Horse hooves trampled over the shallow grass, and tender green leaves clung to the willow branches.

Sitting on her horse, Shen Tangning looked down ahead and said, "Aunt Fang hid it too well; even my father didn't know about it."

She spent a lot of money to pry open the mouth of one of Fang's relatives, and accidentally learned that Aunt Fang had such a past.

It was no accident that Zhou Erlang would seek out Aunt Fang; rather, it was something Shen Tangning did intentionally.

This week, Zhou Erlang did not quit gambling as he claimed. Once someone gets hooked on this bad habit, it's not so easy for them to break free!

When Shen Tangning's people found him, he was being besieged by his enemies at his door. Because he couldn't repay the money, they threatened to chop off one of his hands.

Shen Tangning's men temporarily sent the group away for him and revealed Fang Yiniang's current situation to him.

He was so poor that he was bankrupt, while his former wife lived a life of luxury and ease. Zhou Erlang was clearly unwilling to accept this.

In addition, he was still in debt for gambling, so he had to find a way to get some money to spend. That's when he set his sights on Aunt Fang.

Given their previous relationship, he couldn't possibly stand by and watch someone die, could he?

Even if we take a step back and assume she's really that heartless, he could expose their relationship to Shen Chang, and then Aunt Fang wouldn't be able to escape unscathed either!

However, after arriving in Yanjing, under Shen Tangning's deliberate guidance, he witnessed the city's prosperity and couldn't help but develop even greater ambitions.

He's just trying to extort some money; knowing his nature, he'll lose it all in no time!

The Shen family is so rich, even a little bit of money between their fingers would be enough for him to live comfortably for the rest of his life! Why doesn't he just squeeze a hefty sum out of them?

Shen Tangning gently curved her lips, but her smile was faint: "Human greed is limitless. Zhou Erlang is delusional, thinking he can squeeze some money out of Aunt Fang. Unfortunately, Aunt Fang is no pushover either."

This woman is far smarter than Shen Xiwei, so she must clearly understand what she wants.

Zhou Erlang's existence is her biggest hidden danger at present.

Chi Yan suddenly understood what she was planning: "Using someone else to do the dirty work?"

“No.” Shen Tangning laughed, her eyes flashing with a hint of malice. “It kills two birds with one stone.”

...

After Zhou Erlang left, Aunt Fang's face suddenly darkened, and she gripped the armrest of the chair tightly.

Her nanny, who had been her confidante for many years and knew everything about her past, looked worried and said, "Madam, most of the people in this estate are Master's men. Zhou Erlang often comes and goes. I'm worried that if this goes on for too long, it will arouse Master's suspicion and bring trouble upon you."

Aunt Fang gritted her teeth, her tone tinged with anxiety: "How could I not be worried?"

Although Zhou Erlang appeared to be incredibly devoted, she knew his true nature all too well. When he was blinded by greed, he would sell all his family's assets and even beat her. Where was the deep affection he showed?

Either he lost money and was desperate, or he saw that she was doing well now and felt resentful and had other ideas!

She couldn't wait to return to the Shen family, and she also seemed to be avoiding Zhou Erlang.

The Shen family is large and powerful, with a deep mansion. It's not easy for Zhou Erlang to see her. As long as the two don't have contact, it's less likely to arouse suspicion.

But now that I think about it, since the other party is determined to keep bothering her, it won't matter where she hides!

Rather than being forced to submit to manipulation, it's better to take the initiative!

Her fingernails dug deep into her palms, and a ruthless glint flashed in Aunt Fang's eyes.

She has worked her way up step by step to where she is today, and she will never allow anyone's existence to threaten her position!

——