The Return of the Seventh Young Lady-Chapter 103 - 102

Chapter 102

When the three siblings came out to the front of the manor, all their belongings had already been loaded onto the carriage, allowing them to set off for Zhuiping Residence immediately after they boarded. The residence was only a few li away from the Mu family manor, so it wasn’t long before the three siblings’ carriage arrived at Zhuiping Residence.

As they stepped down, the first thing they saw was the large mansion gate with a golden plaque engraved with Zhuiping Residence and tall walls extending along both sides, indicating the vastness of the property.

A quick glance revealed that this residence was three times larger than the Mu family manor.

Creak~

Soon, the large gate was opened from the inside, revealing the expansive and beautiful scenery within the residence, just as the rumors had described. On either side of the gate, servants, both male and female, whom Mu Gongzhen had arranged, stood bowing respectfully in welcome.

These servants were none other than Mu Yingying and Mu Gongzhen’s trained personnel. Each had unique skills, forming a hidden force disguised as household servants specifically for Zhuiping Residence, ensuring no spies could infiltrate.

According to stories from within the royal palace, Zhuiping Residence’s grounds were twice as extensive as those of the imperial garden. There were more than five large quarters, each containing over ten smaller buildings and rooms. The quarters were designed and constructed by skilled craftsmen, making the interior of the residence exceptionally beautiful.

The three main quarters were positioned like a three-pronged star, with a serene garden at the center, featuring a small stream that flowed into a man-made lake at the back of the residence. Beyond the vast man-made lake, a peach blossom forest was planted to reveal stunning views when snow arrived.

After Mu Gongzhen had shown his two sisters around the residence, it was already evening. The three siblings returned to the main quarters to prepare for dinner.

The servants had already unpacked everything, and Mu Gongzhen had arranged the decorations and set them up beforehand to ensure his sisters’ comfort, leaving them without any inconveniences despite the recent move. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

That evening, they enjoyed a warm and pleasant dinner. Since Mu Yingying’s return to this new life, it was the first time the three siblings dined alone without any Mu family members present. The atmosphere resembled that of a happy family meal they had long dreamed of.

Although there were no sounds of laughter or conversation during dinner, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and happiness, overflowing in the hearts of the three siblings...

After dinner, the siblings did not immediately return to their respective quarters. Instead, they continued to sit and talk about the events that had transpired in a relaxed manner.

“What exactly happened today? Was it Ying’er’s doing?”

Mu Gongzhen asked curiously. He had been suspicious since the incident happened at the Mu family manor earlier but hadn’t had the chance to ask his sister until now.

“My doing?”

Mu Yingying raised her eyebrows slightly before laughing softly. “You’re overthinking, Eldest Brother. I wouldn’t do something so troublesome.”

“Then whose doing was it? Or was it just a coincidence that father fell into his own trap?”

“It was father who fell into someone else’s trap...”

Mu Yingying looked at her two siblings’ puzzled faces and decided to explain the details behind the situation.

“This business venture was created specifically to entrap father. At first, I was puzzled why I hadn’t heard any news about such a profitable business in the trading circles. When I investigated further, I found that the officials and merchants involved were all connected to Shin Wang!”

“I suspect that Shin Wang has lost his patience. With Eldest Brother being appointed as the Left Side Chancellor, he must be anxious and eager to pull you into his faction...”

Upon hearing this, Mu Gongzhen furrowed his brows tightly, contemplating in silence. “So, the real objective of Shin Wang’s plan is to force the Mu family into submission?”

“I think that’s only part of his goal. Judging by the complexity of the plan, Shin Wang likely aims to pressure the Mu family through father. You know well that when father is cornered...he’s willing to do anything.”

As Mu Yingying’s words ended, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. Both Mu Gongzhen and Mu Qingxuan had serious expressions. Although the three siblings had now separated the household, they were still considered part of the Mu family. If their father, the head of the family, agreed to a harmful deal with Shin Wang, it would be a significant headache for them.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Mu Yingying tapped her fingers on the table rhythmically, pondering over the situation before voicing her thoughts. “Even though we don’t know what offer Shin Wang will present to father, we can roughly guess that his ultimate goal is to pull Eldest Brother’s power and the Mu family to his side. So, it won’t be long before Shin Wang makes a move! Since the Mu family is now facing a major problem due to Shin Wang’s trap, he will certainly step in to offer help, giving the Mu family a way out.”

