TSWRLM -Chapter 47 Lord Shen Even Eats and Takes Food Away

Matchmaker Zhang had a sharp tongue. Without even needing Chun Xi to speak, she scolded Father Liu until he was utterly humiliated.

Knowing full well that his son preferred men, yet still trying to ruin a good girl’s life—truly shameless to the extreme.

Passersby who heard such scandalous gossip couldn’t move their feet. They wished they could get closer to hear every detail clearly.

Did Young Master Liu really do that kind of thing with his coachman in the wild?

The coachman did heavy labor every day—his stamina must far exceed Young Master Liu’s. Didn’t Young Master Liu feel humiliated?

How did Young Master Liu develop such a preference? Could it be that Shopkeeper Liu also…?

Countless curious and probing gazes made Father Liu so furious he nearly spat blood. He didn’t dare argue further with Matchmaker Zhang and decisively accepted the silver notes, dissolving the engagement with Chun Xi.

Once everyone left, Father Liu immediately sent word to Wei Lingze, then took money and servants to Yu County to rescue his son.

The murder case was solved, and the final report was submitted. Wei Lingze was soon summoned by the Emperor.

In the imperial study, the nearly fifty-year-old Emperor Zhao Wu greatly appreciated him and praised him highly. Wei Lingze remained humble, not daring to take all the credit. After some formal exchanges, the Emperor issued an edict promoting him to Fourth Rank Yulin Zhonglang General.

A two-rank promotion in one leap—he had become a close minister to the Son of Heaven.

After leaving the palace and boarding his carriage, the corners of Wei Lingze’s lips slowly lifted.

The shadow that had hung over him for the past three years had finally lifted.

In high spirits, he immediately ordered Xingzhou to reserve a private room at Zhaixing Tower and invited his colleagues from the Jingzhao Prefecture to celebrate the next evening.

Of course, he didn’t forget to notify Shen Qingyuan as well.

He had achieved merit and promotion in less than two months at Jingzhao Prefecture, while Shen Qingyuan had spent ten years there without accomplishments. The contrast alone was enough to crush Shen Qingyuan.

What right did Shen Qingyuan have to compete with him for Chun Xi?

Thinking that Chun Xi would obediently return to him once she lost Shen Qingyuan’s protection, Wei Lingze’s smile deepened. Passing by a jewelry shop, he even got down from the carriage to personally pick out a heavy solid gold hairpin.

When Chun Xi had seen gold ingots at the Xiao residence before, her eyes had lit up. This hairpin might be vulgar, but she would surely like it.

Wei Lingze’s good mood lasted until he returned home.

Xingzhou, who had finished booking the private room, also brought back a letter from Shopkeeper Liu.

After reading it, Wei Lingze’s expression cracked inch by inch, turning ashen.

He had gone through great trouble to arrange for the Liu family to fake a marriage with Chun Xi, yet Chun Xi refused to cooperate and forcibly broke off the engagement.

How could Chun Xi know so much about what happened in Yu County? Shen Qingyuan must have been helping her behind the scenes.

What upright gentleman—this old fox clearly had ulterior motives!

Shen Qingyuan wasn’t surprised to receive Wei Lingze’s invitation. The next day, he attended the banquet calmly.

With the case solved, everyone left work early to eat. Shen Qingyuan arrived last.

When he entered the private room, everyone was gathered around Wei Lingze, especially Prefect Li Mingde, who was all smiles and fawning.

At Shen Qingyuan’s arrival, the laughter abruptly stopped, as if he were not a guest but an unwelcome presence.

“Lord Shen has been resting at home and not working—yet you’re still late. You should punish yourself with three cups first.”

At Li Mingde’s words, others immediately echoed him, and three full cups of wine were placed before Shen Qingyuan.

Shen Qingyuan didn’t move. His gaze swept across the crowd.

“I am not late. It is merely the end of working hours—you all left early.”

That instantly dampened the mood.

This case wasn’t even solved by him. His rash actions had caused several deaths, and part of the reward money had to be used for compensation.

