Favoring a concubine and destroying the wife? I'll abandon my husband and children and wipe out

A few days later, after the scientific expedition ended, Cheng Nanzhi immediately summoned Chen Wang for questioning.

"How is Young Master Song?"

Chen Wang said, "Madam, please rest assured, I have had people keeping an eye on things. Young Master Song left the examination hall safely."

"But this imperial examination is indeed not easy. Young Master Song has lost weight and looks a bit pale after this exam. However, he is in good spirits."

This is normal. Scientific expeditions are extremely demanding, and you have to stay away from home for several days. It would be strange if people didn't look exhausted.

"The most important thing is that the exam is over. You must have someone keep a close eye on Young Master Song. If there is anything wrong, help him immediately. Pay extra attention when he goes out alone," Cheng Nanzhi instructed.

Chen Wang agreed, but then asked with some doubt, "Madam, why are you so concerned about that Young Master Song? Is he a relative of yours?"

Qingdai immediately said, "Just do whatever Madam tells you to do, and you'll be rewarded. Don't ask questions you shouldn't. Sometimes knowing too much isn't good either. Just focus on doing your job well for Madam." She took out a purse and gave it to Chen Wang, telling him to leave.

Chen Wang was overjoyed to receive the reward money, which gave him even more motivation, and he obediently went out to carry out the task.

In fact, not only Chen Wang was curious, but Qingdai and the other two were also curious and couldn't help but glance at Cheng Nanzhi several times.

Cheng Nanzhi then found an excuse: "Young Master Song is a talented person. If he can successfully enter officialdom, it will be a blessing for the people. However, it will be difficult for him to pass the imperial examination. I personally heard Zhao Ye say unintentionally that he disapproved of Young Master Song's performance in the poetry gathering, where he outshone Zhao Shize."

The three were shocked and furious. "So, sir, you dare to sabotage the imperial examination? You're utterly lawless!" They knew their sir was wicked, but they never imagined he was this wicked!

"He's in a high position, how could he care about ants under his feet?" Cheng Nanzhi spoke ill of him without any restraint, since Zhao Ye had indeed indirectly killed Song Yanlan in the dream. "That's why I can't just stand by and watch Song Gongzi get into trouble knowing this. If he can get away with it, my conscience will be clear."

"Alright, let's leave it at that. You all keep this to yourselves and don't utter a single word."

She glanced at the three of them.

The three responded indignantly and cursed Zhao Ye a few times.

Cheng Nanzhi was happy to hear this and did not stop them.

As if on cue, Zhao Ye arrived after finishing his official duties.

"The clan school has been repaired. Tomorrow morning, Mr. Zhou will come to the mansion to take another look at the clan school and officially begin teaching Zege'er."

Having spent so much effort and suffered huge financial losses due to the renovation of the clan school, with the warehouse so empty it would be a laughing stock for thieves, Zhao Ye felt extremely aggrieved and was determined to get revenge on Cheng Nanzhi.

It's not like Zhao Ye can't live without her!

"Such an important matter, tomorrow, my wife, you and I will take Zege'er to the clan school together, and see what the Zhao family's clan school is like now."

Zhao Ye had some ulterior motives. He thought that Cheng Nanzhi might be moved by the scene and add some presentable items to make a good impression. He would definitely prepare a gift for Ze Ge'er to congratulate him.

Given Cheng Nanzhi's past devotion to Zhao Shize, it's not impossible.

Why is it that he spends so much, but Cheng Nanzhi doesn't spend a penny?

Cheng Nanzhi heard his thoughts clearly and said, "I won't go. Tomorrow I have to organize the storeroom and select some suitable gifts to give to Abbess Fang Xi. I really don't have the time. I believe Ze-ge'er will understand."

Zhao Ye reacted with immediate vigilance: "The things you know so well, they're not actually in your warehouse again, are they?"

"How could that be? The only things I can give to Abbess Fang this time are those in my own storeroom. My husband and mother-in-law really don't have anything suitable or pleasing to their eye. After all, Abbess Fang has seen many rare treasures, and ordinary items are unlikely to impress her."

Cheng Nanzhi's words did not make Zhao Ye feel better; instead, they made him feel even more upset.

Doesn't this mean they're shabby and lack class?

They just have a few stinking coins, what's there to show off?

