Chapter 277 — Enveloping the Heavens

"Fortunately, the Five Wards Command has sent over a whole battalion from the Eastern Ward Command," he said, his face dark enough to drip water. "I will go arrange men to hunt down the thieves." Then, reflecting that several of Yizhi Hall's guards were highly skilled, meticulous, and thorough men, he added, "But we cannot let those Eastern Ward Command men run wild through the house. I would ask Master Yan to lend me a few men to help accompany the Eastern Ward Command soldiers."

"No!" Yan Che refused flatly. "Until those thieves are found, every guard of Yizhi Hall must remain in Yizhi Hall, to protect the Madam's safety."

Tao Jun opened his mouth, but in the end said nothing, and slunk away with Lü Zheng.

Yan Che knew this was a matter he could turn to account.

He thought of the ruthless decisiveness with which Dou Yan had taken Song Yan hostage, and of how she had stood just now, fearless and composed, and explained to her tactfully, "The Madam's safety must come first. The Yingzhen Ducal House is far too large. If I were to conceal anything and some thief really were hiding in the inner courtyard, it would be far too dangerous!"

Yan Che's words, however, set something alight in Dou Yan's mind. She smiled and said, "In the past, those thieves killed the Yingzhen Ducal House's guards, and no one would believe it. They said the Heir had done the killing. Now more thieves have laid siege to the Yizhi Hall... this is all too much of a coincidence!"

At her words, Yan Che's eyes lit up, and he said, "I shall see to this matter at once!"

Dou Yan said, "I leave it in your hands, Master."

Yan Che bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Xia Lian, who had been waiting outside, said hurriedly, "What did the Madam say?"

Looking at the two thieves, whose faces were nearly scalded red, and whom they had captured so easily, he felt that Dou Yan was the heroine of legend, and he admired her greatly.

When Yan Che laid out Dou Yan's intentions, Xia Lian could not help sticking out his thumb and exclaiming, "With the Heir having married the Madam, he has truly grown wings upon a tiger!"

Yan Che nodded, smiling, and heartily agreed with Xia Lian.

The two of them stood beneath the eaves, discussing the defenses of the Yizhi Hall for the coming days.

Song Han came in, accompanied by two young servants.

"I heard there was a fire on sister-in-law's side—are you all right?" His expression was anxious. "I came over the moment I heard the news."

Yan Che and Xia Lian hurried to pay their respects to Song Han, while a maid went to inform Dou Yan.

Dou Yan came out to greet him, saying, "What brings the Second Master here at such a time?" She scolded Song Han's young servant: "Do you not know that thieves have broken into the house? Nineteen of them are still unaccounted for. If anything were to happen to the Second Master, I will have your hide!"

The young servant turned pale with fright and knelt on the ground, trembling.

Song Han, too, was frightened by Dou Yan's words. He clutched at Xia Lian's sleeve: "Guard Xia, is it true?"

Xia Lian said hurriedly, "It is true. Some are still unfound." His voice was very gentle. "The Second Master should not have come to the Yizhi Hall at such a time."

Song Han was at once at a loss.

Dou Yan instructed Xia Lian: "Escort the Second Master back to the upper courtyard."

Xia Lian assented respectfully and accompanied Song Han out of the Yizhi Hall.

Dou Yan watched Song Han's retreating figure until it vanished from sight, then returned to the inner chamber and summoned Ganlu: "With a fire this large, I doubt anyone in the house can sleep. Go and invite the Elder Madam and the Young Madam over—tell them I have something to say." Then she gave Suxin a few instructions in a low voice.

Ganlu brought the Elder Madam and Madam Dong over.

Seeing the heavily guarded Yizhi Hall, the two of them breathed a sigh of relief in unison, and the Elder Madam, her face crumpled with weeping, said, "Where did these petty thieves come from? They didn't even open their eyes to see what sort of place this is—mad for silver, truly mad..."

Dou Yan held her teacup and sipped leisurely, letting the Elder Madam vent her temper.

Her calm expression somehow struck a chill into Madam Dong's heart. She tugged at the Elder Madam's lapel, reminding her that Dou Yan was not interested and that she should say a little less.

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Making up for the update of July 8!

Today I have again asked Lord Zhi to help post this.

ps: Sisters, brothers, I beg for pink votes!

o(n_n)o~

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