My Lady, To Defeat Scumbags You Must Start Early

“How is Ji Baijian?” Song Shan asked abruptly.

Song Zhizhi approached him with a beaming smile, “Dad, he’s much better now. Don’t be angry.”

“How is he now?” It seemed that Song Shan was eager to know.

Song Zhizhi replied, “Much better, he can now go home and recuperate.”

“Why did he suddenly get sick?”

“Heart disease is unpredictable.” Song Zhizhi didn’t want to explain further.

She always felt that she didn’t want to deceive her father.

She even thought that it would be better if her father didn’t know about many things.

The more he knew, the more dangerous it might be.

The current condition of Ji Baijian wasn’t very good.

Seeing his daughter unwilling to say more, and knowing that asking too many questions might arouse her suspicions. Song Shan changed the topic, “You’ve returned from Jinghe Village. Has something happened?”

“Yes.” Song Zhizhi didn’t want to hide this, as her father’s safety was involved. She needed to alert her father. She spoke seriously, “I have reason to suspect that Qian Guanshu, Ye Wenhan and the eldest son of the official family, Jun Minghan, are colluding.”

Song Shan’s face changed slightly, “What did you discover?”

“I came back from Jinghe Village because I was followed. Between what I’ve heard from Jun Mingyu and conjectures based on various coincidences, I can conclude that Qian Guanshu and Jun Minghan have been in contact for a long time.”

“Based on your conjecture?” Song Shan frowned.

“Although there’s no concrete proof, there’s an 80% possibility.” Song Zhizhi was very certain.

Song Shan’s face wore a strange look.

Song Zhizhi looked at her father.

Up until now, Song Shan very much believed in his daughter. The present Song Zhizhi indeed exceeded his expectations with her intelligence.

But…

If it’s really like this!

Hia face darkened.

Seeing the expression on her father’s face, Song Zhizhi said, “Dad, don’t worry too much. Even if Qian Guanshu and the eldest son of the official family are in contact, it doesn’t mean they can do anything to our family. Sooner or later, Qian Guanshu and Ye Wenhan will be ousted.”

Song Shan did not respond.

At this point, Song Zhizhi could not reveal too much to her father. After all, in the current situation, Qian Guanshu and Ye Wenhan were basically firmly in their positions.

She wanted to comfort her father a few more words.

Song Shan suddenly stood up, “I am going to rest in my room for a while. We will leave together this afternoon and go to the banquet tonight.”

“Oh, okay.” Song Zhizhi nodded.

Song Shan left the hall.

As Song Zhizhi watched her father’s retreating figure, she turned her head to look at Wei Ziming and Song Zhidao.

Song Zhidao seemed to want to say something but held back, then he turned and left.

Wei Ziming said to Song Zhizhi, “Zhizhi, come with me.”

Song Zhizhi nodded.

She had a feeling that something had happened in her house and it was being kept from her.

She followed Wei Ziming to his room.

Wei Ziming closed the door to his room and asked, “Have you been by Ji Baijian’s side this week?”

“Yes.” Song Zhizhi nodded.

“How is Ji Baijian?”

“He actually…” Song Zhizhi hesitated, pondering whether to tell Wei Ziming.

Wei Ziming spoke directly, “He’s not really sick, is he?”

Song Zhizhi looked at him.

“Didn’t you want me to tell him that you’re okay and you can return safely? The first thing I did when I arrived in Jin City was to find him, and he didn’t pretend to be sick in front of me.”

Song Zhizhi was startled.

She did not expect Ji Baijian to trust Wei Ziming enough not to guard against him.

Did Ji Baijian trust Wei Ziming?

“I went to see him and told him. Then…” Wei Ziming continued, “I don’t know what Ji Baijian told you, but I feel I should give you a slight warning.”

“Hmm?”

“Uncle Song…” Wei Ziming seemed to be holding something back.

Song Zhizhi frowned at him.

“Uncle Song might not be as indifferent to power as you think he is.”

Song Zhizhi pressed her lips together.

