Chapter 914 - 387: Lv Yao
The Chief Steward took one look at this person and knew he was here to cause trouble. If they were to capture him now, they would only confirm the accusation that the General’s Mansion was abusing its power and kidnapping women. The Chief Steward quickly instructed someone to inform the Second Old Grand Master and An Zhichen about this.
The face of the An Family’s Second Old Grand Master was very unsightly: "The imperial envoy was supposed to arrive in Haikou yesterday, yet he hasn’t arrived today. Now there’s a group of people causing a scene at the General’s Mansion’s gate. It’s obvious they’re targeting us." He had managed to stay in Haikou for over twenty years based on the Emperor’s trust. But no matter how much the Emperor trusted him, he had to maintain his own reputation. If the imperial envoy confirmed the accusations of abusing power and kidnapping women, his position would be insecure. There were plenty of people eyeing that position, eager to rise up.
An Zhichen coldly remarked, causing trouble neither too early nor too late, precisely on the day following the imperial envoy’s arrival. Whoever was behind this wanted to bring his Elder Uncle down and ruin his reputation. An Zhichen didn’t need to think too hard to know who was behind the scenes: "Elder Uncle, let me handle this matter."
The Second Grand Master nodded: "Alright, take a hundred soldiers with you." The General’s Mansion had a hundred and fifty soldiers guarding it, and with another hundred, it was more than enough to protect the place.
With a hundred soldiers, An Zhichen surrounded the group causing trouble at the General’s Mansion. Looking at the man leading the group, An Zhichen asked expressionlessly: "Are you saying I kidnapped your daughter?"
The man, seeing the fierce-looking soldiers, felt a bit anxious, but soon straightened up, shouting: "Give me back my daughter!"
An Zhichen coldly asked: "Are you saying I forcibly kidnapped your daughter?"
The man changed his tone, saying: "My daughter was taken by pirates. A few days ago, I heard you raided the pirates’ den, yet you didn’t release my daughter. I’m grateful you saved her, but you can’t keep her just because she’s beautiful."
An Zhichen’s face remained impassive as he instructed the gatekeeper: "Since this man claims Lv Yao is his daughter, have the steward bring out Lv Yao." An Zhichen could easily arrest these people now; daring to besiege the General’s Mansion could be charged with treason. However, An Zhichen knew that this was a critical time, and he couldn’t act rashly. He had to ensure his side was in the right before dealing with these people.
Hearing An Zhichen’s words, the man felt a sense of foreboding. But he was riding a tiger and couldn’t back down now.
Soon, a veiled woman emerged from the mansion. She wore a green Jade Smoke Shirt and a hundred-pleated skirt in mist-green, with a high, soft chest and a slender waist that seemed almost too fragile to hold. She swayed seductively as she walked. Even though her face was hidden, just her figure and the alluring way she walked revealed she wasn’t from a respectable family.
Gazing at the veiled woman, An Zhichen asked: "Lv Yao, this man claims to be your father? You told me when you came that your parents had passed away, and I took you in because you had nowhere to go. So why is there suddenly a father now?"
Lv Yao immediately knelt on the ground, softly crying: "My lord, I dare not hide it from you; my parents did indeed pass away a long time ago."
The man addressed the veiled woman: "Maner, your father knows it was negligence that led to you being taken by bandits, but how can you not acknowledge your own father?" Despite his sorrowful tone, the man’s acting wasn’t convincing as his eyes remained dry of tears.
Lv Yao didn’t argue with the man, instead, she removed her veil directly. Most of the onlookers were men, and upon seeing her unveiled face, nearly all swallowed hard.
Lv Yao’s features were exquisite, her complexion as lustrous as jade. Her large eyes were playful, charming, and seductive, shrouded in mist, brimming with allure. Her slightly parted red lips seemed to invite a kiss.
After removing the veil, Lv Yao deliberately glanced at the crowd. Her gaze, both affectionate and reproachful, coupled with her coquettish and enticing demeanor, left those with weak wills weak in the knees, and even those with strong self-control had physiological reactions.
An Zhichen, who had excellent self-control, wasn’t swayed by Lv Yao, but he had to admit that this woman was a true earthly marvel. No wonder his brother had spent so much money and effort to keep her outside.
The woman, wearing a mocking smile, addressed the man who claimed to be her father. A beauty is a beauty; even a frown or a smile captivates: "My parents passed away when I was six. Soon after, my uncle and aunt sold me to a brothel. Until half a year ago, I was held by a pirate masquerading as a merchant in a house, and only recently was I rescued by Lord An. And you claim to be my father?"