Chapter 234

Chapter 238: Stepping Forward (Part 1)

Eleven Miss had already eaten and changed her clothes, waiting for Lord Xu to come so they could go to pay respects to the elder madam.

Seeing Lord Xu return, she invited him to sit on the kang in the inner room, offered him a cup of tea, and then sent the servants away, whispering, "Did my elder brother tell you everything?"

"He did," Lord Xu sipped his tea. "Luo Zhenxing is worried that if things get out of hand, Ten Miss should live in the dowry estate. I think there's still a way, but it can't be rushed."

Having just heard about the arrangement for Ten Miss to live in the dowry estate, Eleven Miss sensed something more in Lord Xu's words and asked, "Do you have a plan, my lord?"

Lord Xu nodded but said, "I heard from Luo Zhenxing that Duke Mao has been hit hard, his mind is in a daze, repeating sentences several times. He can't answer one out of five questions. The ones serving him are his nephews from the side branches, all eyeing him fiercely, afraid he might be left alone. Seeing that the situation wasn't conducive to conversation, they sat for a while and then left. However, you met Madam Jiang in the backyard, and she made some demands. The details weren't very clear. Can you tell me more carefully?"

Eleven Miss agreed, sat opposite Lord Xu, and explained in detail.

"This is a tricky situation," Lord Xu pondered. "I thought the Jiang family would approach me about the inheritance, but they actually want to use my hand to pursue Ren Kun. It's just that the side branches of the Wang family and Madam Jiang have different thoughts. This matter needs careful consideration."

Eleven Miss nodded. "I think so too. That's why I pretended not to understand Madam Jiang's implications and didn't even tell her about your current situation of not holding office."

"It's good that you didn't respond," Lord Xu said. "The news of my dismissal should spread throughout Yanjing in a few days. Let's see what the Wang family intends. Helping others is a good intention, but we shouldn't end up causing resentment!"

Eleven Miss was surprised that Lord Xu showed no intention of avoiding or being troubled by the situation. After thinking, she asked, "In such a situation with the Wang family, what should be done to secure the inheritance?"

"First, we need to get through the Ministry of Rites," Lord Xu said. "If someone in the cabinet speaks up, that would be even better. Then it depends on the emperor's will. Generally, if the Ministry of Rites approves, the emperor won't oppose. But sometimes things change. In the late years of the previous emperor, the Duke of Wei and the Marquis of Linchuan were stripped of their titles. The former was because the legitimate son died, and the Ministry of Rites' request for the eldest son from a concubine to inherit was rejected; the latter was because he had no sons and wanted to adopt his brother's son, which was also rejected—it mainly depends on the emperor's mood at the time."

Eleven Miss felt the task was enormous.

"If it's too troublesome, my lord, you shouldn't get involved. Living in the small estate isn't a bad idea," she thought of Ten Miss's emaciated figure. "Perhaps she can even recover somewhat."

Honestly, she felt that if Luo Zhenxing was willing to support, letting Ten Miss live in the dowry estate would be better than staying with the Wang family. As for the afterlife... it's enough to live well in this lifetime. Whether there's a next life is still uncertain. There's no need to give up the present life for the unknown.

"Nonsense!" Lord Xu felt warmed by her support, and though his words were scolding, there was no anger, only a hint of indulgence. "What would it look like if Ten Miss moved to the dowry estate? She is Wang Lang's legitimate wife, married with proper rites. Besides, she is your sister; if she is well, you have someone to support you. I have my own plans for this matter. Don't worry about it."

Eleven Miss couldn't help but smile bitterly inside.

Ten Miss supporting her?

It would be good if she didn't cause trouble instead!

With that, Lord Xu stood up. "It's getting late, let's go pay respects to mother and rest early."

"Yes!" Eleven Miss responded, helping Lord Xu with his cloak as they went to the elder madam.

She had already sent Amber to inform the elder madam, who knew that Luo Zhenxing and Qian Ming had come, and that Eleven Miss was hosting them for a meal. Seeing them arrive together, she quickly asked about the situation.

Lord Xu briefly explained, omitting Madam Jiang's demands and Luo Zhenxing's plans. The elder madam sighed repeatedly and instructed Eleven Miss, "It takes ten years to cultivate the chance to cross the river together. How much more for sisters. Ten Miss has encountered such a big event, whether it's at Bowstring Alley or Duke Mao's residence, if there's anything, just go and have the maid report to me—I know what you're doing, so I won't worry."

Eleven Miss was very grateful for the elder madam's thoughtfulness, thanked her, chatted for a while, and then left the courtyard with Lord Xu.

On the way, they encountered Xu Lingkuan.

He was standing in the corridor they had to pass, eagerly waiting.

Seeing them from afar, he hurriedly approached.

"Fourth brother, I have something to tell you," he didn't mind Eleven Miss, accompanying Lord Xu as they walked. "I heard that the one who killed Wang Lang was Ren Kun's personal servant. I went to inquire today. The servant's parents died early, leaving only a sister who works in the Ren family's sewing room. After this incident, the servant's sister disappeared immediately. I spent a lot of effort to find out that she was sent to Kaifeng."

"Sent to Kaifeng?" Lord Xu stopped, surprised, looking at Xu Lingkuan. "How did you find out?"

