Zhou Haokun clenched his fist.

The thought that while he was busy handling the affairs of the Western Zhou Dynasty, his mother and sister suffered from gossip and slander in the Grand Tutor's mansion made him so angry that he wanted to kill someone.

Those who hurt them were none other than strangers.

It was his several good aunts and cousins.

(??へ?? ╬)

He was not a good-tempered person. Upon learning of this, he immediately brought his mother and sister to the mansion he had bought outside.

Then, in front of his maternal grandfather and uncles, he vented his anger without any mercy, making his aunt and cousins ​​lose face on the spot.

If it weren't for saving face for his maternal grandfather and several uncles, he would have loved to shut these women up and teach them a lesson.

There's no other way; we're relatives, and making things too ugly wouldn't be good for anyone.

He could only handle them with care, but he had already sternly warned his mother and sister that they should not treat those women as family members in the future, and that if they came to visit, he should simply shut the door and refuse them entry.

Speaking of which, I have to complain that his scumbag father is a real piece of work.

They didn't want to appoint him, their legitimate son, as crown prince, nor did they want to grant him a princely residence outside the palace. Instead, they kept him confined to the palace, fearing that he would become too powerful and be dethroned.

Therefore, over the years, he had lived in the palace and had never personally come into contact with the women of his maternal grandfather's family. He only learned about them from his mother and sister.

At that time, the Empress Dowager was the Empress of the country, and her younger sister was a palace maid born to the Empress. Their status was so high that others were too busy flattering and fawning over them to bother them.

Therefore, everything the mother and sister said was about how the women of their maternal grandfather's family were kind, good-tempered, and treated them well.

In reality, it's because they misjudge people.

Alas, it's also his fault for protecting them too well all these years, to the point that they can't even recognize people in the most basic way.

He often interacted with his maternal grandfather and several uncles, whose character was impeccable, and he thought his aunts and uncles were all excellent.

Unexpectedly, they turned out to be two-faced, jealous, and extremely petty.

Because of the favor shown to their mother by their maternal grandfather and uncles, they felt jealous and resentful. And because their mother was the high and mighty Empress, their jealousy only intensified.

The longer it goes on, the more the jealousy seems to take root and sprout in one's heart, gradually evolving into resentment.

Sure enough, the Western Zhou Dynasty was on the verge of collapse. The scoundrel father was living a life of ease in the imperial prison, while the concubines in the palace were either killed or dismissed.

As for his brothers and sisters, he imprisoned them all in the Imperial Clan Court to await the judgment of the Southern Di Crown Prince.

Seeing that their mother was no longer the empress, the aunts immediately became arrogant and smug, often bringing their daughters, whom they had taught by example, to make sarcastic remarks to their mother and sister.

It wasn't until then that the Empress Dowager and her sister saw through their true nature, and they were truly heartbroken.

Zhou Haokun sighed deeply.

His mother and sister were the people he truly cherished in his heart, and they were his most precious relatives in this world.

He knew very well that, apart from his maternal grandparents, the only person the mother and daughter could truly rely on was him; without him, the family would truly fall apart.

well! (????)

Seeing Zhou Haokun's brows soften, Sheng Lingwei blinked. "Kun'er, just give in to my little brother! He really likes you."

Zhou Haokun looked at Sheng Lingwei and gave a bitter smile.

“Boss, you’ve hit my weak spot. For the sake of that mother and daughter, I really can’t abandon everything. Fine, I’ll take over Xizhou County.”

Nangong Zichen was delighted and extended his hand warmly to Zhou Haokun, "Prince Zhou, thank you for your understanding. It will be a pleasure to cooperate with you!"

Zhou Haokun was slightly taken aback, then grasped Nangong Zichen's small hand in return, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Your Highness, it's a pleasure to cooperate with you!"

Wow! ?(?'?'? )??????

This is the eldest brother's younger brother. At such a young age, he already possesses the aura of an emperor, just as Brother Jing said.

Intelligent and shrewd, courageous and resourceful, with an extraordinary future ahead!

He felt somewhat ashamed in his presence.

With a smile on her lips, Sheng Lingwei stepped forward, patted Zhou Haokun on the shoulder, and said earnestly:

"Kun'er, wandering the world alone and roaming freely is a child's dream. You're not a child anymore, it's time for you to mature."

Besides, it's not wrong for you to yearn for freedom; your other brothers and sisters yearn for freedom too.

But they all have their own families, and they have ties to their families. No matter what they do, their families are always the first thing they think of.

This is not something shameful or bad.

"I'm the same way with your eldest child; once I have family members I care about, I naturally consider them in everything I do."

Zhou Haokun blushed after Sheng Lingwei's words and looked down at his toes.

"Boss, please stop talking. I know I was wrong. I will always consider my family in everything I do and be a responsible man."

Oh my god!

If the boss continued talking, he would be so embarrassed that he would want to crawl into a hole. It has to be said that the boss is indeed the boss, and he understands his little thoughts perfectly.

Sheng Lingwei was satisfied and winked playfully at Jing Qingyun.

Little Yunzi, look! No matter how much Kun'er jumps around, he can't escape my grasp, hehe...???

Jing Qingyun looked at her with doting eyes and returned a starry-eyed look of admiration: Yes, Weiwei is amazing!

Sheng Lingwei smiled smugly, glanced at the people around her, and then, under everyone's watchful eyes, slowly walked up to Zhou Haokun's mother and sister.

His face was beaming with a warm smile, and he casually took the hands of the mother and daughter.

"Oh dear, you two must be the Third Prince's mother and sister!"

The mother and daughter's hearts were pounding uncontrollably.

Looking at Sheng Lingwei in front of them, dressed in a red dress and looking as beautiful as an angel, they were both excited and nervous.

After a moment's thought, Zhou Haokun realized Sheng Lingwei's purpose.

The eldest sister is here to support her mother and sister in front of everyone, and to clearly tell everyone how much she values ​​her mother and sister.

I imagine today will pass.

Those gossipy old women in the capital city, having learned their lesson, dared not spread rumors in private anymore.

Thinking of this, Zhou Haokun smiled and walked to Sheng Lingwei's side, saying to the bewildered mother and daughter:

“Mother, sister, you don’t need to be nervous. Princess and I are old acquaintances. We have a good relationship and often exchange letters. That’s how I got to know you through your portrait.”

Sheng Lingwei nodded in agreement.

"Yes, Aunt and sister."

You have no idea, but I've wanted to get to know you all for a long time, but I just haven't found the right time yet.

Now things are great. From now on, we're one family. We'll share the good times and the bad.

If you encounter any difficulties or suffer any injustices, please tell me, and I will stand up for you.

As she said this, Sheng Lingwei's tone suddenly rose, and her sharp gaze swept over the people on both sides of the street.

Its deterrent power is self-evident.

Especially when she saw Zhou Haokun's aunts and cousins, her eyes were filled with murderous intent, and her spiritual power pressed down, causing them to kneel on the ground and let out a shrill scream.

Hmph, she's always been protective of her own!

Zhou Haokun, mindful of the bonds between family members, dared not go too far, but she did!