Sun Hao clenched his fists, seething with anger that threatened to consume him.

Why had he accepted this task? He was being taunted by an ignorant woman!

“I insist on seeing General Zheng within two weeks. Madam Shao, please make an exception.”

Sun Hao wanted to unleash a barrage of harsh words, but he bit his tongue.

Experience had taught him that even the most straightforward and unreasonable person could endure and strive for perfection–timing was key.

Qiao Xuan cast him a sympathetic glance, sighing helplessly. “I can’t guarantee that, as I don’t want to break my word if it’s unfeasible. Maybe in two weeks…”

The veins on Sun Hao’s forehead pulsed, his vision clouded with rage.

“Fine, then I’ll wait here for two weeks!”

Since he was already here, he was determined to meet Zheng Sangge. He refused to believe that they could continue claiming that Zheng Sangge was in hiding.

Qiao Xuan didn’t object but warned, “Alright, but you must adhere to our rules here. Any misstep will not be tolerated.”

Sun Hao snorted and rose to leave.

He mused to himself, lenient? He considered it a stroke of luck that he wasn’t targeted, yet he dared to hope for such favorable treatment?

Watching him depart, Qiao Xuan burst into laughter and returned to converse with Shao Yunduan.

This individual’s luck seemed particularly dismal!

Shao Yunduan found the situation both amusing and contemptible regarding the Sun Family.

The Sun family’s behavior left much to be desired, inviting disdain from others.

Since Sun Hao was present, it wasn’t opportune for Shao Yunduan to appear in public. Thus, he seized the chance to return to Anze Province with Qiao Xuan.

With Jia Heming, Hang Xingshan, and others in the province, they should be safe.

Meanwhile, Zheng Sangge returned sooner than Qiao Xuan anticipated.

The situation in Hangzhou City hadn’t resolved smoothly.

Zheng Sangge and his companions easily apprehended the magistrate’s brother-in-law and coerced him into paying 200,000 taels of silver as compensation. They also assured him they wouldn’t target the Zhao Family’s enterprises again.

The Prefect of Hangzhou readily agreed.

However, in a sudden turn, he became hostile and covertly mobilized troops to attack Zheng Sangge and his group. He even disregarded his brother-in-law’s life.

Fortunately, Zheng Sangge’s experience served him well. Sensing the impending danger, he promptly ordered a retreat from Hangzhou City.

During their journey back, they skillfully evaded pursuit from the Prefect of Hangzhou.

As a result, they didn’t secure any funds this time around, but they did capture the prefectural magistrate of Hangzhou’s brother-in-law.

The prefectural magistrate’s brother-in-law appeared pitiful during the journey, devoid of the arrogance he once exuded.

It was understandable. His supposed patron, who had allowed him to act with impunity, had disregarded him entirely. Instead, he prioritized his own dignity as the local lord and nearly ordered his execution. It was no surprise he couldn’t maintain his arrogance.

Upon returning to the province, Zheng Sangge placed Jia Heming under house arrest before meeting Shao Yunduan in Anze Province.

The Prefect of Hangzhou’s actions were despicable. Even Zheng Sangge couldn’t let the matter slide without seeking revenge.

Ms. Fang and the others finally reunited with Shao Yunduan in Anze Province, enjoying a joyful family gathering.

Upon Zheng Sangge’s return, he briefed Shao Yunduan on the situation. Zhao Shu was on the verge of exploding with anger, expressing relief that Zheng Sangge and the others had returned unharmed.