Chapter 1394 - 409: Second Uncle’s Tiger-Head Cap
Liu Rushuang and Su Yurou exchanged smiles, outwardly cordial, but with a hidden sharpness in their eyes.
A hint of calculation flashed in Liu Rushuang’s eyes, while Su Yurou frowned slightly, almost imperceptibly.
At this moment, Second Uncle’s voice echoed in Zhou Qing’s mind: "Boy, don’t go too far. In my view, you shouldn’t rush to pledge allegiance to either family."
"Why?" Zhou Qing wondered quietly.
"I have underestimated the intensity of the internal strife in the Shen Family," Second Uncle said earnestly, "If you want to play it safe, you should establish yourself as a Tributor of the Shen Family, not as a private associate of any one house."
"Your current status is in the Divinity Transformation Realm, and you’ve cultivated for many years, so you should grasp social nuances appropriately."
"Otherwise, others might think you’re a piece on the board sent by another family to sow discord."
"Moreover, the First House has yet to show itself. If you recklessly pledge allegiance to one house, the other two will certainly attack openly and covertly to curb their opponent’s growth."
Second Uncle paused and added meaningfully, "A smart person knows how to make themselves a coveted prize, leaving everyone with a desire for them."
"That way, just the gifts from various sides trying to win you over would be enough for you to enjoy endlessly."
"Furthermore, solely attaching yourself to one house wouldn’t be conducive to moving about freely and conducting covert investigations. You should understand this reasoning."
Zhou Qing felt his heart tremble at these words.
Focused solely on avenging Shen Hanyi, he had overlooked this layer of stakes.
"Thank you for the advice, Second Uncle!" he sincerely expressed his gratitude.
Subsequently, Zhou Qing stepped forward, bowed solemnly to the two women, and spoke earnestly, "The great favor from the two madams overwhelms me."
"However, being new here, I’m unfamiliar with the Shen Family’s customs. Hastily pledging allegiance to one house seems rather abrupt."
"Why not first stay as a Tributor in the Shen Family, and after familiarizing myself with the matters in the residence, then make a definite decision, how about that?"
His words both provided them with a graceful way out and left enough room for himself.
He indicated his willingness to stay in the Shen Family but wasn’t eager to take sides, allowing both parties the opportunity to win him over.
Liu Rushuang and Su Yurou exchanged a glance, each with their calculations, but both showed understanding smiles on their faces.
After all, pressing too hard might scare away this Array Master who had walked right to their door.
It’s better to stabilize him first, then proceed gradually.
"What the master says is absolutely right." Liu Rushuang smiled slightly and spoke first, "In that case, let’s first treat the master with the respect due a Tributor, and after the master is familiar with the affairs of our residence, we can make further arrangements."
Su Yurou also lightly waved her round fan, smiling and saying, "Indeed, that’s the logic. Since the master is new here, it’s indeed not suitable to rush things. Our Shen Family has always valued and respected talent and will certainly not mistreat the master."
"Thank you!" Zhou Qing bowed solemnly.
"Master, please!" the two madams said in unison, with Liu Rushuang elegantly raising her hand to gesture, and Su Yurou lightly waving her round fan, her eyes smiling.
"Please, madams!" Zhou Qing humbly stepped aside, his every move showing complete etiquette.
Seeing this, Second Uncle’s eyes flashed with a spark of brilliance, and he casually pulled out a small tiger-head hat embroidered with gold patterns from his bosom and put it on his head.
Then he rubbed his hands together, looking excited as he followed along.
...
Not long after, the news that an Array Master, who had gathered thirty thousand Spirit Seals, came to pledge allegiance to the Shen Family, quickly spread throughout the estate.
In the main hall, the lights were bright, and the air was fragrant with spiritual incense.
In the hall with carved beams and painted rafters, dozens of glazed palace lanterns hung high, illuminating it in a magnificent glow.
On the jade table, Spirit Fruits and exquisite delicacies were displayed, with the scent of Spirit Wine wafting through the air. Maidservants and servants carried jade plates, weaving in and out, continuously offering delectable food.
Zhou Qing and Second Uncle sat comfortably on one side of the guest seats, composed and calm.
On the main seat opposite them, the core members of the three houses of the Shen Family had all arrived by this time...