Chapter 326: Chapter 313: Worse than a Beast
Translator: 549690339 |
“As I approached, someone attempted to stab me, and I had no choice but to retaliate, kicking him to the ground and interrogating him,” I explained.
To my surprise, I found that all the young ladies in the carriage had been kidnapped from the surrounding area and were to be transported to a dock overnight and then shipped elsewhere.”
“Moreover, there was another carriage laden with a dozen more victims. A young lady among them had managed to commandeer the carriage and escape, while two of the villains had set off in pursuit.”
“Upon hearing this, Master Chu set off immediately, guessing correctly that the escapee would head toward the county town. Indeed, when we reached them, Manager Zhuang had been overtaken by the kidnappers, drugged by a substance smeared on an arrow and injured. Master Chu was able to save him and brought him back here, planning to send him home once he regained consciousness.”
“I see,” Ning Feng nodded, unable to suppress admiration for Zhuang Qingning. “Miss Zhuang is indeed a heroine.”
“Indeed,” Jing Zhao agreed enthusiastically. “I think so too.”
“Not only is she a heroine, but she also deserves credit for last night’s success.” Of course, by helping to capture these men, Zhuang Qingning had done her part in maintaining peace. No wonder their young lord was so attentive – he must hold Manager Zhuang in high regard.
“Go and tell Mr. Fan that the young master is back,” Ning Feng instructed.
Fan Wenxuan had been particularly anxious earlier, undoubtedly having an urgent matter to discuss with Chu Jinnian. There was no point in waiting until tomorrow and potentially delaying matters even further.
Before Jing Zhao could respond, however, Fan Wenxuan entered hastily.
“Is the young master back?” he asked immediately.
“Yes,” Ning Feng answered promptly. “I was just about to send for you, Mr. Fan.”
“Just now, 1 heard from the servants that the young master returned with a young lady?” Fan Wenxuan repressed his emotions, refraining from uttering the word “carrying.”
“Right…” Ning Feng began, intending to provide a brief explanation.
But before he could say anything else, Fan Wenxuan flung his sleeve in fury and shouted, “Absurd!”
This was indeed absurd!
Fan Wenxuan tried to control the rage he was feeling as he paced around the room.
The sudden outburst of Fan Wenxuan’s anger surprised both Ning Feng and Jing Zhao.
Perturbed, Fan Wenxuan gestured toward the room and asked, “Is the young master currently inside?”
“Yes.” Ning Feng nodded.
How absolutely absurd!
Fan Wenxuan paced around the room, his anger intensifying.
Indeed, he had wished for Chu Jinnian to find a wife soon, so he would be entranced by love and leave the education of Chu Jinzhou to him.
He had found a suitable match for him and was planning to play the matchmaker.
But what did Chu Jinnian do?
He brought home a young lady!
Even though this young lady might distract Chu Jinnian, she was not the one Fan Wenxuan had chosen. This did not sit well with him.
After all, which daughter of a reputable family could compare with the woman he had in mind for Chu Jinnian?
Certainly not, he couldn’t let Chu Jinzhou randomly wed anyone. Even if he insisted on finding a wife on his own, he should at least consider the woman Fan Wenxuan had found for him first.
Fan Wenxuan paced restlessly outside until he could no longer contain himself and decided to confront Chu Jinnian.
At that time, Chu Jinnian was eating awkwardly. Beads of sweat were rolling down his forehead. He wiped off the sweat with a handkerchief and glanced at Zhuang Qingning, still unconscious but firmly gripping onto his sleeve. A frown creased his forehead.
It couldn’t carry on this way.
He had traveled for several days without proper rest. He needed to take a bath and recover. If he could not get loose, he would have to leave his outer garment behind.
With this thought, Chu Jinnian reached to unbuckle his belt.
“Young Master.” Fan Wenxuan stormed into the room, looking furious, “Young Master, you must forgive me for my rudeness. But I heard you brought home a young lady. May I ask, whose daughter is she?”
“She can…”
Fan Wenxuan began to point at the figure lying on the bed, but his words trailed off when he saw Zhuang Qingning’s face clearly.
Miss Zhuang?
How could it be Miss Zhuang?
Fan Wenxuan rubbed his eyes.
Yes, it was indeed Miss Zhuang.
So, the young lady that Chu Jinnian brought back was Zhuang Qingning?
Regardless of the reason, didn’t this align perfectly with his plans?
How wonderful, truly wonderful!
Fan Wenxuan stroked his beard, his mood fluctuating from gloom to sunshine. However, his joy faltered when he noticed Chu Jinnian undressing.
“You’re worse than a beast!”
Fan Wenxuan was so furious his beard bristled. “I have always seen you as an upright and virtuous man who respects propriety and modesty, knows the difference between right and wrong. At this moment, I realize that I was completely wrong about you!”
“You’re nothing but a despicable man who can’t control his lusts!”
“In vain, I have mistakenly considered you as my bosom friend. You certainly do not deserve my friendship!”
His anger increased with each word, each sentence fueled by his rage.
How could he not be angry?
Zhuang Qingning was so young, and yet Chu Jinnian had dared to do such a thing!
Even if he intended for her to be Chu Jinnian’s wife, she had yet to agree. Furthermore, how could he take advantage of her in her sleep? This only made him a beast, if not worse!
Fan Wenxuan vented all his anger, then instinctively grabbed the teacup from the table and threw it at Chu Jinnian.
“Mr. Fan, there seems to be some misunderstanding,” Chu Jinnian managed to catch the teacup with a grim expression, then coolly placed it back on the table.
“Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding could there be?”
Fan Wenxuan was so angry he spun in a circle.
You’re undressed, and now you’re claiming it’s a misunderstanding?
If I slap you now, is that also a misunderstanding?
Fan Wenxuan decided that arguing with this beast-like Chu Jinnian was pointless. Instead, he picked up a bowl from the table, and hurled it at him.
“Ridiculous.” Chu Jinnian caught the bowl once again without reacting angrily. Instead, he quickly exited the room.
“Master.” Ning Feng, who was waiting outside, hurriedly came over. ‘Tn get the master a new set of clothes.”
“No need, have someone prepare hot water. I need to bathe.”
“Also, have someone carefully watch over Miss Zhuang tonight,” Chu Jinnian instructed as he glanced back at Fan Wenxuan who was following him out. “In addition, stop him from following me.”
This Fan Wenxuan really made no sense at all; God knows what was going through his head..