As the ball ended, the music faded, and the night deepened, the wind stirred the clouds congealed above the city, slowly unraveling the haze. The gathering in the Su family's ancestral hall was drawing to a close. The twists and turns of the evening left most of the Su family unable to digest or accept the reality before them. Nevertheless, after months of turmoil caused by the Imperial Merchant incident, the secrets and unexpected outcome were finally unveiled.

Though it might take some time for many to truly understand and piece together the true picture, the exposed corner was enough to shock those who had been paying attention. A series of schemes and counter-schemes, the layouts behind the silence, and the dashed expectations. Especially the names of those behind the scenes: Su Yu, Su Tan'er. Most astonishing of all was Ning Liheng, who had always seemed to be outside the situation. No one had anticipated his involvement.

The First Branch, Second Branch, Third Branch, and everyone inside and outside the ancestral hall were still discussing the reversal of the situation. Here, one could only marvel at the immense control that Su Yu, the relatively silent elder, still held over the family. Once the results of the Imperial Merchant incident were revealed, he was able to persuade the elders to accept the reality and then use the facts to overwhelm everyone in the family and accept Su Tan'er's rise to power.

In fact, if the family hadn't been in such a difficult situation for the past few months, these elders wouldn't have come to Su Yu to discuss matters. Now that Su Yu had proven his control over the situation, they naturally accepted the status quo. After all, it wasn't the first time that Su Yu's leadership had guided the family through various difficulties.

"So… about Tan'er taking over Boyong's responsibilities, does anyone have any thoughts to share?"

Amidst the discussions, when Su Yu spoke again, riding the momentum of the reversal, few dared to voice their objections. Several elders then expressed their support, "With such achievements, no one can object to Tan'er taking over these matters."

The matter was gradually settled. The crisis had turned into an opportunity, and there was little else to discuss at the clan meeting convened for the crisis. The elders spoke of handling the aftermath, while the people in the hall harbored a complex mix of emotions. Su Zhongkan, Su Yunfang, and others occasionally looked at Su Tan'er, who had returned to her seat, and then at their father above. On the other side, Su Yunsong sighed deeply, looking at Su Tan'er, recalling the scholar he had seen in the past few days, whom his daughter described as a loafer.

"Zhongkan, Yunfang, come to my place after we're done here."

As the meeting neared its end, Su Yu walked over and spoke to the two brothers, who nodded. Their actions over the past few months had made them complete losers. But their father's authority remained, and even if they were resentful, it wouldn't solve the problem.

On the other hand, feeling the astonished gazes and discussions, Su Tan'er, who had finally revealed her cards and completely won the game, wasn't in a good mood.

It wasn't the joy of a great victory, nor was it thinking about the price her father had paid, already paralyzed. The moment she walked forward with the box, she felt almost like an empress being crowned, filled with excitement and anticipation. When the silver notes and contracts were brought out, her heart trembled. But at this moment, the woman in a light cyan dress occasionally looked outside the hall, suddenly unsure of how to walk out of that door.

She had something to worry about, something that could have been considered a small matter, but now it filled her entire mind, almost preventing her from feeling the sweetness of success.

Finally, the elders announced the end of the meeting. People stood up, talking and discussing, turning their attention to the key participants. Su Tan'er hesitated, then stood up and followed her grandfather and father out.

As she left the door, she looked around but didn't see the figure she had been thinking of. She felt somewhat relieved, but also worried. Su Danhong came from the other side, and she didn't notice, separating from her father and others under the corridor, and going with her grandfather and several elders to the other side.

Turning a corner, her grandfather noticed her, turned back and called her over. Two of her great-uncles spoke to her for a while, and she answered politely. When her great-uncles walked away, Tan'er frowned slightly, looking at the elder.

"Grandfather, how could you say that…"

"Hmm, say what?" The old man smiled kindly.

"About Liheng."

Looking at his granddaughter's expression, Su Yu was silent for a moment. "Is there anything wrong with what I said about him?"

"Grandfather, he's my husband, and I think… it could be simpler." There were people all around, and Su Tan'er frowned. "Besides, he can understand. Grandfather, how should I tell him about today?"

