The Price of Defiance
The officials’ expressions darkened immediately.
Threatening county envoys openly was not a small matter.
Even Zhao Mei’s face lost color.
Zhao Jun clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white.
Only Zhao Cheng remained unmoving.
Like the tension pressing down on the yard belonged to someone else entirely.
The lead official slowly rolled the scroll back up.
“You understand,” he said carefully, “that resisting us can result in imprisonment.”
Zhao Cheng replied calmly:
“Then bring proper authority.”
The official’s eyes narrowed.
“And if we decide we don’t need your permission?”
For the first time, Zhao Cheng smiled.
Very slightly.
But there was no warmth in it.
“Then you should decide whether your men are prepared to leave here injured too.”
The air froze.
Lin Shu felt his pulse spike instantly.
This was dangerous.
Far too dangerous.
The officials clearly realized it too.
Because unlike the earlier debt collectors, these men were cautious.
Not cowards.
Just experienced enough to recognize when violence would become expensive.
The leader studied Zhao Cheng for several long seconds.
Then his gaze shifted suddenly.
Toward Lin Shu.
“So,” he said softly, “you are the infamous second wife.”
Lin Shu’s shoulders stiffened.
The official continued with faint amusement:
“The adulterous ger.”
Zhao Jun immediately exploded.
“Watch your mouth!”
“Jun’er,” Zhao Mei whispered sharply.
But the damage was done.
The official smiled coldly.
“Temper runs in this household, I see.”
Lin Shu took a slow breath.
Then stepped forward slightly before Zhao Jun could say something worse.
“Yes,” he said quietly.
“I am Lin Shu.”
The official looked mildly surprised he answered directly.
Lin Shu continued calmly:
“If you came to investigate me, then speak to me directly.”
“Shu’er-” Zhao Mei sounded alarmed.
But Lin Shu kept going.
“The earlier incident had nothing to do with the children.”
His voice stayed steady despite the fear clawing under his skin.
“If responsibility is needed, I will answer questions myself.”
The yard fell silent.
Even the officials looked caught off guard.
Because this was not the behavior they expected from the rumors.
No screaming.
No hiding.
No manipulation.
Just…
directness.
The lead official tilted his head slightly.
Interesting.
Then he asked:
“Do you deny the accusations of infidelity?”
Lin Shu froze for half a heartbeat.
He could lie.
Maybe it would help temporarily.
But-
“No,” he answered.
Zhao Mei inhaled sharply.
Zhao Jun looked furious again.
The official smirked immediately, sensing weakness.
“So the rumors were true.”
Lin Shu nodded once.
“They were.”
A pause.
“Then why defend you?” the official asked, glancing at Zhao Cheng.
“Why protect someone who disgraced your household?”
Silence settled heavily.
Lin Shu lowered his eyes slightly.
Honestly…
He wanted to know that too.
Then Zhao Cheng answered.
Simple.
Direct.
“Because he is mine.”
The world stopped.
Lin Shu looked up sharply.
Zhao Jun’s jaw literally dropped.
Even the officials blinked.
Zhao Cheng stood there calmly, as though he had merely stated the weather.
The lead official recovered first.
“…Possessive words for a disloyal spouse.”
Zhao Cheng’s gaze turned cold again instantly.
“You misunderstand.”
A pause.
“When I say he is mine…”
His eyes shifted briefly toward Lin Shu.
“…I mean no one else gets to decide what happens to him.”
The meaning landed heavily.
Not affection.
Not forgiveness.
Authority.
Protection.
Choice.
Lin Shu suddenly felt something tighten painfully in his chest.
Because Zhao Cheng wasn’t denying the past.
Wasn’t pretending trust existed.
But he was still standing in front of him anyway.
The officials clearly realized pressing harder now might turn ugly.
The leader finally exhaled.
“…Very well.”
He stepped back.
“But this matter is not over.”
His eyes lingered on Lin Shu.
“The county office will summon testimony eventually.”
Then his expression sharpened slightly.
“And if we discover obstruction…”
He looked at Zhao Cheng.
“…your household will fall together.”
With that, the officials turned and left.
The sound of their footsteps faded slowly down the road.
Only after they disappeared completely did the tension break.
Zhao Mei sat down hard against a chair.
Zhao Jun swore under his breath.
Even little Zhao An looked frightened.
Lin Shu stood frozen.
Because one sentence kept replaying in his head.
Because he is mine.
Not warm.
Not romantic.
Yet somehow more dangerous than either.
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