What we are doing now is merely the tip of the iceberg.

Slow is steady, and steady means progress.

At present, wanting to conduct business under the radar of Six Gates, Noble Princess Consort Xiao, the Empress, Prince An, and other powers, is a long and bumpy road. As it is a rugged path, the possibility of bloodshed also increases.

Peng Ran stepped forward, directly kneeling at his feet, with a respectful expression: "Senior Brother Shen, we follow you out here because we are not afraid of difficulties. To be honest, when I was at Dragon Tiger Mountain, I always considered brother as a target to surpass. Before you left the mountain, we had a small contest, and you won in ten moves. How could I not see that brother held back, otherwise, I’m afraid I wouldn’t last five moves against you."

Guo Hao also kneeled down, cupping his hands: "Brother is like a Direct Immortal, high above, rare and elusive. I hope Brother does not disdain our dullness and let us clear the path through the thorns in the Central Plains for you."

Shen Chen was silent.

Then he looked up at the girl in the light green dress.

Ling Que eagerly stated: "I share the same thoughts as the two junior brothers." With a soft thud, she kneeled down, looking innocent.

Shen Chen: "..."

Now there were three people kneeling indoors, fortunately, no one from the Ye Family was around, else they might think these three were bewitched...

After a long silence.

He lowered his long and narrow phoenix eyes in compromise. "I will write a letter shortly for you to take to Qin Yin at the Muyu Tea House on the southern edge of town. Once he reads the letter, he will naturally make arrangements. If you ever wish to withdraw, you are free to do so."

The three were overjoyed and naturally agreed.

Soon after, when Shen Chen finished the letter, he let them take it away.

After the people left, just as he wanted to return to the room to study, a servant reported that a woman named Liu Qingxi was seeking him.

This!

Undoubtedly, the timing was impeccable.

"Do not meet them, just say I am busy with matters and cannot spare the time."

Shen Chen walked expressionlessly towards the curved corridor, heading in the direction of Tingling Garden.

The servant followed a few steps forward and spoke softly: "That woman seemed to know you wouldn’t see her and said it was a matter concerning the Third Miss. I dare not delay, so I have come to report to Mr. Shen."

The graceful figure in the dark robe edged with cloud patterns halted.

Concerning Ah Zhi?

It was precisely because their relationship was not harmonious that Shen Chen avoided meeting today, lest Ah Zhi create a commotion once more.

After weighing it over: "Let her in."

"Yes." The ordered servant stepped away in an orderly manner to bring the person in.

~

In the hall, Shen Chen returned to his accustomed seat, picked up the teacup, and took a gentle sip, his actions quite casual.

Liu Qingxi gazed at him dazedly; this was the man who belonged to her in her dreams. This time, she took a careful look at him, the young man stood solitary like a high mountain, yet also like the waning clouds at the horizon, with a placid sky like glass, uniquely captivating, unparalleled in the world.

Why did she throw temper tantrums at him before?

Even insulted him as nothing but a servant of the Ye Mansion.

Even in his presence, she never reined in her temper, would he hold a grudge against her?

With her emotions slightly unsettled, she remembered his indulgence towards her in the dream. Though they couldn’t be husband and wife, whenever she made mistakes, it was he who protected her.

The dream showed that future him was powerful, protecting her no matter what. Regardless of the truth, she wasn’t willing to let go of any opportunity beneficial to herself.

"Did Miss Liu come to Ye Mansion just to stare at a man? If so, why not return home?"

The man’s cold voice came through, devoid of any emotion.

Liu Qingxi came to her senses, her face carrying a hint of blush, she lowered her head and said softly: "Mr. Shen is so handsome, blame it on this little girl being entranced for a moment."