NOVGO.NET Chapter 2359: Showdown
Chapter 2359: Showdown
Shao Yunduan recognized that persuading Shao Liulang was futile. “That’s all I have to say. If you choose not to listen, so be it. But I advise you to be cautious—sometimes danger comes when you least expect it.”
Shao Liulang merely snorted in response.
Shao Yunduan continued, “You don’t need to waste any more time here. Stay in Hangzhou if you like, but know this: if we meet again, it will be as enemies.”
They would inevitably cross paths again. Shao Yunduan had already shown restraint. Next time, he would act as needed given Shao Liulang’s attitude.
No one would accuse Shao Yunduan of being cold or heartless. After all, everyone had to own the consequences of their actions, including both Shao Yunduan and Shao Liulang.
Otherwise, Shao Yunduan might as well heed Shao Liulang’s advice and avoid this conflict altogether.
Shao Liulang, realizing his cousin’s seriousness, was both surprised and scornful. “Fifth Cousin, you certainly have become impressive!”
Shao Yunduan remained silent.
Shao Liulang, seething with irritation, thought to himself that if Shao Yunduan were to fall ill or face misfortune, it would be his own doing. Yet, he was tempted by the prospect of controlling the southern part of the country.
“The Qin Dynasty is thriving, and the Emperor firmly holds the throne. Anyone who dreams of usurping him is merely fantasizing. Since you’re so obstinate, don’t expect any leniency when the Emperor’s army is in control. I won’t intercede on your behalf!”
Shao Yunduan gave him a cold glance. It seemed clear that Shao Liulang had no intention of speaking civilly.
“It seems there’s no reason for you to stay any longer. I’ll return to the capital in three days. Fifth Cousin, I trust this farewell banquet will be appropriately grand. Rest assured, I won’t waste my efforts again.”
Shao Yunduan responded with a curt nod. “Of course.”
Shao Liulang arranged a return trip and held a farewell banquet the following night.
True to his word, Shao Yunduan made the banquet a grand affair, with even more officials in attendance than at the previous reception. It was a spectacle meant to showcase the character of the Fourth Prince, the imperial envoy sent by the Emperor. The intent was clear: to let everyone see what kind of person he was, and perhaps disillusion them about his true nature.
Shao Yunduan informed First Old Master Qiao about the Ruan Family’s situation and asked him to take them away.
First Old Master Qiao was taken aback. He had not anticipated so many complications involving the Ruan Family. Despite his reluctance, he knew better than to refuse.
Given the way Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan had handled the situation, there was no room for him to object. He had no choice but to comply.
As anticipated, Shao Liulang kept his remarks measured during the farewell banquet. Despite this, his mood was clearly sour, and he seemed disengaged, merely going through the motions of entertaining his guests.
The same applied to First Old Master Qiao. He was wary of mingling too much with the officials from Hangzhou City, fearing that any misstep might draw the Emperor’s suspicion upon his return.
Halfway through the banquet, First Old Master Qiao excused himself from the table and did not return for an extended period.
Shao Liulang noticed his absence and had his men search for him, but their efforts proved fruitless.
Growing increasingly frustrated and slightly inebriated, Shao Liulang confronted Shao Yunduan, demanding to know his intentions. He felt that Shao Yunduan was responsible for the situation and was concerned that any grievances might be directed at him, despite his own role as a deputy commissioner.