Chapter 1605: Chapter Sixty-Three: Misplaced Payment

Living on the streets is never easy, especially for a masterless swordsman like Kaba, who is forced to compete fiercely for scraps of work.

Previously, with his mid-level Mortal Realm cultivation and a few rough sword techniques, he could inspire some fear. However, after failing to protect a merchant caravan and losing his right arm, it was inevitable that past rivals holding grudges would take notice.

Thus, when Steward Xu discovered the remote shack was deserted, he extended his senses to the maximum to investigate any abnormalities.

After surveying the interior and exterior of the hut three times, Steward Xu’s expression slightly improved.

No signs of a struggle, nor any lingering scent of blood–this indicated that the worst scenario he had imagined had not occurred.

But where could the dark-skinned lad have gone? To Steward Xu’s knowledge, Kaba, due to his distinct complexion, had been bullied from a young age and had neither friends nor relatives.

Apart from him, Kaba hardly had any close friends in Danmu Town. If it wasn’t his enemies at the doorstep or someone abducting him, where could Kaba have gone?

The more he thought about it, the more worried Steward Xu became. He closed his eyes and spread out his Tongyou Intention, covering the entire courtyard like tendrils reaching out.

A passing goose leaves its call; a hunting tiger leaves its tracks. Under the powerful scan of the Tongyou Intention, Steward Xu could detect “information” that was imperceptible to the naked eye.

This “information” would guide him to find Brother Kaba.

Following the unique trail left by Kaba, the Tongyou Intention stretched out and guided Steward Xu through the intricate streets of Danmu Town, navigating numerous turns before finally stopping.

Steward Xu, opening his eyes and lifting his head, stepped back in shock as he found himself at the main entrance of the Zhen Mansion. The Xu Clan’s vow not to see Zhen Ping’er again made him panic inside.

Even more exasperating was that the maid called Dongmei stood at the threshold, smiling, yet her eyes conveyed disdain and contempt that needed no Tongyou Intention to be felt.

‘What a cunning rogue, playing at being elusive; his pretense is nauseating!’

Dongmei, seeing through everything, thought to herself, yet her voice was soft as she spoke, “Good morning, young master. Lady Zhen knows you don’t want to see her, so she specially asked me to wait for you here.”

“Mm…”

Indifferent to bickering with women, Steward Xu nodded and asked, “Miss Dongmei, is Kaba at the mansion?”

“Responding to the young master, Mister Kaba is indeed in the mansion.”

Dongmei answered, “He fought fiercely for the merchant caravan and lost his right arm. Lady Zhen, recognizing his loyalty, courage, and kindness, has rehired him as a guard at the mansion.”

Hearing the maid’s words, Steward Xu fell silent.

He understood why Zhen Ping’er rehired Kaba, but he couldn’t face her generosity, let alone repay it.

The maid, unaware of Steward Xu’s thoughts, relayed Lady Zhen’s messages and then fell silent.

But even if she didn’t speak, how could Steward Xu not sense what she was thinking?

When Zhen Ping’er tasked Dongmei, besides mentioning Kaba and his wife’s whereabouts, what mattered more was a message–yet Dongmei, convinced of Steward Xu’s deceitful intentions, would surely not relay it.

Even though she refused to speak, the Tongyou Intention eventually heard it–the request was nothing more than to meet before he left, if only to thank him for taking care of Kaba.

‘Let this be the closure before parting.’

Thinking so, Steward Xu bowed to Dongmei, saying, “Lady Zhen is merciful and generous, not only sparing Brother Kaba’s mistakes but also providing extra care. Please, Miss Dongmei, lead the way, I would like to personally thank Lady Zhen.”

‘Here he comes, as expected!’

The beautiful maid’s eyes widened, thinking fiercely to herself.

She intentionally omitted the lady’s request to meet, striving to prevent this vile rogue any chance to approach Lady Zhen.

Unexpectedly, he proposed to meet himself. With such push-and-pull tactics, no wonder he could so captivate Lady Zhen!

Angry Dongmei felt like having the guards chase Steward Xu from the mansion, but knowing the consequences if Lady Zhen heard of it, she resisted her rage and, kneeling, performed a respectful bow, “Lady Zhen has been waiting for days. Please follow me, young master.”

Hearing Dongmei’s inner curses, Steward Xu touched his nose and reluctantly followed.

Dongmei led Steward Xu into Zhen Mansion, moving beyond the large gate stele and down a serene pond-side corridor to the inner courtyard.

He thought the maid, who disliked him, would simply lead the way in silence, but suddenly Dongmei spoke, threatening, “The most understanding of women, you beachcomber, your past has been thoroughly investigated by this young lady. If you know what’s good for you, stop using those sleazy tricks on Lady Zhen, or I assure you, the consequences will be far beyond what you can imagine once it all comes out!”

Dongmei must be a capable maid close to Zhen Ping’er, otherwise she wouldn’t be able to suppress even the chief steward Zhen Pan.

But such a shrewd and favored lady inevitably had limited experiences, or perhaps since there were few peers she could consult with, her thoughts tended to be somewhat extreme and stubborn.

“Miss Dongmei, if Old Xu really were a rogue bent on deceiving for wealth and pleasure, do you think he’d back down just from a few threats?”

Both hands casually resting behind his head as he walked along the corridor, Steward Xu laughed and teased, “Besides, if such a maid can uncover one’s past, couldn’t Lady Zhen do so as well? Perhaps she likes that I navigate the plethora of flowers untouched.”