Wei Ziming said, “I used to work under Uncle Song, because I was raised by him and your mother, I owed them so much that I had a duty to repay them, so I knew some things that were not widely known about Uncle Song. I don’t mean to say he will harm you, I just feel that Uncle Song might be longing for power.”

“I see.” Song Zhizhi nodded, “Everyone has desires. My father has been in the Commercial Management for so many years. It’s not surprising that he wants the top position! But desires are one thing, my father can distinguish what is the most important. I believe in the end, he will make a choice to give up or keep pushing.”

Wei Ziming fell silent for a moment.

He was only speculating.

He didn’t know how to put it better to Song Zhizhi.

From Song Zhizhi’s reaction, he could deduce that Ji Baijian hadn’t told her about her father’s matters.

He nodded, “Maybe I’m overthinking.”

“Brother Ziming, I know you care about me, but I hope you don’t have any preconceived notions about my father. His safety will still need to be taken care of by you. The thing I least want to see in this life is my family falling apart.” Song Zhizhi said solemnly.

“I will definitely protect your family!” Wei Ziming promised.

“You are also my family.” Song Zhizhi added.

Wei Ziming’s stiff face softened a bit in that moment.

He nodded.

But he quietly added a sentence in that moment.

I hope he’s strong enough.

He… was referring to Ji Baijian.

Meanwhile.

Song Shan’s study.

Song Shan, avoiding Song Zhizhi, summoned Song Zhidao to his room.

In the room, Song Shan was on the phone with Song Wen, “Jun Minghan is colluding with Qian Guanshu!”

Song Wen on the other end was taken aback, “That seems unlikely!”

“There’s no such thing as unlikely!” Song Shan said fiercely, “Have we been fooled by Jun Minghan all these years!”

“Who told you that?” Song Wen asked, puzzled.

“Song Zhizhi.”

“Is there evidence?”

“I believe my daughter!” Song Shan emphasized, his tone strongly affirming.

The other side of the line was silent for a long moment.

“Now, what do you suggest we do? All these years we’ve been following Jun Minghan’s arrangements, and he’s been outsmarting us!”

Song Wen said, “Song Shan, don’t be impatient, things may not be as extreme as you think. I’ll find out more about the situation first.”

“Find out more about what?”

“And what can we do about it? Now we’re all in the same boat, so what can we do?! We’ve done so many things for Jun Minghan behind the scenes. He can kill us off with ease if he wants to. Can we counterattack now? What’s most important for us now is how to protect ourselves wisely! Moreover, even if you say Jun Minghan and Qian Guanshu are in contact, does it definitely mean Jun Minghan stands with Qian Guanshu and not with us? In everything, one should try to take the long view. Maybe, Jun Minghan is just using Qian Guanshu!”

“I don’t share your optimistic perspective.” Song Shan retorted fiercely.

“I believe we can bring more benefits to Jun Minghan!”

“So what are we supposed to do now?”

“Keep calm and watch the changes.” Song Wen said.

“I’m not as laid back as you.”

“Song Shan, someone meant to accomplish great things should not act rashly, do not lose control just because of some rustling in the grass, that would be a great loss indeed.” Song Wen reminded.

Song Shan held back his words.

Song Wen further consoled him, then hung up the phone.

Song Zhijun looked at his father, “Did Uncle Song discover that Jun Minghan and Qian Guanshu are in contact?”

“Song Zhizhi is indeed extraordinary!” Song Wen coldly remarked.

“So what do we do now? Would Uncle Song still obey our arrangements, obey Jun Minghan’s arrangements, if he knew about Jun Minghan’s collusion with Qian Guanshu? We control Uncle Song only because we want to help Jun Minghan control the commercial management institutions. Jun Minghan has reservations about merely partnering with Qian Guanshu and needs someone in the commercial management to be tied to Qian Guanshu before he can feel at ease. But now, if Uncle Song becomes disloyal, we cannot justify this to Jun Minghan.”

“It wouldn’t be difficult to prevent Song Shan from becoming disloyal. Song Shan simply desires the position of the helmsman of commercial management.”

