Pausing, he asked, "What is your ultimate plan?"
A chilling coldness appeared in Jian Zhou's eyes. "While instigating infighting between Shen Mingjue and Shen Minghuang, we secretly acquire shares of Shen's Group. Once they are both gravely wounded, Mei Ruohan will swallow their assets whole, completely controlling the entire Shen family."
Jiang Ling's expression sharpened. "A classic 'both sides lose' strategy. While the Shen family isn't as powerful as the Jian family, they are still one of the country's top aristocratic clans. Families like theirs, when attacked from the outside, cannot be easily defeated. A dying centipede is still tough. Only through internal strife can they be utterly ruined."
"That's a classic line from 'Dream of the Red Chamber.' You like 'Dream of the Red Chamber' too?" Jian Zhou was quite surprised.
"I do. 'Dream of the Red Chamber' hides profound mysteries, using the most delicate language to express the deepest philosophies of the world. Human relationships, social etiquette, workplace intrigue – all can be found reflected within. 'The Legend of Chun Yuan Musk' doesn't even capture a tenth of its essence. How could I miss such a masterpiece?" Jiang Ling smiled.
"In my previous life, I didn't particularly like it. I only saw the romantic entanglements and found it rather tedious. Having lived another life and experienced much, I revisited it and realized how deeply profound the content is. Every word, every sentence, is written with the author's tears. He left this book to warn future generations, but alas, not everyone can understand its subtleties," Jian Zhou sighed.
Jiang Ling agreed wholeheartedly. "'Dream of the Red Chamber' is also called 'The Mirror of Wind and Moon,' showing a beauty on the front and a skeleton on the back. It was only after experiencing much that I understood the need to look at the reverse side. Although the skeleton is terrifying, it is the raw truth of a cruel society. Facing the skeleton is facing one's own life, to brave the storms without fear."
Jian Zhou said softly, "By plotting against the Shen family like this, to the point of ruin, do you think I'm going too far?"
Jiang Ling shook her head. "No. You were so miserably schemed against by Shen Mingjue and An Qiuyan in your past life. Collaborating with Mei Ruohan in this life is merely an eye for an eye. There's nothing excessive about it. If I were you, I would do even more outrageous things."
Hearing her say that, Jian Zhou felt even more understood. A slight smile unconsciously curved his lips. "With your words, I can proceed with confidence."
Meanwhile, after Mama Jian invited Jiang Ling and plotted the setback, she immediately opened a video call and severely scolded her elder son.
Upon hearing the cause, process, and outcome of the matter, Jian Fan couldn't help but laugh.
He knew his Jiang Ling well; she was indeed devious and cunning.
The reason he secretly arranged for Chen Mingzhang to set up Jiang Ling and Jian Zhou was not only because he wanted his younger brother to find happiness, but also because he hoped to use Jiang Ling to restrain his mother, preventing her from constantly bothering his wife.
This tactic of sacrificing a friend to save oneself, drawing disaster elsewhere, was quite brilliant.
Jian Fan's internal calculations were running at full speed. He quickly put on a fawning smile and said, "This time, my consideration was inadequate. Wait a moment, I'll give you another good idea!"
"Forget it. If I asked you for ideas, I might as well ask a sow to climb a tree. I'll handle it myself!"
Mama Jian had figured it out. Her elder son was just being a hindrance. She stopped listening to him and decided to proceed in her own way.
She refused to believe that she couldn't outwit this vixen, Jiang Ling.