Chapter 74: Chapter 25: The Matter Is Basically Resolved

Upon hearing this, everyone began to discuss among themselves, confessing even to petty thefts from years ago.

Shen Ruoxi observed and interrupted them in a calm but firm voice, “Enough, confess how much Silver you embezzled later at Feng Hai’s, and make it up.

Now, what I want to know is the whereabouts of Chen Gun’s wife and child. Is there anyone among you who knows?”

The bustling scene instantly fell into a deathly silence at her words.

After a while, a few people fearfully kowtowed and said, “Marquis Shen, we are dull-witted and truly don’t understand what you mean, let alone know about the whereabouts of Chen Gun’s wife and child. What happened to them?”

Shen Ruoxi did not respond immediately but swept her keen eyes over each person below her.

Under her gaze, everyone felt as though sharp points were against their backs, cold sweat streaming down.

At this moment, Miao Shui stepped forward and knelt, calmly asking, “Marquis Shen, if I may be so bold, if we confess all we know, will you really allow us to choose our own path and ensure we won’t be troubled?”

Shen Ruoxi replied lightly, “Of course, my word is my bond. Speak freely.”

Miao Shui smiled; among these people, most had rough backgrounds, either orphans or sold to Old Mrs. Xu out of dire need.

Some among them felt grateful to Old Mrs. Xu, for without her, some might not have survived.

Yet maintaining that relationship was also a source of humiliation for them.

Though now older and the relationship lessened, that period left an indelible shadow on them.

To regain freedom was a deep yearning in their hearts.

Miao Shui took a deep breath and said, “The people are safe now; Zhen Ge and I have them hidden.

All I ask is that you spare the old lady’s life.

No matter what, we have been master and servant; betrayal is dishonorable, but we surely mustn’t let her die!”

Zhen Ge, ever loyal to Old Mrs. Xu, turned pale at Miao Shui’s words, “Miao Shui, don’t talk nonsense!”

Miao Shui said in a low voice, “After all we’ve done for her over the years, can you really bear to watch her march to her death?

I trust Marquis Shen to spare her, give her a chance at life.”

Zhen Ge fell silent immediately. Since Shen Ruoxi’s return, everything seemed to have changed drastically.

Despite Old Mrs. Xu having their backing, Shen Ruoxi stood with the powerful Country Town Duke and the deep-rooted Shen Family; competing with her was like throwing an egg against a rock.

Recalling Old Mrs. Xu’s ambitions, Miao Shui’s words hit like a cold wind, awakening him to realize that if things continued, Old Mrs. Xu’s only fate might be death.

If they could step back now, perhaps Shen Ruoxi would let Old Mrs. Xu off, to live out her twilight years in peace.

This thought took root in Zhen Ge’s heart. He looked up anxiously and asked again, “Can you really guarantee sparing Old Mrs. Xu’s life?”

Shen Ruoxi nodded slightly, her tone resolute, “Absolutely!”

Though hatred for Old Mrs. Xu burned within her, yearning to cut her to pieces, she knew some things couldn’t be lightly mentioned concerning the Shen Family’s reputation.

Moreover, she had just returned home; if Old Mrs. Xu suddenly died, it would inevitably arouse doubt and gossip.

Thus, she opted for peaceful resolutions, avoiding bloodshed as much as possible.

Besides, Old Mrs. Xu’s health was no longer optimistic; Xing Yuan had drained her, leaving her with only a year at most to live.

Under such circumstances, there was no need for Shen Ruoxi to be ruthless.

“Very well, we’ll reveal the truth,” Zhen Ge finally resolved, and together with Miao Shui, they laid bare the details of the events.

When Chen Gun reunited with his wife and child, tears welled up in his eyes. He tightly held his family’s hands and knelt, kowtowing repeatedly to Shen Ruoxi, gratitude pouring from him. Seeing this, Shen Ruoxi quickly helped them up.

“Now that everything is settled, I will keep my promise and give you the choice: remain at Shen Mansion or leave.

But I must warn you, those who choose to stay must return any embezzled Silver Tael and accept due punishment, and previous managerial positions will not be retained. We will discuss any new arrangements gradually.”

Fearing Shen Ruoxi’s investigation, at least six decided to leave, including Chen Gun.

After this ordeal, he only wished for a peaceful life with his wife and children; although the Shen Mansion was vast, fortune and misfortune stood side by side.

At this moment, Shen Ruoxi suddenly thought of something, her expression growing serious: “Before you leave, you must tell me if anyone here has had a relationship with Old Mrs. Xu recently?”

At these words, a few people’s faces turned beet red, especially Chen Gun, who hung his head in shame.

With a composed face, Shen Ruoxi continued seriously, “Old Mrs. Xu’s illness is quite severe. Though I exaggerated that day, I wasn’t speaking idly – there truly will be effects.

As a healer, I hope you will confess, so I can prescribe medicine that will quickly heal you. Otherwise, the illness will only worsen.”

This was indeed a difficult subject; a couple chose silence for dignity’s sake.

However, Chen Gun’s wife gathered her courage, kneeling before Shen Ruoxi: “Marquis Shen, I misunderstood you that day, but now I see the truth. I don’t blame my husband; he had no choice. Please, see to him.”

Since his wife spoke thus, Chen Gun, although blushing, no longer resisted and knelt as well, “Please, Marquis Shen, treat me.”

Shen Ruoxi nodded, placing two fingers on Chen Gun’s pulse.

“I’ll prescribe you some medicine soon; take it as directed for three days, and you will recover.”

“Thank you, Marquis!” Chen Gun was deeply grateful.

With Chen Gun leading, two others came forward to confess, and Shen Ruoxi checked their pulses and prescribed remedies for them.

Whether those intending to leave or stay, Shen Ruoxi trusted Feng Hai with handling and arranging their matters properly.

Only now did Shen Ruoxi feel the intense weariness, marveling at Xing Tian’s remarkable Power, as even after taking the Condensing Spirit Pill, her Inner Strength hadn’t recovered.

Returning to the tranquil Shaohua Courtyard, three maids silently expressed their discontent as they quietly brought decoctions to Shen Ruoxi.

Resignedly, Shen Ruoxi understood their concern and gently promised, “From now on, I’ll go nowhere else but stay home to recuperate. Is that alright?”

Chuntao and the others finally showed reassuring smiles and said, “Miss, those ginseng, Polygonum multiflorum, and Lingzhi are rare gifts from Duchess Xu.

And those unidentified herbs were specially sent by your senior brother for you to take every night.”

Shen Ruoxi nodded in agreement.

With Old Mrs. Xu’s situation basically settled, she now focused on swiftly recovering her Inner Strength, aiming to seize the arena championship and lead troops to serve the nation honorably.

At night, a sudden tempest arose outside, with howling winds incessantly sweeping by.

Though Shen Ruoxi was already asleep, her lifelong sense of vigilance made her feel a strange unease in her dream, jolting her awake.

The dim and hazy room revealed a shadowy figure sitting by her bed.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep