“Don’t worry, my darling.”
The prefect Cai Huaian hugged his male concubine, planting a kiss on his face, his tone oily. “Even if there’s someone new, you’re still the one I cherish the most.
When that boy arrives, having you two serve me together—wouldn’t that be more fun?”
The male concubine immediately showed a look of being flattered and overwhelmed, snuggling closer into Cai Huaian’s arms. Yet in his heart, he schemed how to trip up Shen Qinghuan, determined not to let him take his position.
Li Bao watched the nauseating scene from the side, his heart completely unmoved. In fact, he felt even more fearless.
The more lustful and greedy Prefect Cai Huaian was, the easier he was to control. As long as he kept giving him what he wanted, he could act however he pleased in Jinzhou Prefecture.
He stepped closer and added, “Big brother, there’s also that little wench, Zhang Yulian. Today she got that boy’s help, so she surely thinks she has a strong backing. In the future, she might cause us trouble.
Why don’t we take the opportunity during tomorrow’s capture of that boy, seize her shop at the same time, and then drag her back to the mansion to serve you as a concubine? That way she can serve you properly.”
“That’s a good idea!”
Prefect Cai Huaian’s eyes lit up. “That little wench is stubborn, looks interesting. If we capture her and train her well, she could also be an amusing toy.
And her shop—perfect for you to manage. You’ll benefit from it in the future.”
“Thank you, big brother!
I will devote myself wholeheartedly to serving you, like a loyal dog!”
Li Bao kowtowed again, his heart bursting with joy. Not only could he get revenge, but he would also gain Zhang Yulian’s shop—truly a double blessing!
The two schemed further, detailing the plan for tomorrow’s capture: Li Bao would lead his subordinate thugs, cooperating with the government constables, to surround Yuelai Inn from the west. No corner would be left unchecked—front door, back door, windows, rooftops—ensuring that Shen Qinghuan and his group would be caught in one net.
Prefect Cai Huaian would stay in the mansion, waiting for Li Bao to bring Shen Qinghuan back, ready to enjoy this “handsome prey.”
During this, Li Bao kept embellishing, describing Shen Qinghuan’s appearance and demeanor in extravagant terms, making Cai Huaian’s desire burn even hotter, wishing he could seize him immediately.
Cai Huaian also revealed many of his vile intentions, including how he planned to torture Shen Qinghuan, drain his wealth, and make him completely submissive. Every word was cruel and perverted. Li Bao agreed repeatedly, inwardly shuddering at Cai Huaian’s depravity, but also more determined to deliver Shen Qinghuan to him.
“By the way, big brother.”
Li Bao suddenly remembered something. “That boy has capable bodyguards. Tomorrow’s capture may face considerable resistance. We should bring more men, prepare bows and crossbows. If they resist, we shoot first—he must not escape!”
A ruthless gleam appeared in Cai Huaian’s eyes. “Approved!
Do as you wish. If anything happens, I will take full responsibility! In Jinzhou Prefecture, no one dares to hold me accountable!”
He paused, then added, “But that boy must remain alive. If he dies, I’ll hold you responsible!”
“Understood, big brother!
I will make sure the boy stays alive!”
Li Bao hurriedly replied.
The two discussed for another half hour until night deepened, and then they parted ways.
Li Bao gathered his remaining forces, preparing weapons like bows and clubs for tomorrow’s capture.
Cai Huaian returned to the inner chamber with his male concubine, his mind filled with Shen Qinghuan’s image. Unable to control his desire, he began fantasizing about how he would “train” this handsome prey tomorrow, a disgusting smile spreading across his face.
They thought their plan was flawless, meticulous, but they didn’t know that Shen Qinghuan, hiding on the roof behind the mansion, had overheard every word.
Originally, Shen Qinghuan had planned to infiltrate the mansion later at night, but upon reaching the outskirts, he heard Li Bao’s whining. Curiosity drove him to use his light skills, silently leaping onto the roof and listening to every word.
From Li Bao’s complaints about being beaten, to their scheme to seize Zhang Yulian’s shop, to Cai Huaian revealing his perverted desires to abduct him as a plaything, each sentence struck Shen Qinghuan’s heart like a sharp knife.
He had seen arrogant bullies and corrupt officials, but never anyone so filthy, perverted, and utterly shameless.
“What a bunch of reckless scum!”
Shen Qinghuan gripped the tiles tightly with his fingers, knuckles whitening, his eyes flashing with icy killing intent. “Daring to covet my affairs and Zhang Yulian’s shop, threatening her life… If I don’t completely deal with you two today, my life would have been in vain!”
Inside the space, Yuanbao also heard their conversation. Trembling with anger, it hopped around, voice full of indignation and grievance: “Master!
They’re too bad!
That Cai Huaian is disgusting! He wants to abduct Master as a plaything! And that Li Bao is no good either!
We must teach them a proper lesson and make them pay!”
“Don’t worry, Yuanbao, they won’t escape.”
Shen Qinghuan reassured in his heart, his gaze growing colder. “Today, I won’t just seize their wealth. I’ll ruin their reputations and make them live out their remaining days in madness, atoning for all their evil deeds!”
He silently waited on the roof until most lights in the mansion went out and everyone had gone to sleep, then began to act.
He thought, since he had overheard their plot, he might as well return to his space to check the upgraded functions, preparing for the upcoming operation.
As soon as he thought it, the night’s darkness shifted into the fresh scent of vegetation.
Beneath his feet was soft black earth, crops neatly lined on the ridges, dewdrops glistening on the green leaves. In the distance, the spirit spring flowed, mist curling softly. This was his personal space.
“Master!
Master, you finally came in!”
Yuanbao shot into Shen Qinghuan’s arms like a white flash, nuzzling his palm with its tiny head, still angry. “That Cai Huaian and Li Bao are too evil! We have to deal with them properly!”