CMWKSD -Chapter 97 Beating Shen Zongnian

General Shen lightly touched the wound he had received just last night. His wife was still lying in bed.

He had long known about Concubine Zhu’s behavior. Being born a servant, she was far too concerned with immediate gains and losses, only able to see the patch of land right in front of her.

If it weren’t for the second and fourth sons, General Shen wouldn’t have tolerated Concubine Zhu for so long.

But thinking of what had been placed inside his body, although he had immediately gone to see the emperor when he first realized it, even the palace physicians were powerless against the poison.

Since the founding of the dynasty, the Shen family army had followed the founding emperor to expand territory and had remained loyal ever since.

Now, however, someone wanted to destroy the Shen army and used poison to force him into submission.

General Shen would rather die than let the Shen family or the Shen army be harmed.

He had considered death several times when the poison flared. Moreover, the fifth and seventh sons were soon to marry and have children. The Shen family could not remain dormant. He had to think about the next generation.

And what good wives could Concubine Zhu possibly choose for the fifth and seventh sons? It would still require the eldest daughter-in-law to take action. But thinking of the eldest daughter-in-law, after her marriage, the eldest son had gone to the northern frontier. For so many years, she had guarded the northern post and left no children behind.

The young couple’s relationship need not be discussed; otherwise, after the eldest son died in battle, his wife would not have resolutely entered the temple. Yet General Shen still felt indebted—deeply indebted to his eldest daughter-in-law.

“Your eldest sister-in-law…”

Shen Zongnian recalled the dignified and graceful eldest sister-in-law. If his elder brother were still alive, the Shen family would never have allowed Concubine Zhu to control things.

“Enough, enough. I will humble myself and ask her to come back. She has guarded my eldest son for all these years—more than enough. No, she never needed to guard his widowhood; it is the Shen family who owes her.”

“If she is willing to remarry, the General’s Residence will provide a generous dowry for her grand wedding. For now, let her return to manage household affairs, including your and the fifth brother’s marriages. Your mother is no longer capable, so we must rely on your eldest sister-in-law.”

Shen Zongnian opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say.

The eldest sister-in-law had lost her husband, yet they still had to trouble her over the marriages. Such a large General’s Residence needed someone to stabilize it. She was indeed the perfect person, yet Shen Zongnian felt so indebted to her.

“I… I’ll go with Fifth Brother.”

General Shen waved his hand: “I will go myself, and I’ll bring your eldest sister-in-law’s father along. After all, it is the Shen family who owes her.”

“And Concubine Zhu?” Shen Zongnian knew that ever since she had managed the household, many embarrassing incidents had occurred. If it continued, the Shen family’s reputation would be ruined.

“For the next few days, let the housekeeper manage things.”

Shen Zongnian relaxed slightly, then remembered: “Father, Madam Ji’s medical skills are exceptional. I plan to visit the Ji family, apologize, present the gifts I promised, and also see if Madam Ji can treat Mother.”

General Shen nodded. As for this poison, anyone who had been stationed in the northern frontier knew of it. If even Chunru could cure it, Madam Ji’s skills must indeed be excellent.

If she could improve his wife’s condition, she might accompany him a few more years.

General Shen made his way to Concubine Zhu’s courtyard. That solitary figure made Shen Zongnian’s eyes redden. His older brothers had all met misfortune one after another. But wasn’t this the fate of a warrior?

Shen Zongnian quickly got into the carriage, followed by a whole carriage of carefully chosen items.

This time, he wanted to establish good relations first. He had the feeling that he would rely on Jiu Yue in many matters in the future; he could not afford to be at odds with her.

They arrived at the previously arranged address, and the servants went to knock.

Upon learning that Shen Zongnian had arrived, Ji Yiqing and Ji Chaomin finally felt as if the dust had settled. They respected the Shen family army.

If the Shen family army had truly been arrogant and dismissive, it would only show that these two still held a glimmer of hope in their hearts.

A servant informed Jiu Yue that the young General Shen had arrived.

Jiu Yue walked out wearing new clothes—a deep ink-blue brocade outfit that made her appear even more heroic and striking.

Shen Zongnian was apologizing to Ji Yiqing and Ji Chaomin. Jiu Yue strode directly into the hall. Shen Zongnian quickly stood and bowed: “Madam Ji.”

His attitude was polite, but Jiu Yue was still somewhat annoyed.

“Hm?”

Shen Zongnian had already explained the situation to Ji Yiqing and Ji Chaomin. Family affairs should not be exposed, so he merely claimed it was the servants’ negligence, omitting that Concubine Zhu had deliberately detained her. It was a private matter of the Shen household.

Jiu Yue nodded twice. Seeing that Shen Zongnian could bend when needed, she cupped her fists and bowed: “I’ve heard that every young master of the Shen family is highly skilled in martial arts. Might Jiu Yue have the honor of learning a thing or two?”

Shen Zongnian was taken aback. Ji Chaomin glanced at Ji Yiqing and saw that he did not object to Jiu Yue’s request. He probably guessed what was happening.

Jiu Yue needed to vent her anger. She wouldn’t let it linger, and once released, it would be over. If she couldn’t release it, who knew how long she would remember it?

Better a real fight than letting the resentment fester.

Shen Zongnian had seen Jiu Yue slay those assassins that day. Even just imagining himself, facing dozens of experts alone in that situation, it would be impossible to walk away unscathed.

He knew his own skills were inferior to hers, but since she had voluntarily proposed it, he would risk himself and accompany her—after all, he still needed her help to visit his mother.

“I wouldn’t dare teach, just a friendly sparring—point-to-point—is that alright?”

Jiu Yue raised her chin proudly: “Fine.”

They went to the courtyard. Ji Chaomin’s heart tightened—not for any other reason, but fearing Jiu Yue might hit too hard and harm the young General Shen.

Ji Zhouye and the others were not yet allowed to receive guests. They only heard that Jiu Yue would spar with the Shen family’s young General.

Part of them thought: if Jiu Yue won, the Ji family would gain face. Another part thought: she should lose—after all, he was the Shen family’s young General. Better not offend him!

Then everyone watched in shock as Jiu Yue pinned Shen Zongnian to the ground and beat him mercilessly.

Shen family servants: !!!

Ji family brothers: …

Ji Zhouye’s legs went weak. He felt that coming to the capital had been a mistake.

Though he had known that his second sister-in-law was reckless in Qingshui County… he had never expected her to be this reckless. That was the son of a top-ranking General! Second Sister-in-law, could you tone it down a bit?

Ji Chaomin felt his vision darken, as if his future life would be bleak from now on.

He was aiming for an official position… maybe all for Jiu Yue.

At first, Shen Zongnian thought that even if he couldn’t hold a draw with Jiu Yue, he could at least withstand a few moves. But who knew Jiu Yue would not follow the usual rules?

She immediately slid forward at an incredible speed, taking him down with a sweeping tackle.

The speed was so fast that Shen Zongnian thought a black rat had jumped in front of him. He couldn’t defend himself at all.

She then pinned him to the ground, straddled his back, and started pounding him with fists—several heavy hits.

After finishing, Jiu Yue stood, brushed her hair back from her chest, exhaled deeply, and felt exhilarated. “Phew! That felt good!”