"The best way to draw you and the power of the Mu family to Shin Wang’s side is through marriage ties. Considering how Shin Wang has been persistent in the engagement matter, it’s highly likely that he will use the engagement as an offer to help the Mu family this time...”

Mu Gongzhen voiced his thoughts after contemplating for a while. However, once he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the room grew even heavier. The three siblings knew all too well the depravity of Shin Wang, and they would never let Mu Qingxuan fall into that hell.

No way!

Mu Qingxuan bit her lip, her eyes flickering. Her slender hands clenched tightly into a fist within her sleeves, filled with repressed anger. In her previous life, that man had abandoned her and delivered a miserable death upon her with his own hands. Yet, in this life, why did he persist in tormenting her, refusing to let go!?

Just thinking of his name made Mu Qingxuan so nauseous she almost wanted to vomit!

Her hatred for him burned so intensely that she wished she could rip out his heart and crush it in her hands!

But she couldn’t do that yet; she was still too weak and lacked the power to deal with her enemy. All she could do was watch him roam freely...

It was so infuriating!

As Mu Qingxuan sank into the darkness of her thoughts, she suddenly felt a warmth on the backs of her hands. When she looked up, she saw that Mu Gongzhen and Mu Yingying were holding her clenched fists, each taking one hand. Looking at their faces, she saw warm smiles that made her feel safe and comforted.

Mu Gongzhen and Mu Yingying, sensing Mu Qingxuan’s pain and anger, moved to comfort her with warmth and gentleness. They knew that of all of them, Mu Qingxuan had suffered the most, enduring immense physical and emotional torment.

The pain from such traumatic memories was like a festering wound, difficult to heal. All they could do was stay by her side and offer comfort from time to time...

Mu Yingying looked at her sister’s pained expression with a heavy heart. Her big, round eyes dimmed briefly before shining with a cold light. “Actually, this situation isn’t without a solution...”

“In the past, we couldn’t retaliate against our enemy because he hadn’t made a serious move and was hiding in his lair. We couldn’t find an opportunity to strike. But this time, our enemy has run out of patience and has made a move again. Since the enemy has been lured out of his lair, this will be our chance to strike back!”

Mu Gongzhen lowered his eyes slightly, contemplating. Previously, it could be said that Shin Wang hadn’t even taken any action. However, this time was different. The other party had devised a sophisticated plan to pressure the Mu family. No matter how intricate the plan, there had to be a flaw somewhere for them to counterattack.

“The fact that Shin Wang used a method to bankrupt the Mu family and incur a large debt to Fengkong Repository suggests that he intends to leverage financial pressure against the Mu family. Thus, it’s unlikely he will allow the Mu family to be completely cornered and bankrupt...”

Mu Yingying analyzed the situation calmly and continued, “In truth, the issue of money isn’t a major problem. We could handle this ourselves to thwart Shin Wang’s plan. However, if we do that, the enemy might switch to another plan, which we wouldn’t be able to anticipate. It’s better to feign ignorance, let the enemy feel secure, and then counterattack. That will give us a chance to deal with Shin Wang.”

“If we let the enemy’s plan unfold, and Shin Wang truly intends to offer a proposal or pressure the Mu family, he will definitely present benefits to the Mu family. Right now, the biggest problem for the Mu family is money. Therefore, the benefit that Shin Wang will offer to our father must be financial aid!”

“And that’s the flaw we can use to strike back at the enemy,” Mu Gongzhen added as if he had just realized something, his sharp eyes gleaming momentarily.

“The debt the Mu family owes to Fengkong Repository is quite substantial. Apart from the repayment, Shin Wang will surely provide additional funds to help the Mu family get back on its feet. Even for Shin Wang, transferring such a large amount of money is no simple task.”

“Furthermore, giving a large sum of money to the Mu family, who are officials of the land, cannot avoid the suspicion of bribery...”

“This time, it will be interesting to see the enemy fall into their own trap,” Mu Yingying said with a mocking smile, her big, round eyes momentarily gleaming with malevolence.

Behind Shin Wang, there was still the Empress Dowager’s support, so everything from this point on needed to be handled with great caution. As for the Empress Dowager, Mu Yingying wasn’t yet confident about dealing with her. All she could do now was gradually cut off the limbs of their formidable enemy, Shin Wang, and when the opportunity arose, she would exact a fitting revenge for the blood debt...

