Are you being reasonable

In just one day, the Tiqi Division had completely changed hands, completely renewed from the inside out.

The three captains of the Tiqi Division had all been replaced by Ren Tianye's men, bearing his mark and entirely different from before.

As the Commander, Chen Liang knew that the tide had turned against him.

Any further effort would be futile, so the thought of leaving sprouted in his mind.

However, before leaving, he still needed to see Pei Jingzhi. Firstly, to express his apologies; secondly, to hope Pei Jingzhi would leave with him. Right now, the gates of the capital were wide open, so there was still a chance. If they delayed, they would only end up losing their heads.

Thirdly, he wanted to ask Pei Jingzhi for advice on who he should seek refuge with.

Gu Qingyue was forming an all-female army, so it would certainly be inappropriate for him to go there. Besides, he didn't think she would succeed.

But where else could he go?

Harboring these thoughts, Chen Liang arrived early at the Pei residence the next day. Since Madam Liu was currently away, and given his close personal relationship with Pei Jingzhi, he only needed to inform the gatekeeper before walking straight in.

He strode inside.

Before he even reached Pei Jingzhi's study, he saw a woman carrying a huge travel bag, looking in a great hurry. Looking closely, it was none other than the key figure in the crucial plan he and Pei Jingzhi had previously devised.

Hongxiu!

The singing and dancing girl kept by Pei Jingzhi in his residence.

However, although she was an entertainer, Pei Jingzhi treated her exceptionally well. Her status was almost on par with the Pei family members, and she was also highly respected outside.

Because of this, Chen Liang did not dare to be disrespectful. He cupped his hands in a polite greeting, I am Chen Liang. Greetings, Lady Hongxiu.

Lady Hongxiu, are you...

Going out?

Chen Liang asked, his mind racing.

He suddenly remembered a donkey cart parked not far outside the Pei residence when he arrived. It seemed to have been waiting for a long time, and a scholar-looking man on the cart kept looking anxiously toward the manor.

His heart skipped a beat, and Chen Liang seemed to realize something.

Yes, going out!

Hongxiu just nodded casually and was about to brush past him. But Chen Liang knew that Lord Pei's blood had not yet run cold and Hongxiu was still part of his plan. Now that he had run into her, how could he easily let her go?

Wait a moment...

Chen Liang stepped sideways, stopping Hongxiu. Where are you going, Lady Hongxiu?

Just taking a stroll! Hongxiu still didn't want to talk much and replied sullenly. She casually brushed her hair back, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful side profile, but that face was filled with... utter impatience!

Is it really as simple as just taking a stroll outside?

Chen Liang's eyes turned slightly cold as he blocked her path. Why do I get the feeling that Lady Hongxiu is running away from home?

Chen Liang, mind your own business!

As an outsider, how could I manage your affairs? However, right now your business concerns Lord Pei's affairs, so I cannot let you act recklessly.

Chen Liang shifted his body, completely blocking Hongxiu's path of retreat, his tone growing even colder. Lady Hongxiu, I am afraid you want to leave the Pei residence for good, do you not?

Who gave you the order?

Your deed of bondage is still in Lord Pei's hands. Who allowed you to leave like this?

Hongxiu could barely handle the rest, but the moment the words deed of bondage were mentioned, it completely hit her sore spot. Her face instantly turned red, and she flew into a sudden rage.

It is just a piece of paper! Why should it tie me to the Pei residence? You people are too overbearing. You have been domineering for so many years, and you still want to be like this now?

Are you being reasonable at all?

Chen Liang was speechless.

Such words caught him off guard, but he never liked to get entangled with women over matters of love and affection. He simply asked coldly, It seems you are doing this behind Lord Pei's back?

Who is the person taking you away?

Is it that down-and-out scholar outside the door?

You want to leave with him, looking as shabby as he does?

Yes, I am leaving with Chancellor Han! Hongxiu answered resolutely, as if defending something precious in her heart. I am going with Chancellor Han to Yunjing, and from now on, I will never return to this sorrowful place!

The Great Yu Dynasty had two capitals and thirteen provinces. The two capitals were the current capital, Shuojing, and the southern auxiliary capital, Yunjing.

This Hongxiu wanted to run off to Yunjing?

And... had she suffered some massive grievance here in Shuojing?

Chen Liang frowned and said coldly, Here in the capital, being kept in the Pei residence, Lord Pei has treated you quite well, has he not? He has not bullied you like they do in other noble households; he practically holds you in the palm of his hand.

In the capital, Lord Pei has given you power, status, and wealth... What grievance could you possibly have suffered?

Hongxiu was already full of grievances, and hearing Chen Liang say this completely broke her composure. She instantly lost her temper and shouted, All Pei Jingzhi can give are these useless things!

What use are the power, riches, and wealth he gives me?

What I want is a soulmate!

A companion who can understand the meaning of my dance!

A companion who shares a mutual appreciation with me!

But I have none of these!

Now that I have finally found the love of my life, why will you not let me go?

Why?

Chen Liang felt as if rolling thunder had exploded above his head, and his mind buzzed. It took him a long while to comprehend Hongxiu's way of thinking, and in that instant, he suddenly felt a bit of appreciation for Ren Tianye.

The Demon Suppression Division truly needed to be established!

If it was not, how could they wipe out these freaks and monsters?!

His gaze grew increasingly sharp. Why? Because of the laws of Great Yu, and because you are a singing and dancing girl privately kept by the Pei family. Your life belongs to Lord Pei, not to you!

Furthermore...

Chen Liang looked at Hongxiu's bulging backpack and said, Even if Lord Pei released your deed of bondage and agreed to let you go, do you think you can just take the Pei family's belongings as you please?

Did you not want to find a good man who understands you?

Why not let your good man support you?

You still want to loot the Pei family's wealth? Have you eaten the heart of a bear and the gall of a leopard to be this audacious?

Fine, I will not take them! Hongxiu was also stubborn. She threw the bundle she had painstakingly packed onto the ground. With a crash, everything scattered open, revealing that it was entirely filled with gold, silver, and fine jewelry.

Obviously, she had packed up all the rewards Pei Jingzhi and Madam Liu had bestowed upon her over the years.

Now, having dropped it all, she stood tall and proud. Chancellor Han does not care about these worldly possessions. He is my lifelong love. Whether we are rich or poor, he will take care of me!

Then, Hongxiu said coldly, Now, can I leave?

In your dreams!

Chen Liang did not give her a chance at all. He even felt he had wasted too much breath on her. Mostly, after hearing Hongxiu's words, he was so overwhelmed with indignation that he could not help but spit it all out.

Right now, whether Hongxiu took the Pei family's wealth or not, without Pei Jingzhi's consent, he would absolutely not let her leave easily.

He summoned two servants and ordered them to stop Hongxiu.

He would personally go and ask Pei Jingzhi.

...