HBWMA -Chapter 250 The Glory of the Shen Family

Yu Siwen and Shen Zhuang spoke in the main hall for a full two hours before taking their leave. Shen Zhuang courteously invited them to stay for a simple meal, but Yu Siwen declined on the grounds of pressing official duties.

The explosion at Nanwan Ferry might have been hidden from others, but it couldn’t be concealed from the other major financial families of Country A. Many were dissatisfied with the trouble the Shen family had caused and demanded that a high-level summit be convened before Shen Zhuang’s visit to Country S.

The so-called summit was a political meeting attended jointly by the old aristocratic families, newly risen conglomerates, and government representatives of Country A.

Given the current international situation, Country A had already signed a peace agreement with Country S. The Queen of the Bai family personally sent an invitation, asking Shen Zhuang to attend the Bai family’s centennial celebration.

Yu Siwen’s visit this time was mainly to discuss the details of next month’s trip to Country S with Shen Zhuang and to convey the core matters of the summit.

Shen Zhuang, however, had already anticipated Yu Siwen’s purpose, which was why he deliberately arranged for the second and third branches of the family to receive him together.

After Yu Siwen left, Shen Zhi entered to replace the tea before quietly withdrawing.

Shen Qian spoke first. “Father, this must be the Fu family’s doing. Fu Jiasheng has been getting very close to several Supreme Court justices lately. The fall of the last two governors of Jinshan was also orchestrated by the Fu family. The Nanwan Ferry incident is too significant—I’m afraid they’ve already uncovered something.”

Before Shen Zhuang could respond, Shen Rang interjected with dissatisfaction, “So what if they found out? Does Fu Jiasheng dare to act? My An Tang is not comparable to some minor governor.”

Shen Qian’s expression remained calm as he turned to Shen Rang. “Fourth Brother, arrogance invites disaster. Leave too many weaknesses behind, and you’re bound to capsize.”

“That’s enough,” Shen Zhuang cut them off.

Shen Che took the initiative to change the subject. “Father, summit invitations are usually issued by Congress. Yu Siwen came to Shen Garden personally—is he trying to curry favor? His recent policies have offended many and stirred public resentment.”

Shen Zhuang neither confirmed nor denied it. “There’s only one year left until the next presidential election. He needs to leave himself a way out.”

Everyone’s expressions shifted slightly.

Shen Zhuang waved his hand. “He’s not simple. Let’s wait and see.”

That signaled he didn’t wish to pursue the matter further.

Shen Yuan understood and, after a brief moment of thought, redirected the conversation. “Father, are you really going to personally visit Country S? The weather will only get colder in the coming month—your old leg injury may not hold up. Why not let Elder Brother go in your place?”

Shen Che and Shen Rang exchanged glances silently. Really—Second Branch sure dared to dream. The Bai family’s centennial celebration, a personal invitation from the Queen—how much face would Shen Qian need to represent the Shen family?

They said nothing and simply looked toward Shen Zhuang.

Shen Zhuang shook his head. “Bai Zheng died in Nanwan, and Nanwan was bombed—these are no small matters. I must go in person.”

With that, the decision was final, though each had their own thoughts.

Shen Qian nodded. “Country S has a complicated situation, and the Bai family is not to be trifled with. It would be best to have someone accompany you.”

Shen Zhuang replied, “I’ve already thought about that. I’ll choose one from the three younger ones to go along.”

At those words, Shen Qian and Shen Yuan’s eyes lit up simultaneously. They had assumed the old master would certainly choose Shen Lanxi, but if it was to be one of the three, then their own sons had a chance as well.

Shen Rang and Shen Che exchanged a glance and quietly sipped their tea.

After leaving Shen Garden, Yu Sheng remained in low spirits the entire way. After handling a few urgent emails, Yu Siwen finally had some free time. Seeing that she still hadn’t shaken off her negative mood, he casually handed her a cup of coffee.

“What’s wrong? Still upset about Shen Guiling?”

Yu Sheng snapped back to herself and gave a bitter smile as she accepted the coffee. “Dad, I think he doesn’t like me.”

Her mood was clearly downcast.

Yu Siwen smiled, patting her shoulder. “Shengsheng, men don’t like just one thing forever. Their affection is always depreciating. You should be more confident—are you really going to doubt yourself just because one man doesn’t like you?”

Yu Sheng shook her head. “Of course not. But if he doesn’t like me, wouldn’t our plan be wasted?”

The Yu family didn’t have the deep-rooted power of the old aristocratic or newly rich families. To quickly integrate into the upper circles of Country A, they needed to borrow strength—and Shen Guiling was the best choice.

Though being an illegitimate son wasn’t a flattering title, it was precisely because of that flaw that an alliance with the Yu family was possible.

The presidency of Country A changed every four years, but the Shen family’s prestige had remained unchanged for a century. If Shen Guiling hadn’t been born out of wedlock, someone else would have claimed him long ago given his talent and appearance.

As the president’s daughter, Yu Sheng often appeared in the public eye, and she was widely recognized by the people of Country A. Yu Siwen also had high expectations for her.

Growing up in such an environment, she knew very clearly what she wanted. So when she realized Shen Guiling might reject her, she found it extremely hard to accept.

First: it was too sudden. Their interactions had been fine before—not close, but always polite.

Second: among the noble young men of Jinggang, Shen Guiling was the only one she had taken a liking to.

She had even, at one point, felt fortunate that he was “just” an illegitimate son.

Yu Siwen saw through his daughter’s inner turmoil and patiently guided her. “Shengsheng, you don’t necessarily need Shen Guiling to like you. You only need to make him see that you’re different from others—make him see your value. Then he’ll be drawn to you.”

Yu Sheng hesitated. “Would he approach someone he doesn’t like?”

Yu Siwen nodded. “Provided you show him value.”

Yu Sheng thought it over but still didn’t fully understand.

Yu Siwen continued, “Shengsheng, do you know why people often say that the five rising noble families like Gu and Xiao can’t compare to the Shen, Zhou, Su, and Fu families?”

Yu Sheng shook her head.

Yu Siwen explained, “Three generations make a lineage, five make a financial power, nine make a family, and only after twelve generations can one be called a true aristocratic house. The Zhou, Fu, and Su families have produced high officials and generals since their ancestors—worthy of being called great families. But the Shen family? When people say ‘a hundred years,’ they’re only referring to the recently replaced threshold stone at their estate. Their ancestral hall in Xiangying traces back hundreds of generations, with each producing figures worthy of their own lineage records. A hundred years ago, the entire Xiangying County was effectively the Shen family’s domain.”

Yu Sheng was deeply shocked. She had always heard that the Shen family was extraordinary, but never imagined such grandeur.

Yu Siwen spoke earnestly, “How could children raised in such a family be consumed by love? Family honor and personal value are their true measures. Do you understand now? A man’s affection is insignificant—even your beauty is insignificant. The only thing that can truly support your ambition is what’s in your mind.”

“…”