Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhou sighed silently.
He then said, "But if that's the case, it would be too unfair to you. You're like a brother to me, how could I treat you like that?"
Although he said that, there was a hint of excitement in his tone.
Even Madam Zhang and Zhang Xuanhe, who were standing to the side, had pleasantly surprised smiles on their faces.
The steward naturally understood his intention and replied in agreement, "It is precisely because you treat me like a brother that I am even more determined to repay you."
"Moreover, if the Zhang family falls, neither I nor my wife and children will suffer the same fate. Whether out of personal motives or respect for the adults, I am willing to stand up and bear all the blame on my own."
"I only hope that you will treat my wife and children well in the future, and I will be eternally grateful."
“Of course.” Zhang Zhou stepped forward and helped the butler up.
He then assured her, "You can rest assured about that. From now on, your wife and children will be no different from your master in the Zhang family, and no one will be able to harm them."
"It's just that you've suffered in the end, but don't worry, I will definitely avenge you by killing everyone in the Shen family in the future."
Upon hearing this, the butler couldn't help but sneer inwardly.
What does Zhang Zhou's desire to deal with the Shen family have to do with him? It's just because of a long-standing grudge.
It's all just a pretense now.
Although he thought this way, he pretended to be extremely moved.
He hurriedly replied, "Then thank you, sir. I hope you can avenge me soon."
“Things aren’t completely beyond repair, and you might not necessarily be in any danger,” Zhang Zhou said again.
The butler looked stunned, as if he hadn't understood his sudden words.
Then Zhang Zhou spoke up to explain, "I'll give you the money. Go to the Shen family right away and plead with Shen Yunting to see if he'll let it go for the sake of the money."
"This way you won't have to take the blame for us in the end. What do you think of this?"
The steward shook his head in disapproval: "But General Shen doesn't seem to be that kind of person. If he were, His Majesty would have found out long ago."
"The Shen family has always been honest and upright; everyone knows that."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhou scoffed: "In the face of absolute self-interest, how many people can truly remain unmoved?"
"I don't believe that Shen Yunting is really as indifferent as he seems. Last time, the Shen family was almost emptied out because of the embezzlement incident. Even Qu Jingyun helped him a lot."
“People outside are laughing at him for being a kept man. Over time, he will inevitably feel uncomfortable. Besides, even if he takes this money, he will have leverage over the Zhang family. He can do whatever he wants with them in the future. Would he still be dissatisfied?”
Zhang Zhou became increasingly convinced of the truth of the matter as he spoke, and continued, "If we can use this incident to bring him into the Zhang family's camp, it would be a good thing for us as well."
He leaned close to the butler's ear and whispered something.
The butler's expression grew increasingly serious. Although he still disagreed somewhat, he nodded in agreement.
Shen Yunting was not surprised to learn that the steward had come to the general's mansion.
However, he thought the other party was turning himself in, but he didn't expect that the butler was actually there to bribe him.
For a moment, Shen Yunting found it somewhat amusing.
The wooden box presented by the steward contained silver notes and priceless treasures.
It was clearly prepared with great care.
Shen Yunting chuckled softly and pointed to the wooden box.
He said, "It seems the Zhang family has really been greedy all these years. Even a steward can bring out so many treasures to bribe me."
"General Shen, I was confused for a moment. I hope you will be lenient and forgive me this time."
The steward knelt on the ground and then said, "As long as General Shen is willing to push all of this onto Lu Qi, all of these things are yours, General Shen."
Upon hearing the other party's words, Shen Yunting became interested.
He retorted, "The Shen family's integrity is well-known throughout the capital, and the last embezzlement was orchestrated by the Zhang family. As the steward of the merchant, why do you think I would accept these things?"
"General Shen," the steward called softly.
He then explained, "I know you are indifferent to fame and fortune and do not care about these material things."
"But have you thought about Madam Shen? She's getting old, so she naturally needs expensive items to maintain her health, otherwise her body might not be able to hold on for long."
"And this huge general's mansion, it's not easy to maintain a semblance of respectability. The last embezzlement incident has already drained the general's mansion dry. Do you really want to become the laughing stock of the entire capital?"
The butler earnestly advised him, his tone full of sincerity.
After all, he genuinely wanted to save his own life.
Upon hearing this, Shen Yunting scoffed and said sarcastically, "Isn't this all thanks to the Zhang family? If it weren't for the Zhang family, would I be in this predicament today?"
"Where do you get the nerve to say such things to me?"
Upon hearing this, the steward quickly said, "This is the Zhang family's fault, but the Zhang family has already admitted their mistake. If General Shen is willing, the Zhang family can bring continuous benefits to the General's Mansion in the future."
Unexpectedly, Shen Yunting retorted, "Didn't you say that the cheating in the imperial examination was your doing alone? You're just a steward. Do you think the Zhang family would be willing to pay for your stupidity?"
"This was indeed done by me alone, but it was for the sake of the young master of the Zhang family. Although the Zhang family does not approve of this behavior, they are still willing to help me take responsibility."
The butler couldn't wait to speak, "This will not be a loss for you, General Shen. Please think it over carefully."
"Please also think carefully about what I just said. In the capital, money is needed everywhere."
"It's alright." Shen Yunting chuckled, then said, "I've already handed over all my shops to Jingyun. She's capable, and it shouldn't be long before she helps me earn enough money."
"But you're already divorced. If this gets out, people will only think that you're a kept man, General Shen. Can you really accept that?"
The steward grew anxious and hurriedly said, "Not to mention that the county princess already helped you a great deal last time, and people in the capital are already laughing at the general behind his back."
"Let them laugh, I don't care." Shen Yunting shook his head dismissively.
His eyes even held a hint of smugness.
He was overjoyed to be taken in by Qu Jingyun.
Upon hearing this, the butler's eyes widened, his expression filled with disbelief.
Why does this person completely defy expectations?
He opened his mouth, about to say something more.
He watched helplessly as the person in front of him turned cold, and his heart skipped a beat, realizing something was wrong.
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