Count Jin breathed deeply, calming the raging storm brewing within. “Young man, Zhu Family keeps their secrets locked in their hearts, secrets never to be known to outsiders. Even I know not of their intentions. Why do you? Whose mouth did you hear it from?”
The presence of the few in the study room looked to Shen Lang.
How can his humble identity know of such secret?
“Xu Qianqian’s new fiancé, Zhang Jin.” Shen Lang said coldly.
“Zhang Jin?” Count Jin echoed. “The new leader of Xuanwu City’s garrison?”
“Yes, Lord.” Shen Lang nodded. “I was once the Xu Family’s son-in-law before they kicked me out of their house. Xu Jiazhu’s daughter, Xu Qianqian is engaged to Zhang Jin. She said they’d hold their wedding as soon as possible because the Zhu Family needed their help and her family needed their help. Mutual benefits. They treat me as a fool and as someone who is brainded so they carelessly speak sinful secrets that I soon became privy to.”
At this time, Count Jin’s close confidant neared close to him and whispered words softly.
It was regarding Shen Lang’s identity.
In a way, Shen Lang was a celebrity in Xuanwu City.
When potential suitors dared not to marry Xu Qianqian, Shen Lang appeared timely in their sight.
Everyone soon learned of Xu Qianqian’s husband.
He was Shen Lang, a wastrel, a good-for-nothing fool. His family’s got nothing, no status, no riches, no power, nothing. And Shen Lang? He’s even more of a fool than they ‘ought to believe. He’s been in school now in Hanshui Town for nearly ten years and he’s still an illiterate retard. The braindead fool surely has something wrong with his brain.
“Two days ago, Xu Qianqian accused Shen Lang of theft and molestation of their Xu Family’s female servant so they were left without a choice but to expel him from their home.” The Count’s confidant said the words just a bit louder, loud enough for Shen Lang to hear.
Count Jin looked displeased, eyes an expression of disapproval.
He’s not entirely convinced. Hard to believe someone of his caliber could steal the Xu Family’s wealth and molest their female servant.
Shen Lang’s studied in Hanshui Town for almost ten years and he’s yet to graduate. The level of education taught there was designed for little children. Shen Lang neither has the skill nor capability to partake in such complicated sinful action.
This young man was really a disappointment.
In his eyes, he believed the reason Shen Lang was willing to marry Xu Qianqian was to please his gluttony.
He wanted to be lazy!
T/N: You’re not wrong, Count Jin!
Suddenly, Count Jin’s impression of the young man grew dim.
We’re it any other time, his itching hands would educate him and ram numerous knowledge in his head but he can’t. There were other matters he needed to tend to and this matter was the fate of his Jin Family.
He believed in Shen Lang’s words as truth.
The Zhang Family’s the new aristocratic noble and their patron the Zhu Family.
Zhang Jin’s good father, Zhang Chong served as the guardian for Nujiang City past the Nu River. The reason why he’s able to serve in an important position was that of Zhu Rong’s recommendation.
It’s not surprising for Zhang Jin’s family to know of the secrets of the Zhu Family.
But Shen Lang knowing it… it was a bit weird.
As for Zhang Jin, why Xuanwu City’s elite chose to align with them using their daughter, Count Jin understood fairly well.
The young man’s a perfect candidate for their daughter. He’s handsome and would provide a powerful backer in their side were Xu Qianqian to marry him. And why Zhang Jin chose Xu Qianqian, the reason was obvious. She was a beauty and the family’s filthy rich.
Count Jin understood this. He also understood the Zhang Family’s need to rise in power to fast. Their core foundation was unstable at the very moment and for this to grow and become sturdier, they needed what they lacked most: money. What better family than the Xu Family.
Zhang Jin and Xu Qianqian’s marriage, it wasn’t based on love but power.
“Send a few of our trusted men and let them go out and investigate. Once they’ve found the Zhu Family’s tracks and their current location, have them return immediately.” Count Jin commanded promptly. “We need to know where they are at. It’d at least give us ample time to prepare!”
“Yes, My Lord.” The confidant stated loudly before rushing out the study room. He and a few trusted would go out and check the status of the Zhu Family as the Count commanded.
Count Jin turned around and faced Shen Lang. “Young man, though you have quite a poor perception and I don’t feel too good about you, you nevertheless contributed greatly for the safety of my Jin Family and for that, I thank you. I will give you a reward. Say whatever you wish and I will provide so long as it does not violate the law or any moral standards. This I promise you.”
Shen Lang’s heart welled up, heart suddenly warming. His impression of the Count grew again.
He was thankful, really. The sight was refreshing. It was good to see a kind face one more. Count Jin’s confidant had yet to verify the truth of the matter yet he was ready to reward Shen Lang. Truly is a magnanimous being who treated his people as if his own children.
The meaning of the Count’s statement was clear as day. No matter how much money Shen Lang asks, how much Shen Lang wants, or the troubles befallen him, Count Jin was willing to solve it for him so long as it doesn’t go against his belief.
In other words, if Shen Lang asked, the troubles that followed him would immediately cease to exist.
Count Jin only needed to say a word and those three giants surely would not move against him let alone touch a strand of his hair.
But however, he did not want this. He wanted more.\n