Chapter 946: Chapter 945: So Arrogant He Deserves a Beating
The Tenth Prince’s Mansion had been infiltrated by thieves, especially on the men’s side, causing quite a disturbance. Even the women’s area was somewhat affected, making everyone uneasy, not knowing what had happened.
In this unsettling atmosphere, people gradually began to take their leave, but they still had to be inspected before they could go. This action displeased some greatly.
Wasn’t the Tenth Prince’s Mansion treating everyone like thieves?
This was too much!
Yet, constrained by the Tenth Prince’s status, everyone was angry but did not dare to speak out. After all, he was a Legitimate Imperial Son, respected and noble.
Once outside the Tenth Prince’s Mansion, both Yuan Ye and the others heaved a sigh of relief. Today’s task had passed safely, more smoothly than expected, especially considering the mishaps others had encountered at the Tenth Prince’s Mansion before.
"When it comes to composure, none of you can match a little girl." Ah Jiu glanced at them sideways.
Yuan Ye and the others looked embarrassed.
Upon returning to the mansion, they learned that Wufu had not yet returned, causing Ah Jiu to frown slightly.
Seeing this, Yuan Ye asked, "Sir, should I send someone to assist the lady?"
Ah Jiu nodded, "Send someone to check."
"Yes."
"Sir, Mr. Yan has arrived," Xiao Li reported as he entered.
Ah Jiu glanced toward the door, where Yan Er swaggered in and plopped himself down in front of his desk.
"I thought you would never return from the Tenth Prince’s Mansion," Ah Jiu raised an eyebrow.
Yan Er grunted, "Stop speaking so sarcastically. I’ve not forgotten I’m a Beiyan person."
Ah Jiu smirked at him, "Oh? The unruly and wild Yan the Top Scholar should have forgotten. After all, Beiyan is small and can’t hold such a grand presence like you."
"With that tone, is the Ninth Prince targeting me? So what if I dislike court affairs? Can you force me to stay? You can retain my body but not my heart. What’s the point?" Yan Er snorted, "Different paths lead to different goals. Don’t you know?"
Ah Jiu looked at him with a half-smile.
Yan Er rubbed his nose, coughed, and said, "Alright, I at least covered for you today. The thief at the Tenth Prince’s Mansion, that was you, right?"
Ah Jiu ran his fingers along the rim of a teacup, glancing at him without answering.
"I knew it was you. I knew you wouldn’t appear at such a banquet for no reason. You usually despise such trivial gatherings. You must have had another purpose."
"It’s not like I’m just saying it, even if you pretend, at least put on a better show. Pretending to be a merchant’s son yet sometimes acting more arrogantly than the host," Yan Er said disdainfully.
"There’s no helping it. I was born noble and proud; Zhao Mingjun can’t compare," Ah Jiu sneered.
Seeing his arrogance, it really made one itch to punch him.
Yan Er’s mouth twitched, "Arrogant, are you? If it weren’t for me, you would have almost been unmasked."
"Oh, so I should thank you? Tell me, how did you cover for me?" Ah Jiu chuckled.
Yan Er was briefly at a loss for words, feeling a bit guilty, remembering that he had explained him away as an arrogant, young man, sent over because many in Beiyan wanted to deal with him!
But of course, such words were best kept to oneself, lest he finds out and gives him trouble one day.
"Fine, you don’t respect the old, I won’t argue with the young. Tell me, what did you steal from them? What was so valuable that it warranted your personal risk? Haven’t you heard, ’A wise man keeps out of danger,’ or do you believe being the Ninth Prince gives you nine lives like a cat?"
Ah Jiu’s expression relaxed. Though Yan Er’s words seemed mocking and reprimanding, they carried a faint trace of concern and care.