Chapter 259 — Intimidation

Chen Yanzhou's expression shifted slightly. He stepped forward quickly, took the letter, turned his back, and began reading. When he turned around again, his face wore a very strange look.

Duan Bing could not help asking, "What has happened?"

"Nothing serious." At those words, Chen Yanzhou's expression grew even stranger. "He wants me to return to the capital at once. There is something he wishes to discuss with me." Then he instructed the young servant, "Hitch the horse for me quickly—I am going back to the capital right away." He also drew Duan Bing aside. "While I am away from home, I leave the household affairs to you and Xiaofeng. As for exactly what to do, we must work it out together and come up with a plan as soon as possible..."

Duan Bing was utterly baffled. As he followed Chen Yanzhou toward the latter's study, he marveled inwardly: If it was nothing serious, why was Old Chen rushing back to the capital before he had even steadied his feet?

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Meanwhile, Tao Jun, having fled into the Zhending Guard, was still badly shaken.

If a guard station and the local gentry were to come into open conflict, it would be a very grave matter, one that would ordinarily be reported all the way up to the emperor.

Before the Zhending Guard's commanding officer, Tao Jun claimed only that he had been passing through Zhending, encountered bandits who robbed him of his money and belongings, and asked the officer to help him contact the Duke of Yingguo and send someone to escort him back to the capital.

The guard station's commanding officer was filled with perplexity.

The Zhending Guard was on the necessary route to Baoding. Who knew how many great merchants of Jiangnan, high officials, nobles, and even imperial relatives had passed through—how could there be bandits?

Yet he was still not entirely certain of Tao Jun's identity. After a few polite words, he smiled and offered to host a banquet to calm Tao Jun's nerves.

Tao Jun saw at once that this commanding officer still doubted his identity—how could he take such social pleasantries as sincere?

He politely declined.

The commanding officer did not press the matter. After a few more civilities, he had someone escort Tao Jun to the guest quarters to rest.

Tao Jun paced in circles in the guest room.

His life was safe for now, but how was he to explain this to the Duke of Yingguo?

Their luggage was still at the inn; they did not even have a change of clothes. The attendant sent to fetch their luggage from the inn had also brought in a food box.

"Mr. Tao, please eat something." The attendant felt deeply guilty for having failed to protect Tao Jun. As he set out the bowls and chopsticks, he tried to comfort him. "Once we are back at the Yingguo Duke's residence, everything will be fine."

Tao Jun sat cross-legged on the large kang by the window, staring blankly at the dishes spread across the kang table.

This attendant had served him for over a decade and knew his temper. He did not dare disturb him, and instead poured Tao Jun a cup of hot tea.

If only he had not been the one to arrange this marriage!

Tao Jun lifted his head slowly and saw the attendant's face full of worry.

A thought rose in his mind, and hesitation showed on his face.

The attendant was skilled at reading expressions and spoke up on his own: "Sir, what are your instructions?"

"Instructions? Not exactly." Tao Jun weighed his words. "I was just thinking about the newly arrived heir's wife... If the Duke asks, what should we say?"

The attendant, hearing the tone beneath the words, said, "I am a simple man. Naturally, I follow whatever you say, sir."

Tao Jun felt slightly reassured. "No matter how it is told, the heir's wife has already entered the household, and that involves the prestige of the Yingguo Duke's residence... Some things must never be spoken of, no matter what. Do you understand?"

"I understand." The attendant's expression turned grave. "This humble one will say nothing at all."

Tao Jun nodded.

By the time the news reached Dou Zhiwei's ears, four days had already passed.

She could not help but laugh, and asked Suxin, "Do you know when Mr. Tao will be back?"

Suxin smiled and said, "I've already had someone keep an eye out. He should be back within a day or two!"

Dou Yan felt that although Duan Bing's move was a bit underhanded, given the positions each of them occupied, it was hardly blameworthy.

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Sisters, brothers, today's update!

o(n_n)o~

ps: Begging for pink votes...

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