Ning Xi'er unconsciously curved her lips into a smile.
It's a strange feeling; I'm not exactly familiar with the person in front of me, and they're speaking rather rudely...
However, due to the original owner's memories of her past life, she knew the extent to which this person, as her maternal grandfather, was capable of...
On the contrary, I feel closer to people who have a peaceful face and expression.
Even now, he's saying things that are utterly heartless.
“I am Ning Xi’er.” Ning Xi’er looked directly at the other person.
As expected, Kong Xiu's gaze remained unchanged.
Ning Xi'er's smile widened, "Aren't you surprised?"
Ning Xi'er took another step forward and stood a meter away.
Kong Xiu's eyes remained calm and undisturbed.
But the slight furrowing of his brow betrayed his doubts.
Ning Xi'er suddenly smiled, turned to look at the door, then pointed to herself, "I just came in from here..."
Aren't you afraid?
Kong Xiu pursed his lips and remained silent, knowing that Ning Xi'er would give him an answer.
Ning Xi'er changed the subject and got straight to the point, "I've come to see my maternal grandfather..."
They're with you, aren't they?
Although the voice was questioning, it carried nine-tenths of certainty.
The remaining sliver of doubt doesn't seem to stem from suspicion that the person isn't with him, but rather from uncertainty that the person is within this mansion...
The corners of her thin lips curved slightly.
Kong Xiu blinked, as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world.
He finally spoke, his voice extremely low and deep, a stark contrast to Xie Zhun's clear and resonant tone.
"Has no one told you that I and your maternal grandfather, Shen Qing, have long since broken ties and are irreconcilable enemies?"
Like Ning Xier before him, although it was a question, he seemed quite certain that the person in front of him already knew about his break with Shen Xiang.
After all, the person who could deliver such an important message before her marriage...
They always get the news faster than others.
Back then, the Prime Minister's family was very wealthy, and it was often mentioned jokingly by officials...
Shen Qing was upright and loyal to the court, with no interest in anything else...
Lady Liu, the wife of the Prime Minister, was gentle in nature but lacked shrewdness and vigilance...
The two children are honest and upright, but not good at business or scheming...
Having immense wealth but being unable to maintain it is a great danger.
He had long seen through this and had advised Shen Qing to arrange marriages for their children as soon as possible, using the opportunity to divide the family's assets...
Although the assets were still considerable due to the expenses of dowry and betrothal gifts, they were not as eye-catching as the richest man in the capital.
Shen Qing naturally understood, but he didn't want to hastily arrange his children's marriages because of family concerns.
Shen Qing's marriage was arranged by his family after he had chosen it himself, and he and Liu Shi became a perfect couple.
Compared to family wealth and social status, he and Liu valued their children's happiness more.
It was precisely because of this, and because Ning Wei had hidden his true intentions so well, that he agreed to their marriage and offered Ning Wei much support...
Shen Qing was too charitable by nature, and he anticipated that the worst outcome would be that various parties would use excuses such as insufficient funds to lend out the family's assets...
When Ning Xu found Kong Xiu, he recounted all of Ning Xi'er's parting words and the potential troubles that might follow...
Kong Xiu then realized that, under Shen Qing's influence, he too had lost his vigilance towards the hunters...
Kong Xiu already disliked Ning Wei regarding Shen Qing's eldest daughter, Shen Ning.
The message Ning Xi'er relayed mentioned that Ning Wei had suggested searching and confiscating the Prime Minister's residence...
Kong Xiu believed in its possibility almost immediately.
The imperial court has never lacked loyal ministers, but it may not be able to tolerate upright ministers.
In particular, without forming cliques or engaging in corrupt practices, there is no one to rely on except for immense family wealth...
In that case, wouldn't we be like meat on a chopping board?
They can be slaughtered at will, unable to stir up any trouble, and can even free up a prime minister's position.
Shen Qing doesn't belong to either side, so since he can't be won over...
Even if it's destroyed, they can still plant their own people in it.
On the same day the Prince Cheng's mansion was raided, the Imperial Palace and the Prime Minister's residence were also burglarized...
Upon hearing this, Kong Xiu felt relieved.
Having received the verbal instruction from Ning Xu, he immediately went to Shen Qing's door for a private discussion.
As for what was discussed, no one knows.
Rumors circulated that Kong Xiu coveted the Prime Minister's estate, even if not as a relative, as his prized student...
Even a small act of kindness from the Prime Minister's residence would be enough to make an ordinary person rich for half a lifetime...
Some say that Kong Xiu was strict and harsh, unlike Shen Xiang, and that the two often disagreed...
Just then, the Prime Minister's residence was robbed, leaving them penniless. A heated argument ensued, and the two men broke off their relationship completely...
Shen Qing's only son, Shen Yan, is of mediocre talent.
Many people in the court knew that Shen Qing valued Kong Xiu no less than he would his own son.
Rumors circulated that Shen Qing was deeply affected by this incident and fell seriously ill...
The imperial physician personally visited him, but could hardly diagnose the cause of his illness, only saying that Prime Minister Shen was suffering from emotional distress and was depressed...
Subsequently, Shen Qing frequently claimed illness and did not attend court. Later, citing his inability to perform his duties, he submitted a memorial requesting resignation and applying for retirement...
What should have been a joyous occasion turned sour when the emperor fell ill...
Shen Qing's memorial was shelved.
All court officials were summoned to the palace and never left again; their families were all placed under strict control.
Shen Qing, feigning illness, did not attend court and thus avoided being imprisoned...
The imperial guards led men to the Prime Minister's residence to "invite" him, only to find it deserted...
Ning Xi'er was the first person to come to Kong Xiu and ask him for someone.
Kong Xiu's pupils gleamed with a strange light as he looked at the person before him with great interest...
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