Lu Heng felt a wave of disgust. Bian Ruohan’s constant crying and sophistry, pushing all blame outward—such behavior was truly revolting. Before questioning Bian Ruohan, Lu Heng had already investigated. Even Bian Tong had said that if Bian Ruohan hadn’t hired martial artists to attack and vandalize the Prince’s residence in the first place, their family might not have encountered this incident.

Lu Heng understood in his heart that the story about violent mobs storming in and stealing property, and Qin Yining saying she would privately settle with the Lu family and compensate for damages—these were all pretexts. It was clear that Bian Ruohan was truly no match for Qin Yining, and had once again suffered such a huge loss in silence before her.

Truly, comparison kills—born of the same flesh and blood, how could Bian Ruohan be such a tedious, vulgar woman?

In comparison, Qin Yining’s intelligence and methods appeared all the more precious.

Seeing Lu Heng lost in thought and remaining silent, Bian Ruohan couldn’t help but grow nervous. With things having reached this point, it wasn’t impossible that Lu Heng might use this as a reason to discuss divorce.

After all, this wasn’t her first time experiencing such a thing. Back in the capital, the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Empress had all seemed angered.

Bian Ruohan shrank her neck, growing even more frightened.

Who would have thought that before Bian Ruohan could find excuses to exonerate herself, Lu Heng spoke first.

“Enough, enough. How big a matter is this? When you women bicker, winning or losing doesn’t matter. I had no other meaning just now—I was merely sighing. As long as the matter hasn’t damaged my relationship with Prince Zhongshun, it won’t affect our future cooperation in serving the Emperor.”

Lu Heng explained his previous words, then smiled and moved closer to Bian Ruohan. “Are you heartbroken over losing those things?”

Bian Ruohan was already dazzled by Lu Heng’s suddenly close, smiling handsome face, and honestly nodded. “I… those were all my personal savings…”

“What’s to fear? I’ll compensate you for those things later, and they’ll all be recorded under your name as your personal belongings. How about that?”

Such a gentle tone truly left Bian Ruohan dizzy and enchanted.

“But… but I… those things shouldn’t be compensated by you, my lord…”

“They’re just small amounts. Whatever you want, go choose from the family storehouse. Shedding tears and sulking over such trifling matters—aren’t you afraid people will see and feel sorry for you?”

Bian Ruohan’s face flushed red, and her heart filled with secret joy. Such favor from her lord left her overwhelmed with gratitude.

“My lord, I…”

“Enough, enough. Don’t be upset over such small matters. Later I’ll have someone take you to select items to make up for your losses. Take whatever catches your eye.”

Bian Ruohan coquettishly wrapped her arms around Lu Heng’s neck. “My lord, you dote on me so much that I’m overwhelmed. Do you particularly love me?”

Lu Heng smiled and nodded, embracing her as they walked to the door. He called loudly for attendants to take Bian Ruohan to the storehouse.

Only after sending her away did Lu Heng return to the table with an expressionless face.

Though Bian Ruohan had done something foolish this time—trying to harm someone but failing, instead being outmaneuvered and having her money stolen—it was precisely because of this incident that Lu Heng saw Qin Yining’s brilliant side and grasped that unforgettable obsession in his heart.

This feeling of constantly thinking about someone, receiving news about her daily, knowing of her excellence, being tantalized every day yet unable to obtain her—for Lu Heng, who had married a foolish wife he didn’t love at all, it was like sweet rain in the desert, making him feel particularly sweet and precious.

Lu Heng even looked forward to Bian Ruohan overestimating herself again and seeking trouble with Qin Yining, as this would give him opportunities to openly clash with her and witness her methods.

In the two-courtyard mansion that evening, a banquet had just concluded in the front hall.

Manager Dahu, Liu Ban, and several others were eating and drinking, clinking cups together. Liu Ban then rose to check the surroundings.

“Big Brother, there’s no one outside.”

“Mm, then close all the doors and windows properly. This wretched weather—it’s almost summer, yet still cold as winter.” Manager Dahu said.

Liu Ban obeyed, closing the doors and windows, shutting out the wind and rain.

Several brothers laughingly teased, “Big Brother must be getting weak, otherwise why would he still fear the cold?”

Manager Dahu laughed and cursed, then smiled. “You all heard that woman’s meaning today. She’s vicious enough—wanting to use Earl Zhongyi, yet not daring to inform on him herself, instead using us brothers. She really takes us brothers for complete fools who understand nothing!”

“Bah! That woman is like a venomous scorpion. If Big Brother hadn’t kept his wits about him, wouldn’t we have been played for fools by her?”

Liu Ban picked up the wine jar and poured Manager Dahu a bowl. “Big Brother, what did you want to discuss with the brothers earlier that got interrupted by her visit? Since there are no outsiders now, please continue.”

Manager Dahu looked at Liu Ban, then at the other brothers, and chuckled softly. “We were thrown into chaos by the Black Wind Stronghold incident earlier, losing a large sum of money and missing the opportunity to move the treasure before the imperial inspector and new magistrate arrived. We were indeed too anxious about this.”

“Sigh! How could we not be anxious? The cooked duck flew away!” Liu Ban cursed crudely.

Manager Dahu continued, “These days, under that little woman’s support, we’ve been eating well, drinking well, living without worries. We don’t need to worry about our next meal, so I’ve calmed down and thought about many things.”

At this point, Manager Dahu suddenly stood up, placing both hands on the table, speaking seriously. “Brothers, our taking risks to seize that treasure is truly like a mantis trying to stop a cart. That Four Seas woman isn’t any kind of soft target either. She says we’re part of the association now, that we’re all family brothers, but we know in our hearts that she’ll definitely want to use us to contact Princess Zhongshun, the alliance leader. But what are we? Once Princess Zhongshun Yao Shi learns of our existence, won’t she send people to eliminate us? And if we can’t provide introductions for that Qiu woman, won’t we face the massive entity that is Four Seas Trading sooner or later?”

Manager Dahu’s words made Liu Ban and the others straighten their expressions and fall into contemplation.

Indeed, as Manager Dahu said, though they were eating and drinking well now, every step they took was like walking on needle points.

“Big Brother, what do you suggest then?”

“Yes, Big Brother, you always have the most ideas.”

Manager Dahu said, “In my opinion, we brothers should forget about that treasure business.”

“What? Big Brother, that won’t do.”

“Yes, Big Brother, we’ve worked so hard for so long—for what? How can we just say we don’t want the treasure anymore?”

Liu Ban and the others rose indignantly, their faces red with urgency.

Manager Dahu raised his hand, stopping their clamor. “You want the treasure for what purpose? Isn’t it so you can have endless wealth to spend?”