Chapter 464 - 458_1
The servant sent by Master Wei knew that returning without any information was unacceptable. At the moment, they were inquiring along the way about the whereabouts of Zhang Qiusheng’s family, causing the delay. They had considered sending someone back first with news, but no one wanted to take on that task. Having served under Master Wei for some time, they knew all too well about his ruthlessness and tactics. Going back like that, even if just to deliver a message, would at the very least result in twenty lashings. Not to mention, if Master Wei was in a bad mood, nobody would want to return to face that. So they decided it was better to come back with some clues to show for their efforts, at least that way they had something to report.
Unfortunately, on their way back, they could not find any news. It wasn’t until they reached the Zhao Family village and spent some silver coins that they finally learned Zhang Qiusheng’s family had taken refuge with Zhao Erhu and were now working as carpenters in his home.
No wonder they didn’t catch up to them; the family wasn’t fleeing, they had found a refuge instead. The Wei Residence’s servants knew about the Zhao Family and were aware of the feud between both households. Confirming that Zhang Qiusheng had sought refuge with the Zhao Family meant they couldn’t simply barge in and snatch people away. With several servants and hired hands in the Zhao household, and the support of the villagers, they stood no chance. The only option was to go back to the Wei Residence to report, knowing the whereabouts of Zhang Qiusheng’s family was at least some form of explanation. Even if the master wasn’t satisfied, the worst they’d face was a beating.
Master Wei had been waiting anxiously for the return of his servants, and without asking the outcome, he berated them at first to vent his frustration. Only after letting out his anger did he inquire about the details.
The servants relayed everything that had happened and what they had learned in the Zhao Family village to Master Wei. To their surprise, after hearing the report, Master Wei calmed down instead of getting angry, which was quite unexpected.
"What? You’re saying that ungrateful father and daughter sought refuge with Zhao Erhu? That’s truly laughable. I’ve been thinking about taking action against Zhao Erhu recently, and look at them, flocking together. This actually saves me the trouble of making a separate move."
Of course, Master Wei wasn’t upset. After all, with the Magistrate as his support, Zhao Erhu appeared to him as no more than a lamb ready for the slaughter. Soon enough, not just Zhang Qiusheng and his daughter but everything Zhao Erhu owned would be his, including Zhao Erhu’s wife, who was even more beautiful than Zhang Qiusheng’s daughter, possessing a grace and temperament incomparable to any vulgar women. All would fall into his hands.
But as the butler listened to Master Wei, he grew worried. "Master, Zhao Erhu is a tough man and has bought off many people. We didn’t gain any advantage when we last confronted him. I fear that even with all our servants, it might not be possible to take his family down."