“But the key now is that Jun Minghan does not want Uncle Song to take up the job, and it’s uncertain whether he will let Uncle Song hold this position later. If Qian Guanshu is loyal enough, why should Jun Minghan take unnecessary actions? He merely uses us to woo Uncle Song, as he fears Qian Guanshu may suddenly turn traitor, and secretly keeps Qian Guanshu in check.”

“Of course, I know this.” Song Wen sneered, “There are still many ways to make Song Shan believe that Jun Minghan is on his side. Song Shan’s lust for power is too intense. For all these years, he has always wanted the position of the helmsman of commercial management, an ambition that started with his father. He won’t easily give up. As long as you sweeten thepot for Song Shan, it will work.”

“Dad, do you have a good plan?”

“Just wait and enjoy the drama.”

Song Wen and Song Zhijun shared a sinister smile.

Yet Song Shan was unaware of Song Wen’s ulterior motives.

He slammed down the phone.

Song Zhidao just watched his father.

Song Shan fiercely said, “If I discover that I have been used all these years, I will not let it go easily!”

“Dad, I think you should have already given up on the cooperation with Uncle Song! Uncle Song has always been mingling with the official family, no one knows whether he has been completely bought by the official family!”

“That’s impossible. I still understand Song Wen. He hopes that I can make some achievements and lift the status of our Song Family in Yanshang Country. He cannot betray me.”

Song Zhidao wanted to say more.

Song Shan immediately cut him off, “That’s enough.”

Song Zhidao fell silent.

Song Shan warned, “Don’t tell your sister about these matters, I don’t want her to know so much for now.”

“Dad, why are you so defensive against Sister?”

“Because she’s now married to Ji Baijian.”

“Even before she got married, you didn’t tell her your real purpose.”

“At that time, I didn’t know that your sister was so capable! And I didn’t want women to be involved in our men’s great cause!” Song Shan was somewhat angry. He was upset at his son’s evident favoritism towards Song Zhizhi. “Song Zhidao, you should know that you carry the future of our Song Family! You cannot be so weak.”

“I really suspect that my sister is not a legitimate child!”

“Song Zhidao!”

“Otherwise, no one would use and guard against their daughter like this!”

Song Shan flared up.

Song Zhidao stormed out the door.

He couldn’t understand those in power, couldn’t comprehend their cold-blooded ruthlessness!

Banquet.

Song Zhizhi was attending the banquet with her father and younger brother in the banquet hall.

Ever since Ye Wenhan was appointed as the heir to the commercial management, he often appeared in public places, unlike the mysterious style of the Ye Family.

Song Shan led his children directly to Ye Wenhan.

Wenhan, dressed in a black tailcoat, looked more confident than before. He always wore a light smile and looked courteous and polite.

Perhaps he had deliberately learnt some etiquette. The current Ye Wenhan was elegant and proper in his every move.

Qian Guanshu was standing behind Ye Wenhan, showing great respect for him under the gaze of the public.

Song Shan approached, expressing sincere enthusiasm. “Mr. Ye.”

“Chief Song.” Ye Wenhan gave a slight nod, his gaze naturally landing on Song Zhizhi. He smiled and said, “Had I not seen the news today, I wouldn’t have known that Manager Song returned a week ago.”

His tone remained mild as ever, but the sarcasm was evident.

After all, she worked in commercial management. She should have reported there after returning from Jinghe Village.

Song Zhizhi smiled in response, “My negligence indeed, not being able to report to the commercial management at once. Indeed, it was due to my husband Ji’s critical illness, and I couldn’t leave. His condition has just slightly improved today. I hope you can understand, Mr. Ye.”

Husband.

Ye Wenhan’s face turned cold for a moment, only to pull out a smile the next second. “Manager Song, you are overreacting. I naturally understand if there’s an issue at home.”

“Thank you, Mr. Ye.”

“However, is Ji Baijian in such poor health?” Ye Wenhan asked.

His words were filled with sarcasm, quite clear.