The old man sighed. "Liheng has come to our Su family, and since you're his wife, he should protect you and be your shield. This matter was too intense, and your second and third uncles must be resentful. Rather than put it all on you, it would be good if Liheng could share some of the burden. Moreover, Boyong is now unwell, and with Liheng behind you, you won't be alone and helpless. Even if this is unfair to Liheng, it is, after all, helping his wife, and it is his duty and obligation."

Su Tan'er closed her eyes and said forcefully, "But grandfather, you're having the whole Su family watch him. My husband will understand that."

She had been strong since she was a child, and even in the face of great difficulties, she rarely showed weakness. Even during the period when the yellow cloth faded, she had never revealed a sense of helplessness, holding on until her body couldn't take it anymore and she fell ill. But now, having just completed such a huge undertaking and secured control of the First Branch, she was almost on the verge of tears over this matter.

There were some things she couldn't tell her grandfather, couldn't tell him that her feelings for her husband had only just reached the point of being like husband and wife, couldn't tell him that she and her husband had only just decided to consummate their marriage, couldn't tell him how her relationship with her husband had developed these past few days, what kind of person her husband was. But she knew in her heart that her husband would hear the voice behind her grandfather's words.

After he had done so much for her, her father had said similar things, and now her grandfather was afraid too, starting to be wary of him, reminding everyone in the Su family to pay attention to him. Even if there was little malice in it, what would her husband think? How could she tell him these things? Even if he was broad-minded, how could she say it…

The old man looked at her for a long time, finally raised his hand and patted her shoulder, then laughed. This laugh was different from usual, with a hint of understanding and a hint of relief. "So… that's how it is…"

"Grandfather…"

"Brother Zian has a good grandson. I had thought about you taking over this family for a long time. Aside from your ability, I was just worried that you were too strong. A woman who wants to run a family has to be stronger than others, but I was afraid that you wouldn't feel the warmth of home, that you wouldn't have someone who truly cared for you. Now, I'm finally relieved. When Liheng came to us, I didn't want to treat him like a live-in son-in-law because I was afraid that he wouldn't be able to adapt much. Saying it now, I certainly have some worries about him, but the main reason is because he has the ability."

The old man paused. "With this ability, others can't hurt him. With this ability, he can stand in front of you. It's natural for you to worry about him, and I'm relieved too, but in my eyes, he's your husband, even if he's come to live with us. Since he can take on the responsibility, he should bear some of the burden for you. That's also my selfish wish. And men in this world, these responsibilities will always weigh down on them, there's no way around it. You're his wife, so take care of him more. That's also your duty. Heh heh, it's a good thing, husband and wife, that's how it is."

The grandfather and granddaughter walked forward. "As for your brothers, they're all mediocre talents. They can't last two or three moves under his hand. If they really want to hurt him, they don't have the ability. After today, you may seem alone and helpless in the business world, but if others want to plot against you, they'll always remember the person behind you. In the future, if you really like him, you can let your second child take the Ning surname, it's all up to you. I'll also have an explanation for Brother Zian… Look, he's over there."

As he spoke, Su Yu pointed ahead. Ning Yi was coming this way from a short distance away. On the way, he was entangled by a great-uncle who was probably saying some words of encouragement. After the great-uncle left, Su Yu took Su Tan'er over, then took Su Tan'er's hand and placed it in Ning Yi's hand. "I'm entrusting this granddaughter to you."

Ning Yi laughed out loud.

After Su Yu left, Su Tan'er held Ning Yi's hand and was silent for a long while. "Husband, we… succeeded."

"I'm angry."

"Uh…" Su Tan'er's palms instantly turned cold. She probably understood what Ning Yi was referring to, but she couldn't speak for a moment. Ning Yi looked around, pulled her forward, and shook his head. "I'm sleeping in a separate room from you tonight."

"…"

"The old man is too unjust."

"…"

"No discussion, I'm just angry."

"…"

"If he makes me unhappy, I'll take it out on his granddaughter."

