TNIBFT -Chapter 195 The Eunuch Sets a Trap – Let’s See How He Digs His Own Grave

“What do you mean, dead or not?”

“If word gets out, people might think I forced their old scholar to death.” Gao Defu sneered, then turned to the maid standing beside the brazier. “Has the person been delivered yet?”

“I’m a bit tired. I’ll go rest for a while.”

After speaking, he extended his right hand. The servant kneeling on the ground immediately understood and hurried forward, respectfully supporting Gao Defu’s hand.

Imitating the coquettish manner of a noble consort, he twisted his body as he stood up.

“Bang!”

The maid who had been questioned was so frightened that she dropped to her knees, collapsing onto the ground as she begged for mercy. “My lord, the person… hasn’t been delivered yet.”

“This servant deserves death—please spare me!”

“Spare my life!”

Tears streamed down her face as she kowtowed repeatedly to Gao Defu, her forehead striking the ground with dull thuds.

This wasn’t her fault, but Gao Defu was cruel and perverse, treating human lives as worthless. The maid was certain she wouldn’t escape death today.

“Not delivered yet?”

Gao Defu’s gaze turned cold. He withdrew his hand from the servant’s, staring at the top of the maid’s head as he said icily, “A bunch of useless trash. You can’t even handle such a trivial matter. Keeping you alive is pointless.”

“Men, drag her out and beat her to death.”

“Let this be a lesson to those handling the search!”

Immediately, two fierce-looking men entered from the doorway, roughly grabbing the maid by her arms and dragging her outside.

Her legs scraped against the ground as she struggled, still pleading, “My lord…!”

“Spare me, my lord!”

Her voice grew fainter and fainter. Once the door shut, the room fell into complete silence.

Everyone inside lowered their heads, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Gao Defu stood there with a cold expression, lost in thought.

One of his confidants spoke from the side, “My lord, the child we’re after today is a bit troublesome. Our men already went and even clashed with them. The girl is Ye Tian’s daughter. There’s also a skilled expert at his hotpot restaurant. In broad daylight, our people can’t act too openly. If we wait until night…”

“What do you think?”

The confidant asked cautiously, his beady eyes fixed nervously on Gao Defu.

“Ye Tian’s daughter?”

Gao Defu fell into thought, then a cold smile curled on his lips. “Interesting.”

“Very interesting.”

“Come, let’s go meet Tao Lichun. I’m getting more and more excited about this.”

A sinister grin spread across his face, his laughter sending chills down the spine.

…

At this moment, Tao Lichun was escorted by servants into the reception hall.

The moment he stepped inside, a wave of warmth rushed toward him. Compared to the cold outside, it felt like an entirely different world. He removed the cloak over his padded coat and scanned the surroundings with his clouded eyes.

The room was filled with dazzling displays of gold and jade ornaments. Even the lamps overhead were intricately carved with dragons and phoenixes, adorned with tassels. Everything exuded an air of unimaginable luxury.

Yet, there was no one in the reception hall.

Tao Lichun frowned. Gao Defu had revealed his identity and summoned him here—he had already mentally prepared himself.

He had heard a bit about this grand eunuch. In the capital, Gao Defu committed countless atrocities, flaunting his power and relying on the Emperor’s and the Noble Consort’s favor. He had framed many loyal officials. Tao Lichun hadn’t wanted to come, but if he refused, Gao Defu might hold a grudge and do something harmful to Sifang City.

If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, how can you catch the tiger’s cub?

Whatever Gao Defu intended, he could only find out by coming here.

Tao Lichun found a chair and sat down. The armrest felt smooth and delicate, emitting a faint woody fragrance—clearly no ordinary item.

While Sifang City suffered from disasters and hardship, Gao Defu lived in extreme luxury.

Tao Lichun felt a surge of indignation in his heart.

