The Peng father and sons exchanged glances, the atmosphere heavy.
Old Master Peng Chunli looked at his youngest son. "Have you thought it through?"
"Yes, I have." Peng Fangming's expression was resolute. "When we decided to board this ship, there was no turning back. Regardless of that person's identity, his stance aligns with ours. I've been observing him these days—his actions are methodical, his subordinates highly capable yet disciplined. From this alone, they are not the type to act without principles. Having boundaries means they can't be entirely bad. Besides, are we, the Peng Family, any saints ourselves?"
Who would have thought their wild, untamable youngest son could speak so insightfully? Peng Chunli would never have dared imagine such a transformation before. The most irresponsible one in the family had suddenly gained wisdom and begun considering the clan's welfare.
Over the past two months, Peng Chunli had also been observing. Just as Fangming said, the other party did not treat human lives as worthless. Their conduct was orderly—so much so that he wondered if they were from a military camp. Yet even the army, to his knowledge, might not uphold such discipline.
Regardless, the arrow had left the bowstring—there was no retreat. He could only hope this step wouldn't destroy the foundation their ancestors had built over generations.
Peng Chunli turned to his eldest son, Peng Fangyu. "Keep a close watch on Zhu Ling at the magistrate's office. I have a feeling his days are numbered."
"Yes, Father."
"Fangjie, while you're out socializing, find opportunities to monitor Zeng Xiangyan. Keep your mouth shut—don't say what shouldn't be said."
"Don't worry, Father. Do you think I'd be unaware of that?" Peng Fangjie shot a sidelong glance at his younger brother. The pressure was real—his former partner in mischief had suddenly matured.
Peng Chunli actually trusted his second son in this regard. Having been through that age himself, he knew well that gatherings of young nobles weren't entirely useless.
"You two may leave. Fangming, stay."
Peng Fangyu's expression was complicated—not resentful, but sharing Fangjie's sense of pressure.
After a moment of silence, Peng Fangming said, "Father, there's no need to worry. That man isn't the type to burn bridges. I wouldn't dare cooperate with him otherwise."
"That's not what concerns me." Peng Chunli sighed. "The local snakes in Jin Yang aren't easy to deal with. Even if he's a powerful outsider, he might not suppress them. But if his plans succeed, most families in Jin Yang City will be implicated. Our Peng Family must advance—those who achieve great things need such courage. You've done well in this regard. Still, we must prepare contingency plans."
Looking at his transformed youngest son, Peng Chunli felt a glimmer of pride beneath the mountain of worries. If this gamble succeeded, the Peng Family would reap astronomical returns.
"This afternoon, I secretly had Wang Luo send the younger family members away. If the worst happens, we won't be wiped out completely."
Unaware of this development after being out all day, Peng Fangming nodded approvingly. "Father is always thorough."
"Fangming, remember—you must remain your old self. Don't suppress your temper when displeased, no need to be polite to them. You're still the unruly youngest son of the Peng Family."
"Yes, Father. Playing the fool to catch the tiger—I understand."
"Handle the tasks assigned by that man properly. I have some suspicions about his identity, but it's not a bad thing. Just do your best."
"Yes."Over at the Yu residence, Zeng Xianglin's wife paid a visit.
Wu Zhen, having received instructions from the young mistress earlier, led the guest in and then stood quietly to the side, all ears but keeping her mouth shut.
"Aunt, has Uncle woken at all today?" Madam Zeng took a step forward and curtsied, discreetly glancing to confirm the state of the person behind the curtain.
"He woke briefly earlier, but now he's fallen unconscious again." Madam Yu gently wiped the corner of her eye, letting the bed curtain fall back into place as she looked wearily at her niece-in-law. "What brings you here at this hour? Is something the matter?"
After a moment's hesitation, Madam Zeng revealed her purpose. "Aunt, are you aware that Cousin has confined her husband?"
Madam Yu was taken aback. "How could that be... When did this happen? I knew nothing about it."
"You don't involve yourself in external affairs, and now that Cousin is managing the household, why would she let you know? I'm just being meddlesome, but hearing those rumors outside made me worry it might harm Cousin's reputation. That's why I came to speak out of turn."
Madam Zeng clasped Madam Yu's hands earnestly. "You really should advise her. Since they're married, they're meant to spend their lives together. Even though Qi Qiu is a live-in son-in-law, he's a scholar and holds an official rank. If she treats him too harshly, wouldn't it harm both him and Cousin? They ought to live harmoniously, don't you agree?"
Madam Yu nodded repeatedly. "You're absolutely right. Weiwei really... It's my fault for not raising her properly. I failed as a mother."
"Don't speak of fault. I know Cousin's temperament well enough—her heart is in the right place, but she needs to be handled gently. Her husband has just joined the household, so it's natural he doesn't understand her yet. But for such rumors to spread like this will ultimately damage Cousin's reputation." Madam Zeng smiled faintly. "My husband mentioned he has some business to attend to tomorrow. He suggested taking Brother-in-law along so people can see for themselves that those rumors are baseless—how could he be confined when he's perfectly fine? What do you think?"
"Good, that's good. Xianglin is so thoughtful. I'll speak with Weiwei later. She's just been spoiled by me, but she's actually quite reasonable if you handle her the right way."
"Don't I know it?" Madam Zeng covered her mouth with a light laugh, glancing toward the motionless figure behind the curtain. "Has Uncle shown no improvement at all?"
"We've tried every possible remedy, but his periods of unconsciousness are only growing longer." Madam Yu's voice choked with emotion. Not wanting to cry in front of her junior, she turned away and covered her mouth.
"He'll recover. My husband heard there's a renowned physician in the capital and has already sent someone to fetch him..."
"Truly?" Madam Yu interrupted eagerly before she could finish.
"Of course it's true. My husband said we must try everything before giving up hope."
"Xianglin is so considerate. Please convey my gratitude to him. Your aunt remembers this kindness."
Madam Zeng chuckled softly. "What are you saying? We're family—no need for such formalities. Of course we want Uncle to recover quickly."
Having achieved her purpose, Madam Zeng stayed for some more conversation. As dusk began to fall, she took her leave.
Preoccupied with these matters, Madam Yu stood and smoothed her hair. "Steward, remain here to look after the Master. I'm going to speak with the Young Mistress."
"Yes."
After seeing Madam Yu out, Wu Zhen lifted the bed curtain. Looking up, she saw her master with his eyes open. Just as she was about to speak, he gestured for silence and glanced toward the door.
Wu Zhen scanned the room and understood his meaning. "You all go and make preparations. I'll freshen up the Master."The two maids who had remained in the room bowed and withdrew. He went to the door and glanced out, making sure they had gone far enough before hastily closing it and rushing back to the bedside.
"Master, there's no one around."
"Tell me about the situation at home," Master Yu gasped for breath. "Focus on the important matters."
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