After speaking, Zhao Han, flicking his sleeves, left in anger.
Zhao Xuan turned, his lips moving, but in the end, nothing was said.
"Go and follow the young master," Zhao Xuan said.
The man nodded, about to leave, but then turned back.
Seeing this, Zhao Xuan asked, "Is there something?"
"The young master seemed to have seen an acquaintance just now."
"What acquaintance?" Zhao Xuan became alert.
"Your subordinate doesn't know, but judging by the young master's expression, it seemed very familiar."
Zhao Xuan nodded upon hearing this, "Alright, I understand. You go and follow him! Report anything that happens promptly."
Zhao Han's acquaintance? Who could it be?
Just as Zhao Xuan was feeling puzzled, a guard approached, "Eldest Young Master, Magistrate Zhao has sent someone to invite the Eldest Young Master to his residence."
"I know," Zhao Xuan said, following the guard away.
Not far away, Xue Xingyue watched Zhao Xuan leave. As she was about to step forward, someone tapped her on the shoulder from behind. She turned to see Zhao Han standing there. He had been wearing a blue robe just moments ago, but now he was dressed in exquisite jade brocade, his features exceptionally refined, a picture of a vibrant and polished young gentleman.
"Miss Xue, why are you here? I went to the Fu Lai Inn earlier and couldn't find you," Zhao Han said, not looking at her, his gaze slightly lowered. He casually tugged at the jade pendant at his waist.
"I remembered I still had some matters to attend to," Xue Xingyue replied.
"Matters? What matters?" Zhao Han looked up at her, his eyes exceptionally clear.
Xue Xingyue looked at him and said, "I wish to see an old friend."
"An old friend? Haven't you seen them yet?" Zhao Han asked.
She shook her head, "Not yet, but it should be soon."
"Then shouldn't you be preparing good food and wine? What are you doing here?" Zhao Han asked, puzzled.
"Because, he will be coming this way."
"I'll accompany you," Zhao Han said.
Xue Xingyue did not reply, instead gazing into the distance. After waiting for a while, Zhao Han grew impatient, "Miss Xue, why hasn't your old friend arrived yet?"
"Because he cannot come."
Zhao Han looked at her, his gaze questioning, "Miss Xue, what is wrong with you? Why can't he come?"
He saw her suddenly extend a finger, pointing to a spot not far away, "Because he is there."
"Where?" Zhao Han asked.
"Just there, can't you see them among so many people?" Xue Xingyue asked.
When Zhao Han looked to where she was pointing, towards the group of exiled criminals, he stared at her in disbelief, "Miss Xue... you..."
"My old friend is there," Xue Xingyue said, looking at him, speaking each word deliberately.
"Miss Xue, but those are all exiled criminals. How could your old friend be among them?" Zhao Han exclaimed in surprise.
"They are indeed exiled criminals, but why shouldn't my old friend be among them? He did nothing harmful or wicked. He merely saved someone he shouldn't have, and was thus thrown into prison and convicted."
"Miss Xue, are you sure you haven't mistaken someone?" Zhao Han could never have imagined her old friend would be among the exiled criminals.
Xue Xingyue did not answer Zhao Han's question, merely looking at him. "Zhao Han, I'm going to rescue my old friend shortly. What will you do?"
"You... you intend to rob the prison?" Zhao Han's gaze was fixed on her.
"Yes," Xue Xingyue stated solemnly.
"Miss Xue, please don't joke with me. This is not a good joke," Zhao Han stepped forward.
"Young Master Zhao, I am not joking with you. I truly intend to rescue my old friend. Initially, I planned to keep it from you, but I consider you a friend, and I cannot keep secrets from a friend. If I were to lose you as a friend because of concealment, I would not be reconciled."
Her clear gaze was exceptionally firm, like a clear spring, flowing into his heart, leaving a lingering aftertaste, making her unforgettable.
Zhao Han felt a stir within his heart. His family never told him anything they did, attributing it to his rashness, his impulsiveness. But who knew that he simply wished to attract their attention? He detested those who spoke of concern on their lips, detested being kept in the dark for their own good. What he wanted was trust, and he wasn't afraid of even the worst consequences.
And now, the person who trusted him had appeared.
He raised his head, his gaze as clear as a bright pearl, emitting a brilliant radiance.
"I will help you," Zhao Han suddenly said, word by word.
"You cannot," Xue Xingyue refused directly.
"Why?"
"Young Master Zhao, I am telling you this because I don't want to lie to you, but I absolutely will not let you get involved."
"But, without me, you cannot succeed," Zhao Han shook his head.
"I know, but I also don't want you to get involved. Young Master Zhao, I am already very happy that you are not stopping me, after all, robbing the prison is a matter of great importance to the Zhao family. It could possibly..."
Zhao Han seemed to recall something. He looked at her and said, "Alright, I will not get involved. You go ahead!"
Xue Xingyue glanced at Zhao Han. Zhao Han smiled, "I've listened to you, don't you trust me?"
"Thank you," Xue Xingyue said, and then moved forward.
Zhao Han's gaze suddenly darkened. With a flick of his hand, a muffled groan was heard from not far away. A person fell to one knee, a dart lodged in his knee.
Zhao Han walked over and said, "I told you, I don't like being followed. Since my brother asked you to follow me, you must listen to my words, right?"
"Young master, this is a matter of urgency, you..."
"I didn't say not to report, but I'll go with you!" Zhao Han said, walking forward. Miss Xue, all I can do for you is to delay my brother. I hope you succeed.