Chapter 1161: Good Tolerance
Editor: Henyee Translations
Shao Yunduan’s eyes were filled with a chilling sneer as he looked upon the scene.
That was a good plan!
Deep down, he knew that the unexpected encounter with Qiao Wei at his doorstep while he was inebriated, and with Qiao Xuan absent, was no mere accident. It had to be orchestrated, likely involving the Tian Family or the Fourth Prince’s mansion. Only they could have ensured he got drunk tonight.
While the Qiao Family might have seen this as a golden opportunity to bring Qiao Wei closer to the Crown Prince, they couldn’t have controlled whether he would end up inebriated or not.
Recognizing the scheme at play, Shao Yunduan jotted down a few notes and dispatched Songshi to the Crown Prince’s mansion. He instructed Songshi to find the patrolling soldiers and inform them that he had forgotten about an urgent matter that needed his attention. This way, he could excuse his hasty departure from the current scene to avoid potential trouble.
With still some time before midnight, Songshi discreetly left the place, his presence hardly drawing any attention. However, when he stumbled upon Qiao Wei lying on the ground, he was taken aback and wisely refrained from probing further.
Their master would never approve of Elder Miss Qiao, so Songshi was convinced that he had been deceived. Despite this, he had no intention of casting Qiao Wei aside. He and Songshi knew that transporting her elsewhere was challenging as they lacked a wagon and risked being noticed if they tried to move her discreetly.
Moreover, leaving Qiao Wei outside would mean subjecting her to the freezing weather, potentially resulting in her death. If she were to pa.s.s away near her own home, suspicion would undoubtedly fall on them.
Another concern was the possibility of guards sent by the Tian Family or the Fourth Prince being stationed nearby. Any attempt to carry Qiao Wei away could lead to their capture, and explaining their actions would be an arduous task.
Aware of the potential enemies he would encounter once he became the Crown Prince’s confidant, Shao Yunduan had always been vigilant. However, he had never expected such a vile scheme to be set in motion against him.
Fortunately, his alcohol tolerance saved them from disaster. Otherwise, they would have been in grave danger.
Yet, who could have predicted that their peaceful day of enjoying mountain scenery and poetry would turn into a night of revelry and drunkenness at home? It was not uncommon for them to doze off under such circ.u.mstances.
But they were waiting for them here!
Shao Yunduan felt that he would have been utterly humiliated if he had been set up in his own home. Nothing could be more frustrating than this.
Taking a moment to compose himself, Shao Yunduan decided to take action. He retrieved some ropes and securely tied up Qiao Wei, making sure she couldn’t cause any trouble. The sight of her, the lineal daughter of the Qiao Family and a n.o.ble lady, bound and helpless filled him with disgust.
Meanwhile, Songshi ventured outside and quickly located a small team from the Military Department responsible for night patrols. He revealed his ident.i.ty and explained the situation, requesting their a.s.sistance. Upon learning that it concerned the Crown Prince, the team didn’t dare to waste any time and immediately sent two men to accompany Songshi to the crown prince’s mansion.
Arriving at the crown prince’s mansion late at night, Songshi’s presence startled the gatekeeper, who promptly allowed him in while notifying the Crown Prince of his arrival.
Upon reading the note Shao Yunduan had entrusted to Songshi, the Crown Prince’s expression turned grave, his inner fury mounting. Had it not been for Shao Yunduan’s ability to handle alcohol, his reputation would have suffered irreparable damage the following day.