Shen Yunhuai’s face darkened instantly.
So what Wen Jiushu said was true?
Madam Meng had really given him younger brothers and sisters?!
Were they illegitimate children with Steward Lin?
Why had he never heard of this?
But that made sense too—if everyone knew, it wouldn’t be called an affair anymore.
Had she hidden those bastards outside the household?
Shen Yunhuai’s mind churned like a storm, but outwardly he remained composed. “Sister-in-law, can you tell what’s wrong with Father’s coffin?”
“Marquis, I have failed you…” Madam Meng wiped her tears as she cried.
Unexpectedly, Wen Jiushu suddenly turned her gaze toward her, staring straight at her.
Shen Yunhuai also noticed.
Could it be… that killing Madam Meng was necessary to appease Father’s spirit?
A flash of killing intent crossed his eyes.
Madam Meng felt a chill under Wen Jiushu’s stare. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“To resolve Father-in-law’s resentment, it will depend on Mother-in-law,” Wen Jiushu said.
Madam Meng’s expression turned sharp.
So this little wretch was trying to use this chance to harm her?
Shen Yunhuai smiled slightly. “Sister-in-law, just say it directly.”
In this remote wilderness, burying a corpse would not be difficult.
Worst case, they could say the stepmother had slipped off a cliff and died.
As for her bastard child—once he found out, he would send them down together.
“They will need to kneel and kowtow forty-nine times to resolve it,” Wen Jiushu said calmly.
Madam Meng shot up immediately. “What did you say?! You want me to kneel and kowtow?!”
“If Mother-in-law refuses, then were you just putting on a performance earlier, crying and making a scene? Empty theatrics won’t earn Father-in-law’s forgiveness.”
Wen Jiushu let out a faint sigh.
【Actually I could just draw a spirit-cleansing talisman, but since Madam Meng is already here, she should at least contribute something. Otherwise it would be a waste of her acting skills.】
Madam Meng was furious enough to feel her lungs explode.
Shen Yunhuai found himself unable to disagree. “Sister-in-law, you don’t understand Mother. She is the most virtuous and righteous woman. Her loyalty is absolute toward my brother and me. She has kept vigil in the ancestral hall for Father every few days. It’s only a few kowtows—how could she possibly refuse?”
【So fake.】
She couldn’t help thinking the younger brother-in-law was being sarcastic.
【Such a tea-licking little brother-in-law. Well said.】
Madam Meng clenched her teeth, her expression changing repeatedly. “Yun’er, I…”
She was pregnant. How could she kneel and kowtow forty-nine times?
She might injure the child!
Seeing her hesitation, Steward Lin immediately stepped forward. “Third Master, Madam is older now. Forty-nine kowtows is too much. Her body may not withstand it.”
What if it harmed the child in her womb?
Shen Yunhuai’s expression turned cold. “When the master speaks, when did a servant like you get a say? Steward Lin, don’t forget your place—you are merely a servant of the Shen family.”
Steward Lin’s face stiffened, turning pale and flushed in turn.
Hatred surged in his heart like an exploding firework, nearly breaking his composure.
“Yun’er, Steward Lin has worked diligently for the manor. How can you speak to him like that? You’ll chill the hearts of the servants!” Madam Meng said quickly.
Shen Yunhuai let out a cold laugh. “Mother cares so much for Steward Lin, but not for Father? It’s only a few kowtows, yet you refuse so quickly. All those words about treating us like your own sons—were they all lies?”
Madam Meng: “…”
These were her usual tricks—how had they turned against her now?
【So male green tea really acts like this? Learned something new.】
Tea?
What tea?
Did Sister-in-law want green tea to drink?
He should have someone brew it later.
But… her thoughts sounded oddly pleased.
“Are you going to kowtow or not?” Wen Jiushu said calmly. “If we delay any longer, it’ll be lunchtime.”
She was hungry.
She hadn’t even eaten breakfast before being dragged out by Shen Yunhuai.
Madam Meng gritted her teeth. “I’ll kneel! For the sake of the Old Marquis, I am willing to do anything—even give my life—so long as my husband can rest in peace.”
【What sincere devotion. Pity you’re sincerely devoted to every husband you’ve ever had.】
Shen Yunhuai: “???”
Every husband?
Just how many adulterers did this stepmother have?
Shen Yunhuai coldly glanced at Steward Lin.
So he wasn’t the only one.