That evening, Shen Jing hosted Du Heng and the others for drinks and food at Su Manor.
It was merely a meal to reward them, not a celebration.
They hadn't even received the silver yet; it wasn't time to celebrate.
Popping champagne halfway through a task was something to be firmly avoided.
When Song Rui's pathetic state was brought up, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"It's a pity I didn't get to see Sunzi Song Rui scared out of his wits."
Du Heng expressed his regret, took another large gulp of wine, and said with a face full of admiration, "Young Master Shen, your planning is truly meticulous! Du Heng is completely convinced!"
The entire scheme, including some specific details, was planned by Shen Jing.
He was only responsible for execution.
With this move, Shen Jing had thoroughly blocked all paths for the Song family to recover.
Shen Jing raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Didn't you curse me for being insidious in your heart?"
"No, absolutely not!"
Du Heng thumped his chest, making a "thud-thud" sound, "I, Du Heng, am not that kind of person!"
That Sunzi!
Could he even read his thoughts?
Dealing with this Sunzi, even being extra careful wasn't enough.
"Curse if you want, I'm not some upright gentleman anyway."
Shen Jing smiled indifferently and added, "Starting tomorrow, you'll take your men and guard the sugar refinery. No one is allowed to enter or leave without my and You Rong's permission!"
"Alright!"
Du Heng nodded reluctantly, seemingly unenthusiastic.
"What, you're unwilling?"
Shen Jing asked.
"It's not that I'm unwilling."
Du Heng grinned, "It just feels a bit boring."
"What are you so anxious about!" Shen Jing glared at Du Heng with a smile, "If someone tries to steal our sugar-making method, you won't find it boring then!"
After today's incident, many people would know that he was the one who could make sugar.
At that time, who knew how many eyes would be on the white sugar.
Money was the most tempting thing; who could guarantee that no one would have ill intentions?
"Oh, and you need to be careful yourself."
Bringing this up, Su Yourong immediately reminded Shen Jing, "Now, who knows how many pairs of eyes are on you. Don't wander around aimlessly when you have nothing to do. Be careful, someone might just kidnap you and force you to hand over the method for making white sugar."
"Yes, yes!"
Fang Liuqi nodded repeatedly in agreement, "Miss Su makes a good point."
"Mm, I'll pay attention."
Shen Jing, uncharacteristically, nodded seriously.
This matter indeed required attention.
Well, the Song family matter was settled for now; they just had to wait for the results.
He should be free for the next two days. He needed to get himself some handy weapons, preferably hidden weapons suitable for sneak attacks.
But then again, he couldn't make things like the Pear Blossom Storm Needles!
While Shen Jing was thinking, Madam Su came over.
Seeing Madam Su, everyone stood up and bowed.
"No need for formalities."
Madam Su raised her hand and smiled, her gaze falling on Fang Liuqi, "Has your family arranged a marriage for you?"
"Ah?"
Fang Liuqi stared blankly at Madam Su, wondering why she suddenly asked this.
Madam Su glared at Fang Liuqi with a smile, "Either you do or you don't, what's with the 'ah'?"
"No... no!"
Fang Liuqi regained his composure and chuckled dryly, "My family is poor, so..."
"No is fine!"
Madam Su interrupted Fang Liuqi, "I've spoken with Du Yidao. You find a time to go to the Du Family and meet Du Heng's sister. If it's suitable, I'll go speak with your mother and finalize your marriage!"
"Ah?"
This time, it was Du Heng who was dumbfounded.
Wait...
Out of nowhere, Fang Liuqi was going to become his brother-in-law?
"This..."
Fang Liuqi also hadn't expected happiness to come so suddenly. After a moment of hesitation, he bowed and said, "Thank you, Madam!"
"I just brought it up; whether it works out or not is up to you two!" Madam Su smiled, "Alright, I just came to tell you about this. You young people can chat among yourselves!"
With that, Madam Su turned and left.
Looking at Madam Su's receding figure, Shen Jing couldn't help but cast a grateful look.
