BXBX NOVEL Chapter 369: Settling in the Village
While Qiao Xiaomai was assisting Tong Sanlang to the restroom, at the threshing ground, after hearing the course of events, Yang Ye turned his gaze to Cen Hong, sneering, “General Cen sure has quite the audacity. Miss Qiao is a friend of mine, she obediently queues up without requesting any special treatment, yet one of your underlings wants to take advantage of your power to cut in line.”
“Is it that your face is bigger than mine, a desultory prince? Or are you so incompetent that you can’t even discipline your own dog?”
Cen Hong’s face turned red with embarrassment.
Being reprimanded by Yang Ye openly in front of so many common people, his dignity was thrown onto the ground and trampled recklessly!
With a frown, Yang Wang intervened, “Fourth Brother, General Cen is also considering the public security of Daqi, the origin of Tong Sanlang’s martial arts is indeed unclear.”
” What about Qiao Xiaomai? She is but a young maiden who, in a moment of crisis, mustered her strength to kick the vicious dog away. Does this imply that she is immensely powerful? Third Brother, both of us clearly saw the incident. It was Cen Hong who attacked Qiao Xiaomai first.”
“This happened in public, and thanks to Tong Sanlang’s intervention, he hesitated. Had there been no witnesses around, would Cen Hong have drawn his sword and killed them directly?”
“Fourth Brother, General Cen would never randomly kill the innocent.” Yang Wang retorted, his face darkening.
Ignoring him, Yang Yefeng chuckled mockingly. “Third Brother, are you not proposing to marry Miss Qiao? Now, Miss Qiao has been unjustly whipped by Cen Hong, and additionally has been accused of ulterior motives. Yet observing your attitude, it seems as though you are on Cen Hong’s side.”
“Is this the attitude with which you pursue Miss Qiao?”
Upon hearing this, Yang Wang’s face grew darker. “What is the meaning of this, Fourth Brother?”
“The circumstances today are simply too convenient, prompting me to think more about this.” There was a hint of mockery in Yang Yefeng’s eyes.
He turned to Cen Hong, pointed at him, and spoke, “General Cen, you’re quite capable! With the simple act of pressing a big hat onto someone, you can injure or even kill someone. As it stands, I shall live in Anping Village for now. Otherwise, I’m afraid that if I come next time, Qiao Xiaomai will be no more in this world.”
As Yang Ye said this, he turned to look at Tong Tiehu. “Village Chief Tong, arrange for me to live at Ma Dongshu’s place. It’s not a permanent solution, but it’ll suffice until the Emperor’s mandate arrives. For now, I shall stay here.”‘
“Understood,” Tong Tiehu hurriedly replied.
Yang Ye glanced at Cen Hong once more, then turned to Qiao Changshun. “Let’s go and see Miss Qiao.”
Having said that, he was the first to mount his horse, galloping towards the Qiao family’s residence.
Followed by his guards, Qiao Changshun and Qiao Dami hurriedly rode on the ox cart and donkey cart.
Tong Tiehu also returned. For such an esteemed guest as Yang Ye is to be staying, he needed to make the necessary arrangements.
As each person left the scene, Yang Wang clenched his fists, let out a breath, then turned to Cen Hong and instructed, “You will stay in the town for a few days. When you report to the Emperor, emphasize that you acted in Daqi’s best interests.”
“Eminence, I understand,” Cen Hong replied.
“Good, you may leave. I’ll also stay in Anping Village.”
Cen Hong knew if Emperor Yong’an took Qiao Xiaomai’s side again, the price he paid would be substantial.
Qiao Xiaomai, she had to be obtained.
Thus, as Qiao Xiaomai was assisting Tong Sanlang out from the restroom, there was a knock on the door of the Qiao family home. “Miss Qiao, I’ve come to visit. Tong Sanlang, come open the door!”
The Qiao family had all gone to pay their taxes earlier, so the house was locked.
“Coming!” Qiao Xiaomai assisted Tong Sanlang to sit down under the shade of a willow tree and then ran to answer the door herself.