Why invite him at all?

The crowd’s expressions toward Shen Qingyuan turned unfriendly. Li Mingde also dared not speak further, afraid Shen Qingyuan would pursue the matter of leaving early.

After a while, Wei Lingze spoke: “Everyone is here at my invitation. Let’s sit and talk.”

Two tables were set. As host, Wei Lingze sat at the main table.

No seat was reserved for Shen Qingyuan there, so he went to the side table.

Everyone resumed enthusiastically congratulating Wei Lingze.

Because they were dissatisfied with Shen Qingyuan, their praise for Wei Lingze was often accompanied by subtle jabs at him.

Wei Lingze was only twenty-two. Even after three years bedridden, he was still remarkably promising.

Unlike Shen Qingyuan, who had spent ten years in Jingzhao Prefecture without advancement.

Moreover, Wei Lingze was about to marry the talented and beautiful eldest daughter of the Xiao family—success in both career and marriage.

As for Shen Qingyuan—he had “killed” two wives, was nearing thirty with no heirs, and people even wondered if something was wrong with his body.

Wei Lingze listened with a smile and did not stop them.

Shen Qingyuan, however, didn’t care at all.

A group of grown men gossiping like this—they were the ones embarrassing themselves. Why should he take it to heart?

Wei Lingze had ordered all the signature dishes of Zhaixing Tower. Shen Qingyuan tasted every dish. If he liked something, he took a few more bites.

Exactly like Chun Xi at the Xiao family banquet last time.

He ate so seriously that the others gradually lost interest in talking, though inwardly they sneered.

All he knew how to do was eat—no wonder he hadn’t been promoted in ten years.

Not only did Shen Qingyuan eat, when he found a plate of fried meatballs especially delicious, he even asked the waiter to make another portion for him to take away later.

This stunned everyone.

Eating and even taking food away—how thick-skinned could he be?

Wei Lingze tightened his grip on his wine cup, veins bulging on the back of his hand.

He had expected Shen Qingyuan to feel humiliated under such ridicule, but instead he remained calm and even had a good appetite.

Who was he taking those meatballs for?

Unable to hold back, Wei Lingze asked directly. Everyone turned to look at Shen Qingyuan.

Shen Qingyuan’s brows softened, revealing a rare gentle smile.

“Of course, they’re for someone I care about.”

“…”

Everyone sucked in a breath.

Was he possessed? How could such sickeningly sweet words come out of his mouth?

Wei Lingze clenched his teeth, Chun Xi’s face instantly appearing in his mind.

That old bastard—he’s courting death!

While others continued flattering Wei Lingze, Shen Qingyuan focused entirely on eating, finishing first.

After the meal, he took the packed meatballs and left.

As soon as he stepped out, Wei Lingze slammed his cup down and stood up.

“Let him go if he wants. No need to mind him—let’s keep drinking,” Li Mingde said, trying to put an arm around Wei Lingze.

Wei Lingze avoided him.

“Put everything on my tab. Continue at your leisure—I have matters to attend to.”

His expression was dark, completely different from before. Even the half-drunk crowd sensed something was wrong and didn’t dare stop him.

Shen Qingyuan’s carriage moved slowly, and Wei Lingze quickly caught up.

Soon, the alley where the Cao family lived came into view.

Shen Qingyuan got down at the alley entrance, carrying the meatballs, and knocked on the Cao family’s door.

Before long, Chun Xi came out. Upon seeing him, her joy was obvious.

Shen Qingyuan didn’t enter the courtyard but instead led Chun Xi toward the other end of the alley.

Watching from afar, Wei Lingze’s heart surged with violent fury. He wished he could cut Shen Qingyuan into a thousand pieces.

Chun Xi is mine. No one can take her away!

With that thought, Wei Lingze strode forward and pushed open the Cao family’s gate.

Madam Wang was sweeping the yard. Seeing Wei Lingze’s cold expression, she was startled.

Heavens—why had the Young Master come personally?