Chapter 101 - 101: Going to the Lin Family

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“They offered a price that didn’t even cover the cost of the paint, naturally, 1 couldn’t agree to such a proposal.”

“After hearing my refusal, they started to rob and beat me.”

The shopkeeper’s eyes were filled with rage as he uttered the last sentence.

Upon hearing the shopkeeper’s words, Jiang Peihuan’s eyes revealed a hint of chill. She glanced at the group and finally focused her gaze on the man in charge, “Do you have anything to refute the shopkeeper’s words?”

“Miss, we did this for the shopkeeper’s sake. After all, the refurbishment of the palace is the Emperor’s task. All the officials have started contributing, I think the merchants of the capital should also…”

“Are you saying that what the shopkeeper said is true?”

Without waiting for the man to finish, Jiang Peihuan coldly interrupted him.

The man wanted to deny it but felt a chill at his throat. He looked up and saw the long sword in Xiao Nanye’s hand pointing directly at him, “So, according to you, it is the Emperor’s fault?”

“No, no…”

Hearing Xiao Nanye’s words, the man quickly waved his hand.

However, Xiao Nanye sneered,” “Lin Ruhai, you have some nerve. Today, I would like to see who you’re relying on.”

“Han Feng, let’s go, take them to the Lin’s Mansion.”

After that, Xiao Nanye turned to Jiang Peihuan next to him, his voice softened instantly, “Huan Er, you should return to the general’s mansion. I’ll handle this matter.”

“I’ll go to the Lin Mansion with you. After all, this matter involves my aunt’s shop.”

“Alright, let’s go together.”

To Jiang Peihuan’s decision, Xiao Nanye didn’t object.

Han Feng, who was watching, rolled his eyes, he knew very well that his master just wanted to spend more time with the young lady.

After Jian Peihuan got onto Lie Feng’s back, she turned to Deputy General Liu and said,” Return to the mansion and inform Third Uncle about this matter.” “Yes, but what about you, miss?”

“Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, no one will harm her.”

Seeing the anxious look in Deputy General Liu’s eyes, Xiao Nanye immediately spoke up. Hearing these words, Deputy General Liu gave a respectful bow to Xiao Nanye and rode away.

Shortly after, Xiao Nanye and Jiang Peihuan left for Lin’s Mansion with the shopkeeper and the group.

Lin Mansion.

Due to the matter of raising funds for the refurbishment of the palace, Lin Ruhai had been in constant stress. He was sitting in his study contemplating how to assist Xiao Junhao. Lin Mengyao was sitting beside him. Suddenly, a hurried knock on the door interrupted him.

“Come in.”

The butler entered the study, “Master, King Cheng is here.”

“King Cheng?”

Hearing the butler’s words, Lin Ruhai was taken aback, quickly rising from his seat.

Lin Mengyao, who was seated beside, was also surprised. She asked, “Why would King Cheng suddenly visit? Who else is with him?”

“Along with King Cheng, Eldest Miss Jiang from the Jiang family is also here. And Lin San. It seems like something has happened.”

Upon hearing the butler’s last sentence, Lin Ruhai frowned.

“Father, we should go to the main hall. We can’t keep King Cheng waiting.”

Seeing her father in deep thought, Lin Mengyao reminded him. Hearing her words, Lin Ruhai nodded in agreement.

Moments later, father and daughter appeared in the main hall.

As soon as he entered, Lin Ruhai saw Lin San kneeling on the floor.

Upon seeing Lin Ruhai, Lin San appeared as though he’d seen his savior, but seeing the stern expression on Lin Ruhai’s face, he felt a sense of foreboding.

“King Cheng, 1 wonder why you’ve graced us with your presence so late at night?” Lin Ruhai greeted Xiao Nanye with a smile, trying to hide his confusion.

“Is this man yours?” Xiaonan Ye pointed at Lin San who was kneeling on the floor.

After giving Lin San a cold glance, Lin Ruhai admitted, “Yes, he works in my house. I wonder what he has done to upset Your Highness?”

“You seem unaware of what good deeds he’s done, Lord Lin?”

Seeing Lin Ruhai pretending to be at a loss, Xiao Nanye spoke with a faint smile. His eyes were full of mockery.

Upon meeting his gaze, the smile in Lin Ruhai’s eyes stiffened slightly, but he still spoke softly, “I genuinely do not know, I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me, Your Highness.”

“Huh…”

Xiao Nanye scoffed, and then spoke in a sarcastic tone, “Lin Ruhai, I am surprised that you dare to misuse the Emperor’s orders for your own personal gain.”

“Your Highness, where does this accusation come from? I’m truly being wrongly accused.”

“If Lord Lin feels wronged, how do you explain the incident of someone from your side trying to steal paint from my third aunt’s shop tonight?”

As soon as Lin Ruhai’s words fell, Jiang Peihuan spoke directly.

Sitting at the end of the table, Lin Mengyao, hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, quickly spoke up, “Miss Jiang, my father is always straightforward and would never do such disgraceful things. Please be careful with your words.”

“Miss Lin, there’s no need to be so agitated. I’m just saying the truth.”

Having said that, Jiang Peihuan looked directly at the shopkeeper.

Receiving Jiang Peihuan’s gaze, the shopkeeper stepped forward and repeated what he had said earlier.

After the shopkeeper finished speaking, Jiang Peihuan looked at Lin Mengyao, “Miss Lin, you might want to ask the your people, has the shopkeeper said anything untrue?”

Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Lin Mengyao’s face turned grim, she subconsciously looked at her father.

Seeing the increasingly troubled look on Lin Ruhai’s face, Lin Mengyao frowned.

Just as he was about to speak, a mocking voice came from the entrance, “Lord Lin, you cannot curry favor with Prince Qing using my wife’s property. Or are you suggesting that you think I, Jiang Ren, am easy to bully?”

As the voice trailed off, Jiang Ren’s tall figure appeared next to Jiang Peihuan.

Seeing Jiang Ren, Jiang Peihuan moved forward to salute him, “Third Uncle.”

Xiao Nanye acknowledged him with a nod.

Jiang Ren glanced at the two of them, then turned his gaze to Lin Ruhai, “Lord Lin, according to your people, this act was carried out under orders. But it seems my Jiang Mansion has not received any decree from the Emperor, I wonder whose order was it that you were following?”

When Lin Ruhai saw Jiang Ren appear, his already stern face turned even more grim.

But to Jiang Ren’s question, he had no way of explaining.

In the silence, Lin Mengyao suddenly stepped forward, bowed to Jiang Ren, and then spoke softly, “Lord Jiang, this incident is a misunderstanding..”