Dandy Escapes From Marriage - Chapter 33

While Fang Qiong was still busy with his wedding arrangements and had ordered people to pursue them, he continued to hurry through the preparations for the wedding ceremony.

 

Seeing him complete the rituals and lead his bride to the bridal chamber, once the marriage was settled, Zhang Moyang anxiously rushed outside the city.

 

Several miles out, sure enough, he saw officials scattered everywhere, searching for Liu Shu’s figure.

 

He thought for a moment, considering that since this guy deliberately attracted attention, he should have a way to escape. So he instructed the coachman to turn around and return to the inn in the city. Pushing open the door, he saw Liu Shu leisurely drinking tea.

 

“You really…” Zhang Moyang panted as he sat down, deliberately lowering his voice, “don’t care about your life? If Fang Qiong catches you, there will be no mercy.”

 

“He’s busy today, how could he leave on such a good day?” Liu Shu chuckled.

 

“Why did you lead the officials over? Looking for the missing girl?” Zhang Moyang asked.

 

“There has been no news these days. These people are really useless. Fang Qiong is only concerned about his wedding, eager to have all the yamen officials over there. By doing this, these officials won’t pay close attention unless they thoroughly search. It’s not easy to go back and report.” Liu Shu snorted coldly, “I’ve been displeased with him for a long time.”

 

“Who hasn’t.” Zhang Moyang cursed a few times before turning to look at him, his pupils narrowing, “But… who are you exactly?”

 

“Your father.” Liu Shu glanced sideways, “Didn’t I respond to you more than twenty times? You unfilial child.”

 

“Get lost. I’m serious.” Zhang Moyang tilted his head, carefully examining his face, “Are you the young master of the Liu family?”

 

“Do I look like the young master of the Liu family?” Liu Shu raised an eyebrow, teasingly smiling, “Is he not enjoying his golden nights and raising chickens and farming here?”

 

Zhang Moyang stroked his chin, pondered for a while, and couldn’t figure it out. Only a fool would do such a thing, right?

 

“But the impression you gave me at the restaurant just now was so much like that young master Liu.” Zhang Moyang sighed.

 

“That’s because of your influence. After hearing you talk about him last time, I thought that Young Master Liu seemed quite cool, so I wanted to imitate him.” Liu Shu said.

 

“You imitated him really well.” Zhang Moyang gave him a thumbs up, “I bet even he would be confused if he saw you.”

 

“Probably.” Liu Shu grinned uncontrollably.

 

Today, Liu Shu stayed in town. By nightfall, the group of searching officials had not returned, and the lively banquet had already begun at the Fang family’s place.

 

Zhang Moyang squeezed among a group of revelers, escorting Fang Qiong to the bridal chamber, making a ruckus for a while before leaving with the others.

 

He walked at the back of the crowd, deliberately slowing his pace. As he passed the front courtyard and turned to the other side of the new house, he suddenly heard Fang Qiong roar angrily, “Who are you? Where’s my beauty? Where’s my big beauty?!”

 

“Pfft.”

 

Zhang Moyang ran to the inn to find Liu Shu, mimicking Fang Qiong’s tone at the time with malicious glee, thoroughly amused by himself.

 

After laughing enough, he realized that Liu Shu just smiled faintly without much reaction, looking absent-minded.

 

“What’s wrong with you? What are you thinking?” Zhang Moyang asked.

 

The moonlight was thick. Liu Shu sat on the windowsill, his eyelashes casting a faint shadow. He half-closed his eyes and murmured softly, “I wonder how A Ke is doing.”

 

It took Shen Ke three and a half days to leave the jurisdiction of Chuzhou. Chuzhou was not large in overall area, but its terrain was remote and complex, with many mountain roads. He also changed carriages several times along the way before finally arriving in Huaizhou.

 

The prefectural government office was located in Huaizhou, with much wider streets and bustling shops and vendors everywhere. Having stayed in a small town for a long time, he suddenly felt somewhat uncomfortable upon entering here.

 

He touched the jade pendant in his hand and walked towards the prefectural government office.

 

“I, Shen Ke, request to see the prefect, concerning the matter of bandits. Please inform him.”

 

The guards glanced at him, and one of them went inside to report. Soon after, he came out and said, “Please come in.”

 

Shen Ke entered the gate and saw a monk sweeping the floor in the courtyard. He was puzzled, “Huishang, what are you doing here?”

 

Huishang suddenly turned around, ran up to him with the broom in his hand, looking sorrowful, “You finally came to rescue me!”

 

“Rescue you?” Shen Ke was puzzled, “What happened? Aren’t you supposed to explain the situation to the prefect?”

 

“Yes, I told him about the bandits and County Magistrate Fang’s affairs, just like you said. I even showed him the letter you specially wrote. But then… he detained me!” Huishang said anxiously.

