A Good Country Wife-Chapter 703 - 696_1

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.

Seeing Ceng Lu’s reaction, the butler became anxious yet dared not speak further, lest Quan An was brought down before him and he incurred the master’s wrath. He quickly bowed, "This servant dares not. I will bring Ceng Lu forthwith."

Quan An was locked up in the dungeon by order of the butler, who had hinted to the jailer. The jailer had long found Quan An disagreeable and certainly made it hard for him. Quan An had never expected the butler to mess things up and land him in such dire straits; he was furious and regretful. He feared the master was now truly annoyed with him, for the earlier attitude spoke volumes. He needed to figure out a way to regain the master’s favor. Even if he lost his previous position and had to serve by the master’s side temporarily, as long as he wasn’t completely dismissed, he could have a chance for a comeback.

"Quan An, the master wishes to see you, come out at once!" the jailer said peevishly. Before, he might have feared repercussions should Quan An return to favor, but now, having made an enemy of him, even polite behavior wouldn’t spare him from Quan An’s vengeful nature. His only option was to align staunchly with the butler to secure his position.

Quan An glared fiercely at the jailer before emerging from his cell. But even within that short span, he had suffered greatly, limping due to an aggressive felon he had been locked up with. No doubt the despicable jailer obeyed the butler and scribe’s instructions, confining him with death row inmates known for violence and murder. Add to that Quan An’s own unscrupulous past deeds, some prisoners were there because of him, harboring resentment. With a chance for revenge and goaded by the butler’s insinuations, they didn’t hesitate to make Quan An’s life a living hell. Thus, within this brief time, Quan An was already in a miserable and sorry state.

Outside, the butler waited for the jailer to bring Quan An. Seeing him in such a condition, he felt a sense of satisfaction and couldn’t hide a sarcastic smile. "Comfy in the cell, Quan ’Your Lordship’? It seems not so well nowadays. The once high-spirited look has turned into this. It goes to show, being too arrogant doesn’t end well!"

"The butler’s words are noted," Quan An replied, "I extend the same advice to you. You’ve done plenty of despicable acts yourself, and you never know, one day you might end up worse than me! Moreover, I may still have a chance to turn things around. The master still wishes to see me, doesn’t he? Your recent ’hospitality’ is well remembered, and I shall undoubtedly repay it in kind eventually."

Quan An barely restrained himself from lashing out at the butler, speaking with a chilling smile that sent shivers down one’s spine. Unsettled, the butler wanted no further exchange.

"Dream on about turning things around. Let’s go; the master is furious and intends to deal with the criminal personally." The butler strode ahead, unwilling to further demean himself by quarreling with a sunken dog like Quan An.

Hearing the butler’s words, Quan An realized the situation was dire. The butler and the scribe had always despised him; they probably did not miss the chance to kick him while he was down and sully his reputation. Now it was crucial that he seize the next opportunity to reaffirm the master’s faith in him, or there might be no coming back.

When Ceng Lu saw Quan An, he launched into a tirade. Quan An took it silently until Ceng Lu began to speak of punishment when he promptly raised his voice. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

"My lord, I recognize that I’ve bungled this matter, but my intentions were genuinely for your sake. Moreover, this situation is not beyond redemption. I’ve already thought of a plan that will surely help you win over the beauty!"

Hearing Quan An’s words, Ceng Lu hesitated. Whatever else might be said about the man, he was full of cunning ideas and might indeed have come up with an effective strategy.