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When Shao Yunduan returned home, it was already late into the night. Despite appearing to have indulged in alcohol, he hadn’t crossed the threshold into inebriation. With a warm smile, he greeted her, tenderly embracing and kissing her.

Qiao Xuan had initially planned to share the encounter with Zhao Zhai, but she ultimately decided against it.

Summoning the hostel’s waiter, they requested some hot water for a quick wash before retiring to bed.

The next morning, Qiao Xuan was pleasantly surprised to find Shao Yunduan beside her. She beamed and remarked, “I thought you had business to attend to!”

Shao Yunduan chuckled and held her close. “No urgent matters, my love. We’ve just arrived, so we can afford a few days of respite.”

The prefect of Yangzhou would easily arrange assistance for their task, making it hassle-free.

Moreover, the Crown Prince was well aware that this journey wasn’t solely about collecting books, so there was no cause for concern.

Qiao Xuan agreed wholeheartedly; the geographical distance between them allowed them the luxury of time.

She felt resolute about severing ties with the Zhao Family as swiftly as possible.

Qiao Xuan recounted the previous day’s encounter with Zhao Zhai to Shao Yunduan. He smiled reassuringly. “My dear, consider it a stroke of luck. I’m confident our mission will proceed smoothly. Those parents couldn’t have raised any decent sons, and once Zhao Shu is out of the picture, those two brothers won’t have a leg to stand on!”

Qiao Xuan’s smile mirrored his confidence. “That’s great news for us!”

During lunchtime, Sun Qian and Sun Bai returned home, accompanied by Uncle Qing.

Aware of their presence in Yangzhou, Uncle Qing had journeyed from Hangzhou to welcome them and offer his assistance.

Uncle Qing possessed a wealth of knowledge about the Zhao Family and had established his own network in Yangzhou, making him a valuable asset in their endeavor.

Qiao Xuan inquired about the state of affairs in Hangzhou and received a positive report. Pleased with the news, she extended an invitation to Uncle Qing to stay.

According to Sun Qian’s information, Zhao Mu had experienced substantial business success in recent years, accumulating considerable wealth and on course to become the wealthiest individual in Yangzhou.

Zhao Shu had been absent from Yangzhou for an extended period, during which Ms. Qin, who now managed the Zhao Family, had replaced most of the household staff. Ms. Qin had firmly instructed that no one in the mansion was permitted to discuss Young Master, and they were to be promptly sold off if discovered.

Consequently, many within the Zhao Family were oblivious to the existence of a Young Master. Their perception of the Third Young Master was that of an eccentric, ignorant, unattractive, and frail individual who had been idle for years. They were uncertain of his return, speculating that perhaps he had encountered misfortune preventing his return.

Zhao Mu displayed no concern for Zhao Shu’s situation, remaining indifferent to his whereabouts.

Meanwhile, Zhao Zhai and Zhao Ye harbored aspirations to claim a significant share of the family’s business.

Zhao Zhai’s fortune took a downturn, as he failed to produce a legitimate heir. Although he had one son and one daughter, they were both born of concubines and faced health challenges. His son had physical disabilities with uneven legs, while his daughter exhibited slower cognitive abilities and developmental delays.

In short, Zhao Zhai found himself in an unfavorable position, compounded by Ms. Qin’s clear disapproval of him.

Two years prior, Zhao Ye married Ms. Zhou, who had given birth to a robust son just last year. The infant was fair, plump, and utterly endearing, earning the affections of both Ms. Qin and Zhao Mu. Ms. Qin, in particular, cherished her grandson deeply and held a strong fondness for Zhao Ye.

Furthermore, Zhao Ye surpassed Zhao Zhai in intelligence, and the latter had endured severe mistreatment from his brother, especially in the past two years.