Farm Girl's Manor
Chapter 934: Big Trouble (3)

Chapter 934: Chapter 934: Big Trouble (3)

Lord Cui, upon learning of his nephew’s disappearance, promptly sent people to the Government Office, hoping that the officials there would assist in the search. Although his rank was only of Positive Third Rank, no one in the capital dared to take him lightly. Jingzhao Yin, upon receiving the news, quickly dispatched men to search everywhere, particularly at the city gates, where government officers with Cui family servants familiar with Cui Pingan’s appearance kept watch.

Cui Qingrou, worried about the safety of her nephew, could not stand to wait at home for news, so she continued the search with her maids. They would enter every tavern or inn, teahouse they came across to inquire whether her nephew had been there to eat or stay.

By the time they reached the fifth tavern and were about to go in to ask around, they encountered a few drunken men at the entrance. The men were stumbling, barely able to recognize the road, but happened to see Cui Qingrou’s true face revealed when the night wind lifted her veil.

Cui Qingrou had a fair and lovely face. Although she was no longer a young woman of tender years, she possessed a gentle and supple demeanour that easily attracted attention.

The drunken louts, none of them gentlemen, had their libidinous desires stirred upon seeing Cui Qingrou’s face and stretched out their greasy hands to touch her face, leering as they said, "Little beauty, how come you are so pretty? How about going out with us brothers for some fun?"

Cui Qingrou, pampered by her family before her marriage and mostly confined to her home after it, had seldom encountered anyone so impudent. She had never faced such lewd harassment before, and was instantly filled with extreme shame and anger, her face turning bright red.

"How dare you be so impudent towards our young lady, you’re tired of living!" Two loyal maids, seeing the drunkards harassing their mistress, quickly stepped in front of her to prevent them from getting any closer.

Despite the desperate efforts of the maids, the drunkards, inflamed by lust, paid no heed and continued to clamor toward Cui Qingrou, "Hey, hey, don’t hide, beauty, play with us brothers. We have Silver, hehe!"

While the maids did their best to stop them, even the drunken rogues had strength that two young maids could not contend with. Just as a greasy hand was reaching out to grab Cui Qingrou, a slender, fair hand reached out obliquely and pinched it tightly while a calm and cool voice followed: "If you don’t want to eat board at the Government Office, clear off at once."

Despite the lack of fierceness in the voice, it was enough to sober up the drunkards somewhat. Seeing the stern-faced and distinguished man in front of them, they felt cowardice creep in. Noticing Cui Qingrou’s attire which did not resemble that of a woman from a humble household, cold sweat poured out and they didn’t dare to hassle her further, scrambling away for fear of actually being dragged to the Government Office for punishment.

Seeing the clearly frightened woman, Mo Qingze couldn’t help but offer some comfort, "It’s all right now, Lady. In the future, it’s best to bring more house servants when venturing out at night."

Cui Qingrou, as if waking from a dream, quickly thanked Mo Qingze, but when she saw his exceptionally handsome face, she was slightly taken aback; a blush crept onto her face, and bowing gratefully, she said, "Thank you, young master, for stepping in."

Mo Qingze, unable to discern the woman’s face beneath her veil, however heard a voice sweet and crystalline. Overlooking the strange stir in his heart, he said warmly, "It was nothing, Lady, no need for courtesy."

Cui Qingrou, sensing that the man before her did not seek to take credit, felt even more grateful, "If not for the young master’s intervention, those rogues would surely have shamed me. May I inquire where the young master resides that I might send a servant to express my thanks on another day?"

Mo Qingze shook his head, declining politely, "It was a trifling matter and not worth mentioning. The Lady really need not take it to heart."

Cui Qingrou, seeing this, did not press further and only bowed again to thank him.