Chapter 115 - Dared to Snatch His Men?
“Your Majesty, then in your view, what is your stance regarding the Fifth Princess…? Will you provide assistance?”
If he intended to offer assistance, he needed to act promptly. Otherwise, should an unfortunate incident occur, it would be exceedingly challenging for the Fifth Princess to secure a marriage in her lifetime.
Who would dare to wed a woman with such a potential for lethal actions?
Zhan Yuanfeng did not readily accept his proposal. Instead, he nonchalantly stated, “Considering that Emissary Beidi is on the verge of arriving in the capital, if the Fifth Sister antagonizes Lu Zheng excessively and he decides to form a matrimonial alliance with Beidi, I might find it impossible to decline.”
Jiang Che hadn't anticipated such a notion from Zhan Yuanfeng, suggesting marriage for the Fifth Princess to a distant, barbarian land. “The Fifth Princess possesses a resolute character and a deep commitment to the welfare of the common people. I believe she would willingly contribute to the Great Yang.”
Zhan Yuanfeng cast a satisfied glance at Jiang Che and called out to the eunuch entering the room, instructing him, “Go find the Fifth Sister. Let her know that I have something to discuss with her, and it's time for her to learn decorum.”
Seeing Jiang Che still lingering, Zhan Yuanfeng ordered his departure, saying, “Why are you still here? Is the Ministry of Personnel so idle?”
“This humble official will take his leave,” Jiang Che bowed and withdrew. He then rode his horse all the way home, where he coincidentally encountered the guard stationed at the entrance. “Can we dispatch individuals to the suburban residence?”
The guards quickly dismounted and, after saluting their leader, responded, “Yes, half of them are ready.”
Jiang Che handed his horse to an attendant waiting outside the door and led his men into the Jiang's Mansion. As they proceeded, he gave instructions, “Fifth Princess's courtyard comprises three locations. There is only one residence outside the city, and knowing her character, she likely brought her entourage there.”
“Master, should we proceed to retrieve her right away?”
Jiang Che halted in his tracks, turning to the guard. “Regardless of the circumstances, she remains a princess of a nation. I'd rather not get entangled in any difficulties while attempting to rescue a woman.”
If Zhan Yunxiang discovered his involvement in the rescue, it would jeopardize her chances of leading a peaceful life in the future.
When Zuo Shuhui regained consciousness, she experienced soreness throughout her body, rendering her unable to move. She exerted considerable effort to open her eyes, but could only discern a faint glimmer of light.
“Woo woo…” A few muffled noises emanated from nearby, startling Zuo Shuhui. She struggled to free her hands and feet, and she could already discern that the sounds came from her cousin. Anxiously, she used her foot to nudge the basket next to her.
If her guess was correct, she was currently inside a carriage, one fitted with a small compartment. However, she only heard her cousin's voice, leaving her uncertain about the presence of the other maids within the carriage.
On this day, her sole intention had been to visit the temple and pray for her brother's well-being. However, not long after leaving Cheng Manor, their carriage was suddenly halted. The carriage driver was forcibly ejected, and the carriage was dragged into a nearby alley.
The next recollection she had was of a repugnant-looking man intruding upon them. As they cried out in shock, he muttered something incomprehensible and they lost consciousness.
Zuo Shuhui trembled with fear as she tried to steady herself. She couldn't fathom where they were being taken.
She suspected that this sinister plot was orchestrated by the malevolent woman. Who else would dare to abduct her in broad daylight?
If she had foreseen this grim turn of events, she would have remained within the safety of Cheng Manor.
Regrettably, there was no remedy for remorse in this world. All Zuo Shuhui could do was beseech the heavens for their protection.
The carriage eventually came to a halt. Zuo Shuhui felt herself being carried and overheard a woman's voice remarking, “Be gentle; it's laden with high-quality produce. It's costly, so be careful, haha…”
After a brief journey, Zuo Shuhui was set down. The covering above them was lifted, inundating them with blinding light.
“Are the two ladies unharmed? Are you injured?” It was the woman's voice once more.
With the gag removed from her mouth, Zuo Shuhui raised her head and glared at the speaker. “Who are you? And why have you brought us here?”
The woman appeared to be in her thirties, but she didn't react with anger to Zuo Shuhui's words; instead, she chuckled. “Miss Zuo, fear not. I'm merely a servant. I have no intention of harming you.”
Zuo Shuhui felt a wave of relief when she heard her say, “Place them in the woodshed for now. The princess has decided to keep them without food for two days.”
“You people… What does the Fifth Princess intend to do? Are there no laws to abide by?”
