Chapter 598 Understand Him

"Get out of here." Shen Yuanfeng was clearly holding back a surge of anger.

The spy nodded hastily and nearly fled in panic.

Just as he was about to escape, Shen Yuanfeng suddenly called out, "Wait."

The man halted abruptly, "Second Young Master..."

Shen Yuanfeng frowned deeply, "Next time you hear such news, report it directly to me. Anything you hear from Shen Nan, you must report."

"Go claim your reward."

Though puzzled by the Second Young Master's sudden change of heart, the spy was relieved to receive a reward rather than being scolded and sent away. He quickly smiled and retreated.

The steward standing beside Shen Yuanfeng, however, was secretly shocked. When he heard the Young Miss speak those words earlier, he only thought the girl was extremely intelligent and could indeed see through people's hearts. He never imagined her insight was so sharp, dissecting the Second Young Master's character with precision.

Hearing this, the Second Young Master was undoubtedly enraged.

Yet, for the first time in years, someone truly understood the Second Young Master.

While the Shen family is close to the Second Young Master, their bond is purely familial. Even if they are familiar with him, they don't truly understand him as a person.

Within the Shen family, the Second Young Master comprehends everyone, yet remains an enigma to all.

Ironically, the one who understands him is someone he loathes, and even more, she taught him how to do things, analyzing his future in detail. How could the Second Young Master not be furious?

Reflecting, he likely couldn't resist wanting to hear more from her, prompting his change of heart.

The Second Young Master has finally encountered his equal.

The steward, however, kept these thoughts to himself, wary of the Second Young Master's temper. Ever since the Young Miss arrived in the Holy City, the Second Young Master's temper has flared almost daily. The moniker "Smiling Tiger" has fallen out of use lately, perhaps now better suited as "Cold-faced Tiger."

The room fell into a prolonged silence, Shen Yuanfeng lost in thought, his brow deeply creased.

Until a voice broke the silence from outside.

"Second Young Master, Third Young Master is back."

Shen Yuanfeng's furrowed brow softened as he looked eagerly towards the door, but a glance at his leg gave him pause.

Before he could decide, Shen Yuansong burst in, "Second Brother!"

Shen Yuansong rushed to the bedside, his gaze fixed on his brother's leg, a mix of sorrow and anger in his eyes, "You've been so severely injured, why did you keep it from me!"

Shen Yuansong only learned of his second brother's broken leg from street gossip, fueling his anxiety and rage.

Shen Yuanfeng waved his hand, "It's nothing serious, just needs some rest. What about you, any new progress?"

With Shen Nan proving unmanageable, the family's crucial business, his mainstay, faced constant setbacks. Shen Yuanfeng could only place his hopes on his brother's ability to develop divine weapons.

At this, Shen Yuansong sighed heavily, his face etched with exhaustion, "Second Brother, it's all my fault... Great Sheng has already enhanced and upgraded, producing several more deadly munitions, while I haven't even managed the simplest... The Emperor himself came once and left with a grim face..."

Shen Yuanfeng was extremely disappointed, but his concern for his brother didn't show on his face. Instead, he smiled, "It's not your fault. If you really can't make it, it's fine. Many people can't make it, even if the Emperor blames, it won't be on you."

But Shen Yuansong was even more disappointed, "I'm just a waste..."

The relentless setbacks had transformed the once vibrant youth into a shadow of his former self, his face now shadowed with stubble.

Shen Yuanfeng interrupted his brother: "You are not allowed to say such things again. My brother is a genius in mechanisms, surpassing many others. Even the only breakthrough was discovered by you. If you're useless, then what does that make everyone else? I think it's because you are too tense and anxious that you haven't found a new breakthrough. Take a couple of days off and rest at home."

Shen Yuansong, having returned this time, naturally did not plan to go back so soon, so he nodded. However, after hearing his brother's words, he was not much encouraged, as he had suffered too many blows recently.

After comforting each other for a while, Shen Yuansong left.

As soon as he went out, Shen Yuanfeng instructed Manager Zhang: "Keep an eye on the third young master these two days. Don't let him go looking for trouble with Shen Nan. He's no match for that cunning woman."

"Yes, second young master," Manager Zhang sighed, realizing that the second young master truly understood the third young master, knowing that his quick agreement to rest was surely to seek revenge for him.

Though the third young master is ruthless and adept with mechanisms, when it comes to scheming, he's no match for her.

However, Manager Zhang privately thought that it might not be certain, as even the most skilled masters can falter against mechanisms, especially since the young miss has only one expert at her side, while the third young master has numerous mechanisms to cause trouble. If they were to clash, it's unclear who would come out on top.

After thinking this, Manager Zhang hurried out to give the instructions.

The spy who had just returned from the Shen family to the Bai household felt a chill on the back of his head, feeling as if he was being watched, but when he looked back, there was no one.

It must be his own guilty conscience...

He had been keeping a low profile for days, not arousing any suspicion, and today was his first time delivering a message, so he couldn't possibly be watched.

After thinking this, he touched his head and went back.

As soon as he left, a shadowy figure darted across the roof and went to report the news to Su Youyue.

"This man, named Lai San, was hired by the fabric store, who can write and calculate, so he also handles the kitchen's accounts. He entered the room of the second young master of the Shen family and then returned. His background is being investigated by our subordinates."

Su Youyue nodded upon hearing this.

Madam Bai's Fabric Store is raking in a fortune every day, so it's no surprise that it attracts some spies.

She had expected the Shen family to plant spies here.

However, she usually discusses important matters in her own courtyard, which is tightly guarded, so the spies can't gather any intel, and they're likely growing desperate, sending any news back.

"Keep him around for now; he might prove useful."

"Yes, my lady."

As soon as this shadow guard left, Zhe Jing came in: "My lady, Prince Bei's estate has begun to pressure the Shen family, targeting the Floating Light Brocade. Now there are rumors circulating that the Floating Light Brocade is harmful to health, which is why Shen Yuanfeng came today."

Su Youyue narrowed her eyes: "No wonder Shen Yuanfeng was so humiliated today."

Originally, even if the Floating Light Brocade couldn't be used as tribute, its quality was sufficient to ensure strong sales.

Unexpectedly, Prince Bei, realizing he had been outmaneuvered by the Shen family, retaliated. Since Prince Bei has taken action against the Shen family, Shen Yuanfeng's friends are probably too afraid to help.

Without the Floating Light Brocade and being constrained everywhere, the Shen family can't maintain their lavish lifestyle solely on Master Shen's income.

Shen Yuanfeng must be truly anxious.

But he is anxious too early.

"In that case, let's proceed with delivering our grand gesture to the Shen family."

Coming back to her senses, she smiled.

"Zhe Jing, you can't wait either, can you?"