Chapter 171 – Lu Shen Isn’t A Pushover Either

Chapter 171 - Lu Shen Isn't A Pushover Either

Zheng Jinxiu relied on Lu Shen's affection for her to make a fuss, and Lady Zheng supported her in this.

They both thought that Lu Shen was an incompetent fool who would definitely abandon Wang Fuzhen for Zheng Jinxiu.

But they had misjudged him. Lu Shen did have feelings for Zheng Jinxiu, but he was no saint; he was wicked through and through, skilled at pretending to be weak while being cunning.

How could he possibly give in just because she made a scene?

In the end, Lu Shen complained to Zheng Jinxiu, claiming that his family had arranged everything, and if he didn't agree, his mother would hang herself. If they both pressured his mother to death, they would be cursed by heaven and struck by lightning.

He sounded even more pitiful than Zheng Jinxiu.

Zheng Jinxiu was stunned.

After several moments of stunned silence, she said, "No way. I just met Madam Lu yesterday, and she said that as long as I'm happy, anything is fine."

"Oh dear, you don't really know my mother. But don't worry, Sister Jinxiu. I'll definitely stand by your side. I'll try my best to talk it out with my mother. I'll come see you again another day."

"Very well," Zheng Jinxiu replied gently. "Young Master Lu, I know you have my best interests at heart and would never treat me unjustly."

"That's right. Wait for my good news."

Lu Shen left with a cheerful mood, but his expression darkened the moment he stepped out of Jinxiu's residence.

He believed that Zheng Jinxiu had received advice from someone knowledgeable, which was why she refused to budge no matter what.

Just a few days ago, she had agreed to become his concubine and join forces with him to take revenge on Wang Fuzhen. Her change of heart was too sudden.

Upon returning home, Lu Shen angrily narrated the incident to his mother.

Madam Lu responded, "It must be Cui Qingqing's doing. Hmph, that Cui Qingqing might seem unassuming, but she's cunning and not so easily deceived. She's likely seen through our intentions."

"What should we do now?"

"My dear son, what do you want to do? Your mother will support you no matter what. Zheng Jinxiu isn't some celestial beauty, anyway. If we must, we can just give up on her."

Lu Shen shook his head. "No, I like her."

"It's her only merit that she has captured the affection of my son. But she insists on forcing you to choose between her and Wang Fuzhen. What's your plan? If you let her threaten you now, won't she walk all over you in the future?"

Rubbing his chin, Lu Shen replied, "I like her and am willing to dote on her, but not without limits or conditions. Asking me to disregard the interests of our family? Hmph, that's impossible."

Lady Lu nodded. "Then what do you suggest?"

"This is a tricky situation, but it's not entirely unsolvable. It's all about stalling. Mother, you hold your ground too. I'll be caught between a rock and a hard place, so we stall. Do they, the Zhengs, dare to back out of the engagement?"

Lady Lu raised her thumb and smiled. "My son is clever. We're not afraid of stalling. Their daughter can't afford to remain unmarried past a certain age; it would damage her reputation."

Thus, both parties dug their heels in, neither willing to budge. Lu Shen pretended to be stuck in an uncomfortable position.

Lady Wang put pressure on Lady Zheng, who in turn cajoled Zheng Jinxiu into pressuring Lu Shen.

After two days of cajoling, Lu Shen gradually lost his patience. He heard that Zheng Jinyu and he had an argument that day, ending in an unpleasant manner.

How could this be allowed to continue?

Zheng Jinyu was determined not to let their heated argument ruin the engagement. They needed to be reconciled.

After much contemplation, Zheng Jinyu decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with Zheng Jinxiu.

During dinner that evening, she kept an eye on the family's reactions.

First, she listened to Master Zheng and Cui Yongnian discussing scholarly matters, both of them clearly enjoying each other's company.

Then, Lady Zheng turned the conversation towards Zheng Jinxiu and Lu Shen, expressing her dissatisfaction with the Lu family and Lu Shen himself.

"The Lu family is too ambitious. They want our Jinxiu, yet they also seek aid from the Wang family. Hmph, does Lu Shen even know his own worth? He should look in a mirror first."

Master Zheng frowned. "My dear, we're about to become in-laws. You should refrain from speaking ill of them; it wouldn't look good if such words reached their ears."

Lady Zheng dismissed his concern. "With their character, it's better we don't become in-laws at all."

Master Zheng was taken aback, almost dropping his chopsticks. "What? Not become in-laws? My lady, are you considering breaking off the engagement?"

"And why not? Who asked the Lu family to be so greedy?"

Zheng Jinyu savored her food slowly, observing them all.

Madam Zheng truly cared for Zheng Jinxiu; she was willing to bear the burden of a bad reputation rather than see her daughter fall into trouble.

Did she seriously intend to cancel Zheng Jinxiu's engagement with Lu Shen?

Another person who was keenly observing the situation was Zheng Hongxu.

Zheng Jinyu had noticed him; it seemed as if he had only eaten plain rice during this meal, pretending to eat while not touching a single vegetable with his chopsticks.

Interesting, in their previous lives, Zheng Hongxu and Wang Fuzhen had an arranged marriage but no affection. Now, they had feelings for each other but no official engagement.

However, Zheng Hongxu's so-called affection didn't seem genuine.

He often clashed with his parents over conflicts involving Zheng Jinxiu and himself.

Yet, when it came to Wang Fuzhen, he turned into a coward.

"It… doesn't seem appropriate," Master Zheng said, his words tasting like wax. He sighed and put down his chopsticks.

Glancing at Zheng Jinxiu, she then addressed Lady Zheng, "If Jinxiu were to back out of this marriage again, people outside would have plenty to say. It might be difficult for her to find another suitable family in the future."

Lady Zheng turned her gaze towards Cui Yongnian and said with a smile, "Yongnian, do you recall the original purpose of your coming to the capital?"

Cui Yongnian, the only one in the family who seemed to enjoy his meal, nearly dropped the meat from his chopsticks.

"Aunt, please don't jest. Jinxiu and I aren't well-suited. Didn't we already make that clear?"

"What do you mean by 'not suited'? Isn't compatibility something that develops over time? Jinxiu initially thought it wouldn't work, but now she seems quite content."

After saying this, she winked at Zheng Jinxiu.

Zheng Jinxiu bashfully lowered her head.

Zheng Jinyu nibbled on her chopstick, observing the two of them. She thought to herself, They really are targeting Yongnian again, huh?

Looking at Cui Yongnian, it was evident that his appetite had been thoroughly spoiled.

"Aunt, I originally came for the marriage proposal, but I must apologize. After spending more time together, I genuinely feel that I am not a suitable match for Cousin Jinxiu."

The rejection was plain to see, and both Madam Zheng and Zheng Jinxiu's expressions turned grim.

Madam Zheng's smile froze as she forced herself to ask, "Why is that so?"

Could it be that the daughter I've raised isn't pleasing to others?

She found it hard to comprehend.

"Cough... Well... Aunt, this matter cannot be forced. I truly believe I'm not suited for Cousin Jinxiu, and I'm afraid I might hold her back. That's why I speak frankly. If you insist on getting to the bottom of it, Yongnian will elaborate, though my words might not be pleasant to hear. I hope Cousin Jinxiu won't take them to heart."

He was implying that he had harsh words ready, but he wouldn't say them unless given permission. Wouldn't he be digging his own grave if he said something too hurtful?

Madam Zheng's expression remained sour as she pursed her lips. "Let's eat. If it's not meant to be, then let it be."

"Very well, everyone should have more. Uncle, please enjoy this piece of meat." Cui Yongnian promptly added a slice of meat to Master Zheng's plate.