Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress novel Chapter 495

Chapter 495: Chapter 492: Skilled in the Intricacies of Court Intrigue_1

Dong Tingzhen intermittently interjected with a few playful remarks, filling the corridor with laughter and a joyful atmosphere.

Dong Changlan watched Bai Qingyan, who walked leisurely beside him, and asked about the bandit suppression: "On the way here, I heard that these bandits are becoming more audacious, daring to kidnap children in broad daylight, lawless and unruly."

"Indeed!" Bai Qingyan responded. Walking alongside Dong Changlan, she added in a soft voice, "So, after my mother’s birthday, I plan to take the new soldiers up the mountain to suppress the bandits."

"Changlan is willing to assist Cousin!" Dong Changlan clasped his fists and spoke solemnly, "This time, the sixty-three men escorting me to Shuoyang are all elite troops from the Dengzhou Army."

Dengzhou bordered the now fragmented territory of Nanrong, where the people were fierce. Thus, the Dengzhou soldiers had to be highly skilled to control the Rong.

Uncle Dong Qingyue was the Governor of Dengzhou. As the eldest son of the Dengzhou Governor, Dong Changlan’s skills were unquestionably fine.

However, Bai Qingyan’s plan to suppress the bandits was merely to capture those impostors who kidnapped children. She needed to demonstrate to the Emperor and the Crown Prince that she trained soldiers to suppress bandits truly. There was no need for Dong Changlan’s help.

"Miss!" Nanny Qin hurriedly caught up to Bai Qingyan and, after greeting Bai Qingyan, Dong Changlan, and Bai Qingping, reported, "Mr. Xiao is here."

Xiao Rongyan?

The hand hidden behind Bai Qingyan’s back tightened slightly. Why had he come again today?

Dong Changlan looked at Bai Qingyan: "Mr. Xiao? Is he the world’s most righteous merchant Xiao Rongyan who once assisted the Bai family in Dadu City?"

Dong Changlan had heard Dong Qingyue mention this Mr. Xiao Rongyan. Dong Qingyue had once said that Mr. Xiao was no ordinary person but a dragon among men. Though he was a merchant, his demeanor was extraordinary and should not be underestimated.

This Mr. Xiao was also known to Bai Qingping. Recently, he had opened several shops and pawnshops in Shuoyang, and it seemed he was now preparing to open a gambling house. His reputation was growing rapidly, and due to his excellent relationship with the Crown Prince and the Bai family, he had become someone the local officials were keen to befriend. His business was flourishing.

"Qingping, you accompany Changlan inside first..."

"I will accompany Cousin to meet this Mr. Xiao! I have heard my father speak of him, and I am very curious. It is a rare opportunity, and I would like to see him." Dong Changlan smiled with intrigued eyes.

Father said that the righteous merchant Xiao Rongyan was no ordinary person. The more capable one was, the deeper and more concealed their thoughts and intentions.

So, he needed to see if this Mr. Xiao had any ulterior motives toward the Bai family and was deliberately getting close to them.

In Dadu City, Xiao Rongyan had helped several times. Dong Changlan feared that because of Bai Qingyan’s gratitude, she might be biased towards Xiao Rongyan.

Now the Bai family was left with only orphans and widows, relying on Bai Qingyan for support. A single mistake could not be afforded.

If Xiao Rongyan had any ulterior motives, Dong Changlan would remind Bai Qingyan to prevent her from being misled by Xiao Rongyan.

Since Dong Changlan had said this, Bai Qingyan felt it inappropriate to refuse, and nodded, taking Dong Changlan and Bai Qingping to see Xiao Rongyan.