Chapter 29: Thanks for the Unmarried Favor

Four sets of clothes, two taels of silver!

What if we become greedy?

Fine, given the Shen Family's wealth in Liu Cheng, this amount of silver really means nothing.

But the problem is, they are only servants.

Those who are masters can spend these two taels of silver as they wish; those who are servants, if they waste these two taels, a disaster may befall them.

Don't think that Cuiyu, when she's by Shen Yunyao's side, looks like she has no rules at all; in fact, regarding some important matters, Cuiyu has always followed the rules.

"Four sets!"

Shen Yunyao feels that this number seems like some kind of signal.

The most important accompanying maids she kept are exactly four, one set each, just right.

"Keep them. Once we later confirm who stays, we can distribute them to the four of them!"

"Yes!"

Cuiyu answers, then immediately goes to inform the six.

Six choose four!

Who can stay, and who will leave?

All six little maids are sharp‑witted; before the result is out, the others are all opponents.

"Miss, Miss!"

While Shen Yunyao is pondering how to pick four out of the six maids, Cuiyu rushes in.

"Something big happened!"

Cuiyu enters, her face very serious.

"What happened to make you so scared?"

Shen Yunyao is very curious.

Cuiyu, that maid, has quite the nerve.

"Zheng Family, Zheng Family, they are too over the line!"

"What did the Zheng Family do?"

"Then you tell me!"

Shen Yunyao truly hadn't realized that Cuiyu, that maid, had actually learned to stall for suspense.

"Miss, the Zheng Family is selling things!"

"They say they owe old debts to our Shen Family Third Branch; originally the two families had a marriage contract and received our Third Branch's betrothal gifts. Now the contract is dissolved, those gifts are being converted to silver and must be returned. But their household doesn't have that much silver, so they're selling household items on the street!"

"They are shameless!"

"They make it seem as if we forced them into a corner!"

"Don't think that servants who never attended school are unaware; clearly the Zheng Family is moving away, and they're using this as an excuse to smear us!"

Cuiyu finishes, angry.

Shen Yunyao is amused.

That mother‑and‑son of the Zheng Family are really interesting.

I have to say, their scheme is truly disgusting.

Even if some guessed that the mother and son were about to leave Liu Cheng, there would still be people who claim the Shen Family is wealthy yet heartless, forcibly driving the top scholar out of Liu Cheng.

The Shen Family in Liu Cheng is rich and powerful; countless people are envious of them!

Those who can mock the Shen Family, or even use the chance to cause them trouble, surely many would enjoy it.

"Miss, why aren't you speaking?"

"Are you also angry?"

"Miss, may I take a leave? I want to go out and scold them!"

Cuiyu grows more angry as she thinks.

Elders often say, taking a step back opens the sea and sky, enduring a moment brings calm winds.

However, she feels that if she doesn't scold that mother and son today, she can't get this breath out.

"Silly maid, insulting people lowers your value!"

Shen Yunyao chuckles lightly, "At this moment, insulting people is the most powerless response."

"If you ask me, don't scold people!"

"When you go out later, tell the onlookers, the Shen Family Third Branch doesn't need these few taels of silver; they just want to vent!"

"Of course, the Zheng Family has to repay, and our Third Branch can't stop them."

"However, I must thank the top scholar for his unwed favor, which made this marriage possible; to celebrate, the Zheng Family's items were presented to Liu Cheng's elders and villagers!"

"The Zheng Family's debt need not be sent to the Shen Family; just take the silver and deliver it to the county office to repair Liu Cheng's streets!"

"Also, remember to say that our Third Branch is willing to contribute an extra thousand taels of silver!"

How much money is needed to repair Liu Cheng's streets?

Shen Yunyao doesn't know.

But the county office people know.

If this road is repaired, the Shen Family Third Branch will gain fame.

If the road isn't repaired, whose fault is it?

Not enough silver?

Or the county officials didn't try hard enough?

Even the current county magistrate must weigh it carefully!

"Miss, it still has to be you!"

Green Cloud was also sharp‑witted, and immediately understood Shen Yunyao's scheme.

With that, the two women of the Zheng Family were just waiting to throw stones at their own feet!

Having received Shen Yunyao's signal, Cuiyu quickly left the Shen Family.

To boost the momentum, Green Cloud simply took the six little girls just assigned here and brought them along, making seven people; although they were all still quite young, the aura surged at once.

……

"Uncle Lu, take a look—how does the young master's eye look?"

Xie Zian heard news that the Zheng Family were setting up a stall on the street to sell items, so he ran over to watch the commotion; listening to the surrounding people's idle gossip about the Shen Family, especially the Third Branch, his mood turned sour.

But at this moment, when Cuiyu stepped forward and spoke, the situation flipped outright, and it left Xie Zian so agitated he was ruined.

He truly has a discerning eye for talent!

Regarding Shen Yunyao's maneuver, Xie Zian genuinely admired it; if he faced such a situation, in his agitation he might resort to brute force.

After all, in his view, some people cannot be reasoned with.

Because even when these people understand reason, they pretend to be clueless.

"Young master, shouldn't you be worrying about your own future now?"

Xie Lu chuckled, "Young madam is so clever, in the future…"

Hearing Xie Lu's words, Xie Zian instantly became unhappy.

Indeed, with such a clever daughter‑in‑law, what could he do?

The family already had Xie Zixian troubling him, and now these two women are together; if they hit it off, does he still have a chance to survive?

Wait!

This is wrong!

A husband is the pillar for his wife!

Why would he fear his own daughter‑in‑law?

Xie Zian suddenly realized he had almost been led into a ditch by Xie Lu.

A clever daughter‑in‑law truly saves him worry.

Which of the leading ladies in Jingcheng isn't a cunning person?

If my little daughter‑in‑law is clever and lively, she'll be able to handle things herself, so I won't have to labor over her.

Indeed, I am the one who benefits the most.

With Cuiyu stepping forward, the Zheng mother and son were left speechless.

The onlookers among the common folk were now a bit restless, but no one took the lead; they could only watch, their gazes like wolves.

Seeing this, Cuiyu stepped forward and said, "Madam Zheng, top scholar, these items are now considered to belong to our Zheng Family's Third Branch, right?"

"In that case, we won't trouble the two of you to guard here; please return!"

Having finished these words, without waiting for Zheng Wangshi and Zheng Si Que to reply, Cuiyu lifted her hand and gave a light wave, saying: "Elders and fellow villagers, everyone look—if any of these things are useful for your households, feel free to take them!"

"My lady has married a fine man; this is a small token back to the hometown elders—everyone, please don't be polite!"

These words were like a charging horn.

The onlookers moved!

One person moved, and all moved!

Top scholar?

Step aside, you!

(End of chapter)