Yi sat on the pleasure boat, holding fine wine, watching the Flower Lady kneeling and playing the zither.

Miss Lin wore a veil, sitting behind the screen, her eyes fixed on Du Yi, filled with anger and resentment. She assumed the Du Family brought her to spend time alone with Du Yi, not expecting prostitutes here.

Miss Lin tightly gripped her handkerchief. How could Du Yi act so freely and openly in front of her, disregarding her position?

Many times Miss Lin wanted to turn and leave, but the thought of Du Yi possibly not seeking her out after she left made her hesitate. Having been intimate with Du Yi, how could she marry another?

Miss Lin had to remain behind the screen, occasionally sending people to persuade Du Yi.

Du Yi seemed to understand her thoughts and approached to apologize, yet quickly became entranced by the Flower Lady’s song, reveling in wine and entertainment, as if forgetting her presence.

Miss Lin secretly resolved that as soon as the boat docked, she’d leave without looking back, and if Du Yi came sober to apologize, she would not easily forgive unless the Du Family proposed to Baoshan.

Yet to Miss Lin’s disappointment, not only did the pleasure boat not dock, but even more Flower Ladies were sent aboard by a smaller boat.

Miss Lin’s face turned pale: "What does this look like? Doesn’t he consider his reputation, afraid others might seize the opportunity to blackmail?"

Nanny Xu beside also said: "Even I didn’t anticipate Third Young Master to act so, maybe... You should restrain him to prevent him from being beguiled by these temptresses."

Miss Lin didn’t want to intervene, but worried that Du Yi might redeem and keep a Flower Lady as a concubine; encountering such issues if she married into the Du Family in the future.

Miss Lin was confused by her thoughts, watching those women flocking to Du Yi, who embraced them freely and laughed happily.

Pushed and entangled, Du Yi grew more enthusiastic and started to grab these Flower Ladies.

Miss Lin frowned, lowering her eyes, pretending to see nothing, yet those indulgent sounds continued to invade her ears.

Unable to bear it, Miss Lin finally decided to step out from behind the screen, just as she heard a gasp outside. She looked up following the sound, unnoticed here Du Yi had made it outside the cabin, seemingly losing his footing, staggered backward, and toppled overboard.