Chapter 2178: No Evidence

“To ensure Lord Shao’s privacy, his current recuperation location remains undisclosed. However, it’s known that he’s residing in a manor outside the city, with only Madam Shao privy to the exact whereabouts…”

With no other option, a meeting with Madam Shao became inevitable.

The muscles in Lord Yang’s cheek twitched, his breath turning ragged.

Absurd! Utterly preposterous!

He regarded Scribe Zhang as though he saw through his facade.

Would he swallow such a tale? Not a chance!

Yet, lacking evidence, Lord Yang could only smirk. “Seems Lord Shao requires rest. I wonder if it’s ailment of the body or the heart!”

Scribe Zhang chuckled, maintaining an air of compliance despite his upper hand. “Difficult to say. Perhaps… both. Frankly, when the army encroached upon the city not long ago, who among us wasn’t anxious? Hahaha, let’s leave the past behind!”

“Lord Yang, Lord Liu, do enter promptly. We’ll head to the inn to settle in.”

Lord Yang glanced, remaining silent.

What else could he do but settle in first?

Scribe Zhang led them to the inn, cautioning against wandering alone. The city’s sentiments were soured by Minor General Sun’s recent assault on the provincial city. Revealing their identities could spark unwelcome reactions from the impulsive and resentful populace.

“Wouldn’t that disrupt the harmony…”

These seemingly benign words, laced with threat, managed to stoke the ire of Lord Yang and Prefect Liu.

How could they possibly entertain thoughts of rest now?

After commanding their attendants to prepare their belongings, the two men exchanged frustrated glances in the reception hall.

Their vexation was palpable.

Prefect Liu, in particular, felt an inexplicable melancholy mingling with his frustration. Once, this place had been his domain, the magistrate’s office under his purview. Now, returning, he found himself relegated to an inn.

Thankfully, no familiar faces from the prefectural yamen had appeared today. Otherwise, the shame would have been unbearable!

A former acquaintance? Prefect Liu’s eyes brightened with possibility. He grinned, suggesting, “Lord Yang, I have an idea. Why not seek out an old acquaintance and inquire about the current state of affairs at the prefectural yamen? What say you?”

Lord Yang’s gaze mirrored the spark of hope. “Indeed, a fine plan. Time is of the essence. Make haste and set forth.”

Shao Yunduan still presided over the magistrate’s office; there was no need to replace the entire staff.

Prefect Liu could surely find someone willing to provide insights.

Scribe Zhang’s prattle mattered little to them!

As imperial envoys, they held no regard for his ramblings; Shao Yunduan couldn’t care less.

On the contrary, Prefect Liu felt a twinge of awkwardness at the prospect of meeting an old friend.

He procrastinated, finally departing only as dusk settled.

Refusing any escort, he ventured out alone, undisturbed by the inn’s staff.

Unbeknownst to him, however, a watcher had been dispatched.

All were veterans of the Second Prince’s retinue, tasked with keeping a vigilant eye. Trust was a luxury they couldn’t afford.

Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan swiftly received word of Prefect Liu’s movements. Shao Yunduan grinned. “Let him roam. He’ll uncover whatever he seeks!”