How could I possibly be confined in a cage?

Chapter 230 Leaving the building

Qin Ye looked like a local thug, completely different from Jiang Shen's awe-inspiring righteousness.

However, Madam Zhu was clearly more wary of Jiang Shen. Although she had never met him, she recognized the mark on Jiang Shen's clothes. She immediately stepped forward to mediate: "Oh dear, why resort to violence? Let's just let this young lady choose whomever she wants to be with. This is the consistent rule of our Qinhuai Tower."

Upon hearing this, Master Qin knew he had lost. Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake, so he had no choice but to wisely relent. "Then I'll do you a favor and give it to you."

Jiang Shen held Qingru in his arms, ripped off the handkerchief covering her mouth, and comforted her, "Don't be afraid."

Qingru felt much more at ease. If these people were so wary of Commander Guo, they wouldn't be afraid that she wouldn't be able to escape.

He stood obediently behind Jiang Shen and was surprised to see that Jiang Shen's upper body was wrapped in gauze. Could it be that Du Tao's gun shot Jiang Shen?

Jiang Shen showed no sign of discomfort, and casually found a seat and sat down. "Sit."

Seeing Jiang Shen's imposing presence, Lady Zhu concluded that he was no ordinary person, so she readily agreed and came over, swaying her willow-like waist.

Master Qin was stunned for a moment, then sat down as well.

The other guests wisely returned to their rooms, knowing it was inappropriate for them to appear any further.

Jiang Shen tapped the table absentmindedly for a long time without saying a word.

Lady Zhu figured she would have to put in some effort, so she asked with a charming smile, "May I ask where you work, sir?"

Jiang Shen coldly replied, "The army. I am Jiang Shen, a subordinate of Commander Guo, and I am now a regimental commander."

Lady Zhu's eyes darted around. "One of Commander Guo's division commanders is also surnamed Jiang. Could he be related to you?"

"It's my father."

Lady Zhu laughed even more enthusiastically, while Master Qin's expression was unpredictable, though he was clearly also wary.

Regardless of what Master Qin thought, Madam Zhu was determined to curry favor. "Oh dear, so our Miss Lü must be one of yours? What a mistake! I was so blind to her true worth!"

Jiang Shen smiled faintly, "It's easy. I've heard of the famous Qinhuai Tower. It's said that you never accept girls of unknown origin. How did you manage to be fooled this time?"

Madam Zhu chided, "I was just deceived. The middleman said that Miss Lü's family had fallen on hard times but was a respectable family, and I believed him. Besides, with such a talented person as Miss Lü, I certainly didn't want to find out the truth."

Jiang Shen scoffed, "You're quite honest."

Lady Zhu waved her handkerchief and said, "How can I not be honest with the military officer? Since Miss Lü is your person, then you should take her back properly and don't blame me. Ah Jian, go to my room and get a big gift as my apology for offending Miss Lü today."

Qingru pulled away Madam Zhu's hand that had reached out to her, her face full of resistance.

Lady Bamboo remained unfazed, clearly demonstrating her exceptional skill in cultivation.

Jiang Shen ignored her and instead asked Master Qin, "Who are you?"

Master Qin was taken aback, then clasped his hands and said, "My surname is Qin, and I am the third in my family. You can just call me Qin San'er."

Jiang Shenqi asked, "Qinhuai Tower is not a small or insignificant establishment. Why would you snatch someone in public? What was your purpose?"

Qin San'er sighed, "My master is currently a guest in Sifang City. I wanted to find something new to please him, but I failed."

Jiang Shen gave a sneer. "To say you've failed when you can't forcibly seize it? How shameless."

"Judging from your accent, you seem to be from the Yunnan area?"

Qin San'er nodded. "My master's surname is Long. He is the third son of Commander Long. He has come to visit Marshal Guo."

Jiang Shen remained noncommittal. "Oh? When did you arrive?"

Qin San'er said, "The day before yesterday."

Jiang Shen snorted coldly, "You only arrived two days ago and you already have time to wander around?"

Qin San'er blushed and turned her face away, saying, "To be honest, I'm useless in front of the Third Young Master, so I try my best to please him."

Jiang Shen chuckled, but not sincerely, "Looks like I'm lucky today, everyone I've met is an honest person."

Qin San'er lowered her head in shame, while Madam Zhu smiled broadly.

Just then, A-Jian came down, carrying a camphor wood brocade box. Madam Zhu took it, opened it, and showed it to Qingru. "This is a ten-carat rough diamond necklace. I loved it so much when I bought it, but I didn't have any clothes to match it, so it's been sitting there until now. Today I finally understand why this necklace never wanted to go out with me; it was waiting for its owner."

As Madam Zhu spoke, she tried to put the hairpin on Qingru. Qingru dodged away, not wanting Madam Zhu to touch her.

Lady Zhu remained calm, but slightly frowned as she looked at Jiang Shen. "Commander Jiang, what should we do?"

Jiang Shen said, "Take it. You deserve it."

Qingru then took the necklace in her hand but did not put it on.

Mrs. Zhu smiled sweetly, "This is it! Jewelry for a beautiful woman, this is just right."

Jiang Shen was about to take his leave. "The matter is settled, farewell."

Madam Zhu smiled as she saw them off, and Qin San'er was also taken away. But Qingru suddenly returned, stuffed the necklace back into Madam Zhu's hand, and whispered in her ear, "If you want this matter to pass, you'll have to exchange it for Du Tao's life."

Lady Zhu was taken aback and was about to refuse when Qingru looked directly at her and said, “I know that human traffickers are closely related to you. They are difficult to catch, but Qinhuai Tower is easy to catch. Since you are still under Commander Guo’s jurisdiction, you should know how to act.”

After saying that, Qingru left without giving Madam Zhu a chance to refuse.

As Qingru and her group sailed away, Master Zhu's face contorted in anger, and he gritted his teeth.

"What bad luck, Ah Jian!"

A-Jian immediately stepped forward to receive the order: "Go and bring Du Tao back, beat him to death with sticks."

A-Jian was taken aback and was about to go when Madam Zhu said again, "Wait, beat them half to death, tie them up tightly, and throw them at the city gate."

"Yes."

Once aboard the ship, before Qingru could even catch her breath, Jiang Shen collapsed, his bright red blood seeping out and instantly staining the snow-white gauze.

"Jiang Shen, wake up! How are you?"

The guard beside him replied, "Don't worry, the medicine has already been applied. It's just that the regimental commander was worried about you, which is why he searched for you everywhere despite your injuries. And Liu Wu, we don't know where he is right now."

Qingru blushed, and Jiang Shen actually risked his life to save her?

She didn't want to talk for a moment, so she could only take care of Jiang Shen first. Fortunately, she was used to changing his dressings when they were in Shanghai, so she wasn't embarrassed at this moment.

However, Qingru then noticed: "Liu Wu? Who is that?"

The soldier said, "It's that bearded guy who was with you, his name is Liu Wu. He's probably feeling quite guilty, and he's been looking for you everywhere."

Qingru fell silent. Why were two patients looking for him? Where was Guo Zixing? Had he really forgotten him completely?