“I’ve had a severe car accident before, so there are lingering aftereffects.”

“I heard that the sequelae is not…” Ye Wenhan deliberately didn’t finish his sentence.

Song Zhizhi, of course, knew what he was implying.

Everyone knew that Ji Baijian was left impotent due to the car accident years ago.

She said, “Thank you for your concern, Mr. Ye. My husband only had his heart injured, all other parts are well.”

Ye Wenhan chuckled coldly.

Song Zhizhi didn’t want to waste words with Ye Wenhan either.

Ye Wenhan just wanted to take every opportunity to insult her.

She knew this man all too well.

And she also knew very well that just her unscathed appearance in front of him had already infuriated Ye Wenhan and Qian Guanshu. She didn’t need to waste time on irrelevant matters anymore.

There was some tension in the room.

Suddenly, an unusual ripple passed through the banquet hall.

Song Zhizhi followed the gaze of everyone in the hall and looked towards the entrance.

At that moment, Ye Wenhan became more serious, adjusting his attire, and walked towards the entrance of the banquet with Qian Guanshu.

Song Zhizhi pursed her lips.

She guessed that Jun Mingyu would appear, but she did not expect Jun Minghan to appear alongside him.

Weren’t Jun Minghan and Jun Mingyu always at odds?

Their sudden appearance together was indeed out of place.

She turned her head to look at her father.

Song Zhizhi frowned.

She felt that her father was acting strangely today, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what was off.

Meanwhile.

Ye Wenhan took the initiative to exchange pleasantries with the two young masters of the Jun family.

The group headed straight towards the heart of the banquet. Everyone’s gaze fell on Song Zhizhi and her family.

Song Shan was also a bit surprised and quickly greeted, “Mr. Jun.”

Jun Minghan looked at Song Shan, “Your daughter has made a great contribution to the project in Jinghe Village. Not only has she ensured the project’s successful completion, but she has also facilitated the first cooperation between the official family and the Commercial Management, marking a historic chapter. My father specifically asked me to thank you.”

“Mr. Jun, you flatter us too much. My daughter was merely fulfilling her responsibilities. It’s an honor to have your recognition.” Song Shan was incredibly humble, “Moreover, the decision to work together with the official family came from the Commercial Management. If this is indeed a historic chapter, the credit should go to Mr. Ye.”

As a seasoned player, he knew what credits could be claimed and what couldn’t.

Jun Minghan nodded, “Indeed, it is only through seeing the bigger picture under the new leadership that we could achieve win-win cooperation. Thank you, Mr. Ye.”

“Mr. Jun, you are too kind,” Ye Wenhan quickly responded. “We from the Commercial Management are obliged to work with the official family for the benefit of the country and its people.”

That way, they resumed their mutual adulation.

Suddenly, Jun Minghan said, “Please, would Miss Song Zhizhi be you?”

Song Zhizhi stood behind her father.

Although she was somewhat the protagonist of this banquet, her status was not considerable enough to warrant such recognition from a big figure.

She smiled, “Hello, Mr. Jun.”

“I’ve heard quite a bit about you from my brother. He says you are wise and brave, a heroine among women. It is true that seeing is believing. I am Jun Minghan. Nice to meet you.” With that, he proactively extended his hand.

Song Zhizhi quickly reached out, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Jun.”

They shook hands.

Song Zhizhi didn’t know what agenda Jun Minghan had. She glanced at Jun Mingyu.

Jun Mingyu had been wearing a faint smile all along. Under Jun Minghan’s light, he seemed insignificant.

Song Zhizhi withdrew her gaze.

“By the way,” said Jun Minghan, “this is my sister, Jun Mingxi.”

It was only then that everyone noticed the sweet-looking girl standing next to Jun Minghan. She seemed a bit reserved, perhaps due to being in an unfamiliar environment, but her noble birth gave her an imposing aura.

Everyone was looking at Jun Mingxi, the fifth daughter of the official family.

She was rumored to be the most favored princess of the official family. Now, she was standing in front of them all.