65: News from the Yang Mansion

In the southwest corner of Yizhou City.

There was a quiet, long alley shaded by green willows.

Within this alley sat a General's Residence.

It was the residence of General Yang Qing, a famous general from the previous generation of the Immortal Country.

Yang Qing had been granted this residence by the Qi King for his military achievements.

Although Yang Qing had passed away, the Yang Family still held considerable influence in Yizhou City due to their illustrious reputation.

"This is bad, this is bad!" a city guard gasped for breath.

"S-s-something big has happened!"

"I must report to the master!"

He shouted in panic as he burst into the Yang Family residence.

Seeing the soldier charging in recklessly, a middle-aged man wearing a white brocade robe raised his hand and forcefully pushed the soldier back, stopping him before the residence. He barked, "You common soldier, you have no discipline at all! Do you think you can just barge into the grand General's Residence whenever you want? Get out of here right now!"

Hearing these words.

Fury was instantly ignited in the soldier's heart.

He was like a lion gathering its strength.

Ready to tear that man to pieces at any moment!

A cold light flashed in the soldier's eyes as he looked up and glared fiercely at the man before him.

However, after the soldier clearly saw the man's Face.

The killing intent in his eyes vanished instantly, and he forcibly suppressed his resentment.

"Butler, you're here!" The soldier hurriedly bowed.

This man in the white brocade robe.

How could he not recognize him?

This was the Yang Family's butler, Stahan.

Stahan was originally just a countryside teacher.

Later, by some stroke of dumb luck, he caught the eye of the Yang Family elder, General Yang.

He was invited to serve as the butler for the Yang Family.

Even though he was just a lowly butler.

He was not someone a mere soldier could afford to offend.

After all, Stahan's backer was the Yang Family!

The soldier had nothing, and his status was incredibly humble.

In these times, if not for the hardships of life, who would be willing to join the army?

"Butler Stahan, the Young Master..." The soldier hesitated.

If the Yang Family found out about this, they would surely lay the blame on him!

Seeing the soldier before him stammering.

Stahan was extremely displeased and turned to leave.

Stahan said impatiently, "If you have something to say, say it. Who can understand you when you talk like that?"

"The Young Master, he... he was killed!" the soldier finally blurted out.

After being jolted by Stahan's shout, the soldier managed to get those few words out.

A few drops of sweat rolled down his Face.

"What did you say! The Young Master? Killed!" Stahan's head suddenly began to buzz.

Stahan was stunned, his heart skipping a beat.

At this moment, he looked like a wooden statue.

Stahan couldn't believe it!

The Young Master hadn't even been out for an hour; how could he have been killed!

Who in Yizhou City didn't know the prestige of my Yang Family?

Who would dare to pluck hair from the tiger's head!

"What happened?"

"Who killed the Young Master!"

"Where is the murderer?"

"Speak up!" Stahan clenched his fists tightly.

Stahan finally regained his senses; this was a grave matter that had to be reported immediately.

"By a kid, I don't know who he is!" the soldier said.

"Useless! You're completely useless!"

"Is there anything you *do* know?" Stahan cursed.

The soldier didn't dare say another word.

Stahan turned abruptly, his heart filled with unease.

Then, he rushed toward the inner chambers, taking three steps in two.

At this time, although the garden scenery was beautiful.

Stahan was in no mood to appreciate it.

His pace was hurried, and his expression was slightly panicked.

"Butler! Butler!" the soldier called out.

But Stahan did not look back.

"Greetings, Butler Han." On the path made of white jade, two rows of maidservants saw Stahan walking straight toward them. They quickly moved to both sides of the path to clear a way, placing their hands together at their waists and bending their knees slightly in a respectful bow.

They knew well that Stahan cared a lot about Face.

This gesture was meant to cater to him.

After all, all matters great and small in the Yang Family were handled by Butler Han.

They didn't want to offend Stahan.

Losing their jobs was a small matter, but if they were sold to a Brothel.

That would be a fate worse than death!

"Where is the Master?" Stahan had long since grown accustomed to such flattering etiquette.

He held his head high with a fair amount of arrogance.

The matter was urgent, so he didn't waste any words!

"The Master is still in the study," a maidservant said softly, pointing toward a small courtyard to the east.

Stahan looked in the direction the maidservant pointed and nodded slightly.

He said nothing more, his feet stomping hard on the ground as he turned and left immediately.

At this moment, Stahan was gasping for air, his expression looking extremely panicked.

"Why does Butler Han look like this today? What is he in such a hurry for?" one of the maidservants whispered.

"Who knows? But I've never seen him look like this before."

"Yeah, Butler Han was originally a teacher; he used to care so much about worldly etiquette. Today, he didn't even acknowledge us before rushing off."

"I heard that a very disheveled soldier just arrived at the residence gate. Looking at his outfit, he's probably from the city guard."

"To make Butler Han act like this, could it be...?"

"It's likely that something happened to the Young Master."

Having guessed the matter, the maidservants looked at each other and nodded in mutual understanding.

"Shh, don't gossip. Be careful, or your tongue will get you into trouble."

...The study of the Yang Residence.

"Master, this is bad!" Stahan's Face was filled with panic. He pushed the door open with force and lunged inside. His foot caught on the threshold, and his body wobbled as he stumbled and fell headlong toward the center of the hall.

Hearing the dull thud.

General Yang looked up toward the source of the sound.

He gently put down the writing brush in his hand.

He held his round belly and burst into laughter.

"How can a scholar be so crude, barging in without knocking? This panicked behavior is simply unseemly."

"It was Stahan's recklessness." Butler Han stood up and brushed the dust off his clothes.

Stahan clasped his hands high above his head and bowed slightly in a formal gesture.

He took a deep breath to calm himself, then continued, "I hope the Master will punish me."

"There's no need for punishment; that would be making a mountain out of a molehill. Just be more careful next time." General Yang glanced at Stahan.

He picked up the brush from the desk again.

General Yang lowered his head to continue his calligraphy, then asked, "Well, tell me, what is so urgent that you had to find me like this?"

Butler Han lowered his head slightly, his heart filled with unease.

Facing General Yang, Stahan felt a sense of trepidation.

After hesitating for a long time, Stahan said, "The Young Master... the Young Master was at the city walls, while guarding the city..."

"Speak up! What happened while the Young Master was guarding the city? Did he go off to harass some decent women again? This child... I told him to take a concubine but he refused, insisting on going to the streets to tease young girls." Seeing Stahan pause, General Yang shook his head.

He made a casual guess, not taking it to heart.

The hand holding General Yang's brush continued to lightly dot the rice paper.

"Uh, well, Master, Young Master Yang Lei somehow offended someone and was killed at the city gate."

Butler Han felt as if his heart had leaped into his throat, his tension reaching its peak.

Stahan was terrified that General Yang would fly into a rage and take it out on him.

That would be a huge loss for Stahan.