What kind of person is Zhang Chen, how could he waste time with these underlings?
A single drop of the Blood God Child is enough to resolve all issues.
"Hold on! Don’t move!" The leading guard, after being possessed by the Blood God Child, quickly said.
The other two guards were stunned, halting their actions. One of them asked in surprise, "Leader Lai, you...?"
The leading guard, known as Leader Lai, solemnly said, "I see this young gentleman has an extraordinary demeanor; we must not act rashly. Let me report back to the chief steward, then we shall ask the grand lady for her decision."
After saying this, Leader Lai turned to Zhang Chen and said, "Young lord, please wait here for a moment. I shall return shortly."
Zhang Chen, having secretly controlled the Blood God Child, already knew this person’s identity; he was called Lai San, the grandson of the chief steward Lai Changrong in the residence.
Steward Lai rushed into the gatehouse, muttered something to the gatehouse steward, who then stepped out, glanced at Zhang Chen from a distance, and finally approached, saying, "Young sir, did you mention you are a relative of the Shen Family?"
"Indeed, I am!" Zhang Chen replied.
"May I ask where you hail from?" the steward inquired, feeling slightly rude, he hurriedly explained, "I need to report to the master later, to give an explanation if he asks."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Chen nodded, "My father is named Zhang Kecheng! I am betrothed to your Shen family’s eldest daughter; just convey this message when you go in."
As Zhang Chen spoke, another drop of Blood God Child flew out, landing into the steward’s body, taking control of him.
The steward, seeing Zhang Chen’s confident demeanor, dared not be neglectful, quickly bowing, "Ah, it’s the young master! I am Lai Changrong, please bear with us a moment here, while I go report to Mistress Steward."
Having said this, Lai Changrong swiftly walked through the small gate, making his way to the inner courtyard, where after some announcements, he met with Mistress Steward, Wang Xifeng.
This woman was elegantly dressed, enchanting, like a Divine Lady of the celestial palace. Her hair was adorned in a coral-seven-treasures exquisite bun, with a gold phoenix-hairpin inlaid with pearls; around her neck was a shimmering pearl necklace; she wore a pale pink narrow-sleeved brocade with embroidered golden birds, paired with a moon-white silk cloak with crane patterns; below was a lake-green satin skirt with golden floral patterns. Her almond-shaped eyes were full of emotions, her eyebrows arched like new moons, her slender figure graceful. Her jade-like face beaming with charm, and before her lips moved, her fragrance was already in the air.
At this moment, she was accounting in the room, surrounded by maids, three on each side, with only the sound of abacus beads clattering, her slender jade fingers flicking the beads, creating illusions.
"Lady Zhen, there is a young gentleman outside, claiming to be an old family friend, here to visit," Lai Changrong reported respectfully after kneeling down upon entering.
The abacus’s clattering did not cease; the woman spoke without lifting her head, "Yet another old relative seeking alms?"
"He claims his father is named Zhang Kecheng, a grandson of our ancestor," replied Lai Changrong.
The sudden halt of the abacus’s sharp clattering was like a sudden stop of rain; Wang Xifeng abruptly lifted her head, "Zhang Kecheng’s son?"
"Does Mistress Steward know him?" Lai Changrong asked in surprise.
Wang Xifeng replied, "He is the husband of our eldest daughter."
Upon hearing this, Lai Changrong was taken aback. Anyone who mentioned the eldest daughter in the residence was aware of her. Back when the eldest daughter hadn’t married, the daughters-in-law, stewards, and senior nannies were often disciplined by her.
Thus, there’s only one person in the house referred to by everyone as ’that eldest daughter’!
"I will inform the old lady, you quickly invite them in," Wang Xifeng instructed.
"Should I verify a bit?" Lai Changrong hesitated.
"Who dares falsify in this matter!" Wang Xifeng dismissed the thought, "Moreover, the Bloodline Power cannot be faked; if he truly bears the eldest daughter’s blood, there would be similarities in appearance. Besides, identity verification is not difficult; the eldest daughter left a hidden secret in the house back then, only her son can reveal it. Since he’s here, the secret should unravel. Whether it’s true or not will soon be known."
Hearing this, Lai Changrong dared not delay, immediately turning away to leave.
Watching Lai Changrong’s departing figure, Wang Xifeng secured the abacus beads, a cryptic look in her eyes, "This could be interesting, the creditor has come, let’s see how those masters handle it."
Wang Xifeng rose, making her way through countless corridors, to a large courtyard, a distant sound of women’s laughter reaching her ears, she quickly approached the door, instructed the errands boy, then stepped into the room.
Meanwhile, Zhang Chen and his family stood waiting outside, reflecting on the demeanor of the noble young master of the Shen family on the boat and the attitude of the recently departed Zhang Gaoqiu, showing a thoughtful expression.
It wasn’t long before a side door suddenly opened, chief steward Lai Changrong leading a dozen errand boys, quickly emerging from within, "Thank you for waiting, young master, I am Lai Changrong, here by order to escort you."
