Before they arrived, the Shangguan family heads and others mostly discussed that this county lady was just a country bumpkin and probably not good enough for such a refined occasion.
Looking back now, it seems they were narrow-minded.
"Esteemed family heads, please excuse the formalities. I was reunited with my family and was delayed for a while. I hope you will forgive me."
Jiang Yue extended her hand, gesturing for him to proceed.
The two rows of men of varying heights and builds below them sat down awkwardly.
Then she looked up at the lady who was speaking, and at the young man behind her.
Immediately, the family heads who had been gossiping felt a pang of embarrassment.
This young lady looks to be in her late teens; she hardly resembles a country bumpkin.
And isn't the only son of the Gu family standing behind her?
Isn't he blind?
Looks like he was faking it.
The lady asked, "Relatives?"
Could it be that he's family-oriented?
"Sixth Brother, why don't you greet the heads of the family?"
Jiang Yue smiled, her expression pure and innocent.
"Yes, sister!"
Gu Liulang knew his elder sister was standing up for him, so he straightened his back, stepped forward, and bowed to the family heads who had once looked down on him like ants.
"Gu Jia Liu Lang greets all his uncles and elders."
No need for formalities~
"How dare I!"
"Truly, heroes emerge from among the young!"
"I never imagined that my nephew was actually Lady Jiang's younger brother!"
......
In particular, the faces of the heads of the Shangguan and Lin families turned pale and then red.
If the other family heads were involved in the plot against the Gu family back then, then these two families were the masterminds!
Now that Lady Jiang has arrived, she has given the Gu family a hard time, which shows that this lady is very cunning!
Ignoring the unpleasant expressions on the faces of those below, Jiang Yue said in a calm tone:
"Esteemed patriarchs, I heard from Liu Lang that I have been fortunate to receive your care and support over the years. As your elder sister, I am truly grateful to you all. I wonder how you would like me to express my gratitude?"
“You flatter me, Your Highness. Our Zhou family has done nothing to help you, so how could we shamelessly ask for favors? Here’s what we’ll do: I own several hundred acres of medicinal herb fields. I’ve found myself quite compatible with you today, Sixth Brother. Since you call me Uncle, I’ll give them all to you.”
Once one precedent is set, another will follow. After someone sets an example, the next five or six family heads who had previously taken advantage of the Gu family will now pay back double!
Gu Liulang clenched his fists under his sleeves. These people had all been to his house before and had a past with his father.
But when faced with personal gain, these people turn their backs on you and even kick the Gu family when they were at their lowest point!
They plundered the Gu family's century-old business, and now, only because of the elder sister's power, they are barely returning the business!
Do they deserve forgiveness?
Unworthy!
There's also the Shangguan family, the Liu family who are dependent on them, and the Li family, who haven't made a move yet.
"Gentlemen, are you thirsty? Have a taste of our Junjun Mansion's tea to soothe your throats."
Jiang Yue clapped her hands, and Aunt Ge, along with her maid, began to pour tea.
However, the proper way to serve tea is to only pour new tea for the head of the family who has already "compensated" them, and coincidentally, the head of the Lin family sits on the right side.
On the left, several families were sitting, but no one was paying attention.
Two factions seem to have formed, one of which is pragmatic and considers itself a wise and capable person.
On the left, however, was the head of the Shangguan family, who made no comment.
The opportunity was given, and the seeds of discord were sown. A group of people came to pay their respects to the county lord, but when they left, they split into two groups.
Jiang Yue didn't get up to see them off; those people didn't deserve it.
She rubbed her temples and gestured for Liu Lang to sit down. The two women, aunt and nephew, then spoke frankly and openly to each other.
"Liu Lang, remember these two groups. The one on the left is our mortal enemy. From now on, we will fight them to the death."
The one on the right is a pushover, a weather vane; they'll side with whoever is stronger. Don't confide in them, but you can use them to your advantage. If necessary, you can…”
"I've got it. Thank you, sister, for standing up for me and helping me get some of the family property back."
"Next, I will arrange some servants and hire some bodyguards to protect you. Remember, you can only outsmart them, not confront them head-on."
"Little brother remembers, little brother will listen to his big sister."
"Write down any gifts that others give you, and keep the gifts for yourself. Don't refuse them if they're free."
But it can also serve as evidence when settling scores later.
Those who are family-oriented will be made to return their money with interest; those who are not family-oriented, I hope you can stay true to yourself and not let greed cloud your judgment.
"I will listen to my elder sister's teachings and will not let her down."
"Go down. Stay at the County Lord's residence for now. Don't go out if anyone invites you out; there might be a trap."
"Okay, sure."
......
Outside the Prince's Mansion—
The group of family heads, who had been chatting and laughing, were now clearly divided into two factions.
One faction was led by the officials, while the other faction was led by the head of the Lin family, who had "surrendered."
"Brother Lin, even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. Do you think you can avoid disaster by spending money?"
"Brother Shangguan, do you think I didn't receive a letter from the main family of Jinling before Lady Jiang took office?"
"Since that's the case, we have different paths, so we shouldn't work together."
"Brother Shangguan, you'd better watch yourself."
"Hmph~"
Haha~
After they returned to their carriages, the head of the Shangguan family had an extremely gloomy expression.
The host?
Jinling...
Yunshui County is so impoverished, yet Shangguan Jing still managed to build a fortune!
He, Shangguan Jing, will not remain subservient to others forever!
The true head of the Shangguan family is only one person, and that person can only be him!
"To the Prefect's residence!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Yunshui County had three major officials: the Prefect, the Commandant, and the Censor.
They are in charge of administrative, military, and supervisory duties.
The prefect was originally the highest-ranking official in Yunshui County. He could send memorials to Jinling and supervise the counties under his jurisdiction.
Now a county magistrate has been parachuted in, directly riding on the head of the county governor...
Shangguan Jing sneered. He didn't believe that this prefect would swallow this insult!
Scholars may have integrity, but Prefect Wang Sinian was not.
After receiving several boxes of antiques and calligraphy, he met with Shangguan Jing.
"Patriarch Shangguan, you've come all this way, why the expense?"
"Your Excellency is very busy with many affairs of state, and I am not able to help you much. So I have found some little trinkets to make you smile."
"Patriarch Shangguan, you're very kind~"
"Your Excellency, I have just opened a new restaurant and received a batch of new goods. I would like to invite you to do me the honor of tasting them."
"In that case, I shall respectfully comply."
"I am deeply grateful for the prefect's appreciation."
Shangguan Jing adopted a very humble posture, acting obsequiously and obsequiously.
Haha~
Wang Sinian stroked his beard, his smile deepening.
And you know what? This patriarch of the Shangguan family understands his thoughts best.
He immediately sent someone to inform the lady that she would not be coming home for dinner that night.
Having achieved his goal, Shangguan Jing took his leave first, intending to return to the restaurant to make preparations.
What should we prepare?
Naturally, it includes singing and dancing, and beautiful women.
It can't be a virgin; it has to be very tender and young...
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