Chapter 2013: Cheap
If Shao Yunduan were inclined to seek financial gain, he could have easily resorted to extortion, exploiting the Mei Family through exorbitant demands or outright robbery.
Yet, Shao Yunduan wasn’t cut from that cloth. He understood well the clandestine nature of the Mei Family’s operations, recognizing the Third Old Master’s past as a mountain bandit—a closely guarded secret within the family. This knowledge was closely guarded; even the Mei Family’s closest associates remained unaware.
Consequently, Shao Yunduan maintained a distance from any affiliations tied to the Mei Family. Despite some feeling remorseful and attempting to assuage their guilt through clandestine gifts to his office, Shao Yunduan rebuffed such attempts.
Among the gift-givers were the Lu Family, though Shao Yunduan declined their offerings. He discerned the Lu Family’s innocence in the affair, causing them to breathe a sigh of relief. Observing the Mei Family’s business heading for auction, the Lu Family saw an opportunity to engage without fear of reprisal.
In accordance with tradition, the properties up for auction were notably affordable, making them an enticing investment opportunity. Who wouldn’t seek to capitalize on such advantageous circumstances?
However, to their dismay, they found themselves shunned by other influential family clans, receiving no semblance of respect.
The Lu family seethed with anger and resentment. In the past, when the Mei Family held sway, no one in Anze Province would have dared to treat them with such disdain. The Lu family felt the sting of insult added to injury, finding the behavior of others truly despicable.
As the Mei Family’s kin by marriage, they felt entitled to assume control of the family’s affairs. Why were they summarily excluded?
Their indignation simmered, and they contemplated lodging a complaint with Lord Shao at the state government office. Yet, fear held them back from taking such bold action.
Thus, the Lu Family harbored deep regret. If only their daughter had chosen to align herself with Lord Shao earlier, they lamented, no one would dare to slight the Lu Family in this manner!
The Lu family found themselves teetering on the edge of temptation, eager to act but restrained by apprehension…
Similarly, the Fan Clan felt the pull of opportunity but faced the bitter taste of rejection. Their frustration mirrored that of the Lu family.
However, unlike the Lu family’s emotional investment, the Fan family had approached the situation with measured expectations. Their disappointment, therefore, was tempered by foresight, unlike the Lu family’s raw indignation.
Fan Ruyin couldn’t resist stoking the flames of resentment in front of Old Lady Fan. “Imagine if Ruirui were to marry Lord Shao. Suddenly, those who spurned us would scramble to win our favor. They wouldn’t dare to turn up their noses or act superior!”
“I never imagined the Mei Family harbored such secrets. Lord Shao, your escape must have been harrowing! They nearly succeeded in their nefarious plans. It truly speaks to your good fortune! As they say, surviving disaster brings blessings. One can only wonder what lies ahead for Lord Shao. Mother, if Ruirui were to align with him, it could only benefit our family!”
“Mother, wouldn’t you like to see our Fan Clan restored to its former glory?”
“…”
Old Lady Fan had long been plagued by frustration, disappointment, and simmering anger over the downfall of the Fan Family.
She rarely ventured outside now, fearing the scorn and mockery of old adversaries. The mere thought of such humiliation was enough to incense her to the core.
Driven by this deep-seated fear and desire for vindication, Old Lady Fan harbored a fervent longing for the resurgence of the Fan family. With advancing age, she recognized the fleeting nature of time. If the family’s fortunes didn’t reverse soon, she feared she might never witness their restoration.
To her, it was a matter of dying with unfulfilled grievances.
As Fan Ruyin continued to speak, Old Lady Fan found herself wavering.
Surviving calamity often brings about newfound blessings… Lord Shao truly seemed to possess an extraordinary fortune. Happiness seemed to follow in his wake.
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