"…"

"It's no use crying, you're sleeping alone tonight."

"…"

"Hahaha… Hey, don't really cry, you don't have to be like this."

The two had already walked a distance forward, to a corridor where there was no one. Su Tan'er took Ning Yi's sleeve and dabbed it on her cheeks a few times. She had actually shed tears just now. Now, in the light, a slight smile mixed with tears, before she regained her composure and smiled. "I originally wanted to apologize to you and grandfather…"

"I reserve the right to pursue and be angry." Ning Yi laughed and patted her shoulder. "But you should first handle the aftermath. Is there a lot to do tonight?"

Su Tan'er finally relaxed and nodded. "Yes, there are still some things to handle…"

"Then hurry up."

In the light, Ning Yi smiled and waved. Su Tan'er stood there and looked at him for a long while, seeming to hesitate, but eventually, she nodded and turned to leave.

Ning Yi watched Su Tan'er's figure disappear into the distance. He wasn't very clear about Su Tan'er's next plans, but it seemed that it was just some wrapping up. There was no need for him to participate. Su Tan'er hadn't mentioned too much in casual conversation.

After changing into unremarkable men's clothing in a courtyard in front of the Su residence, Su Tan'er left the street in a carriage. Accompanying her were several of the Su residence's most capable guards, who caught up with the two carriages in front and drove out of the city.

******************

It was almost midnight. In a room near Shibu Slope, the light from a bean-sized oil lamp flickered slightly. Xi Junyu sat at the table, his hands flat on the wooden surface. There were two other people in the room. One was Guard Geng, who sat opposite Xi Junyu. The other was thin, but his eyes were bright. He leaned against the shadows by the door, holding a sharp knife, and it was clear that he was not a good person.

The Su family did a lot of business and often went to other places on business trips. Sometimes, they naturally got involved in some underground affairs. Xi Junyu also knew that it was best not to act rashly at this time.

The passage of time was tedious and boring. Xi Junyu listened to some bells in the distance, guessing at the possible developments in the Su residence, but he didn't have too many clues.

"The Su family should have reached a conclusion by now, right?"

He asked this question at this time, but Guard Geng just shook his head. "I don't know."

"How else can they turn things around?"

"This is Second Miss's business."

"But I really can't figure it out."

Xi Junyu sighed. He really didn't like this feeling. "I wish someone would come and give me an answer soon."

After he said this, the room fell silent again. He could only wait in silence. Occasionally, some sounds came from outside. Xi Junyu said, "Brother Geng, do you know? I've been in the Su family for so many years, and I've seen Tan'er gradually come into contact with these things. Although there are many people who teach her, and she's willing to learn anything she sees, in reality, she's almost entirely a student I brought up. But now, I can't understand her more and more every day. This feeling isn't very good…"

"There will always be a time like this."

"But it's a little early. Regarding…" He looked around. "Regarding these things, I really can't figure it out…"

Quiet, silent, a voice rang out outside. "I can't figure it out either."

The voice was a little cold. After a moment, a figure pushed the door open and entered. Su Tan'er was dressed in a black outfit, with a headscarf on her head, looking clean and efficient. She stood in the doorway and looked this way. However, this kind of male attire ultimately made her look a little short and thin. Xi Junyu felt that it was almost like the first time he saw her when she was very young, with a strange and questioning look.

"Brother Junyu… I remember the first time I saw you when I was very young. Father asked me to call you that at the time. You taught me a lot of things, and maybe this is the last time I'll call you that." Su Tan'er walked to the table, sat down, her eyes filled with unfamiliarity and coldness. This was also something Xi Junyu had taught her. In negotiations, you have to draw a clear line. Xi Junyu wanted to see heartache in that unfamiliarity, but only saw doubt. "What exactly is going on? Why did you have to go to this extent?"

"What exactly happened?" Xi Junyu frowned, looking around. "Considering how things went at the Su family's clan meeting today, you don't think I caused it, do you?"

"No, I mean…" Su Tan'er shook her head quietly, looking at him with clear eyes. "Why did you order someone to assassinate my father?" (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to [This site] to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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