“Ha ha ha…”

A shrill, piercing laugh rang out. Tao Lichun turned his head just as the silk curtain at the reception hall entrance was lifted. A pale-faced man with long hair stepped inside. His features were soft and effeminate, yet everything about him gave off an eerie, unsettling vibe.

“So this is Lord Tao, the reclusive sage of Sifang City?”

“This is my first time seeing you. As expected, you truly carry the bearing of a scholar. No wonder the Noble Consort often speaks of you, saying that with Lord Tao presiding over Sifang City, things are bound to turn for the better.”

Gao Defu’s lips curled upward. His soft, sinister eyes rested on Tao Lichun, his expression half-smiling, half-mocking.

Tao Lichun stood up, expressionless, saying nothing.

The atmosphere turned awkward.

Gao Defu’s smile gradually faded.

One of his close subordinates immediately stepped forward and barked, “You dare not kneel upon seeing the Chief Steward? What crime is this?”

“The Chief Steward is a fourth-rank official! And you, a mere Chief Clerk of Sifang City, dare show such disrespect?”

With a flick of his sleeve, Tao Lichun stepped aside, completely ignoring them.

A flash of malice crossed Gao Defu’s eyes, but he raised a hand to stop his subordinate. “Ah, I am but a eunuch. How could I deserve Lord Tao’s courtesy?”

“You all, step back!”

As he spoke, Gao Defu walked forward, his face full of politeness. “Lord Tao, I came this time under orders to take over the affairs of Sifang City.”

Tao Lichun froze.

Just as he had expected.

He had poured his heart and soul into managing the city, only for Gao Defu to come and reap the benefits—exactly as he had anticipated.

Seeing that Tao Lichun remained calm and unresponsive, Gao Defu continued, “However, after observing these past few days, I see that you’ve managed Sifang City in perfect order. I must admit I am inferior. So, taking over… I think we can forget about that.”

“Compared to me, the people trust you far more, Lord Tao.”

Tao Lichun was stunned. Someone like Gao Defu… could he really possess such self-awareness?

He cast a suspicious glance at him. At this moment, Gao Defu furrowed his brows, looking deeply concerned for the country and its people as he continued, “This method of disaster relief through labor—I will certainly report it to His Majesty and ensure you are rewarded. Without you, the consequences of Sifang City’s disaster would have been unimaginable!”

Gao Defu looked heartbroken, without a trace of pretense.

Tao Lichun didn’t know how to respond.

“Please, sit!”

Gao Defu bent slightly, personally ushering Tao Lichun to his seat. Then his expression darkened as he turned to the servants. “Where is the tea?”

“Are you all dead? Didn’t you see an honored guest arrive? Who gave you the audacity to be so neglectful?”

The servants trembled in fear and immediately dropped to their knees.

Looking at the innocent servants, Tao Lichun said, “This has nothing to do with them. If the Chief Steward has no other matters, I will take my leave. The city’s affairs are busy, so I won’t stay longer.”

Seeing that Tao Lichun was about to leave, Gao Defu quickly said, “I do indeed have a matter I need Lord Tao’s help with today.”

“I’ll speak plainly. This concerns an important affair of Great Liang. As a mere eunuch, I’m not capable of handling it properly. In three days, the secret envoy from Great Zhou will arrive for peace negotiations. The Noble Consort’s intention is for you to preside, so that Great Zhou won’t think our Great Liang lacks capable people.”

Tao Lichun fell silent.

He suspected Gao Defu had ulterior motives—but would Gao Defu really dare to cause trouble at a banquet for the Great Zhou envoy?

“If Lord Tao does not object, I’ll take it as your agreement.”

Gao Defu seemed to let out a sigh of relief. Glancing at Tao Lichun, he continued, “I’ve heard that this disaster relief-through-labor method was proposed by Ye Tian?”

“Yes,” Tao Lichun nodded.

“Then why not invite Ye Tian as well? I’ve heard his son holds an official position, and he is also your student. Since this peace negotiation is already set in stone, everyone involved will surely be rewarded by His Majesty. What do you think…?”