Chapter 103: Two Simple-Minded Gentlemen

"Since Madam has spoken, we shall proceed according to her wishes," Shen Hezhi said, then looked up at the group who had accompanied him.
"Take these two men to the teahouse. Madam wishes to question them."
"Yes!" Shen Hezhi’s men immediately seized the two men.

The two men initially tried to resist, but Yan Heru suddenly said, "Don’t resist. Once we clarify matters at the teahouse, my husband will release you. Don’t forget, your elder brother is unconscious and needs my help."

After Yan Heru’s words, how could they still resist?

Thus, the two men were brought by the Ninth Prince to the teahouse for interrogation. The two men, who had been timid before, suddenly stiffened when facing the Ninth Prince.

"I never imagined the Ninth Prince would turn his back on old friends. Now he even arrests those who once stood by him. Hmph!" Yan Er said as he was pressed down to sit in the teahouse.

Shen Hezhi heard Yan Er’s words and became puzzled because he had no memory of ever knowing Yan Er or having any dealings with him.

"Are you implying that you’re an old friend of mine, so I shouldn’t have arrested you?" Shen Hezhi asked in return.

Yan Er neither nodded nor shook his head, but lifted his chin slightly and looked directly at Shen Hezhi. "I didn’t say that. I only said you arrested your friend, but I am not your old friend. Your old friend is our elder brother."

Shen Hezhi grew even more confused upon hearing this.

To prevent the situation from worsening, Yan Heru spoke up to explain, "This matter is a bit complicated. Let me explain everything clearly."

Yan Heru then laid out the entire sequence of events in a clear and orderly manner.

After listening to his wife, Shen Hezhi finally understood the full story. Yet, despite knowing the truth, his gaze toward the two men sitting nearby was still fierce.

No matter the reason, these two men had kidnapped his young wife. That alone was enough cause for him to want to kill them.

But seeing that his wife did not blame the two men, he guessed that if he acted harshly, she would be unhappy. So Shen Hezhi suppressed his murderous intent.

"Your elder brother is Yan Yi?" Shen Hezhi inquired.

Upon hearing this, the two men nodded vigorously. "That’s right. Our elder brother said he knows you and that you were very good friends. So why have you captured us? What’s the meaning of this?

Our elder brother is still in the cave. If no one takes care of him, who knows what wolves or wild beasts he might encounter? You’d better release us so we can go back and look after him."

Yan Heru thought the atmosphere had relaxed somewhat after her explanation. However, she did not expect these two foolish men to suddenly threaten Shen Hezhi.

She had no more hopes for them and covered her face in embarrassment, wondering why their elder brother would have such subordinates.

Now, Yan Heru seriously suspected that these two might have been responsible for their elder brother’s coma.

"Why do you assume I know your elder brother and that we are good friends?" Shen Hezhi asked calmly.

Yan Heru’s gaze turned doubtful at once.

If this Yan Yi truly were Shen Hezhi’s friend, then no matter how angry Shen Hezhi was, he wouldn’t vent his anger on his friend, only on these two foolish men in front of him.

But since Shen Hezhi spoke so calmly, it meant that although he recognized this Yan Yi, he did not hold him in high regard or care for him much.

Yan Heru suddenly worried—could the man she saved actually be her lord’s enemy? If so... although awkward, the matter would not be too serious.

Because the sweat on Yan Yi’s body was severe—worse than when Yan Heru first met her lord.

If treatment could not continue, he might soon perish from the cold poison.

"Of course it’s because our elder brother said so! Anyway, can our elder brother lie to us?" Yan San answered.

Shen Hezhi looked at the two men and could not help but laugh.

"I do know the elder brother you mentioned, but we are not close friends. At most, we know each other’s names and have met once," Shen Hezhi replied.

Yan Er and Yan San exchanged glances, then looked at Shen Hezhi with eyes full of anger. "How can you turn your back on us now? Have you forgotten the life-saving favor our elder brother did for you?"

This time, Shen Hezhi laughed outright. "When did your elder brother ever save my life? I really don’t remember.

There aren’t many who have saved my life in this lifetime, but I don’t recall your elder brother being one of them.

On the contrary, I remember your elder brother seemed like a con man. Also, when I met him, I hadn’t seen you two. When did you meet him?"

"You! I won’t allow you to slander my elder brother! We’ve known him for a long time, and he’s always been our elder brother!" Yan Er immediately retorted.

Yan San, dissatisfied with Shen Hezhi’s words, supported Yan Er. "Exactly! Stop lying. I think you’re the one who’s deceiving us. Our elder brother has always helped the poor and needy. How dare you slander him!

It seems our elder brother truly made a mistake being friends with you! And your consort following you is truly blind!"

After speaking, the two were about to leave, but Shen Hezhi kept his eyes fixed on them. As soon as they stood, he pressed them back down to their seats.

"The prince has not given you permission to leave. You cannot leave on your own accord," Shen Hezhi said coldly.

"You!"

Yan Heru sensed the situation was becoming increasingly strange. To prevent a fight, she approached Shen Hezhi and whispered, "My lord, why not take the three brothers back to the courier station first? We can deal with matters once their elder brother wakes up. This way, it won’t affect you."