Chapter 20

After promising to repay the money within three days, Zheng Wangshi called Zheng Si Que, preparing to withdraw.

But before the two could turn around, Shen Zhengdun cleared his throat and said, "Top scholar, wait a moment!"

"Little Dun?"

Zheng Si Que stared in shock at Shen Zhengdun, his former brother-in-law.

"Top scholar, your Zheng family owes the Shen Family Third Branch a debt to be repaid within three days—so what about the account you owe me?"

"Of course, you can deny it!"

"After all, you were once my sister's fiancé, and taking a few things from me, your future brother-in-law, I, a mere child, couldn't possibly let you leave with any documents!"

Shen Zhengdun's words were a crushing blow.

Zheng Si Que, whether he really took many things from Shen Zhengdun's hands or not, now could not possibly explain it.

"I never expected the top scholar to be such a person!"

"You may know a person's face but not their heart!"

"The faithless are often scholars!"

"Looking human but acting like a dog—one glance shows he's no good!"

……

As Shen Zhengdun spoke, Zheng Si Que was immediately denounced by the onlooking crowd.

Although the voices were not loud, they were not soft either, enough for Zheng Si Que to hear clearly.

"Top scholar, I remember you told me those things were 'borrowed'; if borrowed, they must be returned!"

"May I ask when you intend to return them?"

"If the items are damaged, do you plan to compensate by buying identical replacements, or to pay their value?"

"Although my learning is not as great as the top scholar's, I at least can read and write and keep accounts!"

"When I was young, you could fool me; now I'm no longer a child!"

These words were an even heavier blow than before!

From Shen Zhengdun's words, one can infer a fact: this top scholar Zheng Si Que clearly bullied the young master of the Shen family, who was naive, claiming to borrow but actually taking, and doing so through deceit.

If the marriage between the two families had gone through, this would have been a muddled account.

"Tsk tsk, this top scholar's character is worth questioning!"

Xie Zian was very happy.

"Uncle Lu, take note; later, when I write to my brother-in-law, I'll tell him all about this."

"A top scholar of such poor character—if he becomes an official, can of such poor character—if he becomes an official, can he truly stand up for the people?"

"I, the young master, express doubt!"

Xie Lu stood to the side, not knowing what to say.

He could tell that this little ancestor was displeased with the top scholar.

But this person is the son-in-law chosen by his elder brother!

"Little Dun, I know that the engagement between me and your sister has been cancelled, and you're unhappy about it!"

"But that's no excuse for you to lie and deceive!"

Zheng Si Que denied it.

He had no choice but to deny it!

Otherwise, his character would bear an indelible flaw.

But if he insists on denying it to the death, then the truth of the matter becomes a muddled account.

"Brother, I told you he wouldn't admit it and would say you're lying and deceiving!"

Shen Zhengyi stepped forward a small pace, looking as if everything was as expected.

"Alright, this time you were right!"

Shen Zhengdun did not argue with Zheng Si Que, but instead glanced gloomily at his own twin brother.

Then Shen Zhengdun turned to Zheng Si Que, spoke solemnly, and said, "Top scholar, man does, heaven watches—do you dare swear on your parents?"

"I don't know whether you dare or not!"

"But I dare!"

"I, Shen Zhengdun, hereby swear that if half a word of what I just said is false, may I meet a bad end, and my family will be implicated as well!"

"I've finished speaking!"

"Little brother, I'm leaving!"

Shen Zhengdun swore a poisonous oath in front of the many onlookers, without forcing Zheng Si Que to do the same, and simply left.

Lady Lu also said nothing more; as her two sons turned around, she merely glanced at Zheng Si Que and then walked toward the carriage.

Zheng Si Que stood where he was, his expression extremely embarrassed.

He truly hadn't expected Shen Zhengdun to break the deadlock in this way.

This former brother-in-law has truly grown up, become smart, and is no longer so easily fooled!

As Lady Lu, Shen Zhengdun, and Shen Zhengyi departed, the crowd gathered outside the Zheng family's gate quickly dispersed.

Zheng Wangshi and her son Zheng Si Que returned to the Zheng family feeling somewhat dejected; when the Zheng family gate closed, both of their faces turned grim.

"Mother, let's quickly handle our household affairs and set off for the capital!"

Zheng Si Que clearly understood that if they remained in Liu Cheng, they would only become after-dinner talk and gossip for these people.

Moreover, Liu Cheng is the Shen family's turf.

Here, they have no advantage at all.

As the ancient saying goes, a gentleman's revenge is never too late even after ten years.

He, Zheng Si Que, possesses the talent of a top scholar, and he is also about to marry the Xie family miss; in the future he will surely attain a high position, and then he will repay all the humiliations the Shen family has heaped upon them, one by one, with interest.

However, after paying the Shen family's money, he wants to buy a decent manor in Jingcheng, but he finds himself somewhat straitened.

But for now there is no better alternative.

Unfortunately, his mother's maneuver cut off the retreat he had planned.

If he could take Shen Yunyao as a concubine, with the Shen family's wealth, going to Jingcheng would certainly be ample.

Thinking of this, Zheng Si Que's emotions become somewhat off when facing Zheng Wangshi.

He could have had a better future!

Zheng Wangshi has no idea that her dear son, whom she constantly thinks of, already feels some impatience toward her.

……

Shen Family.

Lu Shi returned with her two sons; shortly after entering the gate, the news was conveyed to Shen Yunyao's ears by Cuiyu.

"Miss, the young masters indeed still miss you!"

Cuiyu is very happy.

In her view, with Lu Shi's return and the return of the Shen Zheng Dun and Shen Zheng Yi brothers, her mistress now has backing.

Shen Yunyao's expression, however, is somewhat hesitant.

She, in fact, has not yet prepared herself psychologically to face these three.

After all, she is actually one who occupies another's nest.

If her true situation were noticed, Shen Yunyao wouldn't know how to explain it, let alone how to face it.

However, since they have already returned, she must go and face them.

"Go!"

Shen Yunyao quickly steadied herself, taking Cuiyu with her to meet Lu Shi, this convenient mother, and the two brothers, Shen Zheng Dun and Shen Zheng Yi.

Although Shen Zheng Dun and Shen Zheng Yi are eager to see their elder sister, they still must observe propriety.

Having returned from their travels, they must first go to pay respects to the elderly Lady Li.

When the three entered Wenxi Hall and saw Lady Li, they all felt that Lady Li seemed much older and more feeble than before, lacking spirit and looking rather wan.

"Grandma's good grandchild!"

"You've finally come back!"

Lady Li, upon seeing the Shen Zheng Dun and Shen Zheng Yi brothers, was moved to tears.

She intended to give a good lament about her eldest son, Shen Shen's, lack of filial piety.

Unfortunately, Lu Shi immediately sensed that something was amiss.

"Grandmother, we have been rushing along this journey and are indeed somewhat weary; allow me, the daughter-in-law, to take Zheng Dun and Zheng Yi and take our leave first!"

"Not giving the grandmother a chance to speak!"

Lu Shi seems to have little respect for her mother-in-law, Lady Li.

(End of chapter)