Chapter 369: Subjugating Pei Lang (4)

She called herself a "student," her long black hair tucked into a man's official hat. As she gazed at me with a gentle smile, she had the demeanor of a young, elegant man. But within those clear eyes lay a depth of meaning and intention, impossible to discern or guess. Her feigned playfulness exemplified the hidden slyness of the officialdom.

Dealing with her is like walking a tightrope on a cliff. There are hidden meanings in her words, and it is difficult to tell friend from foe.

Pei Lang tilted his head: "What do you think?"

Shen Miao laughed, her smile pure, as if she was genuinely happy that she had done a good deed. She said, "I think it's very good. Even if that Prefect Pei's son knew of Sister's whereabouts and came to redeem her, I'm afraid that given Miss Pei's resentment towards Prefect Pei and her own stubbornness, she wouldn't agree. Instead, it would ruin her life."

Pei Lang didn't say anything.

"Some people in this world are originally jade, but after being mixed in with stones for a long time, they become stones. But some people have their pride hidden in their bones. Even if they were crushed into dust, their arrogance would not change an inch. I heard that although the prefect Pei committed a crime, he was also an arrogant person. I think the two children he raised are no less arrogant. Tell me," Shen Miao looked at Pei Lang, "would that girl rather live as a noble lady who has fallen into prostitution, or live as a famous courtesan who has washed away the dust?"

"Having said so much," Pei Lang sneered, "What do you want me to do?"

"Mr. Pei is extremely intelligent. I knew I couldn't hide it from you. It's like seeing the big picture from the subtle, and understanding the elegant meaning from the music. That's exactly what it means." Shen Miao complimented Pei Lang generously before saying, "Mr. Pei has great talent and a broad mind. Why don't you join the government?"

"Chen Miao!" Pei Lang suddenly shouted. He didn't know what Shen Miao's words had touched a nerve in him. He suddenly became agitated, and even Jingzhe and Guyu looked at him sideways. Pei Lang angrily said, "Don't even think about it!"

"Mr. Pei, please don't be anxious. Just listen to me calmly." Shen Miao smiled and said, "Perhaps Mr. Pei was frightened by the story I just told. He feels that in the officialdom, if one is not careful, one will bring trouble to the whole family. It is dangerous and full of misfortunes. In addition, after entering the officialdom, it is probably not as free and easy as being a free and easy Mr. now."

Pei Lang's expression gradually returned to calm, as if he had returned to being the gentle and kind gentleman he once was.

"But you are all alone now, without a partner or family, so there is no need to worry about getting into trouble. Besides... in this world, the higher you stand, the farther you can see. The higher you stand, the more you can do. If you want to protect those you can protect, just being a commoner is not enough. You may have many students all over the world, but..." Shen Miao raised her glass calmly, clearly smiling, but for a moment, she turned cold and indifferent. She said, "When something really happens, the rich and powerful will avoid you, so how can they bother to do anything?"

“Only when you become strong can you follow the right path.” Shen Miao’s voice seemed to be bewitching, even more confusing than those lascivious songs in Baoxianglou.

"Who taught you these words, and what was your purpose? What good would it do him if I joined the government?"

Shen Miao smiled faintly. Pei Lang seemed gentle and indifferent, and indeed he was a teacher who cared nothing for other things but was always able to get to the heart of the matter. In his previous life, Fu Xiuyi had done everything he could to win over Pei Lang as his advisor, and even later ascended to the position of Imperial Master. This was no accident.

"Mr. Pei, why do you ask what benefits others will get, but not what benefits yourself?" Shen Miao did not answer him, but cleverly took a detour and replied indifferently: "Getting promoted, getting rich, and getting married, in the end, the only one who benefits is you, sir. In business, how can you ask others how much money they have earned, but not mention how much you have earned yourself?"