Chapter 349 - 334: Decision

Chapter 349: Chapter 334: Decision

"One person making a breakthrough might be explained away as a fluke. But for two people to do so at almost the exact same time? There are no such coincidences in this world. There must be a secret, a great opportunity, hidden here."

Her eyes burned with intensity. "You must take this matter to heart and pay close attention. If we can uncover this secret, the Cao Family’s overall strength will reach a new level. At that point, forget just Jiangzhou—even across the entire realm, it might not be impossible for our Cao Family to join the ranks of the Gated Communities."

At this, her tone shifted to one of slight regret as she looked Cao Wenxuan up and down. "It’s a shame. This Chen Shouheng’s talent and disposition seem quite good. With a great opportunity like this on his side, his future achievements could be limitless.

"If that Zhou Shuwei hadn’t had such a sharp eye for talent and snatched him up first. Otherwise, with your status and looks, a marriage alliance with the Chen Family to bind him to the Cao Family’s war chariot would have been an excellent turn of events."

Hearing the words "marriage alliance," Wenxuan’s expression flickered with discomfort, a nearly imperceptible look of resistance and indifference crossing her features.

She changed the subject, clearly not wanting to dwell on it. "Second Aunt, about the situation in Liyang... We agreed to participate in the auction, but now we’re supposed to yield our portion to the Chen Family. How will we answer to Governor Zhou?"

"Answer to him?"

The woman sneered. "What gives that Zhou Bo’an the right to demand an explanation from the Cao Family? He sends a messenger with a flimsy claim about new leads on your fourth aunt’s death in Jiangzhou, and he thinks he can drag the Cao Family into this mess to be his vanguard, his pawn? Delusional!"

Her eyes were ice-cold. "Besides, anyone can pick at the scraps of He Mingyun’s ruined estate, but the Cao Family absolutely cannot. Zhou Bo’an wants to use us to do his dirty work and drag us into this quagmire? In his dreams! Don’t you worry about it. As for Zhou Bo’an, just ignore him. If he asks, I’ll have an answer for him."

Wenxuan said no more. After a moment of silence, she spoke softly, "Second Aunt, once things here are settled, I’d like to make a trip to Mirror Mountain to pay respects to my father."

"Very well. It has been many years; you should go. Take some capable men with you and be careful on the road."

The woman’s expression grew complex. She was silent for a moment before finally nodding. Then she added, "Perfect. Use this opportunity to get a thorough understanding of the Chen Family’s background. A family from the countryside, suddenly so powerful... I’d like to see just what kind of incredible luck they’ve stumbled into."

Wenxuan did not reply.

Silence returned to the small building.

...

Chen Shouheng and Zhou Shuwei returned to the Zhou Mansion in silence.

Chen Shouheng walked to the window and pushed it open, letting the cool night air drift into the room.

He gazed at the swaying shadows of the trees in the courtyard for a long moment before turning to look at Zhou Shuwei, who was sitting in a chair, lost in thought.

"Shuwei..."

He began, his voice low. "What do you make of Cao Wenxuan’s proposal?"

Zhou Shuwei didn’t answer right away, gathering her thoughts first. "Looking at the terms the Cao Family proposed, I can’t find any obvious problems. In fact, you could say it’s a godsend."

She ticked off the points on her fingers. "First, the auction for the Sun Family’s assets. If the Cao Family does as she says—participating only to win the bid and then transfer it to us at a low price—then our only major rival will be that mysterious Tan Family. The price we’d have to pay could be drastically lower. That’s a tangible benefit."

"Then there’s the Official Tribute Contract." 𝑓𝑟ℯℴ𝓂

Zhou Shuwei lifted her teacup, took a sip, and continued, "The price of fifteen taels per bolt is indeed far below the market rate, so the profit margin is slim. But that’s standard practice for the Jiangzhou Textile Bureau. With this contract, our family gains a stable, long-term sales channel. We’ll be able to recoup capital quickly, and covering our operating costs and other expenses will no longer be such a struggle."

She concluded, "So, purely from a cost-benefit perspective, we have no reason to refuse this partnership."

Chen Shouheng’s brow remained furrowed. "That’s exactly why I’m so uneasy. We have no connection to the Cao Family, we’re not relatives or old friends. That little bit of history as classmates is hardly worth mentioning. Why would they go out of their way to help us? Is there really such a thing as a free lunch in this world?"

Zhou Shuwei fell silent.

This was the very question that troubled her most.

’She couldn’t figure it out either. What did the Cao Family stand to gain?’

After a long pause, Zhou Shuwei looked up at Chen Shouheng, a question in her eyes. "This concerns the future of our family, and it’s impossible to know if it will bring fortune or disaster. Shouheng, perhaps you should make a trip back to Lingxi and ask Father to make the final decision?"

At the mention of his father, Chen Shouheng shook his head with a bitter smile. "There’s no need. Shuwei, there’s something I haven’t had a chance to tell you."

Zhou Shuwei faltered for a moment, looking at him.

Chen Shouheng took a deep breath and told her about Chen Li living in seclusion on Mirror Mountain. His voice was a little strained. "Before I left, Father told me that he was putting me in charge of the family business. He said all decisions are mine to make, that I should act as I see fit. I’m not to go looking for him unless it’s a matter of life and death."

Zhou Shuwei was stunned. After a moment, she took Chen Shouheng’s hand. "Father is letting go of the reins. Perhaps he’s testing you."

"I know. It’s just... this burden is truly heavy. One wrong step could lead to utter ruin."

Chen Shouheng let out a long sigh, his gaze distant.

He understood that his father’s sudden decision to step back was less an act of trust and more of a cruel, unforgiving test.

"Husband..."

Zhou Shuwei held his hand, her voice soft yet every word clear. "Father entrusted the family business to you because he believes you can handle it. I am your wife, which means we are one. Whether the road ahead is smooth or lined with thorns..."

She paused, a faint but incredibly gentle smile gracing her lips. "You just make the decision. Whatever happens, I will be by your side, through life and death."