The more cowardly a person is, the more wild they are; I've driven the villainous minister craz

The new land policy was implemented very smoothly, and Prince Chen praised it highly, not only to the displaced people but also to the common people.

For a time, Prince Chen's prestige among the people of Huicheng County and the surrounding areas soared.

As the proposer of the new policy, Prince Chen generously attributed the credit to Yun Shang, and did not hesitate to mention Yun Shang's contributions when talking with officials and aristocratic families in Huizhou.

Yun Shang thus became famous.

He was already quite famous at Bailu Academy for his outstanding knowledge, and now he is even more popular, with no one able to surpass him.

The Yun family quickly became a highly sought-after place in Huicheng County, with visitors coming every day to overwhelm their doorstep.

Shen was once the daughter of a wealthy family. Even after years of hardship, she was still adept at socializing. She wanted everyone to know that Yun Shang already had a wife, so she always brought Yu Wan with her when meeting guests.

She introduced her identity to others in a very solemn manner.

As they met day by day, Yu Wan, who was half socially anxious, was almost becoming a socially awkward person.

She now finally understands what it means for someone to achieve enlightenment and for their entire family to benefit.

Yun Shang became famous, and as a result, they also became highly sought-after by others.

After seeing off the last group of guests for the day, Yu Wan collapsed into a chair. Seeing this, Madam Shen didn't lecture her but indulgently said, "Are you tired? If you are, go and rest. I'll have the kitchen save some food for you."

Shen never required Yu Wan to follow any rules.

Everything can be done according to Yu Wan's wishes.

The more Shen acted this way, the more reluctant Yu Wan became to leave the Yun family.

Now, the thought of leaving the Yun family makes her feel anxious and distressed.

Yu Wan got up from the chair and waved her hand, "I'm not sleepy yet. Didn't Yun Shang say he would go home for dinner early today? Let's eat together first."

Mrs. Shen felt that eating together as a family could enhance their relationship, so Yun Shang would make time to eat with them every three days.

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen said nothing more and smiled as she instructed the servants to prepare dinner.

Meanwhile, at Bailu Academy.

Because she had promised Shen that she would come home for dinner, Yun Shang did not linger at school after class, but went straight home.

The Yun family's residence is just one street away from Bailu Academy. Crossing this street leads to the Yun family's gate, a journey that usually takes Yun Shang only a quarter of an hour.

However, halfway through the journey today, a carriage suddenly turned in at a bend on the side, blocking Yunshang's path.

Yun Shang paused in his steps.

The carriage stopped in front of him had no special features; it was just the cheapest type of carriage you could see anywhere on the street.

The carriages of noble families were all custom-made to distinguish them from those used by ordinary people, and the family crest would be prominently displayed.

But the carriage in front of us had nothing on it.

It looked like an ordinary horse-drawn carriage.

But now that it was blocking Yun Shang's way, it clearly showed that it was no ordinary creature.

There was no one else in the streets and alleys, and it was extremely quiet for a while.

Yun Shang remained calm, his expression revealing no emotion.

The carriage remained silent.

After an unknown amount of time, a hoarse voice broke the silence inside the carriage, "Are you Yun Shang?"

Yun Shang slightly raised her eyes, the red mole under her eye becoming even more vibrant. "I am."

He admitted it without hesitation.

The person inside the carriage seemed surprised that he would so readily admit his identity, and chuckled, "You're not afraid of death, are you?"

Yun Shang's dark eyes narrowed slightly, his voice cold and clear, "So you've come to kill me?"

"Whether to kill or spare is up to you."

The person inside the carriage spoke slowly, "I heard that you have recently joined Prince Chen's faction and are advising him."

“Your judgment is really poor. Prince Chen is the least favored of Emperor Wenjing’s sons, and he is also the least likely to inherit the throne due to his poor health. What future can you have by following him?”

"I've come here today to give you some advice. Poor scholars like you, without family support, can only rise to prominence by following the right master. Now you have an excellent opportunity. How you choose is up to you."

Upon hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Yun Shang's lips.

He asked, "Which prince do you work for?"

"You don't need to know whose side I am on." The voice inside the carriage was deep and resonant. "You only need to know that our prince is the most likely to ascend the throne, and that is your best choice."

Yun Shang frowned slightly, his gaze falling on the swaying carriage curtain. "I have never liked dealing with people who are secretive and evasive. I appreciate your kindness."

"If you have nothing else to say, I will take my leave now."

There was a moment of silence inside the carriage, followed by a man's voice, tinged with barely suppressed anger, "Are you rejecting me?"

Yun Shang responded, "If your master were willing to show himself, I would consider it. But he is unwilling to even show his face. I cannot accept such kindness."

"Fine, very well." The person inside the carriage laughed angrily. "You do have some scholarly pride, but I wonder how long that pride will last."

Yun Shang chuckled lightly, neither humble nor arrogant, "There's no need for you to trouble yourself with that."

A heavy, cold snort came from inside the carriage. "Let's go."

Watching the carriage disappear into the distance, Yun Shang lowered his eyes, concealing the contemplation within them.

The fact that Shengjing noticed him so quickly suggests that his future will be uncertain.

After a delay, he returned to the Yun family home a quarter of an hour late. Just as Shen was pulling Yu Wan along to go out and look for him, the three of them bumped into each other at the door.

When Shen saw him, she subconsciously scanned him from head to toe, and only felt relieved when she saw that there was nothing wrong.

He asked, "Why are you so late?"

Yun Shang is always punctual.

Yun Shang's eyelashes trembled slightly as she said, "Master Xie kept me here for a few words, which is why I'm a little late."

Yu Wan glanced at Yun Shang and secretly pursed her lips.

He is lying.

The original novel described how the male protagonist's eyelids would tremble slightly when he lied, as Yun Shang did just now.

But why did he lie? Was something happening that he was worried about causing Shen Shi concern as well?

Yu Wan did not expose Yun Shang's well-intentioned lie.

The family sat together for a meal, during which Yun Shang would occasionally serve Yu Wan some food.

Yu Wan stared at the food piling up in her rice bowl and fell silent for a moment.

Stop pinching her, stop pinching her, or she'll turn into a pig.

After finishing the meal, Yu Wan felt she would probably gain ten pounds.

After dinner, Yun Shang returned to his room.

He walked straight to the desk, picked up the teapot, and poured himself a cup of tea.

The tea was freshly brewed by Mr. Shen and was still warm.

He was just raising his teacup to his lips, ready to drink, when his gaze suddenly sharpened.

He is always cautious in his actions and will leave marks that he will pay attention to in visible places.

And now—the half-hair he deliberately hid in the window crack is gone!

From the moment they moved in, Yu Wan never went to his desk or touched his things, and neither did Shen Shi.

So, if they didn't do it, then who opened the window?

Yun Shang lowered his eyes, holding the teacup, and slowly brought the rim of the teacup to his lips...