Chapter 2306: Relentless

He knew that turning back now would mean certain doom.

Not just for himself, but for everyone who had pledged allegiance to him. They had no choice but to press forward with unwavering determination!

The news of summoning all the County Magistrates to Hangzhou City spread swiftly, and the response was enthusiastic.

Many County Magistrates had never met Shao Yunduan in person before, so they were naturally eager to meet him in Hangzhou. Meeting him face-to-face would reassure them greatly.

Upon receiving the summons, the County Magistrates began making preparations immediately. They arranged their affairs and planned their journey to Hangzhou, aiming to arrive a few days early if possible. This would afford them time to acquaint themselves with the city, make connections, and gather useful information.

Their destinies were intricately tied to Shao Yunduan’s, so the more they could learn and understand, the better prepared they would be.

In Yuzhang Province, Yang Hexi, the County Magistrate of Changlin County and Qiao Xuan’s former fiancé, hesitated briefly before deciding to journey to Hangzhou City as well.

If he didn’t attend, it would draw too much attention and could lead to unfavorable consequences.

As for the past, Lord Shao had likely moved on from it. Besides, Lord Shao wasn’t petty, so there was no need to dwell on it.

Making a fuss would only make him look guilty.

Yang Hexi’s decision to go to Hangzhou City displeased his mother, Ms. Tang.

Ms. Tang sneered, “If it weren’t for what Shao Yunduan did, you would have been promoted long ago and wouldn’t still be just a County Magistrate after all these years! Shao Yunduan is responsible for all of this! He caused such chaos and now wants to drag everyone down with him. How despicable! Why are you still going to see him? What if he gets upset and makes things difficult for you?”

Madame Tang believed that Shao Yunduan’s actions had implicated her son. She was convinced that if Shao Yunduan hadn’t rebelled, the realm wouldn’t be in such turmoil. Her son had great political talents and would have been recognized by the Emperor, leading to early promotion.

The more she heard about Shao Yunduan’s rising power, the stronger Madame Tang’s animosity towards him grew.

Deep down, she also harbored resentment towards Qiao Xuan. Qiao Xuan was supposed to be a daughter-in-law she never wanted, so she should have been miserable to prove her initial reservations right.

Unexpectedly, Qiao Xuan, whom she had despised, turned out to be blessed in disguise. This made her feel especially uncomfortable.

As a result, even Ms. Yuan, her current daughter-in-law, became an eyesore.

Madame Tang felt uneasy knowing that her son was going to “meet” Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan, rekindling her sense of grievance on behalf of her son.

What was so great about Shao Yunduan? He was an opportunist who exploited chaos for his benefit. How could such a person not be punished by the heavens?

Yang Hexi, too, felt a bit uncomfortable.

He had progressed through the exams from being a Cultivated Talent to a recommended man and finally a flower scout. He had achieved success at a young age and was definitely a winner in life, so he was naturally a bit conceited.

After becoming an official, his mother despised his fiancée. Although he didn’t agree, he pretended not to know what his mother was doing behind his back. Now that he thought about it, the more he thought about it, the guiltier he felt.

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