Chapter 99: As Long as You Don’t Lose Your Temper, Keep Provoking Relentlessly

“Mu’er, your mother was mistaken just now. I feared that your uprightness might lead you to be taken advantage of. I intended to handle the trouble with Dukang myself, but the Du family’s arrogance was too much. As for Dukang, I will no longer intervene; I leave it to you.”

She cast a sharp glance at Du Qian’an. Given Mu’er’s righteous nature, she would never let Dukang off easily.

There had originally been room to negotiate with her, as it was merely a matter of money. But dealing with Mu’er was difficult—she regarded wealth as nothing but dirt.

Comforted by this thought, her tone lightened slightly as she instructed the maid beside her, “Fetch Dukang’s indenture contract and hand it to the general.”

Upon hearing this, Dukang quickly signaled to Du Qian’an. How could this be allowed? If his indenture contract fell into Chu Mu’s hands, would he still have a chance to be freed?

Why did Du Qian’an stand there like a wooden post, unmoving? How had he become the Minister of Revenue with not a shred of sense? It would have been better to appease this venomous woman earlier, but now he had only succeeded in angering her.

One hundred taels of silver—who was this meant to humiliate? If that was his worth, then so be it.

Irritated, he shouted at Du Qian’an, “Minister, save me! I’m your uncle!”

Du Qian’an ignored Dukang, cursing him silently as a fool. His eyes might as well be blinded—he couldn’t save him now.

It was all because of this fool that he had endured so much humiliation at the General’s residence.

Did he think those eyes were for venting his anger? With such poor perception, how could he not see who truly ruled in the General’s household?

Shen Zhao watched leisurely as Du Qian’an fumed and Dukang glared resentfully. It was truly laughable that Dukang resented the very man who had come to save him.

Soon, the maid returned with Dukang’s indenture contract. At the old matriarch’s signal, she handed it directly to Shen Zhao.

Shen Zhao took the contract, examined it carefully, then tucked it into her sleeve.

This move displeased the old matriarch. What was Mu’er doing? Could she be suspecting the contract was a fake?

With the indenture contract in hand, Shen Zhao ordered, “Someone, imprison Dukang and send for a doctor on Qihuang Street. Make sure he doesn’t die easily.”

Immediately, servants came forward to carry Dukang away.

“Minister! Minister! You must save me! I don’t want to stay in this wretched place one moment longer!” Dukang shouted desperately. He feared he would die here.

Du Qian’an shut his eyes. Out of sight, out of mind. Let the dog bark all it wanted.

A foolish dog at that.

Shen Zhao spoke to the old matriarch, “Madam, please rest well. Du Minister and I shall take our leave.” After a moment’s thought, she added, “Will the welcoming banquet still be held tonight?”

The old matriarch replied without hesitation, “Your elder brother and sister-in-law have been exhausted all day. Let the banquet be postponed.”

She no longer wished to see the eldest two, who each held deep resentment for their own mother. She did not want to be angered to death at a feast.

“Very well, as you wish, madam. I will send word to cancel the banquet.” Saying this, she turned and left.

Chu Mu suddenly felt empty. Just moments ago, Zhao had held his hand; now, as she prepared to depart, why did she no longer hold it?

Hurriedly, he followed.

Du Qian’an glanced at the old matriarch, snorted arrogantly, and turned away.

Having just been calmed, the old matriarch was again provoked by his glance and snort. What did he mean by that?

Shen Zhao went straight to the front courtyard’s reception hall, with Chu Mu trailing closely behind. He had to watch over Zhao, ensuring Du Qian’an would not take advantage of the opportunity to harm her.

Du Qian’an fell behind them, observing their backs as they walked one after the other, pondering.

The rumors outside were not entirely false, at least in part. This General Chu truly paid no attention to his wife.

He strode ahead confidently, completely indifferent to the wife who trotted behind him.

Moreover, the wife wore what resembled a man’s robe, without any adornment.

Was it not said that when the husband prospers, so does the wife? Chu was a general; surely his wife should not lack clothing or accessories.

This puzzled him further. If Chu cared so little for his wife, then why insist that the Du family care for the Shen family father and son?

Did he dislike his wife yet remain deeply attached to his in-laws?

Truly strange.

The three entered the front courtyard’s reception hall.

Shen Zhao and Chu Mu naturally took the main seats, while Du Qian’an sat sullenly beside them.

The glance from Chu’s wife was like that of a guard against wolves—he could hardly stomach Chu’s presence.

He did not understand the wife’s thoughts: Chu clearly cared little for her, yet she defended him.

The affairs of love between men and women were truly baffling.

Shen Zhao spoke first, “Let us get straight to the point. Minister Du, it is impossible for you to take Dukang away now. Although I do not know why you insist on taking back a man of ill repute who has been estranged from the Du family for decades, I will make this clear: Dukang’s life now belongs to me, and his freedom is under my control.”

Chu Mu was pleased with Zhao’s words. This was exactly how to refuse the Minister.

Du Qian’an clenched his teeth. “General Chu, speak plainly. If you have conditions, state them. Within the Du family’s power, I will agree—only please allow me to take Dukang back.”

“I have been speaking plainly all along. I will not let you take Dukang, even if it comes to the imperial court. Dukang is the servant of the Chu family; his life and death lie in my hands. Besides, he has committed countless heinous acts. Even if I were to take his life immediately, Minister Du would have no grounds to object!”

Du Qian’an was left speechless. So there was no room for negotiation.

Did Chu mean to kill Dukang no matter what?

If she was determined to kill Dukang, why come here to discuss terms at all?

“What do you mean, General Chu?”

Shen Zhao replied coolly, “My meaning is simple: Dukang’s life is mine. Do you understand, Minister Du?”

“No!” Du Qian’an growled through gritted teeth.

He understood nothing. It seemed Chu was toying with him.

No matter what, she would not let him take the man away.

Shen Zhao’s expression darkened slightly. “This is Minister Du’s attitude toward negotiation. Perhaps it is best to end this man now.”

Du Qian’an could no longer sit still and stood up. “Chu, what exactly do you mean? Is there even room for negotiation? You just don’t want me to take Dukang—what you want is his life!”

“That is not so. Minister Du, you are only half right.”

Not only was Du Qian’an confused by Shen Zhao’s words, but Chu Mu was also at a loss.

What was Zhao’s intention? If she wanted to negotiate with Du Qian’an, why block all paths?

Why give the Du family no hope?

Du Qian’an took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. His tone softened somewhat. “May I ask, General Chu, which half was I right about?” If Chu dared to toy with him again, he would not let it go easily.