A Good Country Wife

The butler spoke thus deliberately to incite Ceng Lu’s discontent with Quan An. Although Quan An had been ostensibly discarded by the master in front of everyone, it couldn’t be guaranteed that the clever and active lad wouldn’t charm the master once again. Hence, it was crucial to prevent further trouble.

Nevertheless, the butler harbored a sense of awe toward the bandits of Longhu Mountain. It wasn’t just the mountain’s reputation from the past but also this particular incident. Longhu Mountain wasn’t exactly far from Xin’an City, yet not close either—it would take a fast horse two or three days to cover the distance. Quan An handled matters quite covertly, yet somehow, these details were picked up by people from Longhu Mountain. It was evident that the bandits indeed possessed some abilities and had widespread information networks. Otherwise, how could they have become aware of such a trivial and secretive affair?

The reputation of Longhu Mountain was significant, well-known not only locally but also made more so by the butler’s deliberate exaggeration. When Ceng Lu heard that he was implicated and not only did his government office lose its dignity due to an intrusion but also that he nearly lost the beauty he longed for, whatever little good will he had for Quan An dissipated, leaving only the anger and rage of being dragged into this. If Quan An hadn’t acted selfishly and taken matters into his own hands, Ceng Lu could have arranged things more carefully. How could such a blunder have occurred then?

"The butler is right," Ceng Lu said with a grim complexion, "I’ve been dragged down by the fools below, leading to ruin at the brink of success. It’s utterly infuriating!"

Seeing Ceng Lu’s expression, the butler knew his provocation was successful. Now, if not the best time to bring Quan An down, then when?

"My lord, if I may be so bold," the servant said, "such servants should not be tolerated but punished severely. Only then can you deter the subordinates and demonstrate the sternness of the law! Revered for your daunting name, they would then dare not commit similar deeds and avoid such incidents in the future."

"The butler speaks sensibly," Ceng Lu agreed, "Indeed, that is the case. I’ve trusted Quan An so much, delegated tasks to him without inquiry, never expecting him to betray my trust like this. If I don’t impose a strict punishment, it won’t quell the anger in my heart! Someone, bring Quan An to me; I shall deal with him personally!"

Ceng Lu’s words were gracious, but in truth, he wished to vent the frustrations in his heart. The perpetrators were from Longhu Mountain, and he dared not confront them directly due to the potential repercussions, so he lashed out at those he could control instead.

"My lord, how you deal with such a person is but a word away—why would you need to see him again and sully your eyes?" the butler internally hoped Ceng Lu wouldn’t see Quan An again, for fear that Quan An’s eloquence might sway the master’s mind. A direct disposal would be best.

"Carry out my orders as commanded and spare me your prattle. Are you now questioning my words as well?!" Ceng Lu’s temper rose, scowling at anyone, and rebuked the butler with annoyance.