Tao Yong’s first thought was that Su Lingqing had betrayed him.
But then he immediately dismissed the idea impossible. Zheng Rui and Su Lingqing were enemies. If the girl had saved him only to turn around and snitch, why would she bother putting herself at risk like that?
He finally concluded that it was simply because his escape had been discovered, and that’s why Zheng Rui had intercepted him.
By now, Tao Yong had calmed down considerably.
He sneered: “Aunt, long time no see. It seems your ‘good daughter’ brought me here this time. If I tell the Minister about this, can you be sure Su Yaoyao won’t get into any trouble?”
Zheng Rui smiled coldly. “Whether there’s trouble or not depends on whether you have the guts to speak!”
Tao Yong’s expression hardened. “So you really intend to kill to cover it up!”
Zheng Rui shot back: “You killed that old woman too, didn’t you? Don’t play the victim. On the surface, it’s Yaoyao who called you here but don’t you know in your heart why you came?”
Hearing this, Tao Yong’s eyelids drooped.
He had imagined Su Lingqing as a pure and ethereal fairy, and yet he had nearly defiled her.
“That too your ‘good daughter’ brought me here. Whatever happens, she’s partly responsible for what’s inside.”
Zheng Rui’s smile froze, her aura turning deadly, radiating such malice it gave anyone goosebumps.
“Fine. In consideration of our thin shared bloodline, I’ll let you die quickly and enjoy it!”
At her words, several strong servants behind Zheng Rui ran toward him, faces all twisted with cruelty.
Tao Yong turned and bolted! He didn’t run far he ran straight into the Minister’s residence!
Zheng Rui immediately shouted: “Catch him! Don’t let him cause trouble!”
Without a second thought, she dashed after him herself.
Tao Yong gritted his teeth and ran with all his strength. For the first time, he truly understood what it felt like to have a brain.
Running into the residence, someone might block Zheng Rui. Maybe, if lucky, he could even run into Su Huai!
He knew Zheng Rui feared Su Huai whatever the case, even if he were to die, he would drag Zheng Rui down with him!
Exhausted from having eaten nothing and after last night’s intense “exercise,” his legs soon weakened, and the cold air filled his lungs, making each breath feel like drawing from a broken bellows.
The commotion slowly drew attention. Zhou Jianyue put down her teacup and suddenly stood. “I’ll step outside for some fresh air. Master should be back soon let’s go meet him.”
She left Fangfei Garden and headed left.
After turning two corners, she suddenly heard shouting ahead.
Zhou Jianyue didn’t stop; the maid following her could only keep up.
Soon, a staggering figure ran toward them.
Unfortunately, just over ten meters away from Zhou Jianyue, he collapsed.
Zheng Rui, panting, finally caught up and saw Tao Yong pinned to the ground by the servants. She barked sharply: “Quick, take him away before this escalates!”
“Where are you taking the thief, madam?”
A slightly coquettish voice rang out nearby. Zheng Rui’s face darkened as she realized Zhou Jianyue had somehow appeared beside her.
“This… he ran away? Impressive. But judging by your attitude, madam, you intend to deal with him early, don’t you? That won’t do the master said he would personally investigate.”
A fragrant breeze hit Tao Yong, and his vision blurred then a beautiful young woman about his age appeared.
Previously, seeing such a beauty would have frozen him in place. Now, he immediately looked away.
It was as if something had already filled his mind.
Sweat dotted Zheng Rui’s forehead, her clothes slightly disheveled from the chase. Yet she remained haughty facing Zhou Jianyue. “I am merely taking him away to be re-confined. Do not slander me with lies!”
Zhou Jianyue patted her chest playfully. “Oh, so scary! I’m just asking casually. Why so cruel, madam?”
She waved her hand. “By now, the master should be back. Go greet him for me. Tell him madam wants to punish the thief quickly and to hurry over.”
Her maid left immediately. Zheng Rui pointed at her: “You!”
“What? Isn’t this exactly what the madam wants? Didn’t I say it before? Madam wants to handle it herself.”
Many were watching. Zheng Rui had no way to refute and had to swallow her anger.
But in her heart, Zhou Jianyue like Su Lingqing had become a thorn in her side.
Even more than Su Lingqing, Zheng Rui wanted Zhou Jianyue dead!
As Su Huai dismounted his carriage, he saw the maid waiting at the main gate.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen to Jianyue?” He worriedly hurried inside.
The maid reported: “Master, Miss Zhou said madam wants to understand today’s events quickly, so the maids waited to greet you.”
Su Huai frowned. “Quickly resolve it? What mischief is she up to, dragging Jianyue into this?”
Entering the main courtyard, he found everyone present.
The first concubine and Su Liao remained in inconspicuous spots. Mistress Rong held the two children at the back, eyes fixed on Su Huai.
Zheng Rui was already seated but rose to greet him. Su Lingqing did the same. Su Yaoyao and Su Yuan hadn’t arrived.
Zhou Jianyue, however, stayed seated, her posture languid yet alluring.
“Master, you’re finally back. I’ve been wanting to see you today!”
Bold words fell into Su Huai’s ears. He tapped her nose lightly. “You dare say that in public? I’ve been too indulgent with you.”
Zhou Jianyue wasn’t afraid, smiling: “I dare because you like me. I like you too, so I say it.”
Even Su Lingqing was shocked.
No wonder she could play with Su Huai like he was a dog she really had skill!
Zheng Rui nearly spat blood in anger. Almost dying from Zhou Jianyue’s audacity.
Even worse, Su Huai valued reputation and manners, yet didn’t scold her, letting her act freely in public!
Clearly… Zhou Jianyue held a high position in his heart.
After this brief interlude, Su Huai turned to Tao Yong kneeling on the ground.
“Still won’t say who in the residence helped you?”
His commanding presence made it feel like he was staring at a corpse.
Tao Yong lifted his head, eyes dull: “Who knows whom naturally, the one most likely to help me.”
The words landed! Silence fell over the courtyard!
All eyes immediately turned to Zheng Rui!
The meaning was clear who in the room knew him? Only Zheng Rui!
Su Huai glared at his wife, coldly: “So it was you. Bold, calling the Minister himself to interrogate him!”
The man couldn’t stand embarrassment in his residence. He bellowed: “Zheng Rui! Kneel!”
The incident was sudden. Zheng Rui hadn’t expected Tao Yong to speak up, leaving her no room to argue.
Su Lingqing watched the dog-eat-dog scene, finally somewhat satisfied.
Suddenly, Zheng Rui stood. She hadn’t knelt but stepped forward, slapping Tao Yong hard across the face!