 

“Why would he detain a monk like you?”

 

“…I came here on my own and haven’t received any letter.”

 

“You’re so proactive in throwing yourself into the net? Admirable.”

 

Shen Ke glanced at him, and Huishang immediately shut up, picking up the broom to continue as a floor-sweeping monk, murmuring softly, “Honestly, I can’t tell if this prefect is good or bad. On one hand, if he wants to detain both of us who know the truth, it seems like he’s in cahoots with County Magistrate Fang. On the other hand, he didn’t mistreat me during meals and actually seems to have sent people to Chuzhou to investigate the matter’s truth.”

 

Just then, a servant approached and asked, “Are you Master Ke Shen Ke?”

 

“That’s me.”

 

“Please come with me. The prefect is out on official business and will be back soon.”

 

“Alright.” Shen Ke followed and was led to a guest room in the backyard of the yamen.

 

The room was elegantly furnished with a few calligraphy and paintings on the walls. One of the orchid paintings was hastily done, seemingly painted freely, more likely the work of a child.

 

Before long, the servant brought in some refreshments and then closed the door.

 

“It’s over. You’ve been detained too.” Huishang waved the broom, walked to the window, and whispered to him.

 

“… ” Shen Ke took a piece of green bean cake, “Do you want some?”

 

“Give me two pieces.”

 

As the sky gradually darkened, the prefect, who was supposed to return shortly, had not yet come to see him.

 

“It’s really over. I just heard the servant calling for the prefect earlier. He must have returned but deliberately didn’t come to see you.”

 

“No worries. Want some green bean cake?”

 

“Give me another two pieces.”

 

Late at night, the servants all left, and Huishang returned to his own room. The courtyard fell into silence.

 

Moonlight spilled like water, and Shen Ke stood at the window, staring at the moon in a trance.

 

Footsteps sounded outside the door, stopping at the entrance. Then a deep voice sounded behind him, “Master Ke is enjoying the moon at this hour. But whom are you missing?”

 

Shen Ke smiled lightly, “There is indeed someone at home that I’m concerned about.”

 

The person chuckled coldly, “If you’re concerned about someone at home, why leave without a word?”

 

“Sorry.” Shen Ke turned around, gazing at the figure standing at the door. The dim light only outlined his blurry face, making it hard to see the expression in his eyes, but Shen Ke couldn’t help but smile, “Long time no see, elder brother.”

 

“I thought you had forgotten about me long ago.” Shen Huai paced in, sizing him up, “You’ve slimmed down quite a bit. Seems like life outside isn’t that good.”

 

Shen Ke laughed, “If you want to make fun of me, go ahead. Don’t hold back.”

 

Shen Huai chuckled coldly twice, poured tea for himself, and sat down, “When did you figure out it was me?”

 

Shen Ke turned his head, looking at the painting hanging on the wall, “Is this one of Ninger’s recent works?”

 

“Yeah.” Mentioning Ninger softened Shen Huai’s expression a bit. Looking at the painting, a smile appeared in his eyes, “She painted it for me before leaving… I wonder how your little nephew taught her to paint like this.”

 

After saying that, he glanced at Shen Ke, “You do have a conscience to recognize her brushwork.”

 

“You made your test too obvious. Who would hang a painting of their own child in a guest room?” Shen Ke chuckled, “But why did you come to Huaizhou?”

 

“The old prefect retired, and the Emperor transferred me here.”

 

Although the Emperor is young, he has been guided by the Regent Prince since childhood and has several wise generals and ministers to guide and teach him, giving him the appearance of a wise ruler.

 

Now that the Regent Prince has retired and handed over power, he is determined to exert his influence. Therefore, he favors young officials like Shen Huai, not only to establish his own political power but also because young people are more energetic and eager for reform.

 

“Congratulations on your promotion.” Shen Ke smiled, “Did Sister-in-law and Ninger come with you?”

 

“No, once things settle down on my end, I’ll bring them over.” Shen Huai said, then glared at him without hiding his annoyance, “If you had just honestly participated in the imperial examinations, you might already be in the Hanlin Academy by now. Even if I left the capital, at least there would be you to help take care of our elderly parents.”

 

“I had no choice either.” Shen Ke, even now, found it somewhat troublesome to think about his sudden marriage. “Do you know anything about my unexpected marriage?”

 

“I heard our parents mention it once in passing before, but I didn’t pay much attention. I never thought they would actually keep harping on about this marriage.” Shen Huai could somewhat understand him on this point, which was why he hadn’t sent anyone to forcefully bring him back.

 

For most people, an engagement could be accepted, and if it couldn’t be cultivated, there was always the option of taking a concubine. However, Shen Ke’s engagement was with another man.

