Chapter 243: Wearing a Smiling Mask, Yet Feeling Bitter Inside

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

In recent days, Zhang Sheng had been residing at the Gu residence, and valuable items from his home were being sent to the Jade Serenity Residence.

Zhang Sheng readily accepted whatever came his way, and in addition to that, he also presented various requests to the Gu family.

Gu Zhicheng didn’t hesitate to agree to all of them.

The Gu family, which was not wealthy to begin with, was now facing even more difficulties.

Gu Zhicheng didn’t handle the household affairs, thinking that the remaining silver would last for a while. However, Wang Shi knew very well that the family was truly struggling financially. As a result, she went back to her maiden family and borrowed money from her elder brother.

The money borrowed mostly ended up in Zhang Sheng’s hands.

Hence, Wang Shi strongly disliked this elderly man.

Zhang Sheng raised an eyebrow and spoke seriously, “I understand your worries, but what’s Gu Qingluan’s role? You know it too. If we’re not absolutely sure, taking action recklessly will just end up hurting ourselves. You will be digging your own graves like what happened before. If you don’t trust me, 1’11 leave now!”

After saying this, he stood up in anger and headed for the exit.

Wang Shi couldn’t let him leave for real. Since the family valued him so much, if they found out she had driven him away, she would surely be reprimanded.

She quickly stopped him. “Master Zhang, please calm down. That’s not what 1 meant.”

Zhang Sheng snorted lightly, “Madam doesn’t need to say more. 1 understand. You simply don’t trust me, and I won’t be a bother to you by staying here.”

After saying that, he still tried to leave.

Wang Shi quickly caught up and said, “Master Zhang, you’ve got it wrong! What I meant before is that if there’s anything else you require to handle Gu Qingluan, please inform me. I’ll do my utmost to get it for you.”

Zhang Sheng’s white brows lifted slightly, revealing a faint smile. “I understand. Next time, please express yourself clearly, Madam. Misunderstandings can create complications that impact relationships. Also, I’ve noticed that we’re lacking a few medicinal ingredients. Could you assist me in locating them?”

A folded paper was handed to Wang Shi.

“Of course! 1 understand! 1 understand!” Wang Shi smiled on the surface, but she felt bitter inside.

If she had known, she wouldn’t have come here to vent.

After a few days of interaction, Wang Shi had gained a deep understanding—Master Zhang was like a money-devouring beast.

Every time he presented a list, it felt like he was scraping a layer of skin off her.

She didn’t even need to open the list to know that the listed ingredients were extremely expensive.

Reluctantly, she took the paper and opened it. Even though she was prepared, she still couldn’t catch her breath and nearly fainted when she saw the prices.

Each of these medicinal ingredients could command an exorbitant price at an auction. Even if one had the funds, finding them might be a challenge. Given the current financial situation of the Gu family, they were lacking in resources altogether!

“Hurry and send someone to find these ingredients. The sooner you find them all, the sooner I can treat the head of the Gu family. When the time comes, you can seek revenge as you wish. It’ll be easy.” Zhang Sheng stroked his beard and spoke leisurely.

This statement finally lifted Wang Shi’s spirits a bit.

Zhang Sheng slowly pulled out a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve.

Wang Shi nervously kept her eyes on him.

“No need to fret, Madam. You desired vengeance against Gu Qingluan, correct? Here’s a secret potion I’ve concocted. Anyone below the Saint Realm, once they breathe in a small amount, will be unconscious for an hour. Then, I can use a unique whistle to draw them near. I’ve heard Gu Qingluan has a son. If you have her son in your grasp, do you believe she won’t yield?” Zhang Sheng’s strategy carried a significant implication.

Upon hearing about his plan, Wang Shi’s eyes initially lit up, and then she thought about what happened the last time they captured a child. It was a nightmare!

Zhang Sheng continued with a significant tone, “If Madam is afraid that Gu Qingluan might come knocking, you can always pass the buck.”

Pass the buck?

Wang Shi pondered over these three words and suddenly her eyes brightened.

They weren’t the only ones with a grudge against Gu Qingluan.

The Fifth Prince, who came to propose to Gu Qingluan and was publicly humiliated by her, must harbor a strong grudge against her, don’t he?

Coincidentally, the Fifth Prince had also thrown dirt on her daughter. If there was any danger, it was only fair for the Fifth Prince to experience it!

Wang Shi had someone send the medicine to the Fifth Prince’s advisor.

As soon as the advisor learned about the effects of the secret medicine, he hurried to the Fifth Prince’s residence and presented it to him.

Qi Tianyu was burning with rage, and upon learning about the medicine’s use, he was ecstatic. “Gu Qingluan, I’ll make sure you kneel and beg for mercy! Cry and plead!”

The Jun Residence was like an impregnable fortress; outsiders couldn’t enter.

Qi Tianyu’s men concealed the secret medicine in a box, presenting it as a gift to the Jun Residence. They claimed it was a gift from the Lushi Auction House to Gu Xiaonan.

Lushi Auction House had a good relationship with Gu Qingluan, and the Jun Residence staff knew that.

So, the gift quickly made its way in front of Gu Xiaonan.

The gift was beautifully packaged.

Qianxi smiled and said, “The Lushi Auction House is generous. I wonder what gift they’ve brought this time. Young Master Xiaonan, please open it and have a look..”