Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2192: Looking for Trouble

“Our Young Master is truly fortunate to have relatives like you and Lord Shao,” remarked Uncle Li Jiu.

Qiao Xuan nodded, a smile gracing her lips. “Rest assured, we’re all on the same side. We’ll devise a plan soon.”

Uncle Li Jiu found solace in her words, expressing his gratitude before taking his leave.

Upon Shao Yunduan’s return, Qiao Xuan recounted the situation to him. In response, Shao Yunduan declared, “It’s our actions that have embroiled Zhao Shu in this predicament. The Hangzhou Prefect is likely seeking retribution against us, hence his brazen behavior. I’ll personally explain the situation to Zhao Shu!”

Shao Yunduan had no intention of remaining idle, yet…

Qiao Xuan cast him a teasing glance. “You’ve always held a disdain for your brother-in-law, yet your stance today is quite surprising!”

Shao Yunduan felt a twinge of discomfort. “…Wife, I can be reasonable too!”

Qiao Xuan chuckled.

Realizing that the Hangzhou Prefect’s actions were likely a result of their own actions, Shao Yunduan knew he couldn’t delay any longer. He needed to deliver a swift blow to the Prefect’s pride, lest he become even more brazen.

Although the journey ahead might be arduous, he understood that action was imperative. He had to dispatch someone to Hangzhou to resolve the matter swiftly.

Shao Yunduan pondered over the matter carefully. Who should he send? How should they proceed? What actions should they take upon arriving in Hangzhou? These questions demanded meticulous planning in advance.

The Hangzhou Prefect was a proud individual, once esteemed as an Advanced Scholar with prospects of ranking among the top three in the Spring Quarter Examinations. Such arrogance likely wouldn’t bode well for Shao Yunduan’s emissary.

Moreover, having incurred significant losses in his previous attempts to exploit the situation, the Prefect likely harbored resentment towards Shao Yunduan, especially after losing two cities.

Negotiation seemed unlikely to yield favorable results. A direct confrontation appeared inevitable.

Yet, Hangzhou was the Prefect’s domain. Why did he now find himself scrambling for a foolproof plan?

Qiao Xuan, he knew, might be the ideal candidate for the task, given her adeptness at handling such matters. But he dared not propose it, anticipating Shao Yunduan’s refusal and subsequent reprimand.

“Why not send Ah-Ye?” Shao Yunduan suggested, his mind racing with possibilities. “Let him assemble a capable team and ascertain the whereabouts of that insolent brother-in-law. Once we bring him down, our retaliation will be assured.”

Not only did they demand the return of the shop, but they also sought compensation.

Shao Yunduan vetoed the idea of sending Ah-Ye. “No, he must remain in the government office. It’s reassuring to have him there, regardless of who accompanies him outside.”

Thus, he was left with the choice of entrusting Sun Bai, Sun Qian, or another capable individual with the task.

Shao Yunduan intended to deploy Jinhua to assert control over the Prefect of Hangzhou’s territory. This would serve as a warning, demonstrating that even those distant from authority were not beyond reach.

Ultimately, the responsibility fell to Zheng Sangge, who selected twenty individuals to masquerade as ordinary merchants bound for Hangzhou City.

Meanwhile, Sun Bai led 20,000 troops towards Jinhua, their weapons sharpened as they fixed their gaze upon Yongyun City.

With arrangements made, Qiao Xuan ensured that Uncle Li Jiu and his companions were escorted to Anze Province, while she penned a letter to Zhao Shu detailing the situation.

Zheng Sangge’s group made swift progress, reaching a small town over twenty kilometers from Hangzhou City within four days.

The twenty individuals dispersed within the town, lodging separately until it was time to infiltrate the city and rendezvous.

Uncle Li Jiu and his associates promptly contacted the two shop assistants left behind, who breathed a sigh of relief at their safe return and the unexpected turn of events.

Inwardly, they marveled at Lord Shao’s adeptness in safeguarding their Young Master. His swift response was truly commendable. Contemplating the insolent behavior of the Hangzhou Prefect’s brother-in-law only fueled their indignation further.