Chapter 31: A Gentleman

After hearing Cuiyu recount the Shen Family's old affairs, Shen Yunyao could basically confirm one thing: the Shen Family has a secret.

In a typical large household, the eldest son inherits the family business and becomes the future head. The eldest daughter‑in‑law is destined to become the matriarch.

The Shen Family is no exception.

But in the Shen Family, there was once a period of exception.

Why?

Unfortunately, the only ones who could answer Shen Yunyao's questions are her elders.

Fortunately, Shen Yunyao is not the type to pry until the kettle breaks; for now, these matters seem to have almost no impact on her.

If so, why bother troubling oneself?

The world has no trouble; the mediocre create it themselves.

People, sometimes it's best to be blissfully ignorant.

Moreover, Cuiyu is not wrong.

Even though the Lu clan doesn't like her, they would never harm her.

On the contrary, the Lu clan actually has expectations for her.

In this situation, the Lu clan would only wish her well, preferably to establish a foothold at the Xie Family in Jingcheng, and later be able to offer some support to their son.

After all, the sibling relationship between them has always been good.

"Then let's listen to the madam!"

Shen Yunyao smiled and replied, "Of course, you also have to show the skill of your little girl leader and get to know them better."

"You surely don't want to be clueless when you have to manage them in the future, do you?"

Although the final decision can be left to the Lu clan, they still can't do nothing.

"Miss, rest assured, I will never disappoint you!"

Cuiyu swore solemnly as she promised.

She is the miss's top confidante and part‑time strategist.

Shen Yunyao looked at the confident Cuiyu, gave a slight nod, and said, "I trust you!"

Just that sentence sent Cuiyu's confidence soaring.

Gaining the miss's approval proves she has done well.

However, she must keep persisting.

She cannot afford to slack off.

In the past, the miss had only her attending, with no competition. Now there are more, and perhaps even more will come later.

She must not rely on her seniority to remain stagnant.

The miss needs a capable Cuiyu, not a complacent Cuiyu.

……

Zheng Family.

At this moment, it feels as if it has endured a catastrophe.

The entire manor is empty.

Even the potted plants that were in the house have been taken away.

Originally intending to disgust the Shen Family, they never expected to be disgusted themselves.

"Son, this vengeance must be taken!"

"We must avenge!"

Zheng Wangshi sat on the steps, tears streaming unknown how much.

Even though the vast Zheng Family had suffered decline in recent years, they at least preserved the manor and saved a shred of ancestral dignity.

She had thought that with her son becoming a top scholar, the Zheng Family would revive, but now it is worse than before.

Losing all the assets doesn't matter; after all, they plan to relocate to Jingcheng and reestablish themselves.

But the old manor was looted; after she dies and goes to the Nine Springs below, how will she answer to herself and to the ancestors?

Zheng Wangshi is filled with hatred!

Had she known it would come to this, she would have immediately agreed to the Shen Family's request when the thought of breaking off the marriage first arose.

However, no one can know the future.

"Mother, rest assured, if this vengeance is not taken, I, Zheng Si Que, would be a worthless person."

His plot failed, and he was incensed with shame.

Zheng Si Que came to hate the entire Shen Family.

Of course, the one he hates most is Shen Yunyao.

He even worried that this woman would be sad if he broke off the marriage, considering taking her as a concubine; she not only declined, but also dared to hit him, and now she even schemes against him, causing the Zheng Family's old manor to be emptied.

He recorded this grudge.

Isn't this woman planning to make a high marriage in Jingcheng?

Fine, we'll ride a donkey and watch the opera, let's see how it goes!

"Son, mother's heart is choking with anxiety!"

Although Zheng Wangshi heard Zheng Si Que's reply, she still felt unable to let it go, feeling aggrieved.

"Mother, a gentleman's revenge need not be rushed; ten years is not too late."

Zheng Si Que said in a deep voice, "My son is now merely a Hanlin scholar, without power or influence, but if you give him time, he is destined to soar to great success in the future."

"When that time comes, my son will make the entire Shen Family know what regret feels like!"

Zheng Si Que spoke, his words striking the ground with resonance.

Zheng Wangshi continued to sigh and lament.

She wants to revenge the Shen Family immediately, not wait years.

However, Zheng Wangshi also understands that her son is speaking the truth.

Although he is the top scholar, in the officialdom Zheng Si Que is just a newcomer, and without the scholar's status boost, Zheng Si Que truly has no advantage.

So he can only wait, biding his time for a good opportunity.

"Mother, we should set off!"

Zheng Si Que looked at Zheng Wangshi, who was slightly regaining composure, and urged her to depart.

From now on, Liu Cheng will exist only in dreams.

When he returns, that will be the time the Shen Family falls.

As the top scholar, he should have been Liu Cheng's pride, but a single misstep has already placed him ten thousand li away.

When Zheng Si Que and Zheng Wangshi walked out of the empty grand mansion of the Zheng Family, they found county constables waiting at the gate.

Seeing the constables, Zheng Si Que finally felt a bit relieved; even as a top scholar, someone still took him seriously.

"Excuse me, may I report to the county lord and say this official thanks the county lord…"

"Top scholar, please forgive us; the county lord asks us to request that you go to the county office to discuss the city's road construction!"

The constable interrupted Zheng Si Que's words.

When Zheng Si Que heard what the other said, he was stunned.

"What the heck?"

"Discussing the city's road construction!"

Zheng Si Que instantly recalled the words Cuiyu had said to the townsfolk earlier.

Indeed, that little girl had indeed said that.

Moreover, the Shen Family would also produce a thousand taels of silver.

"Damn it, they're trying to force that mother and son onto a dead end!"

Zheng Si Que gritted his teeth, his hatred toward Shen Yunyao reaching its limit.

In Zheng Si Que's view, that hateful woman Shen Yunyao is not even human.

As the old saying goes, leave a margin when dealing with people, so you can meet again later.

But what about this woman?

She truly intends to drive that mother and son to death!

"Son, the county lord has summoned you; then go!"

It was Zheng Wangshi who first regained composure, spoke aloud, and brought Zheng Si Que back to his senses from extreme fury.

Indeed, this trip to the county office, he must go whether he wants to or not.

Don't underestimate the Liu Cheng county lord; even though he's only a seventh‑rank official, he still has the authority to report directly to the emperor.

In one's lifetime, one will encounter all sorts of people.

Some people are benefactors who can lend you a hand.

Others are adversaries who will sharply cause you trouble.

Yet whether a person is a benefactor or an adversary often depends on oneself.

Like at this moment.

Whether the Liu Cheng county lord is a benefactor or an adversary to Zheng Si Que depends on whether Zheng Si Que can satisfy him.

The standard of satisfaction is how much silver Zheng Si Que can give the other party.

As for whether the county lord worries about this top scholar's future revenge…

If this hurdle can't be cleared now, what future can be discussed?

(End of Chapter)