Deputy Prefect Guan seized the chance to provoke Lord Shao, capitalizing on his silence to entice others into mischief.
Individuals accustomed to enjoying perks were reluctant to relinquish them easily.
Wielding the account book, Deputy Prefect Guan taunted Scribe Fang, sneering, "No need to look so despondent. I'll return it once I'm done. What use do I have for this? Can you eat it? You should have handed it over earlier instead of creating a scene!"
"Indeed!"
"Looks like he prefers the hard way!"
"I extended an olive branch, but he rejected it!"
"He's not shameless; he's just overconfident!"
"Hahaha, exactly!"
Scribe Hu and his cohorts mocked and jeered, escorting Deputy Prefect Guan away.
With nothing more to witness, the timid ones discreetly retreated to resume their tasks. Those with a close rapport with Scribe Fang remained, offering support and solace.
At that moment, Sun Bai, Qing Yan, and others entered with Shao Yunduan.
