Chapter 5: Countermeasure

But what if the Zheng family manages to sway the county magistrate?

The people do not contend with officials!

Shen Shen is intimidated by Zheng Wangshi solely because Zheng Wangshi represents the authorities.

Uncle, if the county magistrate wants promotion, what he needs is political achievements!

If he only wants wealth, then, does the Shen family have money or does the Zheng family have money?

If we spread what Zheng Wangshi has done, who do you think will be the first to distance themselves?

Even if Zheng Si Que enters the Hanlin Academy, he's merely a refined noble!

To put it bluntly, the top scholar is impressive to us in Liu Cheng, but what actual authority does he have?

Uncle, the Zheng family isn't as terrifying as you think!

Shen Yunyao had to break it down and explain it in detail to Shen Shen; otherwise, she truly feared that this uncle would definitely kill her.

In the Shen family mansion, as the head of the household, if Shen Shen truly wanted to kill her, she would have no chance of survival.

Is that really the case?

Shen Shen sized up Shen Yunyao, "Yunyao, don't deceive your uncle."

Uncle, I also bear the Shen surname!

If the Shen family fares poorly, what benefit could I possibly have?

Only after hearing Shen Shen's words did Shen Yunyao finally relax.

This life of hers has ultimately been preserved!

Speaking of which, she really ought to thank this uncle Shen Shen; thank him for, despite his age, still not having matured.

Otherwise, Shen Yunyao could only regretfully end this chapter of her life.

Uncle, now is the best opportunity to expose Zheng Wangshi!

Zheng Si Que was raised single-handedly by Zheng Wangshi, and he has always been obedient and compliant toward her.

If we reveal the truth now, then when Zheng Si Que returns, facing a mother whose reputation is ruined, what will he think?

At the very least, they mother and son can forget about ever working together in unity!

Yes, yes, lass, you're absolutely right!

This is called sowing discord!

The more Shen Shen thought about it, the more reasonable Shen Yunyao's words seemed.

Uncle, if I may say, this matter requires you to personally take charge!

You know, in the hearts of the people of Liu Cheng, as the head of the Shen family, you are surely smooth sailing and exalted.

But if someone like you is driven by Zheng Wangshi to have no way out, what will the common folk think?

Lass, if that's the case, wouldn't you lose face, uncle?

Shen Shen shook his head vigorously.

Uncle!

This isn't losing face; it's genuine emotion pouring out.

As the esteemed head of the Shen family, being threatened by a widow who wields her son's status as top scholar, she is being forced to harm her own niece!

Just say, if you were an onlooker hearing this, wouldn't you feel righteous indignation?

Wouldn't you stand up for justice?

That is a must!

Shen Shen slowly widened his eyes, finally sorting out all the twists and turns.

Lass, if you were a man, I would definitely yield the position of head of the Shen family to you!

Uncle, don't praise me; I'm simply lacking in fortune!

Nonsense!

Shen Shen bluntly swore, staring straight at Shen Yunyao, "Lass, did you already guess all of this?"

Surely!

You little lass, so clever!

You, will you resent your uncle?

At this moment, Shen Shen also came to a complete realization.

Shen Yunyao gave a bitter smile and said, "At first, I really did blame you!"

But after thinking it over these past days, I realized that, actually, anyone in your position would have had no choice.

Now that you've come today to talk about this, niece, I no longer blame you!

Shen Shen may lack the ability to expand the Shen family, but he is affectionate and righteous; with him in charge and willing to let subordinates handle affairs, the Shen family can at least maintain its status.

From this perspective, Shen Shen is far better than Zheng Si Que's ambitious father.

At least, the Shen family has held its ground and even grown somewhat.

As for the Zheng family, it has already declined, and all of this is due to Zheng Si Que's father's failed investment, lack of responsibility, and his choice to end his own life.

Lass, uncle will take your words as sincere!

From now on, uncle will surely find you a better husband!

Even if he can't find one, he will absolutely not settle, and will never let you enter a marriage of convenience!

Let's go!

At this moment, Shen Shen is extraordinarily carefree.

Shen Yunyao remained lying in bed, feigning illness; although Shen Shen had seen through it, to cooperate with his forthcoming actions, she was not yet recovered.

The next day, Zheng Wangshi woke up early and immediately sent someone to the Shen Family to gather news.

In her view, Shen Shen had no other choice but to end the life of that little maid.

However, she did not know that Shen Shen had already been persuaded by Shen Yunyao.

The Zheng Family's servant had just arrived outside the Shen Family residence when the Shen Family people discovered and captured him.

Shen Shen personally led a group of people, marching mightily straight to the Zheng Family.

"Zheng Wangshi, you vicious woman!"

"Get out here!"

"Even if it means my family's ruin and my death, I won't let you get away scot-free!"

……

Shen Shen is undoubtedly skilled at acting.

Moreover, when he truly let go of his status burden, his performance was truly outstanding.

The exalted Shen Family patriarch, coerced into plotting the death of his own blood niece, under enormous pressure, still chose kinship, presenting the image of a stalwart who would fight to the death against evil forces, before everyone.

"How dare he!"

"How dare he!"

Upon hearing the servant's report, Zheng Wangshi was nearly driven mad.

She had calculated everything, but she never expected Shen Shen to confront her head-on; this is not Shen Shen's nature!

"What should we do?"

"What should we do?"

Zheng Wangshi panicked.

Her son's request was not settled, and it completely implicated his reputation.

"Madam, it's bad, the Shen Family head says he wants to dissolve the engagement!"

"They say that someone as vicious as you, the Shen Family ladies cannot bear!"

When the little maid spoke those words, Zheng Wangshi spat out a mouthful of old blood.

She, she knew, she was done for!

However, Zheng Wangshi did not know that, as Shen Shen led people to block the Zheng Family gate, the Newly Appointed Top Scholar Zheng Si Que, under the escort of the Taishi Residence guards, was entering Liu Cheng.

Because he was eager to return, Zheng Si Que traveled day and night.

Thus, the matter is just this inch!

All coincidences came together.

When Zheng Si Que saw Shen Shen blocking the gate and heard the bystanders' discussion, Zheng Si Que nearly fainted on the spot.

The accompanying Taishi Residence guards exchanged glances, all looking strange.

They knew that this newly appointed top scholar had been taken a liking to by their young lady, and the newly appointed top scholar had also received the Taishi's approval.

If the Taishi were to learn of these matters concerning the top scholar……?

Unthinkable!

"Uncle Shen!"

Zheng Si Que did not know what the guards were thinking, but he knew he had to step forward to resolve the issue.

At the very least, he could not let the farce continue.

"What happened?"

"Is there some misunderstanding?"

"You know, my mother has always been blunt and outspoken……"

(End of chapter)