Chapter 1609: Not Bad
Should Shao Yunduan resort to begging the Crown Prince now?
The urgency of the situation weighed on Shao Yunduanâs mind. Delaying any further could complicate matters, making it harder for both him and the Crown Prince. Despite considering the advice nonsensical, Shao Yunduan dismissed it.
The two provocateurs, feeling a sense of accomplishment, believed they had touched a nerve in Shao Yunduan. Frustrated by his lack of response, they resorted to complimenting each other and congratulating themselves on their supposed cleverness.
However, they remained concerned that Shao Yunduan might not take the bait. What if he resisted their attempts to provoke him and sought help from the Crown Prince? The Crown Prince held him in high regard, and such a request might receive favorable attention.
To prevent Shao Yunduan from staying in the capital, they devised a plan. A decision was made to dispatch someone to monitor Shao Yunduan closely. If he did approach the Crown Prince for assistance, they would intervene midway, preventing him from proceeding.
Given Shao Yunduanâs scholarly background, they presumed he wouldnât act shamelessly or retract his decision. If he had requested release, he should follow through.
With a sense of hesitation and worry, Shao Yunduan disclosed this situation to Qiao Xuan. Unfazed, she became even more intrigued. The prospect of an unregulated area with vast territory excited her. Learning about the expansive pools and endless green mountains only heightened her enthusiasm.
The mention of potential dangers from bandits didnât deter her; on the contrary, it fueled her excitement. While it posed a significant threat to others, for Qiao Xuan, it was an invitation to explore her world, especially within the depths of the forest.
She assured Shao Yunduan, âDonât be scared, hubby. Ah-Ye, Sun Bai, and Sun Qian are all going with us, right? They are all very capable people. After we leave the capital, we can recruit a dozen individuals and have Sun Bai and Sun Qian assist in their training. Then we can hire twenty or thirty competent escorts. Weâll be able to establish ourselves there.â
âHusband, as a local official appointed by the Imperial Court, those bandits might not dare to act recklessly! Letâs maintain a façade of civility initially. Once we understand their background, we can plan strategically. No need to worry about lacking the capability to deal with themâŠâ
Shao Yunduan chuckled upon hearing her words. He held Qiao Xuan and sighed, âGood wife!â
He had initially worried about her fear, but it was clear that he had underestimated her courage. Now completely relieved, he continued, âIn that case, weâre on the same page.â
After a moment, Shao Yunduan held her and declared, âMy wife and I share the same thoughts. Ah-Ye, Sun Bai, and Sun Qian are here, and we can train about 20 servants. That should be sufficient. Iâll write a letter immediately and ask Meng Wanfu for assistance. Iâll borrow a few people from him.â
Qiao Xuanâs eyes brightened, and she remarked with a smile, âYou are so thoughtful, husband! General Mengâs men are much more reliable!â
While they could afford to hire an escort, predicting peopleâs intentions, especially in Anze Provinceâs mixed environment, posed challenges. In a place where power dictated the final say, money wasnât always the most trustworthy motivator. Hiring an escort might be futile if someone could be swayed by a bribe.
Despite the favor owed to Meng Wanfu, requesting his assistance ensured reliability from military personnel who understood the gravity of the situation and wouldnât succumb to bribery by bandits, thus preventing any potential regrets.
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