"What makes you say that, Madam?"
Shen Chang's tone became more cautious.
He was filled with doubt and unease. Could it be that Liu Yifu had discovered something?
He was on duty today, so it wouldn't be convenient for him to suddenly ask for leave. Otherwise, he would definitely have come back with Liu Yifu.
Seeing his anxiety, Madam Shen remained calm and composed: "Has Master calmed down now?"
Shen Chang paused, looked embarrassed, stepped forward, and sat down next to her: "What are you saying, Madam? I was just a little impulsive in a moment of panic."
He looked up at Shen Tangning, his expression slightly uneasy. "Tangning won't hold it against Father, will she?"
Shen Tangning remained calm, exchanged a glance with him upon hearing this, and said without any ripples in her expression, "My daughter is already used to it."
These words left Shen Chang speechless. She said it was a habit, not that she didn't care, which proved that she harbored resentment.
Only then did he realize that his eldest daughter's attitude towards him was excessively distant.
Even when criticized, she doesn't show much emotional fluctuation; it's not that she's gentle and sensible, but rather that she simply doesn't care.
His eyes were glazed over. When did that start?
He was completely oblivious.
"Instead of blaming your daughter, sir, why not ask what Concubine Fang did?" Madam Shen's eyes flashed with a mocking light. "In all my years managing the household, I've never heard of such a thing. Which concubine could have such power to implicate the whole family in a case and almost drag us into jail!"
These words were blunt, and Shen Chang's face darkened, his eyes becoming brooding: "She was also deceived..."
"Deceived?" Shen Tangning raised her lips with interest. "If I may ask, how old is Aunt Fang this year? She is neither a child nor a naive young girl. How could she be deceived, even dragging Father into it? Is it really just an accident?"
Although her words were unpleasant to hear, they aroused Shen Chang's suspicion. After the incident, Aunt Fang kept crying to him, and he didn't have time to think too much about it.
Now that she has said that, he can't help but have doubts.
Yes, Fang has always been sensible, intelligent and perceptive. How could she be so easily swayed by others? She believed whatever her nephew from her maternal family said.
Why would someone tell you that you can buy genuine antiques and paintings at prices lower than the market price?
Shen Tangning chuckled softly: "It's strange of me, Aunt Fang. She's such a shrewd person. She saved up so much dowry for my second sister through frugality. How could she have fallen for this?"
Madam Shen's eyes flickered slightly as she glanced at her unintentionally.
Despite being a concubine's daughter, Shen Xiwei's dowry was quite generous when she got married. She knew that Shen Chang had secretly contributed a lot, but since he didn't overstep his bounds and didn't interfere with his daughter's dowry, she turned a blind eye.
Thinking about it carefully, it makes sense. Fang Shi was just a concubine, and her monthly allowance was limited. Her family wasn't wealthy either. How could she have saved up such a large dowry for Shen Xiwei?
The daughter then brought up the matter, implying that she had quickly come to her senses.
As expected, Shen Chang's eyes immediately changed. If Fang hadn't gained so much benefit over the years, where would she have gotten the money to prepare such a large dowry?
He did contribute some money, but only to a limited extent. Some of it came from public funds, and the rest came from Fang's own pocket.
He didn't think about it at the time, but now it seems irritating no matter how he looks at it!
Seeing that her attempt to sow discord had succeeded, Shen Tangning calmly curled her lips and feigned concern: "His Majesty has ordered Lord Liu to thoroughly investigate this matter, which clearly indicates that he has been dissatisfied for a long time. If it is found that we are also involved, even if we are the victims, with Aunt Fang's connection, Father will probably not have an easy time in front of His Majesty."
These words struck a chord with Shen Chang, and his heart tightened. At this moment, he was extremely angry with Fang Shi!
So much silver wasted, at most he would feel bad for a while, but if it affected His Majesty's opinion of him, it would affect his career!
Shen Chang's breath hitched and his face turned ashen. Madam Shen, observing his expression, said listlessly, "Logically speaking, those who make mistakes should be punished, otherwise it will be difficult to convince others. However, Concubine Fang is currently pregnant, and I dare not act rashly, lest you hesitate again, sir."
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