Meng Zhao looked up at Shen Qinghe, her tone calm: "How long have you been waiting?"
"Half an hour," he replied softly, his gaze fixed on her face.
Meng Zhao sneered upon hearing this: "The Meng residence and the Shen residence are so close, you could just send Afu to check on me from time to time, and you'd know if I'm back or not. Why wait here for so long?" She narrowed her eyes slightly, "What, is this another trick you learned from those storybooks, thinking it will soften my heart?"
Shen Qinghe immediately shook his head and said urgently, "No, I'm just afraid that you won't want to see me if I don't see you in person."
Meng Zhao was taken aback, then remembered that she had indeed given instructions that if Shen Qinghe came to visit, there was no need to announce him unless it was urgent. She pursed her lips, turned and walked towards the mansion. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him still standing there, and couldn't help but frown: "What are you standing there for? Aren't you coming with me?"
This was the first time Shen Qinghe had stepped into the Meng residence since the New Year. He followed Meng Zhao closely, and after entering the study, he thoughtfully closed the door behind him.
"Speak, what's the matter that's so urgent?" Meng Zhao sat down in the chair, his fingertips casually tapping the armrest.
Shen Qing's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, as if he was considering how to start the conversation. Meng Zhao couldn't wait any longer and asked again, "If you have nothing to say, go back as soon as possible."
"Who told you to buy a shop on Zhuque Street?" Shen Qinghe finally spoke, his voice low.
A flicker of wariness crossed Meng Zhao's eyes, quickly replaced by a nonchalant smile: "It's just some spare cash I had, so I casually bought a few properties." She paused, then added casually, "What, is this really worth making a special trip for?"
Shen Qinghe frowned upon hearing this, "Now you're not even willing to tell me the truth?"
"What do you mean by that?" Meng Zhao's fingertip paused.
"Take my advice," Shen Qinghe took half a step forward, lowering his voice even further, "After the relocation ban is over, pick a few of the less desirable locations from your shops and sell some of them."
Meng Zhao frowned. Once the new city gate opens and there is enough traffic, how could there be shops in bad locations? According to Meng Zhao's estimate, a shop that is worth a thousand taels now will be worth at least four or five times more once the new city gate is built. This is much more profitable than doing business. If he sells now, wouldn't he be pushing away the wealth he has already gained?
Seeing that Meng Zhao seemed somewhat unwilling, Shen Qinghe explained, "There are many people in the capital eyeing the shops on Zhuque Street. It would be too conspicuous for you to take on so many at once. Many people in the capital are now trying to find out where you came from and what your sources are. Do you really think that money is more important than your own safety?"
"From what you're saying, the new city gate has already been decided?"
Shen Qinghe nodded slightly. "After joint surveying by the Imperial Observatory and the Ministry of Rites, the location has been determined. It is in the direction of Zhuque Avenue. The Ministry of Revenue is allocating funds, and the blueprints from the Construction Department have been submitted to the Emperor. The official document will be issued soon. You should choose a few shops in good locations to keep, and it would be best to get rid of the rest as soon as possible."
Seeing that Meng Zhao was still frowning and silent, Shen Qinghe took another step closer, "We've known each other for so many years, would I ever harm you?"
Meng Zhao looked up and met his eyes. "I understand. I will consider it carefully. Thank you for your advice."
"Now, can you tell me who leaked this information to you?" Seeing Meng Zhao remain silent, he suddenly sneered, a sharp glint in his eyes: "It was Xiao Youzhi, wasn't it?"
"Although the powerful clans have declined, the Xiao family, as a former aristocratic clan, still has deep connections in the court. It's not surprising that he got wind of it before me." He changed the subject, his tone becoming increasingly sharp: "But do you really think he's so kind as to tell you such important information for nothing?"
Shen Qinghe raised his hand and pressed it against the table, leaning closer: "These shops, which seem like hot commodities that can double in value right now, are actually hot potatoes. Just watch, he's definitely sitting comfortably in Chunfeng Tower right now, waiting for you to find yourself surrounded by wolves and driven to desperation by various forces. Then he'll casually show up to rescue you, using that to coerce you into coming under his wing. At that point, although you may be under his protection, you'll never be able to escape." He straightened up, his voice tinged with heartache: "So, you didn't guess, or did you willingly jump into this pit?"
Meng Zhao lowered her gaze slightly. She had only planned to take advantage of the internal strife within the Xiao family to profit from it, but she forgot that these shops had long been coveted by various forces. Her move made her the target of everyone's criticism. Thinking of this, a thin layer of sweat broke out on her back.
Meng Zhao replied, "I was blinded by money and didn't think things through in a moment."
Hearing that she hadn't intentionally gotten involved, Shen Qinghe breathed a sigh of relief and then reassured her, "But you don't need to be afraid, it's not too late to make amends now."
Meng Zhao nodded, and Shen Qinghe's voice rang out again: "On the eighth day of this month, Grand Scholar Cui's son is getting married and has invited Mother to be a guest. You should go too."
Meng Zhao understood the deeper meaning behind his words. He wanted those who were secretly watching to know that Meng Zhao was under the protection of the Shen family. Given her current situation, she had no choice but to agree. "I understand, thank you."
Shen Qinghe stood before the table, his gaze fixed intently on her. "You never need to thank me. I just want you to understand that my feelings for you have always been sincere, without a trace of ulterior motive."
At this point, his tone turned slightly cold, and a chill suddenly appeared in his eyes. "As for Xiao Youzhi, he wears a mask all day long, and he always beats around the bush when he speaks. He appears gentle and refined on the surface, but who knows what he's plotting behind the scenes. How could such a treacherous, hypocritical, and scheming person be worthy of you?"
Meng Zhao was slightly taken aback. She rarely saw Shen Qinghe in front of others, but whether it was written in books or rumors, everyone said that he was mature and composed in his youth, with outstanding literary talent, a jade-like appearance, and a refined and elegant demeanor. In short, he was like a god, unrelated to ordinary people.
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