Chapter 29 I Won't Let Lady Liu Get Away With It
Shifu
From the Grand Secretary's study came bursts of furious shouts. The servants in the mansion seemed to have long been accustomed to this scene.
Since the young master of the family got married, or rather, since Miss Yunxi was burned to death, the Shi family has been plagued by misfortune.
Although the servants weren't entirely clear on the details, they roughly understood that the Shi family was being targeted. They'd heard that businesses that used to be profitable were now losing money.
As a result, household expenses have been reduced, and I heard that if this continues, the monthly allowance will be cut off altogether.
Inside the study, Shi Qingchen knelt upright, but his slightly trembling body betrayed his true condition. He had been unconscious since the assassination attempt at the Lantern Festival.
He had just woken up when Feng Xun told him that rumors were circulating in the capital that Yunxi was colluding with Gu Nanxiao to make money. He knew without a doubt that this was a message his father had spread.
This time, he didn't ask his father to give Yunxi justice; he only hoped that the rumors would gradually subside. Shi Qingchen couldn't bear to watch his father take Yunxi's life and then ruin her reputation.
Upon hearing his words, the capital city official flew into a rage. After unleashing his fury, he felt his blood surging, his head spinning, and he was now panting heavily, one hand supporting himself on the table and the other holding his forehead.
If it weren't for the fact that removing him from his position as the young master of the family now would raise suspicions that punishing Shi Qingchen was a sign of guilt, he would have already sent this rebellious son back to the ancestral home.
The father and son remained locked in this stalemate for a long time, and Shi Qingchen's outer robe was already stained with mottled blood.
When the Prime Minister saw this scene, he recalled how the man had been carried back to his residence, covered in blood and on the verge of death, and felt a pang of pity.
After all, he was the son on whom he had placed high hopes. Although his son had made repeated mistakes in matters of the heart, he was still willing to give him another chance.
After calming his breathing, the Prime Minister's authoritative voice rang out: "Considering the many contributions you have made to the Shi family over the past three years, I will give you another chance."
If you swear now that you will never again be bound by romantic love and that all your thoughts and actions will be for the benefit of the family, then you will still be my legitimate son and can continue to be the young master of the family.
But if you continue to outwardly comply while inwardly resisting, then pack your bags and go back to where you came from.
Shi Qingchen was also perceptive. He realized that what he wanted was impossible and there was no need for him to lose his position as the young master of the family.
After only a moment's thought, he slammed his head heavily to the ground and swore an oath as instructed by the then-Grand Chancellor.
He had thought that he and his father had developed some affection for each other over the past three years, but today's events made him realize that he was wrong. His father had no familial affection in his eyes, only the future of the family.
If he wanted to win his father's favor, he had to be like his father, prioritizing the family's interests in everything he thought and did. Otherwise, he would just be a pawn that could be replaced at any time.
He was unwilling to be reduced to his original state. He had worked hard to get to where he was today, and it was through his and Yunxi's careful planning that they had achieved it. It was just a mere vow; if his father wanted to hear it, he would tell it to him.
As for Yunxi, he could never let go of her. As long as he didn't say it aloud, who could tell what he was thinking?
When the chief minister saw that he was respectful, he thought that he had taken his words to heart. He also saw that the bloodstains on his back were still slowly spreading as he knelt on the ground. So he called his personal servant and ordered someone to help him down and take good care of him.
Shi Qingchen expressed his sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister, appearing as if he had truly repented and reformed. After reminding the Prime Minister to take care of his health, he was helped back to his own courtyard by Feng Xun.
As soon as he entered the bedroom, he saw that Madam Liu was already waiting there, setting the table with dishes. Upon seeing him return, she immediately came to greet him happily, wanting to reach out and help him.
Shi Qingchen naturally dodged, leaving Liu's hand hanging in mid-air, a flash of resentment in her eyes. But she quickly composed herself and pointed to the food on the table, saying:
"My lord, why don't we have some food before resting? These dishes are all made to your liking. I just hope you can eat a little more so that you can recover your health quickly."
Shi Qingchen ignored her rambling and walked past Liu Shi, weakly supported by Feng Xun, toward the bed.
As soon as he approached the bed, he discovered that the bedding had been completely changed. Shi Qingchen's pupils constricted sharply at the thought of the diary hidden under his pillow.
Feng Xun seemed to have seen through his thoughts, tightened his grip on his hand, and patted his chest when Shi Qingchen looked over.
Feng Xun's subtle movement allowed Shi Qingchen to see the square, hard object on his chest, which should be Yunxi's diary. Only then did he secretly breathe a sigh of relief and give Feng Xun an appreciative look.
Shi Qingchen wasn't afraid of Liu Shi, but he was afraid that if this diary fell into his father's hands, then his reign as the young master of the family would be over.
After confirming that everything was alright, Shi Qingchen sat down by the bedside and then looked up at Liu Shi. Not only did he feel no affection for her, but he also recalled his sworn sister Yunxi's words.
That little girl is right. The person who took Yunxi's life is now enjoying a good life. How could Yunxi be happy to see that?
No wonder she kept blaming him in her dreams; now he would vent his anger for Yunxi. He didn't even need to lift a finger to torment a new bride in the inner quarters.
Shi Qingchen leaned against the headboard, pointed to a set of porcelain clocks on the antique shelf, and said to Madam Liu, "I've heard that Mother has been feeling unwell lately."
Pick a few light and delicious side dishes, pack them in that set of utensils, and take them to your mother's yard. Just one thing: this porcelain clock has a special origin, so be sure to bring it back after your mother finishes her meal.
Upon hearing this, Madam Liu was somewhat surprised. She had already learned from the servants that when Shi Qingchen was a son of a concubine, he was often mistreated by his stepmother. It was said that his birth mother, Concubine Feng, had also died at the hands of this stepmother.
The capital city government was aware of the animosity between the mother and son, and to avoid any unpleasantness, exempted Shi Qingchen from his daily worship. Therefore, the mother and son could only see each other during festivals.
The Grand Secretary also hinted to Shi Qingchen and his mother that they didn't need to be too close in private. He also advised Shi Qingchen to focus all his energy on his career and the development of his family.
Although his stepmother, Lady Wen, was initially very dissatisfied, Shi Qingchen had proven himself exceptionally capable over the past three years. He had managed both his political views at court and the family business with remarkable success. Therefore, his stepmother naturally dared not voice her discontent.
However, in recent months, Shi Qingchen's reputation has been repeatedly damaged, and even the family's reputation has been affected. His stepmother then began to work with her maternal family to change the position of the young master of the family.
As a result, the feigned mother-son harmony is now in grave danger, and there is a strong possibility that the relationship could break down at any moment.
Lady Liu didn't understand why Shi Qingchen would ask her to deliver food to her stepmother at this very moment. She was about to ask again when she saw Shi Qingchen close his eyes and pretend to sleep.
Madam Liu had no choice but to follow his instructions. She ordered someone to take down the set of porcelain cups, wash them clean, and then pick out several light side dishes from the table, placing them into the porcelain cups before putting the cups into a food box. Accompanied by two personal maids, she headed towards the main house.
As soon as Liu left, Shi Qingchen immediately opened his eyes, showing no trace of drowsiness. He immediately reached out to Feng Xun and took back the diary. Then, he lovingly stroked it, murmuring:
"Yunxi, I know you resent me, but rest assured, the Liu family will never replace you in my heart. The Liu family harmed you, and I will not let any woman from the Liu family have an easy time in this mansion!"
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