Mo Sang – CH 347

Chapter 347. Too Much Free Time

The next day, after breakfast, Li Sangrou sent Hei Ma to check on the Ma sisters. Hei Ma, carrying the wailing Pang’er, argued with the dog all the way to the imperial estate outside the city.

Li Sangrou and Da Chang had just left Chaomi Alley when they bumped into Ru-Yi.

Ru-Yi quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said with a smile, “Good morning, Boss. Our Prince instructed me to tell you that Master Wen wants to choose a vegetable garden for the Princess’s dowry. Master Wen said it would not be appropriate for him to go alone, and he insists that our master accompany him. Our master could not refuse, so he had to accompany Master Wen to see the vegetable garden today.”

Li Sangrou raised an eyebrow slightly, paused, and said, “Oh,” looking at Ru-Yi, waiting for him to continue.

Seeing Li Sangrou’s expectant look, Ru-Yi quickly bowed and smiled apologetically. “That’s all the information His Highness gave. He did not say anything else.”

Li Sangrou said, “Oh,” again.

Just those few words? Why did he send Ru-Yi on this trip just to say a few words to her?

His words were superfluous.

“What are your plans, Boss?” After taking a few steps, Da Chang asked in a muffled voice.

“What plans?” Li Sangrou countered.

“His Highness.”

“What about His Highness?” Li Sangrou glanced at Da Chang.

“The other day, Old Zuo said that if you married into King Rui’s mansion, he might become a steward of the dowry. He also said that being a steward in the Prince’s mansion is not easy, and he seemed quite worried.”

“I will not marry into King Rui’s mansion; I will not get married.” Li Sangrou’s tone was indifferent.

“Old Meng and Old Dong also talked about this. Old Meng said that whether you get married or not, you are still the Boss. Everyone should continue with their duties,” Da Chang continued.

Li Sangrou paused slightly and looked at Da Chang again.

“Hei Ma and the others think so, too. Whether you marry or not, you will still be the Boss.” Da Chang did not look at Li Sangrou.

“Da Chang, we’ve known each other for ten years, right?” Li Sangrou asked with a sigh.

“Almost eleven years,” Da Chang said in a low voice.

“All these years, from beginning to end, I’ve always been the one moving forward. You all followed me, including Old Meng and the others. I’ve never done anything because of you.

All along, it has been you who followed me, not me following you.

It was like that before, and it will be like that in the future.

Not marrying, not marrying into the King Rui’s mansion, is not because of you, but because I want to be this way.

I have many things to do. I like freedom, unburdened freedom. I will not abandon myself for something I like, nor will I clip my wings for anyone.

Whether you follow me or I am alone, it is still the same.

So, what Old Zuo thinks, what Old Meng and the others think, what you guys think, it is none of my business.”

“Hmm!” Da Chang hummed, his voice rising at the end.

Li Sangrou stopped and glanced upward at Da Chang.

Da Chang felt awkward under Li Sangrou’s gaze, scratching the back of his head. “No, I did not… well, it was Hei Ma who said that if the Boss becomes a princess, if we move into the palace, we will be treated like servants. If we do not move in, how will we survive?

I did not mean anything by it, nor did Hei Ma. He just likes to talk nonsense.”

“You guys have been too idle lately, so idle you’ve got some fun!” Li Sangrou snorted. “Go find Old Meng and tell him and Old Dong to come over immediately. I have something to tell you.”

“Alright!” Da Chang readily agreed, walked a short distance, turned into another alley, and strode briskly to find Meng Yanqing.

Li Sangrou entered Shunfeng Headquarters, greeted by Old Zuo’s beaming smile. Her gaze shifted from his face to his shoulder, and after a moment, she patted him on the shoulder. “Do your job well as the Shunfeng manager.”

“Yes!” Old Zuo instinctively replied quickly, watching Li Sangrou walk away. He stood there, blinking repeatedly. What did the Boss mean by that? Something seemed off!

He’d had to ask Master Chang later!

Li Sangrou boiled water and made tea. Meng Yanqing and Dong Chao arrived.

Li Sangrou gestured for them to sit, poured them tea, and then looked them over, starting with Meng Yanqing and moving on to Dong Chao.

The two men, having overheard Da Chang’s words, gave dry laughs as Li Sangrou scrutinized them.

“There are two tasks. You two will split up and take care of them.” Li Sangrou, her face cold, cut straight to the point.

“In the southwest sea, there are several large bandit gangs, one of which is the Hou Family Gang, led by Chief Hou.

Chief Hou has two women with him, both surnamed Ma, sisters. The Elder Sister is called ‘Sister-in-law Ma’ by the bandits…”

Li Sangrou carefully explained the background of the Hou Family Gang, the Ma sisters, and He Shuicai, and other surrounding information before continuing, “In the third month of this year, the bandit Chief Hou invaded Haimen. The Haimen garrison captured many of Chief Hou’s men, who are now imprisoned in the Tongzhou Prefecture jail. Some of them are Sister-in-law Ma’s men.

Old Dong, select some men and go to Tongzhou City first. Take a good look at these people, distinguish who are Chief Hou’s men, who are Hou Qiang’s men, and who are the Ma sisters’ men. Then spread the word that they should all be beheaded and displayed to the public.

When the Ma sisters arrive, cooperate with them in the prison break. Kill Chief Hou’s men, and keep one of Hou Qiang’s men for the Ma sisters as backup.”

“Yes!” Dong Chao responded readily.

“First, go see the Prince. He knows about the Ma sisters’ situation. Ask him for a warrant. This matter requires the cooperation of the Tongzhou Prefecture government,” Li Sangrou continued.

“Yes.” Dong Chao’s reply was met with a glare from Meng Yanqing, a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

“Do not think too much about things you should not!” Li Sangrou sneered.

“Yes,” Dong Chao replied, then coughed sharply. “I did not dare think too much about it. Um, I will be going now.”

“Listen before you go.” Li Sangrou turned to Meng Yanqing. “When will the men you sent out return? What about Wei Fu? Has he returned?”

“They’ve gone to places near and far, so they will not be back until the end of next month. Wei Fu just left the other day; he said he wanted to look around for a couple of days, so it will be about ten days,” Meng Yanqing replied with a bow.

“Select a few men, divide them into two groups, and take the Sang character flag to General Wen and General Yang’s armies. Tell them I plan to recruit some pirates and have them stay with the army. If there’s any news about the pirates, keep an eye out.”

“I already discussed this with General Wen and General Yang in Hangzhou,” Li Sangrou continued.

Meng Yanqing bowed in agreement.

“The rest of the men, divide them into several groups, and head to various parts of the southwest to keep an eye out for news about all the pirates. Until you and Old Dong go, Wei Fu will temporarily be in charge of the southwest.

Once the Ma sisters have recovered from their injuries, you and I will set off together. We will first go to Tongzhou City and then head southwest,” Li Sangrou continued.

“Yes!” Meng Yanqing and Dong Chao, standing ramrod straight, replied in unison.