"Were you the only one who suffered through hard times back then?" Shen Mingwen's expression darkened. "Your mother and I endured the same hardships!"
"If I hadn’t been fortunate enough to pass the imperial exams, our entire family would still be living the 'hard life' you speak of."
In the past, whenever Shen Qinghui made such remarks, Shen Mingwen would avoid arguing with his son. But this time was different, and his expression grew even sterner.
"Shen Qinghui, I’ll only say this once. Your younger brother is now walking a tightrope, fighting for the Shen family’s future. The hidden dangers are countless. If you, as his elder brother, act foolishly, don’t blame me for being ruthless."
"Father intends to bet on Prince Qin? How could the Great Qi ever allow an unworthy prince to become the heir apparent?"
The moment Shen Qinghui finished speaking, Shen Mingwen struck him hard across the face.
The force was so great that Shen Qinghui’s vision momentarily blurred.
"I never want to hear such treasonous words again."
With that, Shen Mingwen stormed out, leaving Shen Qinghui seething with resentment.
Inside the room, Madam Lin wiped away tears.
"Husband, how is this fair? From the moment Third Brother was born, he’s never known want. As the youngest, Father and Mother have always indulged him, turning him into a good-for-nothing." Her words only stoked Shen Qinghui’s fury. "All these years, you’ve worked tirelessly to uphold the Shen family’s reputation, cleaning up after Third Brother’s messes—yet he’s never even thanked you."
"And now he’s become the 'Living King of Hell,' terrifying even children. What will become of the Shen family?"
"This is utterly intolerable!" Shen Qinghui slammed his fist on the table. "Prince Qin shows no signs of being a worthy heir. Third Brother is leading the entire Shen family to ruin."
He then turned to Madam Lin. "How goes the matter I asked you to handle?"
"Husband, I’ve looked into the daughters of noble families in the capital. There’s one who would be a perfect match for Zhikui."
At the mention of Shen Zhikui’s marriage prospects, a gleam flashed in Madam Lin’s eyes.
"Whose daughter is she?"
"General Gu Zheng’s eldest, Gu Mingliu."
Madam Lin couldn’t help but praise her. "She’s beautiful and intelligent—a master at managing a household. If not for her mother’s early passing, she’d likely already be betrothed."
"Gu Zheng? Would he even consider marrying his daughter to our Zhikui?" Shen Qinghui retained a sliver of rationality.
"I’ve heard General Gu is close to Father. If Father could mediate..." Madam Lin gripped Shen Qinghui’s hand. "Marrying the daughter of a distinguished general wouldn’t tarnish the Shen family’s reputation."
Shen Qinghui was tempted.
"Then arrange for Zhikui to meet this Miss Gu first."
......
Several days later, at the Shen family’s dining table.
"Father, I’ve been back in the capital for some time now, and I’ve noticed how much the political landscape has shifted these past three years." Shen Qinghui smiled as he spoke. "Why don’t we host a banquet and invite families close to ours? It would give me a chance to get acquainted."
Shen Mingwen paused, chopsticks in hand.
"If nothing else, surely you can grant me this small wish?"
Hearing this, Shen Mingwen sighed inwardly. "At this point, the only family still willing to associate with us is the Gu family."
The others had either been dealt with by Shen Qingping or were too afraid of his reputation to attend.
"Then let’s invite General Gu and his family for a visit." Shen Qinghui’s eagerness drew Shen Qingping’s attention.
Shen Qingping narrowed his eyes, then smirked when he noticed Shen Zhikui. So, they’ve set their sights on the Gu daughter? How bold.
With Shen Zhikui’s frail frame—unable to lift a hand in labor, let alone fight—Gu Mingzhu could probably knock him flying with a single headbutt.
"Very well. I’ll send an invitation to General Gu."
After the meal, Shen Qingping glanced at Shen Mingwen’s invitation before returning to his study and drafting another. "Deliver this to the Qin Prince’s Mansion."
Better to avoid an outright feud between the Shen and Gu families, lest Prince Qin and the princess be caught in the middle.
......
Qin Prince’s Mansion.
"Shen Qinghui proposed inviting General Gu Zheng and his family to the Shen residence?"
Song Yu stared at the words, deep in thought.
"Given Gu Zheng’s temper, no one would invite him without an ulterior motive. So Shen Qinghui’s real target must be the Gu family’s women." His conclusion was firm.
Song Shihuan immediately gave a thumbs-up.
"Brilliant, Father. I’ve heard Madam Lin is searching for a wife for Shen Zhikui." She pouted. "With Shen Qinghui’s reputation, there’s no way Sister Gu would agree to marry into that family."
"Such entertainment? Then I simply must attend."
Back then, it was Song Yanzheng who sought Gu Mingliu’s hand, so Gu Zheng had no choice but to swallow his displeasure.
But now it’s Shen Zhikui...
This will be a spectacle.
Five days later, Gu Zheng arrived at the Shen residence with Gu Mingliu and Gu Mingzhu. The moment they entered, Madam Lin’s gaze locked onto Gu Mingliu like glue.
While Shen Mingwen exchanged pleasantries with Gu Zheng, Madam Lin nudged Shen Zhikui. "This is Miss Gu and her sister’s first visit to our home. Why don’t you show them around?"
Before Shen Zhikui could extend the invitation, Gu Mingliu flatly refused:
"It wouldn’t be proper for us to wander alone with a man. We’ll stay here."
Madam Lin’s smile stiffened, but when she noticed Shen Zhikui’s lovestruck expression, delight surged within her. Zhikui has taken a liking to Miss Gu!
As mealtime approached, no servants arrived to set the table.
Shen Qinghui frowned, about to summon them, when Shen Qingping stopped him:
"Brother, the guests aren’t all here yet. How can we start without them? And this guest is someone we dare not slight."
"Is the princess coming?" Gu Mingzhu, unusually sharp, darted to Shen Qingping’s side. "If so, I’ll greet her at the gate!"
"Then come with me, Second Miss."
"I’ll join you." Gu Mingliu rose as well, her demeanor completely different from when she’d rejected Madam Lin.
Thus, when Song Yu and Song Shihuan arrived at the Shen residence, they were met by a crowd gathered outside the gates.
Song Yu stepped down from the carriage, leading Song Shihuan with a smile.
After a glance at Shen Zhikui’s spindly limbs, Song Yu shook his head.
"Minister Shen, this is hardly fair. Your grandson looks far too feeble—General Gu would never agree to a match."
His casual remark dropped like a thunderbolt, leaving everyone stunned.
Only Song Yu and Song Shihuan remained carefree, grinning.
What’s a good show without a little fuel added to the fire?
Gu Zheng’s voice cracked with fury as he roared:
"Shen Mingwen! You want me to betroth my daughter to your grandson?!"
