HBWMA -Chapter 414 Each Plays Their Own Game

Shen Lanxi was going to the 313th Division, and Shen Guiling to the Nanwan Naval Fleet—so who would benefit the most from all this?

Jiang Huashan lowered her head, casually brushing her eyebrow as she cast a discreet glance at Shen Zhuang.

Naturally, it would be Grandfather.

If what Shen Guiling said was true, then Grandfather had long been aware of the corruption within the second generation. His patience now was only to push the third generation to a higher position.

Grandfather must have anticipated that elevating Shen Lanxi would inevitably provoke Shen Qian into competing for advantage. To avoid an outright conflict, Shen Qian’s only way to counterbalance it would be to support Shen Guiling.

Looking at it this way, Grandfather was wagering both his own life and the future of the Shen family on Shen Guiling and Shen Qingyu.

That night in the ancestral hall, Grandfather had already spoken frankly to the “three fools,” and the hidden concern in Shen Lanxi’s heart had been resolved. In this life, as long as she and Shen Lanxi each lived well, Grandfather wouldn’t fall out with Shen Lanxi over a forced marriage like before. With such favor, there was no way Shen Lanxi would ever betray him.

As for Shen Qingyu, his greatest knot had always been that, despite both being grandsons, Grandfather favored Shen Lanxi too much.

But now Shen Qingyu understood Grandfather’s painstaking intentions—this resentment would surely fade over time.

After learning of his father’s crimes, Shen Qingyu’s first action had been to go and warn Shen Yuan. From that alone, it was clear that, at least for now, Shen Qingyu’s loyalty to the Shen family—and to Grandfather—remained as steadfast as when he was young.

That left the most critical point: Shen Guiling.

In her previous life, Shen Guiling had knelt overnight in Qinyuan and was ultimately expelled from the country by Grandfather. Apart from the day Shen Mianzhi died, she had never seen Grandfather so heartbroken.

Unable to hold back, Jiang Huashan cast a puzzled glance at Shen Guiling.

Grandfather had doted on him so much. Even knowing the second branch was a malignant tumor, he had still spared no effort in nurturing him. What exactly had Shen Guiling done to break Grandfather’s heart to such an extent?

There was also something she had never understood. All the characters connected to the “Gate of the Play” were cannon fodder who had met tragic ends in the previous life. So why, as the male lead, was Shen Guiling labeled as “the pitiful one”?

Moreover, all the other rewards were unknown, yet Shen Guiling’s reward was clearly stated: the “Pen of the Play,” which could rewrite endings. It perfectly aligned with her desire to change Grandfather’s doomed fate. The temptation was so precise, it was as if the Gate of the Play feared she might refuse.

Jiang Huashan frowned deeply, then suddenly had a flash of realization.

Could it be that in the previous life, Shen Guiling had betrayed Grandfather—betrayed the Shen family?!

Back then, Shen Nian had caused a deadly accident while street racing under the influence—five dead and eleven injured on the overpass. He had even brazenly declared to the media, “My grandfather is Shen Zhuang—no one dares punish me,” infuriating the old man to the point of nearly severing ties with Shen Qian’s family.

Xiao Lanlan had also been exiled to Country M—essentially placed under house arrest—after committing an unforgivable crime.

Given how much Grandfather adored Shen Guiling, unless he had done something utterly heinous, it wouldn’t have driven Grandfather to such despair.

The more Jiang Huashan thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Her eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze turning sharp—almost like she was interrogating a criminal.

If this bastard had really dared to betray Grandfather, she definitely wouldn’t let him off lightly.

Meanwhile, after listening to Shen Qian’s proposal, Shen Zhuang remained silent for a moment before turning to Shen Guiling. “A-Ling, what do you think?”

Shen Guiling lifted his gaze, neither servile nor overbearing. “Grandfather, I want to go.”

At this, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Shen Qian’s lips.

Children of the Shen family had to take charge of their own fate. If Shen Guiling didn’t even have the courage to shoulder that responsibility, he wouldn’t deserve the resources of the Nanwan Naval Fleet.

At that moment, Shen Che and Shen Rang wore particularly grave expressions, silently watching Shen Zhuang.

Shen Guiling belonged to the second branch. If the old man agreed to grant him access to the Nanwan Naval Fleet’s resources, then in time, he would surely become a standout figure among the third generation—no less than Shen Lanxi.

And if Shen Qingyu was added to the mix, what place would remain for the third branch in the future of the Shen family?

How could Shen Zhuang not understand everyone’s thoughts? But he had his own considerations. Without hesitation, he nodded.

“Alright. I’ll personally write a letter of recommendation for A-Ling. Study well, and don’t disgrace your grandfather.”

Shen Guiling smiled, his eyes bright. “Yes, Grandfather.”

Shen Qian seemed momentarily dazed—this was the first time the old man had agreed so readily with one of his proposals.

