Chapter 38: Shen Zhengqiao

But what if we get shot dead by arrows?

Cuiyu, hearing Shen Yunyao's words, responded uncooperatively with a counterquestion.

Numbed!

Shen Yunyao glanced sideways at Cuiyu, then raised her hand and pointed at her.

Did the servant speak wrong?

Cuiyu felt her question was fine.

Shen Yunyao sighed and said: "Forget it, let's not talk about that. You've so messed things up that I've forgotten why I called you over!"

Yes, Miss, what do you want me to do?

Cuiyu immediately asked excitedly.

At the earlier welcome banquet, I always felt this maternal uncle came with ill intent. Thinking you said your two brothers are capable, I planned to send you to find them and have them investigate the uncle's situation.

Miss, rest assured, I will send a message tomorrow to my second brother so he can pump that little servant for information.

Furthermore, I think we can have my elder brother investigate the Li family's background, especially the Li family's daughter; we need to know ourselves and the enemy!

Seeing Cuiyu, who had already planned everything, Shen Yunyao felt greatly relieved.

Having such a thoughtful little stewardess, her life will be much easier.

Alright, let's do that!

Shen Yunyao didn't intend to tell this news to Madam Lu, after all she wasn't sure of Madam Lu's intentions.

This stepmother wholeheartedly thinks of her two sons.

If this maternal uncle's idea gives her the same thought, Shen Yunyao would become passive.

As long as she remains in the Shen household for a day, neither Madam Lu nor anyone else in the Shen family will find it easy to manipulate her.

Of course, this does not mean Shen Yunyao lacks means of checks and balances.

The problem is, it's too exhausting!

Such scheming and intrigue in a grand manor is really not what Shen Yunyao likes.

Unless there's no choice, Shen Yunyao will not let herself become so exhausted.

A woman, if her heart is too tired, ages quickly.

……

Shen Yunyao here decided to plot slowly, waiting for Li Yifu's schemes to run dry and his dagger to appear.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Cuiyu's second brother, after informing his own younger sister of the information he had gathered, also told the whole story to his companion who follows Shen Yunyao's eldest paternal cousin.

Old thing, you really dare to think that!

Shen Zhengqiao, hearing Zhao Xiang report the situation beside him, his slightly round large face instantly turned a bit ferocious.

Regarding this suddenly appearing maternal uncle, Shen Zhengqiao didn't look up to him at all.

As the eldest son of the Shen family's main line, the future heir to the family business, Shen Zhengqiao is not a stingy person.

For poor relatives who come knocking to mooch, Shen Zhengqiao has always been open-minded, feeling that helping a little is helping a little, and he doesn't lack such things.

But this maternal uncle's conduct gives Shen Zhengqiao the feeling of being a prostitute who still wants to erect a memorial arch.

Young master, should we inform the elder master about this?

Your servant sees that the elder master treats the maternal uncle quite differently.

If you misspeak, the elder master might just punish you again!

Zhao Xiang worries greatly for his master's current situation.

Zhao Xiang, you just don't understand this!

My father, as a person, hates most when others treat him like a monkey to play with!

Just you wait and see how this young master's brilliant plan will pacify the world!

Shen Zhengqiao eagerly went out the door.

Zhao Xiang then hurried to follow.

Shen Shen currently has a slight headache from drinking too much wine, feeling dizzy.

Zhou Shi had someone prepare hangover soup, but Shen Shen disliked its taste and only wanted to find someone to massage his head.

If you don't know how to massage, sir, I'll go to Madam Fang's quarters!

Feeling Zhou Shi's alternating light and heavy massage technique, Shen Shen's head hurt even more.

Upon hearing Shen Shen say that, Zhou Shi's anger also rose to her head.

But she could only endure it.

If she really followed Shen Shen's words, it would be like pushing her own man toward a concubine.

Sir, this maternal uncle's visit probably isn't purely for the Seventh Miss!

Zhou Shi's massage methods aren't working; she can only change tactics and divert Shen Shen's attention.

Shen Shen also knows his maternal uncle never visits without a purpose, but he really hasn't thought much about it, only saying that the uncle is using this as a pretext to come and mooch heavily from their Shen family.

But such things cannot be said directly.

After all, they need to save some face for his elderly mother's natal family.

Shen Zhengqiao appeared just at that moment.

Father, the son has a major matter to report!

After seeing Shen Shen and Zhou Shi, Shen Zhengqiao first performed the rites one by one, then spoke shockingly.

Shen Shen was quite dissatisfied with this unambitious eldest son.

At this moment, seeing him speak so extravagantly, she immediately snorted and said: "Speak, what major matter? If it's not right, I think you're just asking for another whipping!"

Father, this maternal uncle's visit aims to ruin the marriage alliance between our Shen family and the Xie family!

Nonsense!

Hearing his eldest son's words, Shen Shen flew into a rage.

Father, I'm not talking nonsense.

Today's welcoming banquet, didn't you have me find someone to receive the servant by your maternal uncle's side?

I had Zhao Xiang go drink with that man; after he got drunk, he spilled everything about your maternal uncle's purpose for coming this time!

What did he say?

Shen Shen's headache vanished instantly.

He said your maternal uncle wants Seventh Younger Sister to help find a prestigious match for the Li clan's daughter in the capital; if that fails, he wants the Li clan's daughter to follow Seventh Younger Sister and marry Seventh Younger Sister's husband together.

Father, do you think your maternal uncle is trying to ruin the marriage alliance between our Shen family and the Xie family?

Shen Zhengqiao's question left Shen Shen silent.

As a man, he also likes beautiful women.

There are not a few concubines and servant girls in the rear courtyard.

But this doesn't mean Shen Shen is unaware of his wife Zhou Shi's dissatisfaction.

You haven't told anyone about this, have you?

Shen Shen remained silent for a moment, then when he looked at Shen Zhengqiao, his gaze turned sharp.

Father, as soon as I heard what Zhao Xiang said, I came straight to you!

Father, Seventh Younger Sister usually has an ordinary relationship with Third Uncle and Third Aunt; I think this is a good opportunity for us to get closer to Seventh Younger Sister.

Not stupid at all!

After hearing his eldest son's words, Shen Shen finally felt considerably happier.

So what do you say—should we act now, or wait for the Li clan to make a move before we act?

The eldest son isn't stupid—let's test him!

Shen Zhengqiao pondered briefly, then said: "Father, I think we should respond to this promptly, not wait for the maternal uncle to act before striking back."

Although doing so might improve our impression in Seventh Younger Sister's eyes.

But if we do that, the scheming would be too heavy.

We are relatives; if relatives scheme against each other like this, it will ultimately chill people's hearts.

Besides, there are no walls that don't let the wind through.

Once Seventh Younger Sister learns that we had received the news long ago but deliberately waited for the maternal uncle to stir things up before acting, she might feel uncomfortable inside.

What Shen Zhengqiao said is exactly what's on my mind.

Shen Shen was actually quite pleased with what his eldest son said; among relatives, this is how it should be. Although it's also for profit, it doesn't prevent preserving a bit of affection beyond profit.

(End of chapter)