Chapter 111: Sending a Husband to Prudence

Because Geoffrey did not attend the morning court session, he returned to the office later than usual. As he sat sipping his coffee, he heard the loud sounds of drums and gongs outside. Someone mentioned that Doug had arrived, and Geoffrey was puzzled. Why the noise and celebration? What was Doug up to this time?

“Go see what’s happening,” Geoffrey instructed Harlan. Ever since their last encounter, when Doug had insulted him, Geoffrey had kept a wary distance. He had no desire to see Doug unless it was for something important.

Harlan went outside and quickly returned with an update. Doug had arrived with a large entourage, creating a grand spectacle with gongs, drums, and firecrackers. The townspeople followed the procession, eager to witness the display. Doug, riding his majestic horse, led a bridal sedan while scattering candy along the road, prompting the crowd to chase after him in excitement.

“Open the gate and let the sedan pass!” Doug bellowed joyfully, his face beaming.

People from nearby houses gathered to watch. Matilda, Michelle, Priscilla, and three of her children emerged; even Isolde appeared, frozen by the sight. She rushed forward and asked, “Doug, what is this all about?”

Looking down from his high perch, Doug raised an eyebrow and replied, “Naturally, I’m here to send a gift to your family’s Prudence.”

Priscilla, her face flushed with anger, stepped forward. “What kind of gift involves a bridal sedan?”

Doug explained, “I heard that Prudence has a fondness for companions. As I have taken her granddaughter as a disciple, we’re now family. If she has such a liking, I must fulfill it. So, I have brought a retired eunuch from the palace as a companion for Prudence.”

As he spoke, a man in a red wedding robe, his hair entirely white, stepped out from the sedan, beaming with a cheery smile. This absurd act sent the onlookers into fits of laughter.

Priscilla, red-faced with rage, shouted, “How dare you insult my mother like this?”

Michelle quickly pulled Matilda aside, trying to avoid being seen by the crowd. Doug smiled and coldly glanced at Priscilla. “Insult? I came with good intentions, but if you can’t appreciate it, don’t speak ill of Duke’s estate. Are you implying we are bullying you?”

“You’re the one bullying!” Priscilla shook with anger, glaring at the eunuch. “Get out of here!”

The eunuch stepped forward. “You must be Priscilla. Here, a little token for you.” He handed her a silver bracelet, offering, “It’s just a small gesture. Please don’t mind it.”

Seeing the engraved silver bracelet, Priscilla’s lips twisted with disgust. “Someone, please call Geoffrey.” This scene was such a public spectacle; if Geoffrey appeared now, it would only embarrass them more.

Doug waved dismissively. “Forget Geoffrey. It’s Prudence I came to see. She should come out to welcome her husband.”

Priscilla almost collapsed from shock. Isolde, watching from a distance, felt a mix of frustration and amusement. She had thought Doug had forgotten about this incident, but it seemed he had planned this extravagant display all along. This was clearly designed to drive Prudence mad.

Isolde had barely taken a step forward when Doug shouted, “Isolde, come here and greet your step-grandfather!”

Isolde froze, then slowly backed away, trying to disappear into the crowd. She wanted nothing to do with this.

Meanwhile, word had already reached Prudence. Upon hearing the news, Prudence was almost beside herself with rage, on the brink of fainting.

“Such audacity! How dare he!”

“Prudence, there are crowds gathering outside, watching the spectacle. How do you plan to handle this?” one of her servants asked.

“Where’s Geoffrey? Is he dead?” Prudence shouted angrily.

The servant replied, “Harlan said Geoffrey has gone to the office.”

“Send Vance out to drive Doug away. We’ll deal with the rest when Geoffrey returns. This matter must be settled properly,” Prudence said. She couldn’t face this public humiliation herself; she would rather remain hidden.

The servant rushed off to find Vance. Vance, however, was already in hiding, having heard of the commotion. He was no match for Doug, and this farce was something he couldn’t afford to get involved in. If he didn’t hide now, when would he?

With no one able to stop him, Doug led his procession into the Blesertin estate. Geoffrey had heard about it, but Harlan advised him to stay inside.

“Doug, what’s the meaning of all this?” Geoffrey said, seething with anger.

Harlan, ever pragmatic, reminded him, “No matter his reason, he’s not here for you.”

Geoffrey clenched his fists. “But this is an insult to Duke’s estate and my father’s legacy!”

Harlan replied, “If you go out, it’ll be an insult. If you stay, it’s just Doug’s revenge on Prudence—personal matters you shouldn’t involve yourself in.”

“Revenge on Prudence? Why?” Geoffrey asked, bewildered.

“About the companionship business,” Harlan answered.

Geoffrey paused. “What does that have to do with Prudence? That’s just some gossip from the servants.”

He froze, realizing something. “Wait, servants dare to spread such rumors? This is Doug from Southern… Who would dare say anything bad about him? They’d lose their heads!”

He had known there were tensions between Prudence and Isolde, but had assumed it was a family matter, something Prudence needed to sort out. But now, hearing this gossip, it dawned on him: had Prudence arranged all of this?

“No, it’s all a misunderstanding,” Geoffrey muttered, shaking his head. Harlan remained silent, watching him closely.

Geoffrey thought of Eden, who had once been involved with Duke’s estate. Could it be that Prudence had orchestrated all of this? He quickly dismissed the thought. It must be a misunderstanding. This was never her doing.

Harlan said nothing but merely watched him, waiting. Geoffrey slumped in his chair, his expression distant, and after a long pause said, “Let’s go. We’ll leave through the back door and head to the office.”

“Good,” Harlan said, relieved.

Meanwhile, Doug had arrived at Blesertin and, without waiting, loudly proclaimed, “Prudence, I know your Duke’s estate is grand, and it would have been too much to ask you to marry into a family like ours, so I’ve arranged a reverse marriage. I wish you both peace and happiness, and a long life together.”

The crowd that had gathered followed Doug in, and despite the strict gates of Duke’s estate, Doug had made sure no one stopped them. Some brave townspeople snuck in behind.

Priscilla, unable to contain her fury, shouted, “Doug, even though you have the Emperor’s favor and the power to bully everyone, you can’t do this to an elderly woman! This is outrageous; you’re using your power to humiliate and intimidate us! Don’t you fear the Imperial Censor will report you?”

“Imperial Censor? What virtue do you have to claim? Honor, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, or trust?” Doug coldly retorted, adding, “And why would the Imperial Censor report me? I’m just fulfilling a wish here. If this were to go to court, I’d win hands down.”