“What nonsense are you talking about?” Old Madam Shen frowned and subconsciously retorted, “She’s just a nobody. Why would the first branch want her?”
“I was just saying. Grandmother, don’t take it to heart.” Shen Yuan smiled and changed the topic. After saying a few words, he left. Before he left, he glanced at Mrs. Zhang.
After Shen Yuan left, Old Madam Shen kept thinking about what Shen Yuan had said previously. On one hand, she knew very well that what Shen Yuan said was ridiculous. No matter how open-minded Shen Xin and his wife were, they would not take a fancy to a girl from a lowly background. Moreover, Shen Qiu was not a lecherous person. This was simply as difficult as ascending to the heavens. On the other hand, Old Madam Shen was also tempted by what Shen Yuan said. If Shen Qiu found a young lady from a rich family, wouldn’t his power go up another level? Old Madam Shen disliked Shen Qiu the most. How could she tolerate him gaining more power? However, if he married her grandniece, not only would he gain nothing out of it, but he would also drag the first branch of the Shen family down with him.
As Mrs. Zhang massaged Old Madam Shen’s shoulders, she said softly, “Old Madam, actually, I also think what Second Young Master said just now makes sense.” After a pause, she continued, “Think about it. If Eldest Young Master and your grandniece are married, it will be much easier for you to do something since your grandniece will be on your side.” She said in a low voice, “If the marriage really works, it will be easy for you to get money out of the first branch.”
As soon as she said that, Old Madam Shen’s eyes lit up. That’s right. If Shen Qiu and her grandniece got married, her grandniece would naturally be on her side. If she controlled Shen Qiu, she would control the first branch.
Mrs. Zhang continued, “It will be even better if your grandnephew and Fifth Miss get married. In the future, all the money and assets from the first branch will belong to you.”
Every word Mrs. Zhang said was right to the point, making Old Madam Shen overjoyed. At the thought of being able to seize all the assets of the first branch, Old Madam Shen was excited. However, in the next moment, she became worried and said, “That’s easy to say, but my grandniece and grandnephew are both from a small family. It’s not like Shen Qiu is stupid. Why would he like her?”
“Old Madam.” Mrs. Zhang smiled. “You’ve forgotten about the tricks you used in the past. It’s not that complicated. All we need is a little trick to make it a done deal between the two of them.”
Her words caused Old Madam Shen to be lost in thought. A moment later, Old Madam Shen also smiled. She probably wanted to make a charming smile, but because she was old and haggard, she looked a little scary. She said, “That’s true. We just need to put them on the same bed.” After saying that, she and Mrs. Zhang looked at each other meaningfully. Old Madam Shen said, “Someone, go and fetch the box in my room. It’s been a long time since I last saw my grandniece. It’s time to give her a gift.”
Outside the house, Shen Yuan looked at Rongjing Hall and smirked. A trace of a cold smile flashed across his eyes as he slowly walked out of the courtyard.
…
In the west courtyard, Shen Miao handed ten banknotes to Mo Qing.
“Go to the Treasure Fragrance Chamber and find a girl called Liu Ying. I’ve already asked around. A hundred taels of silver can buy her a night. Take the money and sit with her for a night. Don’t do anything. Go every three days,” Shen Miao said.
When Mo Qing heard “Treasure Fragrance Chamber”, his eyes widened. When he heard that Shen Miao wanted him to find a girl called Liu Ying, his face turned red. He did not take the banknote for a long time and looked at Shen Miao. “Miss, are you joking with me?”
