Editor: Henyee Translations
Shao Yunduan noticed that First Old Master Qiao was missing and frowned. He said, "Don’t jump to conclusions. The Deputy Envoy might have had too much to drink and wandered off. Just send soone to find him."
The farewell banquet was being held in a well-lit, scenic courtyard at Shao Yunduan’s residence. It was filled with trusted guests, and the setting was secure. It was unlikely anyone would cause trouble for soone as inconspicuous as First Old Master Qiao.
Shao Yunduan suspected that Shao Liulang was simply trying to stir up trouble for attention.
Shao Liulang, visibly agitated, sneered. "I hope he is found soon. If anything happens to him, I won’t let it go!"
To Shao Liulang’s dismay, First Old Master Qiao genuinely seed to have vanished. Despite a thorough search by the servants lasting over fifteen minutes, he remained unaccounted for.
This was abnormal!
Shao Liulang was even more furious and shouted.
Soon, all the officials at the banquet knew.
"What’s going on?"
"I have no idea!"
"How could a good person disappear?"
"That’s right. It’s too ridiculous!"
"Could he have left on his own?"
"..."
First Old Master Qiao was indeed insignificant in the grand sche of things. Everyone was puzzled by his absence, but no one suspected anything untoward, least of all Shao Yunduan.
This situation only fueled Shao Liulang’s anger and jealousy.
He pressed on, "Shao Yunduan, did you do sothing to Officer Qiao? You owe an explanation for what happened tonight!"
Shao Yunduan’s expression darkened. While he hadn’t done anything to First Old Master Qiao, he suspected Shao Liulang might have had a hand in it.
Zhang Wenshu interjected, "Lord Envoy, be cautious with your accusations! Why would our Lord make things difficult for Officer Qiao? It’s absurd!"
"Exactly!"
"Quite ridiculous, really!"
The room echoed with agreent.
Shao Liulang sneered. "Then why is he missing? This is your domain—you can do as you please!"
Shao Yunduan’s voice was icy. "If I were truly the person you think I am, Sixth Cousin, do you really think you’d be in a position to make such claims here?"
If Shao Yunduan had truly been cold-hearted, Shao Liulang might have found himself in a dire situation by now, having offended him repeatedly since his arrival. It was not inconceivable that he could have ended up severely injured or worse.
Shao Liulang, recognizing the underlying threat in Shao Yunduan’s words, clenched his teeth and said, "Regardless, Officer Qiao’s disappearance is a fact."
Shao Yunduan imdiately ordered a search of the premises and instructed that no one be allowed to enter or leave the yard.
After nearly half an hour of searching, First Old Master Qiao was found in an empty room. Apparently, he had beco disoriented and drowsy from the combination of alcohol and the cool air. In his confusion, he had settled down to rest and fallen asleep.
Had he chosen to sleep in a bed, the search would not have been necessary.
But it wasn’t. He had curled up in the corner and fallen asleep. Late at night, the empty house was silent, with no one around and furniture and curtains obscuring his hiding place. It was unlikely anyone would have noticed him in the shadows.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when they found him. Fortunately, it was a false alarm. If sothing serious had happened, it would have been disastrous if word got out.
Unexpectedly, just as they found First Old Master Qiao, several areas of the courtyard suddenly caught fire for no apparent reason!
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