 

Regardless of whether or not he took a concubine, Shen Ke’s daily immersion in poetry and books did not seem like the behavior of someone who liked men. Just imagining Shen Ke spending every day with another man was something even Shen Huai, his elder brother, found hard to imagine.

 

“In fact… I think our parents regret it now.” Shen Huai sighed, “At least Father’s attitude seems indifferent. Otherwise, you would have been dragged back long ago.”

 

“I figured as much.” Shen Ke had been worried when he first left home, but now, after half a year without any word, it seemed his father didn’t have such a strong desire to bring him back.

 

“Are our parents doing well?”

 

“They’re fine, always taking Ninger out for walks.”

 

“And Sister-in-law?”

 

“She’s fine too, just complaining about you not being at home. Ninger has lost interest in practicing calligraphy and painting.”

 

“After returning to the capital, I’ll make sure to teach Ninger well.”

 

“When will you return to the capital?”

 

Shen Ke paused. “Let’s focus on the matter at hand. Did you read the letter I sent through Huishang?”

 

Shen Huai gave him a meaningful glance. “I did, and I’ve already sent people to investigate.”

 

“That’s good. I thought I’d have to persuade you, but having you as the prefect saved me a lot of trouble.” Shen Ke smiled sincerely.

 

“Don’t mention it, Master Shen Ke.”

 

Shen Ke smiled awkwardly and then became serious again, “But I came here specifically to say that the situation with the bandits has worsened.”

 

Shen Huai also put away his mocking expression, “How so?”

 

Shen Ke briefly recounted the disappearance of the two girls. “After leaving town, I immediately went to the neighboring town and learned that another girl disappeared while traveling alone on the road. She still hasn’t been found.”

 

“I’m too busy here to leave. Take this token, and tomorrow I’ll send a team of elite soldiers with you. When you return to the yamen, have them cooperate with you on this matter.” Shen Huai took out a token. Shen Ke took it, stared at it for a moment, and realized that it wasn’t inscribed with ‘Shen,’ but with the character ‘Zhao.’

 

For now, the emperor’s surname is Zhao.

 

“Don’t mess it up.”

 

“Got it.” Shen Ke put away the token.

 

The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, Shen Huai went to the yamen and assembled a large team of soldiers to accompany him back.

 

At the moment of parting, the brothers had nothing to remind each other of their brotherly affection. They were too close to have this moment of contact. Just as Shen Ke was about to sit in the carriage, he suddenly heard him ask, “When you were admiring the moon last night, who exactly were you thinking about from home?”

 

Shen Ke was stunned.

 

“Since you know Father isn’t mad at you and you don’t want to return to the capital, are you secretly settling down outside?” Shen Huai frowned and asked.

 

“No…” Shen Ke thought for a moment, carefully choosing his words, “I’m not settling down, just thinking that life is good now, with good friends, meals, and seasons.”

 

Shen Huai looked at his shabby clothes. “You’ve really grown up. If Mother saw you like this, she’d kill you… Hurry up.”

 

“Wait, what about Huishang…”

 

“I’ll be right out.”

 

Shen Ke smiled and, once Huishang was on the carriage, hurriedly set off on the return journey.

 

After more than half a year, seeing his elder brother and learning that their family was safe and sound, a heavy burden was lifted from Shen Ke’s heart. Occasionally, he would recall the happy scenes of their family together.

 

But as the convoy entered the jurisdiction of Quzhou, his thoughts of home gradually gave way to thoughts of his “good friends.”

 

In the blink of an eye, over ten days passed. He wondered how they were doing and how he himself was faring.

 

Riding non-stop back to town, the accompanying troops immediately attracted the attention of onlookers along the way, who began whispering to each other, suspecting that something big was about to happen.

 

Passing by the inn, Shen Ke and Huishang got off the carriage and went ahead to meet up with Liu Shu and Zhang Moyang.

 

To their surprise, the house was empty. Shen Ke asked the waiter, “Has Zhang Moyang not brought his friends here today?”

 

“No, Miss Zhang has disappeared too. He wouldn’t have had the mind to come here,” the waiter replied.

 

“What? Miss Zhang has disappeared?” Shen Ke’s expression changed slightly, and he hurried to inquire about the situation at the Zhang residence.

 

Zhang Moyang came out to meet them, looking worn out with red-rimmed eyes. “You’re finally back.”

 

“Miss Zhang really disappeared? Where did she disappear from? Why was she alone outside the city?” Shen Ke asked urgently.

 

“She didn’t disappear from outside the city but from within,” Zhang Moyang paused, giving him a deep look, “And she wasn’t alone. She disappeared with Xiaowu.”

 

Shen Ke’s face changed instantly.