Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 2017: Not Lucky

Lord Shao, renowned for his expertise in the five sutras, deliberately maintained a low profile, never alluding to his connection with Shao Yunduan. Few were aware that he was Shao Yunduan’s cousin.

He made no mention of his hometown, Shaoding Village in Yuzhang Heshan County, opting instead to reference Yuzhang alone. It appeared he wished to sever all ties with Shao Yunduan.

Furthermore, it seemed he was cultivating closer ties with the Fourth Prince’s circle…

Had it not been for the letter from Liu Changming and Song Guangyao, Shao Yunduan might have dismissed it all as a jest.

While Shao Yunduan had cautioned Zhao Shu against prying too deeply in the capital, it didn’t mean he was indifferent to its affairs.

Zhao Shu, despite his wealth, was not adept at scheming. His conspicuous activity in the capital could draw unwanted attention and trouble.

Before departing, Shao Yunduan had instructed Liu Changming and others to keep a watchful eye on certain individuals, urging vigilance and caution. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a distance from potentially risky alliances.

The news of Shao Liulang’s intermediate status left Shao Yunduan incredulous.

“It’s hard to believe,” he remarked, not out of disdain for Shao Liulang, but out of a keen understanding of his cousin’s capabilities.

Shao Liulang had barely scraped through as the last among the recommended candidates. If he were to attempt the exam again, it was doubtful he’d even secure an intermediate status, let alone achieve the rank of Advanced Scholar. Shao Yunduan knew this all too well.

It seemed implausible that Shao Liulang had attained such a prestigious title based solely on his abilities.

When Liu Changming and the others mentioned Shao Liulang’s proximity to the Fourth Prince, Shao Yunduan’s suspicions were confirmed. So, that was the crux of the matter.

It was likely that the Fourth Prince had orchestrated Shao Liulang’s elevation to Advanced Scholar, not out of genuine recognition of his talents, but as a calculated move to exert control over him.

Shao Yunduan couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. It appeared his cousin had unwittingly become a pawn in a much larger game.

The uncertainty of the future necessitated preparedness. To the Fourth Prince, Shao Liulang was merely an Advanced Scholar—a pawn easily manipulated. His placement in the capital could serve the prince’s agenda in unforeseen ways.

Shao Yunduan couldn’t shake off his disgust. He hastily instructed Liu Changming and the others to closely monitor Shao Liulang. If he acted recklessly, they were authorized to intervene and teach him a lesson to curb his audacity.

Despite his reservations, Shao Yunduan couldn’t remove Shao Liulang from his position in the intermediate school or at Hanlin Academy.

It came as no surprise to Shao Yunduan that Shao Liulang hadn’t mentioned him. He likely feared being implicated in any misdeeds.

Qiao Xuan shared Shao Yunduan’s astonishment. She hadn’t anticipated her husband’s misjudgment.

“When word of this reaches Third Uncle and Third Aunt-in-law, they’ll be insufferably smug,” remarked Shao Yunduan with a sneer. “Indeed,” he continued sarcastically, “look at their accomplished son, flourishing in the capital! He’s surpassed me by leaps and bounds!”

Qiao Xuan chuckled in agreement. “Let them revel in their pride for now. It’ll be satisfying to see them fall from their pedestal in a few years.”

Shao Yunduan’s expression hardened. “Indeed, that’s unlikely.”

Qiao Xuan’s smile widened. “Then let’s watch and wait. Instruct Liu Changming and the others to keep a close watch on him and prevent any missteps.”

Shao Yunduan nodded. “Agreed. Let’s observe from a distance.”

It was likely that the Fourth Prince had taken Shao Liulang under his wing in the capital. As long as he remained there, the prince could assign him a minor role and keep him under his thumb. If needed, he could be utilized in the future. And if not, the prince wouldn’t incur any losses.