Chapter 135: I Am Threatening You

Chapter 135: I Am Threatening You

The manuscript was not thick, but as Duan Shaoqing flipped through each page, his expression grew darker. By the time he reached the end, he slammed his hand on the table, causing the teacup to jump and spill tea all over it.

Some of the tea splashed onto the manuscript, blurring the ink into a black smudge.

Duan Shaoqing's temples throbbed, and he glared at Xin You with intense eyes: "Qingqing, what do you mean by this?"

The manuscript told the story of an orphan girl who brought a large fortune to her maternal grandparents' home, only to be devoured alive by them, dying in bitterness while her wealth was seized.

Though the story depicted the maternal grandparents as wealthy merchants, once this book was printed and sold by Qingsong Bookstore, anyone who read it would inevitably think of Shaoqing Mansion.

This girl intended to ruin Shaoqing Mansion's reputation and even his career!

Xin You met Duan Shaoqing's predatory gaze calmly: "I just want to reclaim the Kou family's wealth."

Duan Shaoqing picked up the manuscript and slammed it on the table: "So you're using this to threaten me, to threaten Shaoqing Mansion?"

His furious state made Xin You smile: "Yes, I am indeed using this unpublished manuscript to exchange for the wealth that belongs to Qingqing. Uncle, do you think it's a fair trade?"

"Do you really believe these rumors can shake Shaoqing Mansion?"

Xin You saw through Duan Shaoqing's pretense and smiled gently: "Uncle, do you know how many people are eagerly awaiting Mr. Songling's new book? I am the owner of Qingsong Bookstore; everything is decided by me. As long as I use Mr. Songling's name and have the Printing House produce a large number of copies, within three days, this story will spread throughout the capital's streets and alleys."

Duan Shaoqing trembled with anger at her unrelenting words: "Kou Qingqing, your wings have grown strong. How could there be someone as heartless and ungrateful as you?"

"Heartless and ungrateful?" Xin You found it absurd and felt a deep sorrow for Kou Qingqing, who had passed away without a proper burial.

Now, she could finally speak on behalf of Kou Qingqing: "Has Uncle forgotten how Qingqing fell off the cliff? It was your daughter who pushed her, and your wife who ordered it, avenging the wronged Lady Qiao. If not for my good fortune, how would I be any different from the girl in this story?"

Duan Shaoqing instinctively retorted: "Lady Qiao has already been divorced—"

Xin You sneered: "Uncle, I hope you understand clearly that whether Qingqing lived or died after falling off the cliff was a matter of luck, not the mercy of those in Shaoqing Mansion!"

It was tragic that Kou Qingqing did not have such luck.

Living as Kou Qingqing for so long, although Xin You had never known this unfortunate girl, she developed a deep affection for her.

She pitied the fate of this girl who looked like her and was enraged by the ugly faces of the relatives who should have protected her.

Kou Qingqing could no longer speak for herself, but Xin You could do it for her, tearing off the veil of Shaoqing Mansion, reclaiming the wealth, and preventing these despicable people from continuing to leech off the Kou family's assets.

Xin You looked at Duan Shaoqing, speaking each word deliberately: "So it's not Kou Qingqing who is heartless and ungrateful, but you who have already killed that innocent and obedient girl who only knew love and respect for her family."

Her words were forceful, like ice beads striking Duan Shaoqing's heart, making him feel an inexplicable chill.

For the first time, Duan Shaoqing realized clearly: that gentle and quiet niece would never return.

The girl before him was as hard-hearted as iron, skilled in disguise, and fundamentally hated Shaoqing Mansion!

A fleeting thought of killing crossed his mind.

Xin You smiled: "I almost forgot to tell Uncle, Master Kong visited Qingsong Bookstore that day."

Duan Shaoqing remained silent, waiting for her to continue.

"Master Kong is the son of Princess Royale Zhaoyang and is also a Lord Marquis. He specifically mentioned that when the new book is released, he wants to buy a hundred copies."

Duan Shaoqing's face changed instantly.

Ordinary people's gossip might not shake the foundation of Shaoqing Mansion, but it was different for officials in the same court. If those who had conflicts with him used this to stir trouble, he might face serious issues.

And if Princess Royale Zhaoyang got involved, it would be even more troublesome.

The incident of Deputy Commander Han being dismissed was still fresh in everyone's memory, showing Princess Royale Zhaoyang's protection of Miss Kou, which Duan Shaoqing was well aware of.

He had even felt proud about it at one point.

Duan Shaoqing wished he could slap himself.

How ignorant he had been!

"There's more—"

At Xin You's words, Duan Shaoqing's hand involuntarily trembled.

There was more?

He stared intently at the calm girl, waiting to hear what else she had to say.

"Minister He also said that His Majesty is very interested in Mr. Songling. When Mr. Songling releases a new book, His Majesty might read it too."

Duan Shaoqing's face drained of color, and he bluffed: "This is treason!"

"Treason? What are you talking about, Uncle?" Xin You feigned confusion.

Duan Shaoqing grabbed the manuscript: "This book is written by you, and you're releasing it under Mr. Songling's name. Isn't that treason?"

Xin You shook her head: "Is Uncle under too much pressure, getting confused? Qingsong Bookstore sells books to everyone, not specifically to His Majesty. How can it be considered treason?"

Duan Shaoqing was momentarily speechless.

"Besides, why can't this book be written by Mr. Songling? Who can prove it's mine? Shaoqing Mansion?"

Xin You's three consecutive questions left Duan Shaoqing sweating and speechless.

This girl had made thorough preparations and was determined to confront Shaoqing Mansion head-on.

To Duan Shaoqing's frustration, the threat posed by the manuscript left him no choice but to compromise.

For now, he had to compromise and calm this girl down first.

"Alright, alright. Qingqing, your uncle really didn't expect this from you. You're so different from your mother."

Xin You smiled faintly. "People change. Perhaps your image of my mother and grandmother was also different from what she imagined."

The sarcasm in her words was so blatant that it painted a vivid picture on Duan Shaoqing's face.

"Have you made up your mind, Uncle?" After a moment of tense silence, Xin You asked casually.

Duan Shaoqing took a deep breath and stood up. "I'll go with you to see your grandmother."

"Thank you for your help, Uncle." Xin You smiled sweetly and carefully placed the damaged manuscript back into the box.

Watching her actions, Duan Shaoqing suddenly said, "Qingqing, I have a question for you too."

Xin You picked up the box. "Uncle, please ask."

Duan Shaoqing fell silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on her eyes. "When you insisted on opening the Bookstore, did you already foresee this day?"

Her cold, clear eyes curved into a beautiful arc. "In a way, yes."

She couldn't predict everything, but she could adapt to circumstances and find solutions to problems.

Her answer sent a shock through Duan Shaoqing, and his expression darkened even more. "Let's go to Ruyitang."

By now, it was past the afternoon rest time, and the old lady was sitting on the kang, enjoying a shoulder massage from a maid.

"Old Lady, the Master and Miss have arrived."