Zhao Ye couldn't find anything wrong with what he said, so he could only say with a stiff face, "I trust you to handle things. But if you don't go with Ze Ge'er, he'll be disappointed. You have to show some consideration so that Ze Ge'er won't be sad."

He strongly hinted at Cheng Nanzhi.

Cheng Nanzhi pretended not to understand: "Ze-ge'er is well aware of my feelings."

Seeing that she didn't respond, and feeling embarrassed to ask for something directly, Zhao Ye became increasingly frustrated and eventually couldn't sit down anymore.

"I still need to talk to Mother about tomorrow's plans. I'm going to Shou'an Hall first. I'm going out to meet some colleagues tonight and won't be back for dinner. Even if I am, it will be very late. You don't need to wait for your husband."

As Zhao Ye spoke, a secret expectation arose in his heart, and he glanced at Cheng Nanzhi out of the corner of his eye.

Cheng Nanzhi stood up. "I understand. Take care, my husband."

Zhao Ye clenched his fists and walked slowly. Cheng Nanzhi did not try to stop him, but instead asked in confusion, "Does my husband have something else to say?"

Zhao Ye's face fell completely.

"Cheng Nanzhi, haven't you noticed that I haven't rested in your courtyard for a long time? Don't you know to ask me to stay and ask why I haven't come?"

In the past, even if he returned a moment late, Cheng Nanzhi would ask him why. Why, after returning from the estate, has she become so cold towards him, and doesn't seem to care about him much anymore?

Zhao Ye couldn't quite describe the feeling in his heart.

He attributed this to his incomprehension and unease about Cheng Nanzhi's changes, fearing that she might ruin things.

He looked at Cheng Nanzhi, not sure what answer he was waiting for, but Cheng Nanzhi said understandingly, "Isn't my husband busy with official duties? I'm useless and can't help my husband, nor can I help my mother-in-law manage the household. So I can only be considerate of my husband in these small matters."

is it?

No, it shouldn't be like this!

Zhao Ye tossed out a "whatever" and turned to leave, leaving the servants he encountered too afraid to utter a sound.

The atmosphere inside was also very quiet.

Qingdai remained silent for a while, then asked in a puzzled tone, "Is the master sick? Could it be that he has realized how good Miss is to him and wants to get back to how close they used to be?"

Seeing Lan Lianruo shudder, she said, "No way, the master wouldn't do something so disgusting, would he? He's already defiled and has other women, how could he dare to touch Miss again? And how could he possibly think he's worthy of Miss?"

Cheng Nanzhi got goosebumps all over and ordered, "Get some rest early tonight, close the courtyard gate, and don't let anyone in."

She can still put on an act with the Zhao family.

But if Zhao Ye tries to touch her, she will be disgusted and immediately break off all pretense of civility, fighting to the death without regard for anything else.

The three of them hurried off.

Fortunately, Zhao Ye returned from drinking that evening and did not go to Guantang Courtyard.

He was stopped by Chunyu, who was sent by Ye Ruyue, and went to Ye Ruyue's side courtyard.

"Ye Lang, tomorrow is an important day for Ze Ge'er. May I go and see him off to the clan school?" Ye Ruyue dismissed the servants, personally cooked a table of delicious dishes, and had Chunyu dress her up beautifully. She leaned against Zhao Ye and asked in a sweet voice.

Zhao Ye hadn't been with Ye Ruyue for a long time, and his mind was now wandering.

But upon hearing Ye Ruyue's words, he immediately came to his senses.

“How can that be? Even your mother isn’t going, so how can you go? And what will outsiders think? Yue’er, it’s not too late to do what you want after you’ve become the mistress of the house.”

Ye Ruyue said resentfully, "I am Zege'er's birth mother, can't I even go? Yelang, go and persuade the old lady to go, and take me with you, okay?"

Zhao Ye firmly shook his head on this matter.

He has only just stabilized his reputation and cannot afford the slightest damage.

Zhao Ye didn't want to argue with Ye Ruyue about this matter, lest it hurt their relationship. He pinched Ye Ruyue's chin, his drunkenness rising, and said meaningfully, "Yue'er, let's not waste this beautiful time."

Ye Ruyue nudged him and said shyly, "But you can't stay here with me, can you?"

"It's okay to do it once in a while."

Zhao Ye just wants to let loose for once.

Ye Ruyue half-heartedly resisted, letting him pick her up.