Shen Lanxi remained indifferent, calmly lifting his teacup as if Shen Guiling’s future had nothing to do with him.

After the meeting ended, Shen Zhuang kept the three granddaughters behind in a smaller hall to talk, while the others returned to their respective courtyards.

With Shen Guiling balancing things out, Shen Qian no longer dwelled on Shen Zhuang’s favoritism toward Shen Lanxi. As they left the main hall, he even took the initiative to exchange pleasantries with him.

“Lanxi, the 313th Division is your father’s life’s work. You must seize this opportunity—strive to earn military merit, just like A-Ling.”

Who present couldn’t see that Shen Qian was just putting on an act? The 313th Division was infamous as a “martyrs’ division.” Sending Shen Lanxi there to earn military merit—wasn’t that basically asking him to risk his life?

Shen Lanxi remained indifferent. “No need for your concern, Uncle. I have my own plans.”

With that, he gave a composed, elegant nod and turned to walk toward the corridor.

Shen Che lowered his head in thought for a moment, then quickly followed.

Shen Rang shot Shen Qian a glance and, without any reservations, patted Shen Guiling on the shoulder. “Study well. The South Bay waters have hidden halls and covert sentries. I’ll have Zhizhi organize a list of contact points and send it to you later. If you run into any trouble, just come to your Fifth Uncle.”

Shen Guiling nodded politely. “Thank you, Fifth Uncle.”

Shen Rang grunted in acknowledgment, then tugged Shen Jiao’s arm. “Come on, come on—how about we sit at your place for a bit?”

Shen Jiao frowned slightly as she glanced at Shen Guiling, then followed Shen Rang out of the main courtyard.

Shen Qian stared at Shen Rang’s retreating figure, his gaze unfriendly. “Your Fifth Uncle treats you quite well.”

Shen Guiling replied evenly, “Fifth Uncle has always been warm-hearted.”

A cold glint flashed across Shen Qian’s eyes. “Before you leave, I’ll have Mo Ran prepare a list for you—those are all close friends of mine in the South Bay Navy. Keep in touch with them more often in the future.”

Shen Guiling’s expression shifted slightly. “Father doesn’t trust Fifth Uncle?”

Shen Qian turned back. Seeing Shen Guiling’s clear gaze—filled with admiration and dependence—his paternal instincts surfaced for once.

“A-Ling, remember this: in this family, don’t trust anyone too easily.”

“Lanxi! Lanxi!” Shen Che hurried along the corridor to catch up with him.

Shen Lanxi stopped and gave a faint nod. “Fourth Uncle.”

Shen Che took a breath, glanced around, and lowered his voice. “Can we talk somewhere private?”

Shen Lanxi looked toward the lakeside pavilion. Shen Che nodded, and the two walked side by side into the pavilion.

The summer night was cool. Moonlight lay scattered across the lotus pond, while frogs croaked and cicadas chirped in overlapping rhythms.

Shen Che looked worried. “Lanxi, just now A-Ling said he’s going to the South Sea Fleet—why didn’t you say anything to stop him?”

Shen Lanxi replied, “Why should I stop him?”

Originally, he had been worried that once he went to the 313th Division and Shen Qingyu was hospitalized, only Shen Guiling and Jiang Huashan would be left alone in the Fourth Courtyard. Now that Shen Guiling was also going to the South Sea Fleet, it suited him just fine.

“….” Shen Che was momentarily at a loss for words, stammering, “Can’t you see your eldest uncle’s intentions? All these years his career has been smooth, and he’s done everything to consolidate power. If Shen Guiling enters the South Sea Fleet, will you still be able to sit firmly as head of the family?”

Shen Lanxi frowned. “Grandfather wouldn’t let them act recklessly.”

“And what if, one day, even the old master can’t control them?” Shen Che said earnestly. “Lanxi, you’re still too young. A tiger that eats meat every day will turn on its master if it goes unfed for even a day. The second branch has already tasted the power—do you think they’ll give it up so easily?”

“You are Third Brother’s only bloodline, the future head of this family. There are some things you can’t afford to be naïve about, and some people you must guard against.”

“That’s all I’ll say. Go back and think it over carefully—don’t regret it later.”

With that, he lightly patted Shen Lanxi on the shoulder, sighed softly, and left the pavilion.

Shen Lanxi’s face remained expressionless. Only after Shen Che’s figure completely disappeared into the inner courtyard did he, unable to bear it any longer, raise his hand and brush off the spot on his shoulder where Shen Che had touched him.

“Young Master.”

Gao Zhi jumped down from the beam above, craning his neck to glance in the direction Shen Che had left while pulling a wet wipe from his pocket and tossing it to Shen Lanxi.

“Didn’t you promise the old master not to settle accounts with them for now?”

Shen Lanxi took the wipe and carefully cleaned his fingertips. “I only promised Grandfather I wouldn’t pursue my personal grudges.”

But as for who had tried to kill Jiang Huashan that night—that person had to be found.