Chapter 41: Chapter 41: The Shen Family Is Far More Complicated Than She Thought

Shen Ruoxi quickly learned from Feng Hai that after her mother’s death, Old Mrs. Xu had conducted a large-scale reshuffling of personnel within the mansion.

Those who had been in the mansion for a long time were often dismissed due to Old Mrs. Xu’s picky nature, replaced by her trusted confidants.

Feng Hai himself nearly faced the same fate; fortunately, he was well-respected in the mansion, and by voluntarily relinquishing his position as steward to focus on gardening in the backyard, he managed to stay.

Speaking of these painful past events, Feng Hai couldn’t help but weep as he choked out, “Young Miss, you’ve finally returned. We finally have hope again!”

Shen Ruoxi pondered for a moment, then asked, “Can you find those who were driven out of the mansion?”

Feng Hai hesitated for a moment before replying, “This old servant doesn’t dare to guarantee it, but if you send someone to spread the word about recalling them, I believe they will return in droves.”

Shen Ruoxi nodded in agreement and said, “Then let them endure a few more days for now. Let me first find out the backgrounds of the people here. By the way, do you know someone named Chen Gun?”

Feng Hai replied, “Are you referring to the Chen Gun who is in charge of the stables?”

Shen Ruoxi nodded to confirm.

Feng Hai continued, “He is from Yongzhao, and our mansion has many servants from Yongzhao.”

Hearing this, Shen Ruoxi fell into contemplation. Yongzhao is four hundred miles away from the Capital City, and there are so many people from Yongzhao in the mansion. Could there be deep ties with Old Mrs. Xu?

She remembered that Old Mrs. Xu was originally from the Capital City, her father having served as a Hanlin Academy editor. Though not a high official, theirs was still a respectable family with a clean reputation.

However, Old Mrs. Xu’s actions made Shen Ruoxi question her background and upbringing.

Her vulgar and rude behavior was more akin to a common woman, rather than the daughter of an official family.

“How did Chen Gun come to the Shen Mansion?” Shen Ruoxi curiously inquired.

Old servant Feng Hai recalled, “This old servant remembers that about a year ago, Old Mrs. Xu’s carriage was startled one day, and he valiantly subdued the runaway horses.

Afterward, Old Mrs. Xu appreciated his bravery and brought him into the mansion to manage matters related to the horses.”

Shen Ruoxi then asked, “Where do his wife and family live?”

Feng Hai shook his head, indicating he didn’t know: “This old servant isn’t aware, but if the Young Miss wishes to know, this old servant will inquire about it.”

Shen Ruoxi nodded and instructed, “Yes, let me know once you find out.”

Seeing her grave expression, Feng Hai asked, “Young Miss, do you suspect something about Chen Gun?”

Shen Ruoxi sighed and replied slowly, “It’s hard to say anything for now. It’s just that today his wife came to the mansion making a scene, claiming he has another woman in the mansion. He’s not even forty and already a steward. So, I want to investigate.”

Hearing this, Feng Hai’s expression changed slightly.

Noticing this change, Shen Ruoxi pursued, “Uncle Feng, do you know something?”

Feng Hai was silent for a moment before lowering his voice to say, “Young Miss, do you still remember Anzi?”

Shen Ruoxi certainly remembered; he was her seventh brother’s servant: “Of course, I remember.”

Feng Hai glanced around and spoke quietly, “He’s passed away.”

Shen Ruoxi was shocked, “He was only eighteen, how could he…”

Feng Hai sighed and continued, “About five months ago, Anzi came to see me, saying he saw a man frequenting Old Mrs. Xu’s room.

He said he feared he wouldn’t live much longer, and sure enough, his body was soon found in the backyard koi pond, supposedly drowned.

Old Mrs. Xu claimed it was an accident, and the mansion paid some compensation, and the matter was left at that.”

Shen Ruoxi asked incredulously, “Why didn’t he tell the First Young Madam or the Fifth Young Madam?”

Feng Hai shook his head and explained, “Young Miss may not realize, but things in this mansion are far more complex than you think. Old Mrs. Xu dominates the place, and if they spoke up, who knows what danger they might face.”

Shen Ruoxi pressed further, “Did Anzi ever say what that man looked like?”

Feng Hai recalled, “He said the man appeared to be in his thirties, with pale skin and eyes as lifeless as a dead fish, looking like a zombie, which was terrifying.”

Shen Ruoxi clenched her hand suddenly, memories of the man she had seen last night surfaced in her mind, indeed somewhat resembling what she’d heard, giving off a chilling vibe.

But the person she saw yesterday didn’t exactly seem zombie-like. Could it not be the same person?

Shen Ruoxi then thought of another person—the West City Country’s Demon Sect Hierarch Xing Tian.

It seems he practiced the Asura Evil Skill, and the higher his power, the more zombie-like his appearance.

How could the Demon Sect possibly be in the Capital City? Impossible!

Shen Ruoxi instructed Feng Hai, “Uncle Feng, do not reveal anything about this for now. Have the steward send me a list of the managers within the mansion, just tell him I want to familiarize myself with the household staff.”

“As you command,” Feng Hai responded.

After Feng Hai left, Shen Ruoxi furrowed her brows, her mind awash with waves of doubts.

She had initially thought there were merely some trivial issues in the family, but she hadn’t anticipated such a complex conspiracy was hiding within.

What exactly was Old Mrs. Xu plotting? Was it solely to find a man and amass wealth?

As night fell, the wind howled outside. Shen Ruoxi lay in bed tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

By 5 a.m., she finally awoke, her eyes weary from lack of rest.

“Miss, didn’t you sleep well last night?” Chuntao asked with concern.

Shen Ruoxi rubbed her temples and asked, “How’s the weather outside?”

She silently prayed, hoping for a day without wind and rain because the children were especially looking forward to going out.

“Actually, it’s quite nice, just a bit chilly. If we go to the mountains, we should bring more clothes.”

“Understood, the three of you should all go. It’s been quite stifling staying at home, it’s time to get some fresh air.”

“Alright!” The three maids were elated to hear this good news.

When Shen Ruoxi arrived at the Yang Family’s quarters, she found the Zou Family already there, and the three children all dressed neatly.

Hearing about the outing, these little ones had woken up earlier than anyone, faces full of anticipation.

However, Shen Ruoxi noticed their attire was simple and elegant, yet the fabric seemed coarse.

She hadn’t paid much attention when she returned home the day before yesterday, but since today was an outing, their plain clothes seemed rather unappealing.

Shen Ruoxi couldn’t help but ask Yang Family’s wife, “Sister-in-law, haven’t you gotten them some new clothes?”

The Yang Family’s wife sighed and replied helplessly, “Old Mrs. Xu keeps complaining about financial difficulties at home, saying the Shen family’s assets went with you as a dowry, the household expenses are large, and business isn’t doing well, so we have to live frugally.”

Recalling Old Mrs. Xu’s glamorous attire, her abundant head ornaments, and the invaluable jade bracelet on her wrist, Shen Ruoxi couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger, gritting her teeth she said, “You two really are too timid!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep