Book 15: Chapter 61

So you knew I wouldnt approve, yet you still went behind my back. This is your present for your busy sister who doesnt have time for you? Has Shen Clans teachings been dumped, or do my words no longer hold weight?

There is no rule in the family against partic.i.p.ating in the imperial exams.

Shut up! If you truly believe youre in the right, why did you hide it from me? You shouldve been prepared from the moment you decided to go behind my back. You think Ill pretend it never happened because you can argue the semantics? For every ounce of anger in Shen Yirens voice, there was disappointment, which was extremely rare when she spoke to her brother.

Shen Kuang lowered his head with grace. Silence filled the room again. Shen Yiren rushed back and summoned Shen Kuang to her room after the imperial exam results were released, but they hadnt exchanged many words despite how long they had been there.

Come with me into the imperial palace tomorrow to acknowledge your folly to His Majesty, and then plead him to give you an official post at Liu Shan Men. When her brother raised his head, Shen Yiren raised her hand to stop him. Begging wont change my mind. Should you refuse, Ill knock you out, shove you in a bag, and carry you into the palace. Its a strategy thats never failed me.

I have nothing to say about you treating me as a naughty child, but that will do Shen Clans reputations no favour. It would be best for you to think about that.

If a scion of a martial arts family abandons the martial world to become a civil servant and that does Shen Clans reputation a favour, Ill start studying from tomorrow and take an exam.

If you are a serious, I will go shop for books.

Ill clobber you with the books! Shen Yiren was almost ready to break a table leg and then her brothers skull to see what part up there made them different.

Shen Kuang scuttled back a few steps. Calm down first. Arent you curious why I took the exam?

Shen Yiren had somewhat cooled off after ranting, and her threat to knock Shen Kuang out was nothing more than an attempt to make him speak the truth. It just didnt unfold how she wished.

I have always obeyed you; however, I made a decision without your approval this time. Do you not think I have my reasonable reasons?

But you dont intend to tell me.

Shen Kuangs surprise muted him.

Staring straight into her brothers eyes, Shen Yiren sighed. You plan to give me the same story you plan to give outsiders and then leave me with another to prevent me from digging deeper. If you have so much time on your hands, why dont you help me sign some doc.u.ments. His Majesty cant tell apart our handwriting anyway. Hes always praised the doc.u.ments you worked on. Kuang, I know youre smart, but dont waste it on me.

Thinking about the saying how twins were connected in thoughts, Shen Kuang couldnt help smiling. Although he had never felt as though they had shared thoughts or sensations before, she was always able to see through his fibs effortlessly. Since their parents pa.s.sing, he hadnt lied, so he thought she wouldnt see through his lie if he finally told one after being honest all the time.

Shen Yiren sighed again. I used to worry that you couldnt form your own decision. This time, though, you went overboard. Do you realise Shen Clans future is in your hands? Why, then, would you sit the imperial exams? Dad excelled in both literacy and martial arts, yet not even he was able to pursue both simultaneously. Had it not been for his friends.h.i.+p with Uncle, we wouldnt have the privileges we enjoy right now. Have you considered the ramifications of joining the imperial courts employment?

I have and know. The imperial court is a battlefield of wits. Even with His Majestys protection, a misstep could result in Shen Clans demise.

It wouldve been inconceivable for the siblings to have survived in the capital and maintained their familys glory had it not been for His Majestys support. Because the three offices were considered independent ent.i.ties of the imperial court, were limited, and had clear-set boundaries, they were never considered major threats. A number of civil servant factions had begun to view the three offices as enemies for various reasons. Liu Shan Men was unlikely to be dragged into their fighting. If a member of Shen Clan was to serve the imperial court, howbeit, then they were basically shouting that they planned to dominate both martial and civil servant roles. w.a.n.g Muren had to announce that he was an individual ent.i.ty separate from w.a.n.g and Xie Clans effectively saying that Dark Robe Brotherhoods leader was one just for show. If Shen Kuang didnt follow suit, then Shen Clan wouldve lost the ability to head Liu Shan Men.

The fact that you know that shows that you have self-awareness. What makes you think you can step into the imperial court? Do you remember why I told you to feign weak, meek, and talentless when I know how smart you are? Youve forgotten, havent you?

I remember.

Clearly not! Do you know how many eyes are on you? Who did I tell you to avoid? Who?!

The Qilin Guards.

w.a.n.g Muren immediately ransacked Liu Shan Men after Dads pa.s.sing and s.h.i.+fu s.h.i.+san went missing, and he did it righteously and legitimately. I cant even hate him for it. Once he has his attention on you, getting out with just one missing limb would be considered a safe retreat.