Zhang Chen glanced at Lai Changrong, then at the side doors that were open, nodded, and said, "Let’s go!"
He remembered that when he read ’Dream of the Red Chamber’ in his past life, Daiyu entered Duke Rong’s Mansion through the corner doors. To be honest, some thought Daiyu used the corner doors because the Jia Mansion didn’t value her, but that’s ignorant talk. The true main gate is seldom opened, except for receiving an imperial edict or royal relatives.
"Young Master, carriages can’t pass through the main gate and must enter from the rear," Lai Changrong said while looking at the carriage.
The threshold of the main gate reaches knee height, how could a carriage pass through?
Zhang Chen said to the carriage drivers, "Please wait a while longer, one more hour and you’ll get an extra hundred coins."
Then he spoke to those inside the carriage, "Little brothers and sisters, hurry and get off the carriage."
He watched as his younger brothers, sisters, and Chengyu quickly got off. Mrs. Zhang’s eyes fell on the majestic mansion’s entrance, showing a hint of self-doubt, her stature lowered slightly.
Zhang Chen didn’t bother to persuade or comfort them, knowing it would be futile.
The family stepped into the mansion, with the chief steward Lai Changrong leading the way, "Young Master, the old lady instructed us to settle you first, verify your identity initially, and then arrange the meeting."
Zhang Chen nodded, his expression calm and unemotional, "Thank you, Steward Lai."
Guided by Steward Lai, the family entered the grand ceremonial door, with elegant corridors on both sides, exuding grandeur. At the center was a spacious passage, featuring a large chicken-wing wood screen inlaid with mother-of-pearl, intricately carved with flowers, birds, fish, and insects. Behind the screen was an expansive five-room portico hall, with a squared-off inner courtyard beyond. The front presented seven main rooms, richly carved and embroidered, showcasing magnificence. Flanking corridors connected to side rooms, and under the eaves hung colorful parrots, canaries, and other exotic birds, producing melodious, pleasing sounds.
After traversing through layered gardens, they arrived at a secluded courtyard. Lai Changrong remarked, "This courtyard is called Lixiang Garden, the courtyard where the older miss stayed before marrying."
At these words, Zhang Tuowei’s eyes welled up with tears, "This was my mother’s courtyard before she married? My mother lived here before she married?"
Lai Changrong responded, "Yes indeed, Young Lady."
The family entered Lixiang Garden, noticing it followed a quadrangle layout, with more than a dozen rooms and a courtyard, appearing rather modest.
At this time, maids and old women brought bedding, and the family settled into Lixiang Garden while Zhang Chen pondered on the Shen Family’s intentions.
"Arranging us in Lixiang Garden suggests they acknowledge our identity, yet oddly not meeting us immediately. There’s much to consider in this," Zhang Chen mused in the courtyard, looking at a banana tree, his eyes shining with insight, "Could it be because of our criminal status?"
Zhang Chen didn’t have to wait long before an imposing, handsome man entered the courtyard, observing Zhang Chen with surprise, then quickly said, "You certainly resemble that rascal Zhang Kecheng; your features are fifty percent similar. Your brow and eyes have thirty percent resemblance to my sister."
"And you are?" Zhang Chen inquired.
"You can call me Second Uncle. Your mother and I were born of the same mother; she always looked after me. Little did I expect, such separation would be eternal!" The middle-aged man’s eyes glistened with tears.
Zhang Chen swiftly offered a salute, "Greetings, Second Uncle!"
He then called towards the house, "Little brothers, little sisters, come and greet Second Uncle quickly."
Zhang Tuowei eagerly ran out, while Zhang Fei showed a timid expression, hesitating in his steps.
"I’ve only heard of my sister having two children, who’s this?" Shen Xu looked at Zhang Fei.
"He’s the Second Lady’s child. We’re like biological brothers, growing up together through thick and thin." Zhang Chen held Zhang Fei with affection, "He is indeed my real brother!"
Then he addressed Mrs. Zhang who stepped out, "This is my Second Lady, also Zhang Fei’s mother. Our survival from the Northern Land was thanks to Second Lady’s support. When my father was killed by Prince Pingbian’s men, our family almost starved, relying solely on Second Lady, we endured until our bloodline awakened."
Upon hearing this, Shen Xu formally saluted, "Shen Xu greets Madam."
Mrs. Zhang awkwardly returned the salute, "Greetings, Second Master."
"Madam, now that you’re here, treat this as your own home. Whatever you need, just let me know in the future." Jia Xu assured with a pat on his chest, "I’ll ensure Madam enjoys endless prosperity."
After exchanging pleasantries, everyone took their seats, Shen Xu cradling Zhang Tuowei affectionately. Zhang Chen remarked, "Second Uncle, are you going to check our bloodline?"
On hearing this, Shen Xu surveyed Zhang Chen and Zhang Tuowei, "This world is filled with myriad mysterious arts; a slight carelessness can lead to danger. We must ensure none of you are possessed, thus conforming to the rules."