Chapter 1164: Follow Me

Editor: Henyee Translations

The hesitant men who had planned to storm into the room in search of Shao Yunduan found themselves suddenly unsure about their actions.

Although they were just employees, they understood that they were obligated to follow their employer’s orders. Getting reprimanded or even imprisoned in the Heavenly Mansion Office for a short period or enduring a few lashings was a part of their job. However, the accusation of disobeying the law and defying the court was far more serious than they could handle.

They realized that one misstep could cost them their lives.

Shao Yunduan attempted to defend himself, but his defense only seemed to reinforce Qiao Hongxi’s belief that he was guilty. This excitement in finding Shao Yunduan’s supposed weakness made Qiao Hongxi eager to take him down.

“Don’t think that a few words can scare me off. I won’t leave until I search this place! My sister can’t be mistreated for nothing! Shao Yunduan, if you’re innocent, why are you so afraid?” Qiao Hongxi exclaimed, his emotions running high.

Shao Yunduan fixed a cold stare on him. “Are you absolutely certain that your sister is with me?”

Qiao Hongxi sneered back. “She claimed she was here to see you, yet she never returned home last night. Where else could she be? I won’t be at peace until I see her with my own eyes!”

Shao Yunduan’s sneer intensified as he spoke deliberately, “Very well, I can show the room to you. But you must understand that if we do this without any evidence, it will tarnish my dignity as an officer of the court, won’t it?”

Qiao Hongxi felt a pang in his heart as he recognized the vast difference in their positions. “What do you suggest, then?”

Shao Yunduan smirked confidently. “If you manage to find what you seek, then feel free to act as you wish. But if you don’t, then I will handle things my way.”

Qiao Hongxi rolled his eyes in response. “Fine, it’s a deal!”

Turning to the watching neighbors, Shao Yunduan bowed politely. “Dear neighbors, I’m not comfortable with strangers searching my place. Could you please lend me a hand?”

Qiao Xuan knew how tight-knit the neighborhood was, especially in these alleys where everyone knew each other’s business. As newcomers, she and Shao Yunduan had been treated differently at first.

To integrate into the community, they had taken the initiative to visit their neighbors, offering gifts and showing respect. They took the time to learn about the various families, who had valuable possessions, who had unpleasant reputations, and who needed assistance. They always had treats like candied fruits, peanuts, and melon seeds with them, generously sharing them with children and neighbors alike. They also sought help and advice from the locals when needed.

This approach had allowed them to build good relationships with their neighbors, proving that they weren’t merely naive or foolishly giving away things.

Now, with Shao Yunduan being an officer and having received tutelage from Minister Old Yun, the neighbors respected him even more. So when Shao Yunduan asked for their help, they all nodded approvingly, saying, “Of course, that’s only fair!”