After finally being able to grasp onto the authority over the Marquis Manor, Zhao Lan and Yang Lu immediately summoned people to investigate the perpetrator who ransacked the Zhonglin Courtyard. One of them personally led servants to clean up the Zhonglin Courtyard. What needed to be replaced was replaced and what could be fixed was fixed. Before the end of the day, Zhonglin Courtyard was refurbished and made anew once again. Shen Liang accepted all of this naturally and righteously.
"Liangliang, aren't the second and third madame too eager and proactive?" even their meals had been prepared. Qi Xuan couldn't help but voice his amazement.
"They have to put on a show for others to see. It's only natural for them to be more active. When they have grasped onto some evidence, their attitude will begin to differ. What are you standing there for. It's a free meal. It serves no purpose to allow it to go to waste," Shen Liang said as he took up the chopsticks.
Qi Yue and Qi Xuan exchanged glances before following suit and sitting down as well. At the Taisen House, they were consumed by concern and worry. They were unable to eat peacefully. After hurrying and busying around the entire day, they were indeed famished.
"Liangliang, since you already know their attitude will inevitably change, why would you still help them?" they were not foolish. If it weren't for Shen Liang today, how was it possible for the old madame and those from the second and third family to reclaim the manor authority?
"Otherwise? Is our life any better under Liu Shuhan's control?" Shen Liang took a bite before responding, "It's one matter for us to lay the foundations and opportunity for them to take over the authority but it's another matter on whether they're able to successfully maintain it. Do you think Liu Shuhan is that easy to deal with? With her scheming behind the scenes, the authority is nothing more than a hot pocket in the second and third families' hands. But thinking otherwise, if they fail, the second and third families' resentment will only accumulate. When the time comes and the families begin to fight against one another, we'd be the third party that'd be able t0 reap the most benefits."
There were too many twists and turns in this arduous path. Shen Liang only chose to disclose the simplest, easier to say contents. In his previous life, he was in charge of the fourth prince's manor for many years. But he was still a man. He couldn't put all of his attention in the manor all the time. Rather than having to manage everyone himself, he'd simply pin the concubines against each other.
"Liangliang, how did you become so smart all of a sudden? It makes us appear dumb," Qi Xuan had always been straightforward and said what he thought. After, he didn't forget to scratch his head to express his embarrassment.
"Liangliang was smart to begin with. He's only been holding back all this time and didn't know how to fight for himself," Qi Yue glared at him and didn't know whether to laugh and be angry with his brother. After, he turned to face Shen Liang and said, "Liangliang, this is pretty good. For those who treat us well, it's fine for is to suffer some loses for them. But for those who harbor other intentions, we should fight back when needed. I believe if the elder master sees you now, he'd be happy."
"En, I know. Yue Ge, Xuan Ge, the two of you have suffered these years. Rest assured. I won't let anyone bully us just like that anymore in the future," Shen Liang nodded his head and couldn't be but feel gratified. It was also because of their loyalty and dedication that he was willing to do his best to give them the best.
"En. Oh right, Liangliang. Xiao Xuan mentioned wanting to learn martial arts earlier in the day. Do you think we can find a master for him?" If it weren't because they now had the capital to do so, Qi Yue didn't dare mention this. Even though their intent was to be able to protect Shen Liang better.
"That's a good thing. But forget about hiring a master. What they teach are only some flamboyant nonsenses. There's nothing worth learning. I'll write a note tomorrow and Xuan Ge can head to the outer regions to find someone by the name of Wang Qingfeng. He'll make your arrangements and when they time comes, we'll discuss whether to invite the master over to Zhonglin Courtyard or arrange for you to leave every day."
Qi Xuan's request was met with Shen Liang's approval, but their intents diverged. Qi Xuan intended to learn martial arts to better protect Shen Liang, but Shen Liang only wished for him to be able to protect himself better.
"Alright. Liangliang, you're the best," Qi Xuan didn't expect things to progress so smoothly and a wide grin spread across his face. Shen Liang and Qi Yue saw this and smiled as well.
That night prior to resting, Shen Liang suddenly turned to ask Qi Yue, Yue Ge, did you want to learn anything?"
If possible, he wished both of them would be able to learn some degree of self-defense. No matter how solid a protection others can offer them, nothing beats being strong themselves.
"I indeed do, but at the moment, I'm not sure what to learn," his personality wasn't as lively as Qi Xuan's. As far as martial arts go, it wasn't suitable for him. But as far as others go, he wasn't there was anything worth learning."
"En..." Shen Liang, who had retired to the bed held his chin in contemplation, "Yue Ge, both of you are literate. Why don't you learn poison with me?"
"Huh?"
Poison? Wasn't that an inherited art of the Wei Family? How can that be taught to outsiders just like that?
"Then it's been decided. From tomorrow on, you will start learning about poison with me. It'll also allow us to build our medical knowledge and foundation. Don't aspire to save others, but at least be able to save oneself."
Shen Liang saw through Qi Yue's hesitations and doubts, but he had already decided. So what if it was a We Family inherited art? For the Wei Family, what are they ever willing to pass on and give? But since the scriptures have ended up in his hands, then he had the qualification to decide what to do with it."
"But..."
"There is no but. Yue Ge, this is also to make our future better."
"Then...alright," the one sentence on how it was for their future successfully dissipated Qi Yue's dilemma. Regardless of whether it was him or Qi Xuan, they were both like younger brothers for Shen Liang.