Chapter 17
Chapter 17
The Count of Xuanwu finally calmed down after a long moment and spoke.
"Even I was unaware that the Zhu Clan intended to propose marriage. How did you know? Who did you hear it from?"
Everyone present turned to look at Shen Lang. How could someone of his lowly status know such a top-secret matter?
"I heard it from Zhang Jin, the new fiancé of the Xu Clan's daughter."
"Zhang Jin? The new commander of the Xuanwu City garrison?"
"Yes, that's him. When I was driven out of the Xu Estate by Xu Qianqian after having been their live-in son-in-law, I overheard a conversation between her and her new fiancé, Zhang Jin, about the Zhu Clan's plans. They said that Zhu Hongxue wanted to take Lady Jin Mulan as his wife, and that the Zhu Clan would be sending someone to the Count of Xuanwu's Estate to formally propose. At the time, Zhang Jin warned Xu Qianqian that this information must not get out, but perhaps because they thought me a fool, they spoke of it openly in my presence."
Just then, one of the Count's trusted aides whispered something in his ear. He was likely informing him of Shen Lang's identity and background. In Xuanwu City, Shen Lang was a celebrity of sorts. At a time when no one dared to become the Xu Clan's live-in son-in-law, Shen Lang's courage in volunteering for the position had become known throughout the city.
Of course, people knew not only that Shen Lang had become the Xu Clan's son-in-law, but also that despite nearly ten years of study, he knew next to nothing and was dumber than anyone.
"And two days ago, the Xu Clan publicly announced that they had expelled their live-in son-in-law, Shen Lang, for stealing family assets and harassing a maidservant."
The aide's voice grew a little louder at the end, likely intended for Shen Lang to hear. Upon hearing this, the Count of Xuanwu's brow furrowed deeply. The claims that Shen Lang had stolen from the Xu Clan and harassed a maid were difficult to verify, so the Count couldn't easily believe them. However, the part about him being sent home from the town's academy after nearly ten years without even completing his elementary education—that he was incompetent and unaccomplished—seemed to be true.
The Count of Xuanwu despised lazy, vain young men who did nothing but idle away their time, so he did not have a favorable impression of Shen Lang. If it were any other time, the Count would have surely disciplined him, but right now, he had no time for such matters. The information Shen Lang had brought was too critical, concerning the very fate of his estate.
The Count judged Shen Lang's words to be true. The Zhang Clan was a newly risen noble family in the State of Yue, and their backers were the Zhu Clan. Zhang Jin's father, Zhang Chong, had been appointed Prefect of Nujiang Commandery thanks to a recommendation from Governor Zhu Rong of Tiannan Province. Therefore, it was not at all strange that Zhang Jin would be privy to the Zhu Clan's secrets.
When he first heard that the Zhang Clan, a family of some standing in Xuanwu City, was taking a merchant's daughter as a daughter-in-law, he had wondered just how dire their financial situation was to marry the Prefect's son to a merchant's child. Now, the Count of Xuanwu understood their actions.
The Zhang Clan's power had risen so quickly that their foundation was unstable. They needed a large sum of money to continue growing the family, but with everyone watching them, they couldn't dare to accept bribes. Thus, they had arranged a marriage with a wealthy family. The union between the Zhang and Xu clans was a typical marriage of power and money.
The Count issued an order.
"Immediately dispatch men to watch all the main roads. If you spot anyone from the Zhu Clan, report back at once. The most important thing now is to find out how close their marriage delegation is."
"Yes, my lord!"
Then, the Count turned to Shen Lang.
"I don't have a particularly high opinion of you. However, you have rendered a great service, so I will reward you. As long as it does not violate the laws of the state or moral principles, I will grant whatever you ask."
Shen Lang's admiration for the Count instantly grew. What a straightforward man. He was willing to offer a great reward without even verifying the facts. Shen Lang understood the Count's intention.
Whatever Shen Lang asked for, the Count would give it to him. No matter how troublesome the request, he would see it done. This meant that Shen Lang could escape the predicament the Xu Clan, the Lin Clan, and Tian Heng had put him in, all in an instant.