She was helping him win over people's hearts and also cleaning up his mess.
No matter what, he had essentially played Du Heng's sister to get out of the marriage contract with the Wang family.
Now, Madam Su arranging another marriage for Du Heng's sister could both strengthen the Du Family's relationship with them and also provide Du Heng's sister with a husband.
Fang Liuqi was now a major general under him, and his future prospects were limitless.
Having Du Ying marry him should not be unfair to Du Ying.
If their match could succeed, it should be a happy outcome for all.
It had to be said that Madam Su considered things more thoroughly than he did.
Especially when it came to human relations and worldly wisdom, she had it perfectly under control.
Shen Jing retracted his gaze and then chuckled as he said to Du Heng and Fang Liuqi, "You two should have a drink now!"
Fang Liuqi was a little embarrassed, his face red as he picked up his wine bowl, but he didn't know what to say.
Clang!
Du Heng proactively raised his wine bowl, clinked it against the one in Fang Liuqi's hand, and said fiercely, "If you become my brother-in-law and dare to bully my sister, I'll beat the shit out of you!"
With that, Du Heng tilted his head back and drained the wine in his bowl in one gulp.
Fang Liuqi chuckled dryly and also finished the wine in his bowl in one go.
After drinking for a while longer, everyone dispersed, and Shen Jing and Su Yourong also returned to their room.
After Jin'er brought them hot water to wash their hands and feet, Shen Jing immediately flopped onto the bed like a dead dog.
Damn it!
Lying down was still the most comfortable!
Su Yourong walked over and sat by the bed, "Do you think the Song family will honestly hand over the silver?"
Shen Jing shook his head with a smile, "Based on my understanding of the Song family members, unless Princess Qinghe truly stands before them, they probably won't hand over the silver."
"Then you're not anxious at all?"
Su Yourong asked curiously.
"Anxious about what!"
Shen Jing smiled indifferently, "Isn't there still Feng Min?"
"You're counting on Feng Min?"
Su Yourong frowned.
Feng Min probably wasn't very reliable, was he?
Shen Jing blinked, giving Su Yourong a mischievous smile, "We can use this matter to force Feng Min to take a side!"
Hmm?
Su Yourong lowered her eyes in thought.
Force Feng Min to take a side?
What did that mean?
What kind of trick was he up to this time?
Su Yourong racked her brain, but couldn't figure out how Shen Jing would force Feng Min to take a side, so she cast an inquiring look at Shen Jing.
However, what greeted her was Shen Jing's wicked smile.
Oh, well!
She didn't even need to think to know what this scoundrel would say next.
If she wanted to know how he would force Feng Min to take a side, she had to kiss him!
This was already this scoundrel's usual trick.
"Say it or don't!"
Su Yourong pouted, "I'll know sooner or later anyway!"
"Sigh..."
Shen Jing shook his head helplessly, "A couple like us, there's probably only one pair in the whole world."
"Don't speak too soon."
Su Yourong's lips curled, "What if you're cursed to death by me, then there won't even be one pair."
"..."
Shen Jing was speechless, "I find that you're not good at conversation at all."
"Says you, as if you're good at conversation!"
Su Yourong rolled her eyes at him, "Your conversations never stray from kissing and hugging."
"Ah, your comprehension is too low."
Shen Jing shook his head, "Have you never heard the saying: 'Do not deceive in the dark room'?"
"This..."
Su Yourong shook her head, "I really haven't heard it. What does it mean?"
Shen Jing sat up and said with a profound air, "It means, people should be open and honest..."
Open... and honest?
Su Yourong's face twitched violently. She leaned closer to Shen Jing curiously, "You just played the Song family almost to death, how can you say 'open and honest' without blushing at all?"
"I mean, when it comes to kissing and hugging, I'm very open and honest."
Shen Jing smirked, "So, I hope you can also be a little more open and honest. If you want to sleep with me, just tell me, don't ever..."
"Go to hell!"
Su Yourong's face instantly flushed, and she gave him a tigress's glare...
