Proud Feather

Chapter 82 Surrender
Zhu Fan's expression became a little tense after hearing these words sincerely. After a long while, he said, "You also know that I can't clear myself of this. What's the point of me crying out for justice?"

Her voice was choked with sobs, and Zhang Qianyi fell silent.

After a moment, he sighed, "Life is unpredictable. You and I were born into official families, living a life of luxury since childhood. Even studying early was considered hardship. I never expected to be reduced to a prisoner overnight, even having to work hard to save my life. Ah Fan, I can only say that this world is too dirty. It's difficult to be a clean person."

Zhu Fan finally broke down in tears and replied, "The moment my Zhu family was imprisoned, our old friendship was severed. Today, I simply consider it my own fate. You can go now. We will each accept our fate in the future. We don't need to see each other again."

"A Fan..."

Zhu Fan turned his head away and stopped looking at him.

Zhang Qianyi seemed to want to say something else, but he heard a noise outside. Someone had noticed the lights here.

He didn't have time to say anything else, so he just said, "I'm leaving! Take care of yourself."

Zhu Fan lowered his head and said nothing.

Zhang Qianyi wanted to say something else, but in the end he just sighed silently and turned away.

After a while, those people finally found this place.

"Captain Zhu! Captain Zhu is here!" a security guard shouted.

The steward of Xianle Tower came over quickly, took a closer look, and with some relief, asked, "Miss Zhu, are you okay?"

Zhu Fan nodded: "I'm fine."

"Where's the thief?"

"When he saw you guys coming, he left quickly."

The steward breathed a sigh of relief, but before he could ask any further questions, Chu Xiaojiu arrived and shouted, "Master Zhu? That's great, Master Zhu is fine. Eh? Why is there only one person here? Where's my uncle?"

Zhu Fan was stunned by his question: "What?"

Chu Xiaojiu slapped his thigh anxiously, half of it was real and half of it was acting: "Master Zhu, my uncle is missing too, this is killing me!"

The steward asked, "Miss Zhu, did you see anyone else?"

Zhu Fan shook his head: "No, it's just me."

"That's strange." The steward wondered, "Where did that young master go?"

Chu Xiaojiu said decisively: "No! We have to find someone to help us quickly... Who should we find? The Dali Temple! Yes, Lord Gao!"

After saying that, he ran out.

The steward hurried to stop him: "Young Master Jiu, this might be a misunderstanding. Your uncle hasn't come out at all and is still in the building..."

He could tell at a glance that the robbers tonight were no simple men. He knew that it would be better for Xianle Tower to play down the matter. If the government intervened, the restaurant might have to close down, and then it would be unable to do business!

Unfortunately, Chu Xiaojiu ran very fast and reached the door of the abandoned house in just a few steps.

"Master Gao! Master Gao, you're here!"

The steward was startled to see a group of people carrying lanterns approaching in the night. Although the leader was dressed in casual clothes, he had a dignified demeanor and was accompanied by legitimate officials—people from the Dali Temple!

Oh no, it really is the government! That's not right. Why are people from the Dali Temple here? They're not responsible for patrolling the streets, so who reported the case?

Chu Xiaojiu was also a little confused. He thought that since the princess was close to the Dali Temple, it would be best to find Gao Mian to take charge of the situation, but he didn't expect that Gao Mian would come so suddenly!

Gao Mian led the group in and strode in. He glanced over and asked, "Miss Zhu?" Zhu Fan had already been untied and replied in a daze, "Yes."

Gao Mian looked down at him and said calmly, "The suspect Zhang Qianyi has refused to be arrested. I have already found out that he has been here. Miss Zhu, please come and assist in the investigation. Take him away!"

The steward was shocked: "Master Gao! Our Zhu Xingshou is the victim! She is a girl and being taken away like this will definitely cause criticism. Master Gao, please be merciful and let us go back. We will go to the Dali Temple to assist in the investigation later. Master Gao, we have had dealings with the Dali Temple in the past, and I, your subordinate, Mr. Ke, also know him..."

As he spoke, he moved his sleeves and tried to stuff something in.

Gao Mian didn't give him face. He put his hands behind his back and said coldly, "How can we allow you to bargain when handling a case at the Dali Temple? This is an important case ordered by the emperor. If you keep making excuses, you will be taken away with me!"

Is it that serious? While the steward was stunned, the police officer came forward and took Zhu Fan away.

"Master Gao, Master Gao!"

The manager chased after him, but it was of no avail.

What's going on tonight? No, I have to tell the boss quickly...
-
Zhang Qianyi walked through the weed-covered path and quickly headed towards the damaged area of the wall.

When he came out of the abandoned house, he suddenly saw several figures and immediately took a defensive stance.

"Who?"

"Zhang Qianyi?" Chu Ling blocked his way.

Zhang Qianyi's face was filled with surprise. Had his whereabouts been discovered? But the people on the other side didn't look like police officers! Two young men and a... girl?
"Who are you?" He quietly raised his hand and touched behind his waist.

"Don't move!" Qingcha shouted, "If you had a weapon in your hand, your crime would be different."

She exuded the aura of a master, and Zhang Qianyi paused.

"Who are you?" he asked cautiously, "What do you want to do?"

"Don't get excited." Yang Yu waved his fan, acting leisurely. "We heard what you said to Zhu Xingshou, but we don't agree with your logic. If you leave like this, not only will you have no hope, but Zhu Xingshou will also have no hope. Moreover, the crimes of your fathers will never be washed away, and they will be cursed by future generations. Master Zhang, think about it again. Do you really want to escape?"

This title made Zhang Qianyi dazed for a moment. It had been a long time since he had heard anyone call him Young Master Zhang. From the moment his father was imprisoned, the few short months felt like half a lifetime.

But he quickly came to his senses and shouted, "This is none of your business."

"Of course it's my business." Chu Ling said coldly, "If the Dali Temple is looking for you, then I'm looking for you!"

What? Zhang Qianyi was stunned for a moment.

At this time, there was a mixed but orderly sound of footsteps coming from the avenue outside, as if many people were rushing towards this side.

When he saw the torch flashing by, Zhang Qianyi's face changed drastically.

Officials! It seems to be officials! Did Xianlelou report this to the authorities? The Jinwu Guards? Or the government office?
The torches paused briefly at the door of the abandoned house before rushing in, and then chaotic noises came from inside.

"Did you hear that?" Yang Yu smiled. "Master Zhu has been arrested. Do you think she'll listen to you and put all the blame on you?"

“…” Zhang Qianyi’s expression changed.

"She's already a criminal. If she's caught entangled with a suspect, what will become of her? Master Zhang, you mean well, but you've misjudged Zhu Xingshou's temper. She'll just accept her fate and won't use this as an excuse to escape. She finally got out of the Jiaofangsi, and now she's back in the government office. You've put her through so much hardship!"

Zhang Qianyi collapsed: "Stop talking!"

Yang Yu's smile faded, and he said coldly, "If I don't tell you, will you deny the facts? Now the choice is before you. Either you run away and let Zhu Xingshou bear all the blame alone. Or you go back with us and surrender yourself, taking all the blame. At least she can return to Xianle Tower."

My bedtime is delayed. I need to try harder.