Chapter 250: Facing the Battle (1)

It hadn't been long since they settled in when Xia Jiang came to visit in person.

"As you requested, the goods are contracted with An Tai."

Xia Jiang's heart settled. "I've cooperated with Master Wu before, and this transaction will definitely be smooth."

"That's the best."

Xia Jiang took a sip of tea. "I wonder when Miss Hua plans to leave?"

Hua Zhi's eyes flickered. "Tomorrow, is there something wrong?"

"The sooner Miss Hua leaves, the better." Xia Jiang hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "If Miss Hua is willing, I can have someone prepare a boat to send you to the next stop of the passenger ship."

Hua Zhi put down her teacup. The information revealed in Xia Jiang's words confirmed her belief that Zheng Bei was not going to give up. Yet, knowing all this, he was still willing to risk a confrontation with Zheng Bei in order to send them away, which showed that Xia Jiang was indeed a man of character, even if there was a degree of genuine sincerity behind the interests.

After a moment's consideration, Hua Zhi asked, "Can Donglai Shipping withstand Zheng Bei's difficulties?"

Xia Jiang smiled bitterly, "I'm not afraid of Miss Hua laughing, but in Xiuyang, only the Zheng family is something the Xia family can't afford to offend. No matter how big and prosperous the Xia family is, it can't compare to the Zheng family having a daughter who is the wife of the official. The only gamble I can make is whether he is willing to fight with my Xia family to the point of mutual destruction for a matter that will not yield any benefits. Although the Xia family is not as powerful as the Zheng family, we are not easy to bully either. If we really fight, we can still bite off a large piece of his flesh."

Hua Zhi smiled, "It seems I haven't chosen the wrong person. Young Master Xia has the courage."

Xia Jiang could only smile bitterly.

"I appreciate your kindness, but if you really drag Donglai Shipping into this, I'm also worried that Zheng Bei will sabotage our deal. If there's a problem with the goods, that will be a big problem for me."

Xia Jiang visibly relaxed. Making this decision, he had also been under a lot of pressure.

After sending Xia Jiang away, Hua Zhi looked at everyone, "Take turns standing guard. I'll say it again, don't take a life."

"Hua Hua, you're too soft-hearted." Shao Yao mumbled, but seeing Hua Hua looking over, she giggled and pretended like she hadn't said anything.

Hua Zhi sighed inwardly. If she could, she didn't want to have any conflicts with people. She was from a peaceful era, and if she could solve problems with money, she wouldn't mind spending a sum of money to avoid trouble, but it was clear that Zheng Bei didn't want just a sum of money.

"Having killed the younger brother-in-law of the Jingzhou Governor, can we really get out of Jingzhou?"

Shao Yao giggled and shook a token, "The Seven Stars Bureau is investigating. Unrelated people should avoid the area."

This act of bluffing was really... Hua Zhi glanced at her, but couldn't help but laugh at her giggling.

"Bao Xia, Xu Ying, no matter what happens later, you must protect the siblings while ensuring your own safety."

"Yes."

Bao Xia was a little nervous. Although she had been practicing martial arts for half a year, she didn't know if she could block someone. Not to mention helping Miss, she definitely couldn't hold Miss back.

"Little Sixth, how many of Cao Dahai's men can you handle at once?"

The Sixth Prince paused for a moment before replying, "Three or four shouldn't be a problem."

"Excellent. Then let's see how you fare. Opportunities like this don't come often."

A small spark of excitement flickered in the Sixth Prince's eyes.

However, from dawn to curfew, Zheng Bei showed no sign of movement. Hua Zhi, far from relaxing, grew even more cautious.

As it turned out, Hua Zhi's vigilance was never misplaced.

As the first rays of dawn painted the sky, Hua Zhi checked out of her inn and headed for the docks. She had barely left when she heard someone calling, "Miss Hua, Miss Hua, wait!"

Jiang Huanran, hair disheveled, chased after her from the inn, still fastening the sash around his waist. His appearance drew curious glances from early risers.

Hua Zhi was a little surprised. Had Jiang Huanran been staying at the inn last night?

"Where are you off to so early, Miss Hua?" Seeing her servants with their bags packed, he realized, "Are you returning to the capital?"

"Yes, I've finished my business and am ready to go back."

"I'll be staying here for another half a month or so." Jiang Huanran looked disappointed. He had hoped to return to the capital with Miss Hua.

"Enjoy your stay, Mr. Jiang. Farewell."

"I'll see you off." Seeing Hua Zhi's gaze, Jiang Huanran grinned, "It's rare to meet someone from home in a strange place. You can't deny me even this small favor."

Hua Zhi didn't refuse. In modern times, they could have simply added each other on social media. Here, where such friendships were uncommon, she had no qualms about walking a short distance with him.

It was still early, but the docks were already bustling with activity. Hua Zhi stopped to say goodbye to Jiang Huanran, but when she turned around, she saw the entrance to the docks blocked. There was also movement behind her, and as she turned, she saw that the people she had previously assumed were ordinary travelers were now surrounding her.

So this was where they were waiting for her!

As a scion of a noble family, Jiang Huanran knew what he needed to know, even if he wasn't an expert. Seeing the situation, he immediately dropped his playful demeanor and stood in front of Hua Zhi, casually tying up his hair. "Do you know who these people are, Miss Hua?"

"The younger brother-in-law of the Jingzhou Governor. I'm afraid he's going to implicate you, Mr. Jiang."

"Hmph, don't mention the younger brother-in-law of the Jingzhou Governor. Even if the Jingzhou Governor himself came, I wouldn't be afraid of him. Miss Hua, that's an unkind thing to say. We people from the capital can't be bullied by outsiders." But damn it, he'd left his sword at the inn!

People from the capital were exclusive but also looked out for one another. Hua Zhi appreciated this and her impression of Jiang Huanran improved slightly.

The crowd parted, and a man with a greasy face and a black complexion, who was wielding a folding fan, walked forward with a smug expression. "Running, are you? You don't run very fast. Keep running!"

Jiang Huanran's face twisted in disgust. "I've seen men wear makeup, but never such an extreme example. It's truly... eye-opening."

Zheng Bei strode directly towards Hua Zhi, his eyes lighting up as he got closer. The rumors were true. She was indeed a stunning beauty. Haha, she had fallen into his hands and thought she could escape?

"A young lady like you shouldn't be out in the wind and rain. Why don't you come with me? I'll make sure you eat well, drink well, and live like a goddess..."

"Slap!" A clear sound of a slap interrupted Zheng Bei's boastful words. Shao Yao reappeared beside Hua Zhi, wiping her hand vigorously with a handkerchief. "I think I've smeared half a pound of powder on my hand."

Zheng Bei couldn't believe his ears. He had been slapped!

In all his life, no one had ever dared to touch him. And today, he had been slapped by an outsider!?

When he heard Shao Yao's words, he was so angry and humiliated that he almost fainted. Trembling, he pointed at the group and shouted, "Kill them! Leave that woman alive, but kill everyone else!"

How arrogant!

Just because he was the younger brother-in-law of a governor, he dared to take so many lives so casually. It was clear that the governor himself was not a good person. Seeing Shao Yao charge into the crowd excitedly, Hua Zhi no longer tried to stop her. She had no intention of letting others take their lives while she remained passive.