"Tigers have their lairs, and snakes have their holes," Xu Lingkuan's eyes sparkled with a bit of pride.

"Yanjing is such a small place; you're bound to run into someone you know. I know a few people who are acquainted with Ren Kun."

Lord Xu thought about the fights his brother had gotten into recently... and his opinion of him changed quite a bit. He smiled and gave him a light punch on the shoulder: "Not bad, kid!"

Xu Lingkuan grinned and lowered his voice, "Fourth Brother, I heard from the people I asked that the Ren family sent the servant's sister to a wealthy family in Kaifeng as an adopted daughter. They even altered her official household records."

Lord Xu raised an eyebrow, looking puzzled.

"It's true," Xu Lingkuan quickly assured, seeing his brother's disbelief. "Ren Kun made it clear: he wants everyone to know he looks after his followers, and he’s not afraid to let others know. He has the ability to protect them. It's also to reassure the servant. And it works. They say the Shuntian Prefecture resorted to harsh torture, but the servant refused to talk. Now everyone in Yanjing is saying Ren Kun is a shrewd operator and a tough guy."

Lord Xu glanced at Xu Lingkuan: "Out with it! What message did Ren Kun send you?"

Xu Lingkuan jumped up: "Fourth Brother, I swear I didn’t agree to anything! Really, nothing at all." He waved his hands repeatedly, his eyes darting toward Eleven Miss.

"Your sister-in-law is family. Spit it out, or I’ll pretend this never happened."

Xu Lingkuan chuckled.

"Ren Kun said he’ll stay at Changchun Temple until the case is resolved. If Fourth Brother wants to see him, he's always available." As he spoke, his expression grew serious. "He also said that if things were to happen again, he would do the same thing."

His words were brash, bold, and unyielding.

Eleven Miss felt a shiver of fear run down her spine.

Twenty-seven precise stabs, each targeting a vital organ. Arranging for a servant to take the blame and leaving calmly. Publicly disclosing how he handled the servant’s sister, contrasting it with Wang Lang's death, showing the consequences of betrayal and the rewards of loyalty. By sending a message through Xu Lingkuan, he hinted to Lord Xu that he’s well aware of the Wang family’s power, and if Lord Xu wants to stand up for the Wang family, he’s not unprepared. As for the final message about waiting at Changchun Temple, it was like adding the finishing touch to a painting. Making it clear to Lord Xu that he’s ready to face any consequences head-on.

Determination, confidence, and unshakable resolve—he had it all.

How could someone like that not strike fear into others?

Lord Xu stopped walking.

He asked Xu Lingkuan softly, "Little Five, how well do you know Ren Kun?"

Xu Lingkuan wasn't sure what Lord Xu meant. He cautiously replied, "We don’t interact directly. But if Fourth Brother needs me to reach out, I can."

Lord Xu nodded slightly. He gazed at Xu Lingkuan, his expression gradually becoming serious: "Keep your distance from him. That man is ruthless to the core."

Xu Lingkuan was stunned.

Lord Xu carefully explained: "Look at how he kills—quick and precise. Then look at his arrangements afterward. Bold and meticulous. He doesn’t hide the fact that he killed Wang Lang, telling others that those who betray him will be killed, and there’s nothing they can do about it. At the same time, he takes care of the families of loyal servants, showing that those who are loyal to him will have their families live in prosperity even if they die. He’s a master strategist, always thinking several steps ahead. Then he sends a message through you, being open and honest, acting as if he's bold and straightforward. Little Five, such a person is too cunning and too cold-hearted. A casual acquaintance is all you need."

Xu Lingkuan lowered his head, pondering Lord Xu's words.

Lord Xu, seeing that his brother wasn't being evasive as before, showed a hint of a smile in his eyes. He patted his shoulder: "It's getting late, go rest."

Xu Lingkuan nodded, hesitating: "What about Wang Lang's matter? Should we still get involved?"

"Even if we do, we can't just barge in," Lord Xu laughed. "We need to know what they want first. What’s the point of scratching the wrong spot?"

Xu Lingkuan laughed: "I'll listen to Fourth Brother."

Lord Xu nodded: "Go rest. I'll call on you if I need help."

Xu Lingkuan bowed to Eleven Miss and left with light steps.

Lord Xu watched his retreating figure and sighed: "Who would’ve guessed Little Five would grow up to be so sensible?"

Eleven Miss covered her sleeve and smiled.

The couple headed back to their own courtyard.

Lord Xu and Eleven Miss were talking: "Since Ren Kun dares to act so boldly, he must have already made up his mind. I initially wanted to be a peacemaker, but I was afraid Madam Jiang wouldn't agree, thinking we only cared about Tenth Aunt and not Wang Lang. Now it seems that Madam Jiang will have no choice but to agree. You should stay home for the next few days and rest. If you have nothing to do, you can embroider or take care of the children. Let Madam Jiang face some challenges. Once the news of my dismissal spreads, she will calm down. Then we can negotiate terms with the Wang family."

When he mentioned the children, Eleven Miss took the opportunity to bring up the matter of adding rooms: "...Since you have some free time, why not get this settled as soon as possible."

A change could bring a fresh start.

Lord Xu was also quite interested: "Alright! Tomorrow I'll discuss it thoroughly with Steward Bai and see if we can add another courtyard. There will be more and more children in the future!"

Eleven Miss was speechless.