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Gu Changjin recalled the "dream" he had experienced.

In his dreams, he was also investigating Shen Zhi, having ventured to Qingzhou. Even the Cheng'an Marquis Estate within his dreams encountered calamity, accused of treason and collusion with the enemy, with the evidence submitted to the Supreme Court by none other than Shen Zhi himself.

A fleeting thought crossed Gu Changjin's mind.

Such an idea was so preposterous that the moment it arose, his heart pounded vigorously, thumping loudly as if to drown out all other sounds.

He parted his lips, "Rong Shu, have you ever had dreams about us?"

Mid-sentence, a sudden creak echoed as someone forcefully pushed open the main chamber's wooden door.

Gu Changjin's voice trailed off as he turned to look at the person outside the door together with Rong Shu.

In the next instant, Rong Shu abruptly stood up.

Rising abruptly, she knocked over the teacup that rested beside the desk. The spilt tea trickled down the edge of the table, dripping onto the corner of her skirt with a gentle "taptap" sound.

Unaware of the commotion, she simply stared blankly at the approaching figure, her eyes reddening as she exclaimed, "Mother!"

Shen Yizhen's face had initially worn a faint frost, but upon hearing Rong Shu's gentle and affectionate "Mother," her radiant countenance immediately softened, like spring snow melting under the sun.

More than a month ago, upon hearing at Minglu Yard that the Yang State Prefecture had been besieged by sea marauders, she hastily packed her belongings and set out for this place. Had it not been for the city's lockdown of Yangzhou, which also halted waterway traffic, she would have likely arrived there a fortnight earlier.

Upon entering the city gates, before I could make my way back to Shen Yuan, I was intercepted by Lu Shiyi, who happened to be patrolling the streets.

Despite Lu Shiyi's repeated assurances of Rong Shu's safety, Shen Yizhen remained on tenterhooks throughout the journey. It was not until she saw her daughter standing gracefully within their home that the anxiety she had carried for over a month finally subsided.

"Thinner!" Shen Yizhen stepped forward to embrace Rong Shu, saying, "It's all because Mother arrived too late, causing our Zhaozhao to suffer!"

Rong Shu attempted to say that she hadn't suffered, but her voice caught in her throat, leaving her with a tight sensation in her chest. After a brief pause, she managed to respond, "I'm fine, Mother. Don't worry."

The two women embraced for a moment.

Shen Yizhen released Rong Shu and turned to Gu Changjin, saying, "Lu Shiyi mentioned that Zhaozhao was rescued from several perilous situations in Yang State Prefecture thanks to your intervention. A great favor need not be thanked; I, Shen Yizhen, will remember this debt of gratitude."

Gu Changjin replied calmly, "Madam, there's no need for thanks. It was my duty to act as I did."

Smiling, Shen Yizhen remained silent. On their way to Pingnan Street, Lu Shiyi had spoken highly of Gu Changjin, implying that he was worthy of Zhaozhao in every sense.

Shen Yizhen also trusted Gu Changjin's character. Back when Zhaozhao had mentioned marrying him, she had investigated him thoroughly. How could she not know what kind of person he was?

But if her Zhaozhao no longer liked him, as a mother, she wouldn't force her daughter to compromise. Therefore, she, as Zhaozhao's mother, would take on the gratitude for Gu Changjin saving her daughter, and Zhaozhao could repay it in the future.

Rong Shu pulled Shen Yizhen to sit down, holding onto her arm tightly. Looking at Gu Changjin, she asked, "What did you want to ask me earlier, Sir?"

Gu Changjin glanced at her and shook his head. "Nothing."

At this moment, Rong Shu's heart and mind were filled with joy from seeing Shen Yizhen, so she didn't notice the odd tone in the man's voice.

Shen Yizhen said, "Uncle Shi told me that you're investigating your uncle. What about Mother Zhang? What's going on there?"

Rong Shu hummed in response. "Mother, do you know that there's a secret room in the study at the Three Reflections Hall?"

"A secret room?" Shen Yizhen frowned. "When Grandfather was still alive, I often went to that study to choose books, but I never knew there was a secret room inside."

Rong Shu then narrated her findings in the study and the speculation she and Gu Changjin had just made.

"Mother, I know that apart from those two account books and letters, there's currently no solid evidence to prove my suspicions about Uncle," Rong Shu licked her lips and continued, "but please trust Zhaozhao. Uncle has been using the Shen family, using Mother, and even the Cheng'an Marquis Estate might not be innocent. It's highly possible that Uncle has been secretly communicating with the second branch all these years."

Shen Yizhen listened intently, then fell silent for a long while.

Looking up to see Rong Shu's anxious face gazing at her, she smiled and said, "Why would Mother not believe you? Mama Zhang was sent by your uncle to be by my side. Even I was unaware of the hidden box in the study, yet Mama Zhang knew about it. Clearly, their relationship runs deep. The fact that Mama Zhang wanted to kill you after discovering your investigation into your uncle indicates they have secrets they wish to keep from outsiders."

Her expression gradually turned cold. "In the twenty years since I left the Shen family, your uncle must have used the family's resources for actions that defy our ancestors' teachings."

"Mother, we can't let Uncle's deeds bring shame upon the Shen family," Rong Shu declared firmly. "If he has made mistakes, he must bear the consequences alone."

J Shen patted her hand and nodded. "Since Mother is here, I will uncover the truth. Your uncle vowed before your maternal grandfather's sickbed never to betray the Shen family's principles. If he has strayed, Mother will not spare him any of the consequences."

Shen Yizhen had been raised by Shen Huai as if she were a son. Since she was a young child, she had accompanied him on his travels, showcasing her innate talent for business.

Shen Huai had no sons, and the other male descendants of the Shen family were hopeless. Long ago, he resolved to entrust the family to Shen Yizhen.

Had the political landscape in the capital not shifted, she would likely have fulfilled her father's wish to become the first female head of the Shen family.

When Shen Yizhen agreed to marry into the Cheng'an Marquis Estate and pass the family to Shen Zhi, it was because she believed he could revive the Shen family's fortune.

Indeed, over the past two decades, the Shen family's wealth had significantly increased, amassing considerable riches. However, if these riches came at the cost of selling out the country and harming the people, then such wealth was of no value to the Shen family.

Rong Shu gazed at Shen Yizhen's determined gaze, her shoulders relaxing as she chuckled. "I'll investigate with Mother."

But Shen Yizhen didn't respond. She glanced at her before turning to Gu Changjin and asking, "When does Lord Gu plan on returning to the capital? With His Majesty's orders, I'm afraid you cannot linger long in Yangzhou. As for the Shen family affairs, I'll take care of them, so there's no need to trouble Lord Gu further."

Gu Changjin indeed needed to return to the capital promptly to report. Noticing Shen Yizhen's intention to handle the Shen family's matters herself, he pondered for a moment before replying, "In two days, I shall set off for the capital."