Chapter 2095: Parting On Bad Terms
As long as the Imperial Court issued a decree, Anze Province would comply without question!
Otherwise, it would be out of the question.
Shao Yunduan saw nothing wrong with his stance. Prefect Liu was being excessively demanding and miserly.
Moreover, in these turbulent times, Shao Yunduan was keenly aware of Prefect Liuâs ulterior motives. Why should he acquiesce to such demands and invite trouble upon himself?
Furthermore, Shao Yunduan had every confidence and justification to refuse. He wasnât afraid of potential retaliation.
His confidence stemmed from his own abilities and the righteousness of his cause. Anze Province was self-sufficient, as dictated by the imperial courtâs decree in the past. If Prefect Liu wished to change this, he would need to provide clear justification, not merely issue arbitrary commands.
With just one sentence, Prefect Liu sought to strip away the hard-earned wealth that Anze Province had diligently accumulated. Such a proposition was utterly unreasonable.
If Anze Province ever required assistance, would Prefect Liu care about their well-being? It was highly doubtful.
Shao Yunduanâs priority was to safeguard Anze Province whenever possible, regardless of other concerns.
Both parties parted on sour terms.
Grandmaster Miao returned once more, adopting a more conciliatory tone, almost pleading with Shao Yunduan. She implored him to make an exception and not exacerbate the situation.
At the very least, she begged, donât let Constable Li return empty-handedâŠ
Otherwise, he would face repercussions from Lord Liu.
However, Shao Yunduan remained steadfast.
If he relented now, it would only invite further trouble down the line.
Better to reject the request from the outset rather than prolong the inevitable confrontation.
If conflict was inevitable, it might as well be resolved sooner rather than later, sparing Anze Province unnecessary turmoil.
Grandmaster Miao was visibly frustrated.
But there was little she could do.
Prefect Liu didnât anticipate Shao Yunduanâs stubbornness, so he refrained from instructing him on the next course of action.
Grandmaster Miao, convinced that Shao Yunduan wouldnât waver, prepared to depart. But before leaving, he had one last task to attend to.
This time, he arrived accompanied not only by Constable Li and three hundred men but also by a young woman named Qingwan and two maidservants, claiming they were special rewards from Prefect Liu to Shao Yunduan.
âIâve heard that Lord Shao lacks attendants for tea, paper, and ink. Miss Qingwan is skilled in music and calligraphy, just seventeen this year, as lovely as a flower and sharp as a whip. Mrs. Liu handpicked her for you. Lord Liu holds you in high regard, hehe!â
Shao Yunduanâs expression darkened.
âIf theyâre so highly regarded, please take them back to serve Prefect Liu, Grandmaster Miao. I have no need for them here.â
Grandmaster Miao had harbored a secret envy of Shao Yunduanâs reputed success with women. Yet, upon hearing Shao Yunduanâs refusal, he was taken aback. âLord Shao, why are you doing this? Donât you appreciate Prefect Liuâs kindness?â
Prefect Liu genuinely sought to foster good relations with him; otherwise, he wouldnât have extended such rewards. Shao Yunduanâs ability to govern Anze Province was indeed rare in this tumultuous world. Prefect Liu might find himself dependent on Shao Yunduan for numerous matters, thus valuing him greatly.
To Grandmaster Miaoâs surprise, Shao Yunduan rejected the offer.
Grandmaster Miao reiterated, âLord Shao, this is a gesture of goodwill from Prefect Liu! He values your alliance! Are you truly going to spurn it?â
Rejecting Prefect Liuâs overtures would signal a definitive rift between them. And thenâŠ
Grandmaster Miao knew all too well the potential consequences.
Thus, he couldnât help but feel apprehensive.
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