Chapter 27: The Discovery of Zhao Yuan

The squire had been closely monitoring the other side’s situation all along. He was particularly curious about their identities and wanted to know who these people really were. Their actions were forceful, and they spoke with confidence, clearly indicating some backing behind them.

The squire still brooded over what had happened that day, unable to forget the humiliation he endured. “All I wanted was a wife—why did they have to treat me like that? I think everyone could have been reasonable about it! But instead, they came and beat me up!” He still felt a lingering ache in his face, and recalling their arrogant words only made his heart burn with greater indignation.

Meanwhile, his steward had already sent people out to track down some wealth. The squire, however, kept pondering the last words those people had left behind. “If anything happens, just go to the Ye Estate…” he muttered under his breath. He was truly curious—were they really from the Ye Estate? Why else would they say such a thing?

He felt torn over the matter, uncertain how to proceed. Should he believe them or not? “Do you think those people could really be from the Ye Estate?” he asked his steward. The steward, facing this question, was just as perplexed and could only send someone to investigate.

Soon, the investigator returned and confirmed that the person in question was indeed the young lady of the Ye family. Bowing respectfully, he reported, “Master, you were not mistaken that day—she is indeed the eldest daughter of the Ye family! I saw it with my own eyes.”

Upon hearing this, the squire was clearly stunned; it explained their brazen arrogance. Only someone with a powerful background could afford to be so bold—and that background was the vast and influential Ye Estate.

The Ye family’s power was not to be underestimated. Faced with such a force, the squire was fearful and dared not act rashly again. “Isn’t this a bit much? How could things turn out like this? I thought those young people were just playing tricks on me!” At first, he hadn’t believed they were truly from the Ye Estate; even now, a trace of doubt lingered, and he questioned his subordinates repeatedly.

“How do you know she’s really from the Ye Estate?” he pressed. The subordinate, head bowed, was certain—he had seen her coming and going from the estate himself. “I saw it with my own eyes, sir. How could I hide anything from you? Everyone there was addressing her as ‘Miss,’ over and over again!”

The squire sat down to discuss the matter, forced to accept this harsh truth. The reality was now plain before him: the person in question did indeed have both status and backing. He was no longer as arrogant as before, nor as angry; instead, he suppressed his fury.

To openly confront that young woman would be to challenge the entire Ye Estate. The Ye family was a formidable presence in these lands, their name alone enough to send shivers down one’s spine, for their reputation had lasted a hundred years. The squire was now among those cowed by their power.

“I think we absolutely mustn’t act recklessly anymore. We’ll have to proceed slowly and plan carefully,” he said. Though he still nursed a desire for revenge, the very mention of the Ye Estate made him hesitate. No longer would he act so impulsively, afraid that if this matter were exposed, his own estate would be doomed.

In just those few minutes, countless outcomes flashed through his mind, for he knew he had offended that young lady. “This is truly my fault—I went too far… No, we must think of a way to make amends!”

While he was still pondering how to remedy the situation, the three men known as the Wild Dragons, whom the steward had hired, had already set out from the estate. They headed straight for their target, determined to teach their opponent a harsh lesson in exchange for their generous fee.

They soon arrived at the designated place, eager to find out just who their adversary was. The steward had promised them a handsome reward—if only they completed the task.

The Wild Dragons were supremely confident, certain that they could defeat their foe with ease. Their leader declared, “This will be a walk in the park. Those people won’t stand a chance against us!” As the three chatted, Zhao Yuan approached silently from behind.

In fact, their target this time was none other than Zhao Yuan—the very “villain” the squire had referred to, and the one they were to deal with. At first sight of Zhao Yuan, the Wild Dragons felt a surge of annoyance and wanted him gone. “Why are you blocking our path? We’re waiting for someone here!” one of them snapped.

Zhao Yuan sneered in disdain. Perhaps he, too, was waiting for someone. “Well, what a coincidence. I’m waiting for someone here as well—someone I was told to teach a lesson to. Could that be you three?” he replied.

The three exchanged glances and quickly understood—Zhao Yuan was indeed their target. Their relationship had never been particularly cordial, and now that they had encountered Zhao Yuan, the Wild Dragons could no longer contain their hostility. Such an opportunity would not go to waste; they would make Zhao Yuan suffer.

“Well, well, so it’s you—the one always causing trouble around here. But your fun ends today, for we’re here to settle the score!” one of them taunted.

Zhao Yuan responded with another cold laugh; their words struck him as especially mocking and left a sour taste in his mouth. “Aren’t you being a bit extreme? If you have anything else to say, best spit it out now!” he said contemptuously.

This only further enraged the Wild Dragons, and they lost control, launching themselves at him in a flurry of blows. “You still have the nerve to talk big? Just wait until we’re done with you—you won’t be able to say a word then!” their leader snarled.