Chapter 65
Wen Tao thought she would be worried about his reputation and ask about his children's marriages, but to his surprise, Wen Shu asked about the robbers.
His expression changed slightly, and he said, "I know, they are mountain bandits entrenched outside Anyang Prefecture."
Wen Shu took a deep breath, her eyes were terribly dry, and she blinked slowly. "They say they are homeless because of you. They say you imposed heavy taxes, leaving them hungry and cold. Years of exorbitant taxes have worn down generations of people. They had no other choice but to become bandits in the mountains, is that right?"
Wen Tao's expression changed, and he stood up angrily, saying with disappointment, "You actually doubt your father because of what those scoundrels said?!"
Wen Shu raised her eyes and said, word by word, "Then can you tell me why Anyang suddenly levied additional taxes on salt wells and official streams? Why are the officials in the government forcibly buying up the merchants' silk, cloth, and rice at low prices and then reselling them at high prices? And why are the merchants frequently punished, causing them to pay taxes but dare not speak out?"
Perhaps because Wen Shu had never spoken to Wen Tao so forcefully before, Wen Tao subconsciously froze on the spot, seemingly in disbelief.
However, Wen Shu did not give him time to calm down. "Father, can you tell me why there has been activity at the long-abandoned mine in the north of the city recently? Are you really working for those important figures?"
"Nonsense!" Wen Tao's chest heaved violently, his face ashen as he glared at Wen Shu. "Where did you hear all this from? Did those people from Dragon Tiger Stronghold tell you?!"
Wen Shu's eyes were red, and she did not answer. In Wen Tao's eyes, this was tantamount to acquiescence.
That's true. How would a young woman like her know these things? She was simply kidnapped by bandits, taken to the mountains, and threatened, which frightened her.
"Father, let's stop doing these things. Isn't it better to be an honest and upright official? If these matters are made public, wouldn't the Wen family be—"
"--shut up!"
Wen Tao's furious voice suddenly rang out, his face a mixture of white and white, and he said in a deep voice, "All of this is nonsense! Your wedding is at the beginning of next month, there are still half a month left, so you should stay at home and recuperate during this time, and don't go anywhere!"
"father..."
"Go back." Wen Tao wearily pinched the bridge of his nose and waved to her.
Having said all she needed to say, Wen Shu glanced discreetly around the study before quietly taking her leave.
Wen Tao rested in the study for a while before coming out through the main door.
The sky darkened, with thick clouds gathering. In the evening, the wind whipped up withered branches and leaves from the ground, swirling them as they slapped against the door frame.
Wen Shu's heart was pounding. She saw Wen Tao leave the courtyard from behind the wall, which calmed her down a bit. She lifted her skirt, pushed open the window on the back wall of the study, and climbed in.
There is no moon tonight, and the study is pitch black.
Wen Shu groped her way forward, when suddenly her knee slammed into the long wooden table. The candlestick on the table flickered and instantly fell to the ground.
Just as the candlestick was about to make a crisp sound against the ground, the two guards outside drew their swords and came in.
At the critical moment, he placed one foot between the candlestick and the ground, and with a kick, caught the candlestick firmly in his hand.
In the darkness, the young man spoke with a mocking tone, "Young lady, why don't you learn the good things and instead try to break into houses?"
The wind was still howling outside. Although Pei Lingjun's voice wasn't loud, Wen Shu heard it very clearly. The pleasant scent of pine filled her nostrils. She suddenly stepped back to create some distance.
What are you doing here?
Just as Pei Lingjun was about to speak, his ears twitched, and he heard footsteps approaching from outside the door.
Shh...don't talk!
"Squeak—"
The door was pushed open, and two guards respectfully greeted him as "Master," before continuing to watch the door with their eyes fixed on it.
Wen Tao actually returned?
In the dark study, several rows of bookshelves were arranged unusually close together to save space. The young man placed one hand on Wen Shu's head against a bookshelf and the other hand on a bookshelf near Wen Shu's waist. His gaze was over Wen Shu's shoulder, peering at Wen Tao's movements through the gaps between the bookshelves.
This posture made it seem as if he was completely embracing Wen Shu, and he could even touch the top of Wen Shu's head when he lowered his head.
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