Facing the chaos on the ground, Jiang Han seemed unfazed. However, the onlookers around him felt a pang of sympathy. If the Magistrate sent someone over, perhaps they could truly give Shopkeeper Jiang some justice? Alas, that was just a dream. Not long ago, when Governor Langya Prince had rewarded them with flowers and blocked off the roads, they had conveniently forgotten.
As for Jiang Han, who seemed to have unknowingly offended Langya Prince, others could only feel regret.
On the road, Su Qianxue urged anxiously, "Speed it up! If anything happens to Shopkeeper Jiang, I won't let you off easily!" She then turned to Yan Dong and said, "You should have come to find me as soon as they went to Jiang Han's shop! What are you dawdling for?"
Yan Dong felt a bit wronged. Initially, she had been so angry that she confronted them directly. Surely that didn’t take too much time? Upon reflection, it might have indeed caused some delay. "Your Majesty, forgive me. The people from Langya Prince came in such a fierce manner; no one expected it."
Indeed, just last night, they had sent people to hunt down Jiang Han. As soon as they discovered he was still alive, they immediately dispatched more to ensure he had no chance to catch his breath.
In their impatience, they finally arrived outside Jiang Han's shop. It was surrounded by various spectators, and even the Government Office personnel were present.
" Shopkeeper Jiang, the items belong to your shop, and the person collapsed after consuming your goods. There’s really nothing more to discuss here. Take him away!"
Jiang Han showed no expression. Su Qianxue couldn’t contain her anger; veiled and determined, she stepped forward to block their way. "I dare you to take him away!"
Her furious shout, combined with her inherent authority as a high-ranking individual, startled the officers momentarily.
After a long pause, one of them finally regained his composure. "Who are you? We are ordered to capture the criminal; how can you obstruct us?"
Su Qianxue produced her Imperial Merchant badge. "I am an Imperial Merchant appointed by His Majesty! Jiang Han is someone who provides supplies for our Great Zhou. What is your intention in casually capturing a benefactor of our soldiers?"
Che Liu's eyes brightened at this revelation. Just looking at this Imperial Merchant's figure made it clear how well she took care of herself. Her exposed delicate hands were as smooth as cream—fairer than many young ladies he had seen before. Even though her face was veiled, her extraordinary beauty was evident.
This must be the Imperial Merchant that our Prince and the Heir Apparent are looking for!
Che Liu stepped forward and said, "Miss, Jiang Han is trying to harm our Langya Wangfu by leveraging his supplies. The Government Office is merely seeking justice for us."
The words "seeking justice" sounded like a joke.
Su Qianxue understood well that since this official was summoned by Langya Wangfu, he would undoubtedly protect his own. If Jiang Han went with them, the consequences would be dire. However, when she looked at Jiang Han, she noticed that he had little expression on his face. It felt as if even without her intervention, Jiang Han could make the Government Office's people back off.
That relaxed demeanor clearly showed he was enjoying the spectacle of Che Liu and his companions! This deepened her respect for Jiang Han considerably. If they wanted justice, then let His Majesty come forward to seek it!
Che Liu's lips twitched. "Is it really necessary to trouble His Majesty over such a trivial matter?"
Su Qianxue's aura pressed against the officials before her. "When it comes to matters involving Langya Wangfu, it seems the Governor's authority isn't quite sufficient!"
"I'll say this clearly: if you dare to take Jiang Han away, we will all meet in court tomorrow, and His Majesty will resolve this matter. How does that sound? Or are your Prince and the Heir Apparent afraid of His Majesty's intervention?"
Che Liu was left speechless by her words. He couldn't make decisions at this moment. The other officials were equally embarrassed. Were they really going to go back empty-handed?
They exchanged glances, and finally, Che Liu steeled himself. "May I ask which family you belong to? Have we Langya Wangfu offended your household in any way? Do you know what happens when one opposes us?"
Su Qianxue was not intimidated by such threats. "Do you think a mere servant like you is worthy of knowing my name? I may not know what happens when one offends Langya Wangfu, but I do know that you have no regard for evidence when you directly seize the benefactor of the Great Zhou soldiers. Is that because you look down on the Great Zhou soldiers or the Great Zhou Law?"
From any angle, this was a serious matter.
Che Liu dared not take the blame for this. With an awkward smile, he said, "Miss, you exaggerate. There might have been a misunderstanding regarding Shopkeeper Jiang."
"Why don't you leave an address so that our Prince or the Heir Apparent can personally apologize to you?"
Su Qianxue glanced at the mess around her. "Shouldn't it be me who receives an apology from Langya Wangfu? Open your eyes and see clearly!"
Che Liu took a deep breath, suppressing his anger as he spoke: "Our Langya Wangfu has also suffered losses and cannot move; how about we call it even?"
Su Qianxue would not give him the chance to escape: "Very well, let His Majesty handle it."
If this escalated in front of the Emperor, things would not be so simple. Che Liu was well aware of this.
He pondered for a moment: "So what does Shopkeeper Jiang plan to do?"
Su Qianxue was far too aggressive, and her imposing presence sent chills down Che Liu's spine. It would be better to pick on someone weaker for Jiang Han to deal with.
Jiang Han smiled and said, "Let's talk about compensation."
Those three words left Che Liu stunned. How could he dare to ask Langya Wangfu for money?
Before Che Liu could gather his thoughts, Jiang Han continued, "You can find someone to report to the Government Office; I can also find someone to report to the Dali Temple. Although I am merely a merchant, the prince and heir of Langya Wangfu are not ordinary people. I don't believe the Dali Temple would ignore matters involving Langya Wangfu."
It was either the Emperor or the Dali Temple.
Che Liu had no choice but to comply. He forced a smile and said, "I will report this matter to the prince and heir right away."
Just as he was about to leave with his companions, Jiang Han stopped him.
"I will be waiting here for the compensation from Langya Prince. If I do not see it within two days, I will seek justice for Langya Wangfu myself."
The implication was clear: if they couldn't come up with the money, they would have to face the Dali Temple.
On the surface, it seemed like he was backing down, but he was actually tightening the noose.
Su Qianxue grew increasingly satisfied with Jiang Han's approach.
Che Liu said nothing more and left with his men, seething with anger but unable to voice it. As for those officials, they dared not linger even a moment longer.
The Imperial Merchant Token in Su Qianxue's hand was not something they could take lightly!
Once everyone had departed, Jiang Han coldly fixed his gaze on Zhuo Zishi and pointed at the food on the table. "Eat."
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