Nine out of ten gamblers lose; I've run into a jerk!

Chapter 188 Layout

"Mingzhu, let's part ways here. I'll come looking for you once I've settled in."

Circumstances dictate that Zhen E could only pretend to be obedient for the time being, with only one request: to bring his younger sister into Yongzhou so that she could find another way to make a living.

This was a piece of cake for Manager Wu; it was just a matter of a few words. Once past the checkpoint, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Zhen E had no chance to speak alone with Ye Mingzhu. He uttered words to deceive the others, but his grip on Ye Mingzhu's arm tightened slightly. Having been childhood sweethearts for over ten years, he figured Mingzhu should understand his implication.

Head towards Pingshan Pass first. I'll find an opportunity to take care of them and then come find you!

Ye Mingzhu tilted her head slightly to meet Zhen E's firm gaze. Her eyes went from bewilderment to astonishment, and finally to complex grief and indignation. She gripped his hand even tighter. "Second brother, as long as we're alive, we can fight again. Wait for me!"

After saying that, she turned and ran, covering her mouth with one hand to hold back her tears. My second brother has really sacrificed too much!

Zhen E was a little confused by Ye Mingzhu's last move. Before he could think about it, his thoughts were interrupted by a shrewd-sounding voice.

"Alright, come back to the manor with us now. You need to tidy yourself up properly."

“Exactly, what’s there to be sad about?” someone chimed in. “Serve your husband well, and your good fortune is yet to come.”

A flash of coldness crossed Zhen E's eyes, then he turned around and curled the corners of his lips into a smile, "Alright~"

Ha! A tiger fallen into the plains, and they really think he's a dog!

If it weren't for the fear of accidentally hurting Mingzhu, and the inconvenience of escaping with Mingzhu, he wouldn't have taken these small fry seriously. Once Mingzhu was far away, they would get what's coming to them!

·

Yucheng

"Guo Canjun replied?" Tao You was pleasantly surprised. "Quick, get the car ready!"

"But... Seventh Master hasn't returned yet..."

Tao You paused slightly, and after only a moment's thought, she made a decision: "Guo Canjun is a confidant of the Marquis of Yongyi, and cannot be neglected. I will introduce him to my seventh brother again when there is another opportunity."

……

As the sun set and the moon rose, just before curfew, the magnificent carriage leisurely drove into the Tao residence.

"Please slow down, my lord." The attendant carefully helped Tao Yang out of the carriage.

"Hiccup~" Tao Yang hiccuped, his steps were slightly unsteady and his figure swayed, clearly he was a little drunk.

As Tao Yang stumbled through the flower-lined gate, perhaps because it was dark and the road was narrow, he bumped into a figure walking in the opposite direction.

Hearing a soft cry of "Oh dear!", Tao Yang knew he had bumped into a woman. He quickly steadied himself and moved aside. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was Lin Youniang.

"Why is Aunt Lin going out so late? She didn't even light a lantern. If she falls, Third Brother will be heartbroken."

Lin Youniang bowed slightly and said, "My lord has not yet returned from seeing Military Advisor Guo. I would like to go ahead and greet him."

Tao Yang's smile faltered. "Military Advisor Guo..."

"My lady~" As she spoke, the little maid came running over with a lantern and muttered softly, "You're walking so fast, Xiuer can't keep up."

Lin Youniang nodded shyly to Tao Yang and prepared to continue walking. As she walked, a shimmering light flashed around her waist in the lantern light.

Tao Yang's expression changed. "Wait!"

Perhaps due to the effects of the alcohol, Tao Yang acted faster than he thought, directly grabbing the jade pendant from Lin Youniang's waist.

Xiuer exclaimed in surprise, protecting Lin Youniang, "How can Seventh Master be so rude!"

Tao Yang ignored him, staring at the jade in his hand, his face growing increasingly grim.

Seeing this, Lin Youniang shrank back in fear, then mustered her courage and whispered, "This is the betrothal gift that my lord gave me. I hope that Seventh Master will return it..."

"Crack—" The jade fell to the ground, accompanied by Tao Yang's angry shout.

"A mere illegitimate son!"