The mistress just wanted to be bad, but she took off after being replaced

"Dad, are we causing trouble for my sister?"

He murmured softly, with a barely perceptible hint of self-blame in his voice.

A middle-aged man stood beside her. Time had left shallow marks on his face, making him look a little weathered, but his figure was much taller and stronger than that of Yu Shangshu Sheng Qiushan, who was of the same age, without any excess fat.

Although it is early winter and the air is getting colder, he still rolls up his sleeves, exposing his arms that have become stronger with the passage of time, showing an extraordinary sense of strength.

The boy's words were like a heavy stone thrown into his heart, causing his brows to furrow and deep worry to gather between his eyebrows.

The boy clenched his teeth, his tender face showing a determination beyond his age, "How about I turn myself in? I can't let my sister endure the bullying of the Sheng family anymore!"

His proposal was full of determination, as if he was ready to bear all the consequences.

The middle-aged man waved his hand gently, his eyes flashing with a calm light, "Don't be impatient, let's see how they react. If the Jingzhao Prefecture's investigation touches on this place, you should stay out of the spotlight for the time being and come back after the storm has subsided."

His voice was deep and powerful, revealing unquestionable authority.

The young man hesitated to speak, a complicated look flashed in his eyes.

The middle-aged man seemed to have read his mind and continued, "I just taught them a lesson. It didn't cause any irreversible consequences. The worst result is just being locked up for a few months. During this time, you must protect your sister and not let her get hurt."

Seeing the young man's embarrassed expression, he couldn't help but reveal a gentle smile, "Even if you stand up and claim that you are the mastermind, they won't believe it. After all, you are still a child."

Although the boy was not thin and his height was of moderate size, in the eyes of adults, he was always just a little guy whose shoulders had not yet reached adult height.

It is indeed hard to believe that he could fight two adults alone.

Obviously, it would be more reasonable for an experienced middle-aged man to handle the matter.

Tears welled up in the boy's round eyes, but he nodded vigorously. His determination was touching, "Dad, don't worry, I will!"

The middle-aged man gently wiped away the tears from the teenager's eyes, then he sighed deeply, his eyes full of apology to his daughter, "We owe your sister so much."

Sheng Junwei, who was standing by, suddenly felt her heart tighten, as if something invisible was pressing on her chest.

She quickly pressed her chest and took a few deep breaths, and the discomfort slowly dissipated.

She straightened her back, her face full of confusion and thought. She then took out a few copper coins from her sleeve and told herself a fortune.

The hexagram was vague and elusive, and she could only vaguely feel that her fate seemed to be connected with two new causal clues, foreshadowing the coming changes.

The night was as dark as ink, the bright moonlight filled the courtyard, and the sparse stars dotted the dark sky.

Sheng Junwei sat lazily under an old tree, looking up at the bright yet deep night sky.

The cool breeze blew on my face, so fine that it was hardly noticeable. Only the tiny stars in the night sky flickered in an unpredictable rhythm.

At this moment, Pei Yu quietly walked into the yard.

Sheng Junwei just glanced at him casually, then looked away without asking him why he came.

Pei Yu seemed to be accustomed to such situations, and took the initiative to explain: "I heard that Sheng Mansion encountered some twists and turns. It just so happens that a fellow senior brother of mine is working in Jingzhao Prefecture. I have asked him to help investigate the matter in detail. You don't need to worry too much. The day to prove your innocence will come soon."

When Sheng Junwei heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

Pei Yu's trust and sincerity far exceeded her expectations. "Don't you have any suspicion about me at all?"

Pei Yu imitated her and looked up at the starry night sky. He saw that the starry sky was particularly bright, peaceful and profound, which made people feel relaxed and happy.

It’s a pity that without that leisurely rocking chair, I can’t really relax and enjoy this moment of tranquility.

"If you really want to punish them, why bother with this? With your wisdom and skills, it will be easy for you to make them suffer without them realizing the person behind it."

Sheng Junwei smiled lightly and said sarcastically, "As a top scholar, you are indeed different from others. Compared with those mediocre people in the Sheng Mansion, there is a huge difference."

In her memory of her previous life, although some people in the Sheng Mansion entered the officialdom, most of them had not been promoted for many years due to their mediocre talents. If it were not for her and Minister Yu's support, the six-rank position of the two brothers Sheng Mingfeng and Sheng Mingwu would probably have been the ceiling of their official careers.

Pei Yu raised his lips slightly after hearing this, but soon returned to his previous calmness, "You mean, I should have been the top scorer in the imperial examination?"

"Yes."

Pei Yu pursed his lips and pondered for a moment, recalling the situation on the day of the scientific expedition. He reflected on himself and realized that there were indeed some omissions.

If I had been in better condition, it would not have been impossible for me to win the title.

However, things have come to this point, and no matter how many regrets there are, they can only turn into a silent sigh.

Sheng Junwei did not dwell on this and responded calmly: "I appreciate your kindness, sir, but it is not necessary. Soon, they will be busy dealing with more difficult problems and will not have time to take care of these trivial matters."

The corruption and bribery she mentioned today are not groundless.

Even though Sheng Qiushan quickly hid some of his valuables after learning the news, time was running out and the amount he could hide was limited.

In this world, many people, in pursuit of a sense of security, are accustomed to hiding their precious treasures secretly at home so that they can check them at any time.

The people in the Sheng Mansion were no exception. They only deposited a portion of their property in the bank, and buried the rest of the gold and silver jewelry in a secret warehouse under the new house for fear of being discovered.

But once those treasures are unearthed, the truth of the matter will be completely revealed.

And in the capital city, beneath the solemnity and solemnity, what is hidden is not only the game of power, but also those unknown secrets and competitions.

Concubine Sheng knelt on the cold floor tiles, tears silently falling down her cheeks, her voice filled with an unconcealable trembling and sadness.

"Your Majesty, how can you easily search and confiscate the residences of those loyal ministers based on rumors? If we allow others to make up stories and frame innocent and kind people, wouldn't the country that our emperor has built be plunged into turmoil and panic?"

Just when Concubine Sheng heard a faint rumor from her personal maid, she learned that the emperor had secretly summoned the Minister of Dali Temple into the palace, and his intention was obviously to thoroughly investigate her brother, Sheng Qiushan.