"Did you do anything to harm Man'er?" After a long while, Wen Mohan finally asked this question. He had previously warned Cen Yu not to lay a hand on Xiao Man.
"I can swear to heaven that I have never done anything to harm her," Cen Yu said, holding up three fingers with utmost sincerity. He himself had never personally done anything to Xiao Man, and naturally had never harmed her.
"Really?" Wen Mohan lowered his gaze, his eyes filled with disappointment. Even at this point, Cen Yu was still spewing lies. Was he accustomed to lying, or did he think Wen Mohan was easily fooled?
"Absolutely true. If I speak even one false word, may heaven strike me with lightning and may I die a terrible death."
Wen Mohan frowned. "It was just a question, why must you swear such a vicious oath?"
"I don't want you to doubt me. Your doubt pains me more than killing me," Cen Yu said softly. "Mohan, I know you like Xiao Man, but you can't abandon me, your brother, just because you like her, can you?"
"Let's not talk about this anymore. The Cen family has recently been suppressed by unknown forces. Have you investigated who is making trouble behind the scenes?" Wen Mohan did not want to discuss Xiao Man with Cen Yu any further. He knew very well that he didn't believe a single word of Cen Yu's lies. He only felt a sense of desolation. If time could turn back, would he still save Cen Yu?
"I haven't found out yet. The Jin family, under Jin Rong's leadership, has shown some improvement. They actually want to annex the Cen family when it's in trouble, as if they have such a big appetite. However, the Shangguan family has chosen to stand by and watch, which makes me uneasy. The person attacking from behind is likely not a small force."
"Have you offended anyone recently?"
"Because of the Longsheng Merchant House incident, I haven't been out much lately, so I haven't offended anyone. I'm also very puzzled. From the start of the Longsheng Merchant House to the current problems with the Cen family's business, it all seems to be targeting the Cen family. I suspect the Jin family and the Shangguan family are involved."
"What makes you say that?" Wen Mohan inquired. He understood who was pulling the strings in this matter. As for why the Shangguan family was standing by, it was likely Xiao Man's doing.
"The Cen family is the richest in the capital. The Shangguan family's influence is mainly in Jiangnan. The capital is only so large. If the Shangguan family wants to get involved, they will inevitably compete for territory. Eliminating the Cen family would be the best opportunity. The Jin family and the Cen family have always been rivals, so it's natural for them to cooperate with the Shangguan family to deal with the Cen family and jointly carve up the Cen family's businesses."
"I heard that the Cen family's merchant ships have disappeared. Have they been found?"
"No, ten of the Cen family's merchant ships vanished into thin air, carrying a large amount of goods. The Cen family suffered heavy losses. After the news spread, merchants who cooperated with the Cen family demanded compensation. The Jin family then took advantage of the situation, leading to the current predicament. But don't worry, I will handle it," Cen Yu said calmly, without haste. Despite being on the verge of ruin, he remained composed.
Cen Yu reassured Wen Mohan. With the Cen family in trouble, the Prime Minister's mansion naturally couldn't stand by and do nothing. However, it was not appropriate for the Prime Minister's mansion to get directly involved. Cen Yu was still unsure if Xiao Man was behind this. If it was just Xiao Man alone, he wouldn't be afraid. He was only afraid that Nangong Yu was also involved. With the Cen family's strength alone, dealing with the Prince of Qin would be like a fool's dream.
"As long as you can handle it," Wen Mohan picked up his brush and continued to review official documents. "The envoy for Yunqi's marriage alliance has arrived, and the negotiations are imminent. I will be very busy from now on. If you need any help, send someone to find me."
"Alright." A glint flashed in Cen Yu's eyes. He was almost certain that the young emperor of Yunqi's target was Xiao Man. The young emperor of Yunqi was vengeful, and Xiao Man had wounded him. He feared this grievance would not be easily swallowed.
Cen Yu stood up and walked towards the door. As he reached the entrance, Wen Mohan called out to him, "Cen Yu, there's something I forgot to ask you."
"What is it?" Cen Yu turned around and looked at Wen Mohan.
"Do you have someone you like?"
"It's not liking," Cen Yu said softly, looking at Wen Mohan. "I have the one I love."
Wen Mohan understood. "I see. The Cen family has many issues, you should go back and attend to them."
Cen Yu stood still, looking at Wen Mohan who was still reviewing documents, a strange light flashing in his eyes. "Mohan, why don't you ask me who I love?"
Wen Mohan's hand paused mid-stroke, then he said, "Knowing you have someone you love makes me happy. As for who that person is, I'm not interested."
A hint of disappointment flickered in Cen Yu's eyes. He took two steps forward, wanting to tell Wen Mohan who he loved, but his steps faltered as Wen Mohan looked up at him. He swallowed the words that were about to be spoken.
"I'll be going back now. You're busy."
Cen Yu fled as if he were being pursued. Wen Mohan's gaze made him feel utterly ashamed. He was almost certain that if he revealed the truth, Wen Mohan would distance himself from him forever!
As soon as Cen Yu left, Wen Mohan irritably threw the brush on the table and leaned back in his chair. How stupid could he be not to have noticed Cen Yu's feelings?
When he discovered Cen Yu making a move against Xiao Man, he had been puzzled. There should have been no conflict between them. Cen Yu shouldn't have attacked Xiao Man. Moreover, one was a wealthy merchant and the other a young lady from a prominent family; they wouldn't have a mortal feud. He had overlooked himself!
Wen Mohan carefully recalled his past encounters with Cen Yu. Cen Yu always liked to stand quietly behind him, understanding his thoughts with just a glance. He had always considered him a confidant, as it was rare to find a true friend.
He liked the clean smile on Cen Yu's face. He felt pity for him, being used as a tool by his own parents at such a young age to be defiled by others. He helped him establish himself in the Cen family, preventing others from bullying him, simply out of pity, never imagining that Cen Yu harbored different feelings for him.
"In the end, was it all my fault?" Confusion flickered in Wen Mohan's eyes. The sister he doted on had become his enemy, and the confidant he considered a brother had now betrayed him. Was all of this his fault?
"It was my fault. I shouldn't have hidden the news of my sister's death and let someone else impersonate her. I shouldn't have felt pity for that child who climbed over the wall. If I hadn't done these things, I wouldn't be suffering this heart-wrenching pain today!"
Outside the Prime Minister's mansion, Cen Yu's expression instantly turned cold. Wen Mohan was suspicious of him. Based on his understanding of Wen Mohan, once he became suspicious, he would search for evidence. He had to destroy all the evidence!
No, not just destroy the evidence, but also destroy that person!
In the Cen family's carriage, it was empty. Cen Yu was nowhere to be seen, yet the carriage did not stop and continued towards the Cen family, as if Cen Yu were still inside, having never left.