novelaction Chapter 380
Chapter 380
In the study of the Protectorate.
Protector Zhou lowered his eyes to the letter in his hand, lost in thought. That evening, a piece of paper suddenly appeared beside him, instructing him to wait in his study at midnight tonight, with a secret to be shared. As the Grand Protector, he was unsure of the visitor's intentions, but the fact that he dared to meet him in the Protectorate's mansion meant he must be no ordinary person. He pondered for a moment, ultimately deciding to meet the visitor, figuring they wouldn't dare to do anything to him on his own territory. Thinking it over, and realizing the time was almost up, he dismissed his servants and remained alone in his study to keep the appointment.
At the first quarter of midnight, the copper clock ticked. The candlelight flickered in the draft, flickering in and out. Zhou Duhu glanced at the rustling bamboo shadows outside the window and suddenly felt a sense of amusement. He had been so overwhelmed by the recent events in the palace that he had actually believed the invitation on the paper raft. Perhaps it was a prank, but he had taken it seriously. With this thought, he rolled up the paper and placed it over the candle flame, watching it disintegrate into ash. Regardless of whether the person he had met was real or not, since the time had come and they still hadn't appeared, there was no need to wait any longer.
He brushed off the ashes on his hands and was about to stand up when a shadow flashed by the window. Zhou Duhu's expression froze, and he suddenly looked out the window, his hand already grasping the hilt of the sword on the table. "Who are you? I've been waiting for a long time, why are you sneaking around?"
"Why is Protector Zhou so nervous? I mean no harm." A deep voice sounded from behind.
Zhou Duhu's body stiffened, and cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead. He slowly turned around—in his study, where he had been alone, a figure suddenly appeared. Once he saw the person's face clearly, Zhou Duhu breathed a sigh of relief, and his pounding heart gradually calmed down.
He and this Governor Ye had no connection, and their factions were even at odds with each other. But for some reason, although he was in awe of this young and promising Governor, he was not afraid that he would harm him.
He placed his sword on the table, raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead, and then pretended to be nonchalant and jokingly said, "I thought it was some evil person visiting and was startled, but I didn't expect it to be you. I wonder if you have any advice for me since you have come to the Protectorate today?"
Zhou Duhu was one of the capable generals of the Wuwei General faction. Ye Yunzhou had investigated him before and naturally knew him quite well. He knew that Zhou Duhu was not as pedantic and serious as other military officers, so he would not take his teasing remarks seriously.
Upon hearing this, Ye Yunzhou said nothing more. He pulled out a document from his sleeve and handed it to Zhou Duhu, saying, "I heard that Zhou Duhu has been investigating something recently but has no clue. It just so happens that I have some information that ordinary people don't know. Considering our friendship as officials in the same dynasty, I have come here today to present this information to you."
Although his words were polite, his tone was still calm and there was no trace of emotion in his voice.
Protector General Zhou didn't care; he was simply curious about the information. While he'd been investigating something recently, he'd been extremely secretive. Could it be that this Governor was constantly monitoring the Protectorate? Otherwise, how could he have known? Surprised, he forced a smile and took the information with both hands. "Thank you, Governor Ye, for your concern. I'd be grateful to you for this."
Ye Yunzhou nodded nonchalantly, then turned and sat down unceremoniously on the nearest chair. Zhou Duhu looked at the envelope in his hand, paying no attention to his actions. After a few moments of hesitation, he opened the envelope and took out the letter inside to examine it carefully. His expression grew uglier the longer he looked, until he finished reading the last sentence, his face turning a dark green.
Ye Yunzhou seemed oblivious to his change. Seeing him crumple the paper in his hands, he tapped the table with his knuckles to bring Protector Zhou back to his senses. Seeing Protector Zhou looking at him, Ye Yunzhou said, "Perhaps Protector Zhou doubts the contents of this letter, or perhaps believes it wholeheartedly. But that's not important. You alone know the truth. I simply cannot bear to see someone like you, someone who has contributed so much to the people of Great Zhou, being deceived, so I came here today. As for the rest, I will not reveal a single detail. Protector Zhou, rest assured."
Zhou Duhu stared at him, remaining silent, his eyes shifting again and again. He had his own conclusions about what was said in the letter. It was indeed as Ye Yunzhou had said, and he knew the inside story best. He hadn't been without doubts, and that was why he was rather cold towards his second daughter. However, despite his cold attitude, he had never treated them unfairly. No matter how true the contents of the letter were, he wouldn't just believe it on a whim and would verify it himself. But he was still grateful for Ye Yunzhou's actions. Regardless of his purpose, it was a great help to him. If he hadn't given him this information, he would have been like a headless fly, never thinking of proceeding in this direction.
Thinking of this, he suppressed his anger, and in an instant his expression returned to normal, making it impossible to tell how furious he had been. "Thank you for your help, sir. However, this matter concerns my reputation. I hope you will stick to your word and refrain from spreading any gossip."
Ye Yunzhou sneered: "Of course not. This is Master Zhou's family affair, how could outsiders know?"
Zhou Duhu nodded and smiled upon hearing this, as if he hadn't heard the sneer in his words. He said honestly, "I have judged you with my own mean mind. Lord Ye is fair and kind, and would never do anything like spreading other people's family affairs."
His attitude made Ye Yunzhou look at him differently - an ordinary man facing such humiliation might not be able to suppress his anger and return to normal in an instant.
He ignored the sarcasm and indifference in his words, instead defusing them with flattery, further revealing the delicate mind hidden beneath his simple expression. It was unjust for such a person to serve under the Third Prince, that fool. But no matter, he had his own plans, and he was determined to drag this man out of this murky water.
Zhou Duhu naturally had no idea what he was thinking, but he was no fool; on the contrary, he was extremely intelligent and discerning. This Ye Dusi had gone to the trouble of finding out such information and handing it over to him, so he must have a purpose. Thinking about the recent events at court, he had some suspicions. However, he was cautious and didn't ask directly, as who knew how many spies he had in his palace. Instead, he wrote down the questions on a piece of paper and handed them to Ye Yunzhou.
Ye Yunzhou sat upright in his chair, took the letter, glanced at the question, and chuckled. This chuckle was no longer as cold and sarcastic as before, but rather had a touch of authenticity. Then, he took the pen from Zhou Duhu and wrote down the request.
Zhou Duhu sat upright behind his desk, seemingly calm, but his hands clenched tightly beneath the table. If it was as he imagined, this would be quite difficult. But after that man's deception, no man could endure such humiliation. Even if it was difficult, he would give it a try.
After Ye Yunzhou finished writing, he stood up and took it unconsciously. Although he had already guessed it in his mind, after reading the content, he was not as nervous as he had imagined. He felt that this was the way it should be.
Just by looking at his expression, Ye Yunzhou had guessed his thoughts. After he had digested the contents of the letter, Ye Yunzhou stood up and said goodbye, "I've disturbed Protector Zhou for quite some time today, and it's time for me to go back. If Protector Zhou has figured it out, please let me know." With that, he leaped and disappeared into the study again.