Perfect Encounter - Chapter 109.2

Chapter 109.2

Yao Kun spoke about the doubts in his mind, but An Ruochen didn’t say anything. She didn’t know if Yao Kun had noticed that she blamed herself and was now worried that these were the purpose of the spies. Because the previous case evidence was insufficient, the accusation of Tang Xuan was based only on speculation. If someone could confirm that she, An Ruochen, always falsely accused others of being spies and described everything as if they were acting as spies, then her previous results could be denied. In that case, the General’s reliance on her and his affection for her would all become incriminating evidence of forcibly snatching the people’s daughter and malfeasance in bullying the people.

And the one who could talk Mrs. Duan into helping against her, she could only think of Qian Pei. If Qian Pei had this purpose, he might help the spies to create an opportunity to retaliate against the General.

An Ruochen was not at ease with Yao Kun. Of course, she would not remind Yao Kun of this. The two people were sitting, each with their own thoughts. Yao Kun tried to warm the situation but failed and felt embarrassed. So he said: ”Then that’s it for today. Miss can go back first. If I find out any clues, I’ll inform you.”

An Ruochen politely answered and walked away briskly.

At the end of the night, Yao Kun did get a clue. The county minister and the constable returned from the An Residence said they interrogated all of them once, but there was no result. Then, a little girl from the second lady’s room looked strange. She was scared and then confessed. She said she heard the gatekeeper say he came to pick up Mrs. Duan in a sedan chair. One of the sedan bearers seemed to be from Mr. Qian of Fu’an County. So, they re-examined the gatekeeper, and it was confirmed. Indeed, he recognized one of the sedan bearers as someone who had previously transported Master Qian.

Yao Kun fell silent. The officers knew the relationship between the Lord and Master Qian. They were thinking about how to give the Lord a chance to step down. But Yao Kun ordered people to prepare a carriage and go to Fu’an County overnight.

Yao Kun met with Qian Shixin first and told him about today’s case. Qian Shixin was surprised to hear at first and then angry, immediately inviting his father to come. When Qian Pei had not arrived yet, Yao Kun asked Qian Shixin about any movement from Qian Pei. Qian Shixin frowned and said that due to the front-line war, he was busy with official business and did not pay much attention to his father’s affairs. He had explained to the steward if his father was in trouble again, he must tell him, and he had not received any report. He only knew that his father had spent two days in Zhonglan City and only came back today.

Yao Kun listened and nodded. Then, he did not say anything. Qian Shixin sighed and said: ”We can’t let him run amok. He will cause big trouble for us if he goes on like this. Now that the war has begun and the inspector is about to arrive, I must discipline him properly.” Being a son who said he would discipline his father, he seemed to feel that it was inappropriate again and looked at Yao Kun with a bitter face.

Yao Kun said, “If you think like this, then there are some things I must deal with him seriously. You are right. At least don’t let him cause trouble for us.”

Qian Shixin nodded his head in agreement.

Not long after, Qian Pei came. Qian Shixin scolded him, but Qian Pei pretended to listen in surprise: “There is such a thing? But I have changed several bearers. And who is that gatekeeper talking about?” Qian Pei brought the steward, said he could not remember, and let the steward answer.

Yao Kun patiently said the sedan bearer’s surname was Feng. The gatekeeper only remembered the surname, Feng.

The steward replied that the sedan bearer surnamed Feng had been thrown out long ago because of his misdemeanor and had long since stopped working in the mansion. As for his whereabouts, they only cared about chasing people and did not inquire. He was sold into the government and has never been to Zhonglan City, and his hometown was outside the county. The steward replied with a straight face, “If the Lord needs it, I can ask the slave trader again.”

Yao Kun did not say anything. Qian Shixin glared at the steward. Qian Pei instructed the steward, “Why don’t you take the Lord to look at the mansion’s personnel roster? There are records of subordinates entering and exiting the mansion so the Lord can feel more at ease. Don’t blame your father for this.” After he finished, he added: “I will stay here to talk with the Lord Governor.”

Qian Shixin frowned, was this meant to dismiss him? He glanced at Yao Kun, who nodded at him, “I have to trouble you, Lord Qian.”

As soon as Qian Shixin left, Qian Pei smiled at Yao Kun, “I didn’t expect there would be a small mess. Harming the Lord Governor to make a trip for nothing, I’m embarrassed.”

Yao Kun said, “If you don’t harm me, I will naturally protect you.”

Qian Pei laughed, “That’s true. The Lord is the most promising of my students. I can’t even be proud enough. How could I harm you? Furthermore, my Lord, don’t forget. If it wasn’t for me, how would you have become the Governor? Sadly, I’ve been helping you, but you’re trying to kill me instead. Fortunately, I was lucky. The person who wanted to harm me felt guilty and sad, and he even killed himself.”

Yao Kun said: “You think I don’t know? You can expose yourself for Tang Xuan like this. How can he kill you? He is a suspected spy. You did not allow me to check him, so I didn’t check. But for Pingnan’s safety, naturally, he cannot stay. Now we are even, okay?”

“No. You tried to kill me. What about my losses? If you suffer a loss, it’s just a loss. But how can I feel comfortable in my heart?”

“It’s not a bad thing to suffer some losses.” Yao Kun said, “Think about the cases you will commit later. You need me. If we force each other and break the pot, we will end up with no benefits. Why don’t we work together, just like seventeen years ago? Isn’t it good?”

Qian Pei did not say anything.

Yao Kun continued and asked him, “What do you want?”

Qian Pei answered quickly, “An Ruochen and An Ruofang.”

“An Ruofang is dead. An Ruochen is possible.”

“An Ruofang is not dead. An Ruochen understands it in her heart.” Qian Pei looked at Yao Kun and suddenly smiled, “How about this? If you can help me get An Ruofang and then help me catch An Ruochen, I will forget everything that happened seventeen years ago. Okay?”

Yao Kun frowned, “I don’t know anything about An Ruofang. I can’t help you. You can’t touch An Ruochen. If An Ruochen has an accident, how can General Long fight the war unworriedly? Wait until the war is over, then I’ll help you.”

“Okay.” Qian Pei stared at Yao Kun and finally nodded. “Then, for the sake of teacher-student friendship, let’s be at peace with each other.”