“Oh, royal laws?” The woman responded casually. “Miss Zuo, you have quite the wit. We, under the Fifth Princess's command, pay no heed to such matters.” With that, she ushered them into the woodshed and locked the door.
Zuo Shuhui pounded on the door and called out several times, but it seemed as though no one was paying any attention to her.
“Cousin… Are we facing our demise?…” The eldest daughter of the Cheng Family sobbed in fear.
Zuo Shuhui remained seated on the floor, one hand still gently tapping the door, her face drained of color. It was evident that fear had gripped her as well.
As she recalled the horrifying rumors she had heard about witnessing the Fifth Princess's murderous act with her own eyes, a shiver ran down her spine.
She made an effort to maintain her composure and consoled, “Cousin, please don't be afraid. Our family will surely come to rescue us.”
To her surprise, Miss Cheng not only failed to appreciate her words of comfort but also lunged at Zuo Shuhui, pinching and biting her. “This is all your fault, you malevolent presence! If I had known earlier, my family wouldn't have taken you in!”
The affection that the two sisters had nurtured over the past few days was completely shattered by this ordeal.
Zuo Shuhui clenched her fists, resisting the urge to retaliate, and even spoke in a plaintive tone, “Cousin, I've caused you trouble. If you wish to vent your anger on me, please go ahead. But remember what that woman said; the Fifth Princess intends to keep us without food for two days, so it's important to conserve your strength.”
Miss Cheng deflated like a balloon, collapsing to the side, sobbing uncontrollably.
Both of them, young ladies confined to the confines of their home, had never encountered such a dire situation before, and they both felt utterly uneasy.
It wasn't until Jiang Che received news that the Fifth Princess had entered the palace that he sent people to notify Zuo's Mansion and escort them to the Fifth Princess's residence.
Just two days ago, Luo Tian had visited Zuo Family, bringing gifts and conveying their family's gratitude, assuring that he would visit again soon to express his appreciation.
Jiang Che glanced at the formal letter and, with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, said, “This isn't quite what I desire. Please return and convey to your grandfather that he must not forget his commitment.”
After their departure, Jiang Che spent some time in his study. Subsequently, he changed his attire and arranged for a palanquin.
The most renowned entertainment district in the capital, known for its fireworks, was situated in the Western City. It was under the Emperor's watchful gaze, and every establishment operated under the guise of legitimate business while engaging in illicit activities behind the scenes.
Jiang Che disembarked from the palanquin in front of “Ru Yi Hall.” Two young attendants, appearing like waitstaff, greeted him. “Lord Jiang, it's been a while since your last visit. Are you here to see Young Master Sheng again?”
Jiang Che playfully pinched their cheeks and entered with a smile, saying, “Prepare a clean room for me. A VIP will be arriving later; make sure to attend to him courteously.”
The two youths paid little heed to this and went to prepare a room on the second floor's secluded corner. However, as they returned to the entrance, they observed three horses coming to a halt at the entrance.
They stared in astonishment as the godlike figure dismounted from his horse and entered Ruyi House. Their mouths hung open in disbelief.
“Am I seeing things, or is this real?”
“I can't believe my eyes either…”
Momentarily dazed, they hurriedly approached and inquired, “Honored guest, whom are you seeking?”
Lu Zheng halted and wore a displeased expression as he answered, “I'm looking for Jiang Che.”
“Allow us to guide you.” The two individuals promptly led Lu Zheng to the second floor and insisted on accompanying him to Jiang Che's room.
Upon entering the room, they lingered by the door, pretending to be attendants. Occasionally, they strained to eavesdrop.
A dashing young man in a crimson robe soon approached. Upon spotting the bothersome duo at the entrance, he quipped, “Oh, it's the two of you again. What brings you here? Still trying to win Lord Jiang's favor? And just look at your expressions.”
“Shh…” The two of them raised their index fingers and pointed toward the interior, silently mouthing two words.
Unfortunately, their message was too subtle, and the flirtatious young man misunderstood, thinking they were interested in Jiang Che. He quickly pushed them aside and reached for the door.
Yet, no matter how hard he pushed, the door remained shut. Frustrated, the alluring young man raised his voice and asked, “Who's in there?”
Who dared to steal one of his companions?
He knocked on the door with a hint of grievance, saying, “Lord Jiang, why haven't you come to find me? Is that person inside better than me?”
Young Master Sheng, the foremost attraction at Ruyi Mansion, had often been targeted by Jiang Che. Now, someone had beaten him to the punch!
A pair of chopsticks pierced through the window paper, narrowly missing the charming young man's ear and drawing blood. A deep male voice from inside proclaimed, “Leave!”
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