When Ye Anlan heard that Gu Fei was planning to escort someone to Dadu, she was stunned—shocked and furious.
They had only known each other for two days, and he was already doing all this for her? She had known Gu Fei for years and had never seen him treat her this well. Just thinking about it made her feel aggrieved.
So she spoke up, “Lord Gu, I want to go to Dadu with you!”
Gu Fei looked at the stubborn girl and snorted, “Are you being unreasonable now? This whole place depends on you all to guard while I’m away.”
“Besides, I’m only taking Zhang Biao and ten men. Not one more.”
“As for the reason, I’ve already explained it. It’s to help me secure official recognition for Shangyuan City. And Lady Leng has the connections.”
“Otherwise, why would I, your lord, go to Dadu for no reason like a fool?”
Ye Anlan glanced him up and down with her phoenix-like eyes—clearly implying: You are a fool.
No matter what, Ye Anlan just felt Gu Fei was abusing his power for personal gain.
“Head Constable Ye, obey the order,” Gu Fei said sternly in the end.
Ye Anlan stomped away, furious.
…
Inside the meeting room, County Lieutenant Wang Tongzhi smiled at Gu Fei and said, “Lord Gu, don’t worry. I’ll take care of things here. If that Shancheng County dares make a move on us, I’ll make them regret it.”
Gu Fei patted Wang Tongzhi’s shoulder, “Deputy Wang, you’re dependable. I can leave with peace of mind.”
Wang Tongzhi chuckled and whispered, “Lord Gu, it’s obvious to all of us—Head Constable Ye just doesn’t want to be apart from you and worries about your safety. After so many years, she’s not that young anymore. You should treat her better.”
“Why not just take her along?”
“Get lost! All you ever do is try to pair me with Head Constable Ye!” Gu Fei could already sense the tension between Ye Anlan and Xiao Lingshuang. If the two of them ended up traveling together, he’d be the one to suffer.
Zhang Biao chuckled from the side, “Then how about taking my little sister Zhang Yao along? She could help take care of you and Lady Leng on the road.”
As soon as Gu Fei heard Zhang Yao’s name, his head throbbed. Zhang Biao wasn’t wrong—but that little spitfire couldn’t just run off. She was in charge of many workshops in the city. Read the latest chapters at NovelPing.
After thinking it through, Gu Fei decided not to bring anyone else. With his current relationship with Xiao Lingshuang, there was no longer an issue of propriety—after all, they had already slept together. There wasn’t anything left to hide.
“You damned Zhang Biao, are you trying to make those female workers revolt? Do you know how important your sister is? She can’t leave on a whim.”
He turned to Wang Tongzhi, “As for Head Constable Ye, I know she’s upset, but this is for the bigger picture. Help me comfort her privately. Tell her I’ll be back soon.”
Wang Tongzhi nodded, “Rest assured, Lord Gu. I’ll assign someone to look after Head Constable Ye and also keep an eye on her emotional state. I’ll make sure the city stays peaceful.”
“Good, then wait for me to bring back good news from Dadu. When I return, we’ll celebrate properly!”
On the other side, although Ye Anlan stormed out of the meeting room in a huff, her heart felt like a stormy sea.
She was angry that Gu Fei didn’t understand her feelings and worried for his safety on this journey. But that wretched man simply wouldn’t let her go with him. If not for her injured arm being used as an excuse, she never would’ve agreed.
In her frustration, she needed someone to talk to. After thinking for a while, she headed to the Industrial Department—to find her romantic rival, Zhang Yao.
Right now, Zhang Yao might be the only one who could understand how she felt.
Meanwhile, Zhang Biao quietly asked, “Lord Gu, are we bringing firearms for this trip?”
Gu Fei nodded. “The road ahead might be dangerous. Go to the armory and assign each man a rifle, two packs of explosives, and other equipment.”
“Also, bring two hang gliders.”
Zhang Biao frowned, “Why hang gliders, my lord?”
Gu Fei replied, “To get to Dadu, we need to move as fast as possible. And that Mi Luo River between the two peaks of the Big and Small Ridge Mountains near Dadu is the biggest obstacle we’ll face.”
“If anyone tries to intercept us, flying over the Mi Luo River with the hang gliders is the fastest route.”
“Understood, I’ll make the preparations right away.”
After giving the orders, Gu Fei returned home.
When Xiao Lingshuang saw him come in, she originally didn’t plan to speak, but she was worried about whether they would truly depart on time the next morning. She hesitantly walked over and asked in a small voice, “Hey… are we leaving for Dadu tomorrow morning?”
Even she was surprised at how she sounded. When had she ever spoken in such a tone? It felt like a mighty tiger forced into submission… I am the empress, for heaven’s sake!
Xiao Lingshuang felt on the verge of a breakdown.
“You… you’re not my real husband!” Xiao Lingshuang snapped, feeling frustrated. Thinking back to how she’d let herself be fooled into calling him that… and even kissed him voluntarily! Just remembering it made her want to stomp her feet and scream.
Gu Fei teased, “But I’ve done things only a real husband would do.”
“You… believe it or not, I’ll tear you to pieces!” Her words had no bite at all.
Gu Fei reached out and lightly flicked her jade-like nose. “A girl like you, always shouting about killing and violence—can’t you be a bit more ladylike? Besides, if I die, how are you going to get back to Dadu?”
“You’re the one always bullying me and taking advantage of me!” the empress muttered indignantly. If any ministers saw her like this, their eyes would probably pop out of their sockets.
Gu Fei laughed and whispered beside her ear, “This isn’t bullying—it’s affection. And if I don’t take advantage of you, are you waiting for someone else to do it?”
The empress’s face flushed bright red, like a ripe apple. She glared at him, “You damned bandit, stinking bandit… you shameless scoundrel!”
Once they got back to Dadu, she would make this shameless bandit kneel and beg her for mercy. She had already made up her mind.
Having gotten the answer she wanted, she turned away and sat on a nearby stool, no longer responding to Gu Fei.
Gu Fei looked at the pouting Xiao Lingshuang and smirked.
Got you wrapped around my finger, little fox.
Just as he was about to tease her again, a commotion erupted outside.
Frowning, Gu Fei went to the door and saw Ye Anlan and Zhang Yao standing at the gate, both looking ready to fight.
He hurried over to stop them. “Hey hey, ladies, what’s going on here? Are you two about to throw down?”
Ye Anlan snapped, “It’s all because of her! She said you’re not taking me to Dadu because I’m not as tall or as pretty as she is!”
“I’m only half a finger shorter than her! I’m the number one beauty of Shangyuan County!”
Zhang Yao sneered, “Hmph, you admit I’m taller then. As for being the county’s top beauty—that’s only because I didn’t enter the contest that day. Otherwise, you’d be second at best.”
Looking at the fiery Zhang Yao—who indeed matched Ye Anlan in looks and figure—Gu Fei felt both amused and helpless. “What are you two even talking about? Whether I take someone to Dadu has nothing to do with height or looks! I’m going on official business! Stop making trouble, both of you!”