...

..

.

Three days after the Mu family’s troubles occurred, the atmosphere within the manor became noticeably bleak. There was no laughter, no conversation. Family meals ceased, and everyone retreated into their quarters. Elder Mu Furen, who had tried to find a way to help the family through this crisis, eventually fell ill.

Before falling ill, Elder Mu Furen wrote letters to friends and relatives of collateral lines, seeking to borrow money to pay off part of the debt. Though this act was deeply humiliating, it was better than letting the Mu family’s future crumble. The money borrowed amounted to only ten thousand taels of gold, which was sent to Fengkong Repository to request an extension for repaying the debt.

Mu Cui Ming was just as stressed. He went from one person to another, seeking to borrow money, but no one would lend him a single coin. He didn’t dare ask his colleagues, fearing it would tarnish his reputation and image. In the end, he could only sit at home, consumed with worry.

Amidst the Mu family’s despair, a letter arrived from Shin Wang Palace addressed to Mu Cui Ming, the head of the Mu family. The letter requested a private meeting with him on Shin Wang’s personal boat at Emerald Lake the following day. At the appointed time, Mu Cui Ming did not hesitate to follow the invitation.

In the vast expanse of Emerald Lake at dawn, a thin mist enveloped the water, lightly veiling the entire lake and obscuring the view. At the center of the lake, a large boat stood still. This boat was luxuriously designed and intricately decorated, with the royal emblem engraved on the bow, symbolizing the identity of its owner.

On the large boat, two men were sitting and drinking tea, engaged in a long conversation. One was Shin Wang, the author of the invitation, and the other was Mu Cui Ming, whose face looked sallow and eyes dimmed noticeably. Despite his attempts to smile and appear normal, he couldn’t hide the stress within.

“Ben Wang heard that Master Mu is facing some difficulties lately...”

Shin Wang said as he leisurely picked up his teacup to sip the tea, casting a brief glance at Mu Cui Ming’s startled expression before lowering his gaze, feigning ignorance.

Mu Cui Ming flinched slightly upon hearing this, unable to hide his shock. He hadn’t expected that the family’s troubles would reach Shin Wang’s ears, causing him great embarrassment. He could only respond in a soft voice,

“...It’s shameful, Your Highness.”

“Let Ben Wang be frank. Over the past while, Ben Wang believes Master Mu understands my intentions to form a connection with the Mu family. Even now, Ben Wang stands by my previous words. Ben Wang is willing to support Master Mu’s prosperity and earnestly wishes to betroth your eldest daughter as my future Wang Fei.”

Shin Wang placed his teacup down and directly addressed the matter, deciding to be straightforward given the current circumstances.

“Th...This, I am aware of, Your Highness,” Mu Cui Ming replied hesitantly, his eyes reflecting his heavy heart.

Since Shin Wang had first approached him about betrothing his eldest daughter, Mu Cui Ming had been deeply troubled. He tried to avoid discussing the matter whenever he encountered him. Even though he had used the excuse of an unfortunate destiny to decline Shin Wang’s proposal, Shin Wang showed no sign of giving up.

“Ben Wang understands that Master Mu might be facing difficulties, making it hard to accept my goodwill wholeheartedly. However, Ben Wang hopes that Master Mu can see my sincerity. To demonstrate this sincerity, Ben Wang will personally assist with the troubles you are currently facing.”

As he finished speaking, Shin Wang nodded to the shadow guard beside him. The guard then carried a wooden chest, about the size of two hands, and placed it on the table. After the guard stepped back, Shin Wang pushed the chest towards Mu Cui Ming.

"This is..."

Mu Cui Ming looked at the wooden chest in front of him with confusion, casting a questioning glance at the man before him. Seeing this, Shin Wang offered a sincere smile and spoke gently,

"This is a token of my sincerity."

Mu Cui Ming remained puzzled, not understanding the meaning behind the other’s words. He reached out and hesitantly opened the wooden chest. As the chest opened and revealed its contents, Mu Cui Ming’s eyes widened in shock. His heart pounded with excitement, nearly out of rhythm.

"Th...this."

"Is my sincerity sufficient, Master Mu?"

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