Shen Kuang inhaled. I have my ways.

Shen Yiren clenched her teeth. You fool. What ways? You have a way to deal with the strongest man in the imperial court? You and I combined havent inherited a half of Dads martial prowess. Im an idiot and weak. You dont have an interest in martial arts. Dad wasnt w.a.n.g Murens match. How are you going to stop him?

Shen Yiren had done everything in her power to depict Shen Kuang as someone incapable and drew all attention onto herself, particularly her marriage, to protect her brother. Notwithstanding them having never discussed it, Shen Kuang knew what he had to do in the shadows wait for an opportunity. She evidently did a brilliant job considering w.a.n.g Muren had only ever paid attention to her and never Shen Kuang. She was ready to step down when the time was ripe for her brother who had been preparing for years to step up.

Yet you

Shen Kuang chose an inappropriate time and place to display his competence, wasting Shen Yirens years of effort. He knew this conversation was inevitable when he made the decision, but he still went ahead.

Shen Yiren decided shed belt her brother if he tried to give her another lousy explanation.

Has it ever crossed your mind? In what way am I qualified to take over the Liu Shan Men you built up?

Shen Yirens rage turned to guilt. She never wondered if her brother would be able to succeed her when she went about raising Liu Shan Men with her flavour. In her vision, her brother was going to just take the reins from her smoothly once he was ready to reveal his abilities, and n.o.body wouldve objected. The problem was that her vision only existed in an ideal world where nothing couldve gotten in the way. The female constables reported directly to her. Liu Yuan, Tang Ye, Su Xiao, and company wouldnt just start taking orders from Shen Kuang all of a sudden, let alone help him build up Liu Shan Men. Then there were also the people doing the work in the shadows, such as Wawa.

Song Ou is the example of what will happen to me if you pa.s.s me the reins.

Shen Kuangs calm tone sent chills down Shen Yirens spine.

Th-that wont happen. Youre different. Youre bett-

I do believe I can do better, but I will not produce the best Liu Shan Men, no?

Shen Yiren had made up her mind long ago; however, it wasnt a reality that saddened her, so she had avoided confronting the problem. The moment she pa.s.sed over the reins and walked away from her post would be her lowest moment. Never once had anyone been able to easily walk away from a dream.

Dont get me wrong. I dont think you did anything wrong. You built Liu Shan Men up, so it should rightfully be yours. Yours. Not mine or anyone else.

Shen Yiren finally understood what her brother was thinking when he made the decision. Though it was heartwarming, she still shook her head and firmly stated, You are Shen Clans sole successor. There is no room for debating this.

Shen Kuang also shook his head. You value Liu Shan Men more than anyone else. There is no one better than you to head Liu Shan Men.

Im a woman and engaged.

Song Ou is not up to scratch to lead.

Thats what I want. Shen Yiren had her back up against the proverbial wall because she never expected the conversation to take this turn. Song Clans support is the best support we can obtain. More or less will backfire. Without them, we wont even have a foothold in the capital.

What sort of support is worth sacrificing my sister? If our parents were still alive, theyd also oppose your decision, but we only have each other now, dont we? Your goal isnt to protect Liu Shan Men but to protect the best Liu Shan Men.

Kuang

We are different in many ways, but there is one regard in which we are similar similar to the point that its comical. You never considered yourself Neither have I.

***

General Manager Bai tried futilely to eavesdrop on the siblings conversation on the peaceful night, so she turned to ask me, Arent you going to step in?

What for?

Why would I when I heard their conversation? Honestly, I thought Shen Kuang was very much like his father after hearing his take.

Subsequent to thinking it through for herself, General Manager Bai bobbed her head. Youre right. A man cant be pulled back once hes made up his mind no matter how meek he may look. The only way to stop him now is to behead him.

I bobbed my head back. So his neck is the problem.

What a troublesome neck.

General Manager Bai stared at me for a long while before saying, I havent congratulated you yet on your placing.

Eh, its just an empty reputation. I meant that. You havent been a.s.saulting me anymore these days.

General Manager Bai raised her fist at me. Were it not for Lord Zis benefit, I wouldve laid you out.

Recalling Zizis injuries and fatigue when he returned, General Manager Bai continued, Brilliant Consort has always worried that Lord Zi is too soft, but her worries are unfounded. He is very energetic; hes just kind, not soft. If he is ever bullied, Id be worried for his bully instead.

Of course, that included Zizi beating five big men.

No wonder why you sound experienced.

General Manager Bai smiled. Hes changed quite considerably since he started learning from you, too.

A bit too much.

What do you mean?

I touched my chin as I reflected on Zizis recent transformation. What exactly happened when you went to Luoyang?

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