If the Count sent a man to deliver a single message, those factions would never dare to touch a hair on his head again. But that wasn't all Shen Lang wanted. It would be a waste to use such a precious opportunity merely to deal with the Xu Clan and Tian Heng.
What he wanted was to use this chance to stay at the Count's Estate, constantly make his presence known to Jin Mulan, and eventually marry her. Shen Lang vowed to himself. With his overflowing talent and handsome face, he would leave a deep impression on Jin Mulan—no, on his goddess—within half a month at most.
Shen Lang bowed at the waist and said, "I wish to remain at the Count's Estate and work."
He didn't mention that the Xu Clan and Tian Heng were plotting against him. There was no need. If he stayed and worked at the Count's Estate, those factions would naturally be unable to harm his family.
Hearing his words, the Count frowned. He had not viewed Shen Lang favorably from the start. His laziness and lack of education were one thing, but his history of becoming the Xu Clan's live-in son-in-law for his own security and vanity seemed utterly pathetic.
The Count suspected that Shen Lang's motives for wanting to stay at the estate were not pure, and indeed, his judgment was sharp. However, he had already given his word to Shen Lang and had to keep it. Besides, Shen Lang was still young; even if he had bad habits and ideas, he could be guided back to the right path under the strict tutelage of the Count's Estate.
"If you wish to stay and work at the Count's Estate, I will permit it. Furthermore, you have done a great service by bringing this news, so I will not have you work as a mere servant. However..."
The Count's tone grew sterner than before.
"Once you begin working for my estate, you will not enjoy the same luxuries as before. If you are lazy and do not work, there will be punishment, and you will be subject to strict instruction. Can you endure such hardship?"
Hardship?! Shen Lang had no desire to suffer in this life. But to make his plan succeed, he could endure a period of hardship. After all... sweet fruit and happiness awaited him at the end.
Shen Lang answered without hesitation.
"Yes!"
The Count came before him, placed his hands on Shen Lang's shoulders, and shook his head.
"You were born with a weak constitution, and you are too old to begin training in martial arts. In the end, your only option is to study. Starting today, you will study alongside my son. Your parents may have doted on you, but my estate will not. We will constantly push you and forge you into a man of great talent."
Shen Lang was stunned. Did the Count mean to have him educated alongside his own son? If so, Shen Lang would naturally form a connection with the heir of Xuanwu City.
"Your wounds have not yet healed, so go and rest. Starting tomorrow, you will study with my son. And do not worry about your family. I will personally send someone to inform them and ensure they have no trouble in their lives. And if you have any other troubles, I will resolve them as well."
*See, a truly great man is magnanimous.*
Shen Lang inwardly praised the Count and replied, "Yes, Your Excellency."
The Countess spoke.
"Jin Zhong, have the estate's tailor take Shen Lang's measurements and make him a few new sets of clothes."
The old servant, Jin Zhong, said, "Yes, my lady."
The Count and Countess were both kind people, and Shen Lang felt a warmth in his heart.
"Your Excellency, my lady, Young Lady, I will take my leave now."
Shen Lang bowed in salute and turned to leave the room. But before he even reached the door, the Count's trusted aide rushed in. He had been gone for less than a quarter of an hour, and now he returned in a hurry, kneeling before the Count.
"My lord, it's urgent! A spy in Nujiang Commandery just sent a message by carrier pigeon. A high-ranking member of the Zhu Clan arrived in Nujiang City last night and is heading toward our estate!"
"What?"
Shen Lang was inwardly aghast.
*What?*
His life was on the line here. Although he had succeeded in the first step—staying at the Count's Estate—there were still several more hurdles to overcome to see his plan through to completion. Since Jin Mulan was not a woman who could be married off to someone outside, Shen Lang planned to live here and become the Count's live-in son-in-law. But now, a member of the Zhu Clan had already arrived in Nujiang City... He would surely visit the Count of Xuanwu's Estate tonight to propose to Jin Mulan.
If that happened, Shen Lang would have no chance to make an impression on Jin Mulan, and his odds of becoming the live-in son-in-law would plummet to near zero.
Damn it! They wouldn't even give him a single day! Shen Lang had only a few hours left. If things went wrong, Jin Mulan would become another man's woman, and the life of wealth and glory he dreamed of would vanish.
*No, the goddess is mine!*