The two stood facing off for a moment. Shen Yangge steeled himself and continued, "Zhang Xiaoshi, don't regret it if something happens later."
Zhang Xiaoshi raised an eyebrow. "I don't know why you're running, but I think this distinguished guest must have a grudge against you. He's here to arrest you, isn't he?"
He was indeed here to arrest him.
As for whether he held a grudge, Shen Yangge would only know once they actually met.
"What are you standing around for? Come see Steward Zuo with me."
Of course, Shen Yangge wasn't really going to follow him to the front courtyard. He merely went along for a few token steps before turning and running back. It took Zhang Xiaoshi quite a while to realize he wasn't following.
Being played for a fool felt awful. Anger flushed his face, and he immediately went back to report it to Steward Zuo.
A servant going missing from the estate was a fairly serious matter. After all, they had signed away their freedom and affixed their thumbprints. One running away was like having something stolen from your own home.
Steward Zuo immediately informed the master of the household.
"You're saying that fellow called Wang Gousheng ran away?"
Steward Zuo nodded. "He did. He should be almost out of the city by now. Master, shall we send men to bring him back?"
The master waved a hand. "There's too much going on tonight. Let him run for a few more days, then send someone to catch him. I doubt he'll get far."
The man seated behind a low table rose to his feet.
The sudden movement startled the master, who asked quietly, "Your Highness, is something wrong?"
Chu Xuanzhen said, "After him."
At his command, several guards stationed beside him left at once.
The