The Shen family's old residence.
The old madam summoned Shen Zhengming to her room.
"Mom..."
The old madam ignored Shen Zhengming. After offering three sticks of incense before her late husband's portrait, she sternly commanded Shen Zhengming, "Kneel."
Shen Zhengming looked at the old madam in disbelief. "Mom..."
"Kneel!!!"
Shen Zhengming gritted his teeth and knelt before the portrait of the Shen family patriarch.
The old man's appearance was kind and gentle. Everyone knew of the patriarch's great achievements. It could be said that without him, there would be no Jinghua City as it was today.
However, Shen Zhengming's impression of his father remained from the winter break of his second year of junior high when he ranked last in the exam.
He had expected his father to scold him, perhaps even whip him. But to his surprise, his usually strict father had simply said, "Study harder next time," and never inquired about his grades again.
From then on, whether he studied hard and got first place and won awards, or consistently came in last, the patriarch never asked.
The patriarch's eyes were only on his son, Shen Zhengcheng, the proud son of heaven, and his youngest son, who was simple-minded but always ranked first in exams.
An emperor loves his eldest, while common folk love their youngest. The middle child is always the one overlooked.
The more one lacks something, the more one desires it. He craved his father's approval, longed to hear his praise.
Especially when Shen Zhengcheng chose the legal profession, his only competitor was Shen Zhenghao. He had thought that with his own abilities, it would be a matter of minutes to defeat the naive and sweet Shen Zhenghao. Yet, he was still one step behind, losing to Shen Zhenghao's having a son, while he only had three women.
Later, he discovered that a woman outside had borne him a son. He brought the son home. However, not only did the patriarch's attitude not improve, but he also constantly lectured him.
Even before he breathed his last, he was still admonishing him that the family should love each other, people should be kind, and under no circumstances should they do anything that harms heaven and reason.
He always felt as if the old man knew everything, but he said nothing, because it was all too late.
"Did you participate in Shen Qiwen's pursuit of A'yan?"
The old madam's aged and calm voice suddenly rang out. Shen Zhengming had already guessed she would ask this and directly denied it, "No. If I had known Qiwen would do such a thing, I would have beaten him to death first!"
Shen Zhengming was a smart man. He knew his position in the Shen family. For so many years, he had tried every means possible but failed to obtain what he desired.
Now, due to Shen Qiwen's matter, he was in the spotlight. If he stubbornly admitted at this moment that he had intended to kill Shen Chi'yan, all that he had would likely be lost.
The old madam stared at her second son for a long time before finally sighing, "When your father was still alive, he said you were the smartest among you three brothers."
Shen Zhengming was stunned. He truly hadn't expected the patriarch to praise him.
"But you are too calculating, and he was very worried you would go astray, so he asked me to keep a close eye on you."
Shen Zhengming lowered his gaze and remained silent. Hmph... If he was so worried about him, why didn't he leave the best of the Shen family to him, but instead gave it to Shen Chi'yan?
"I've always known you wanted to obtain Ding Sheng Group. The reason I chose A'yan over you, besides your ability indeed being inferior to A'yan's, is another very important reason: A'yan would never do anything to harm his family and friends for his own benefit."
The old madam's words were already quite euphemistic.
After all, what she had in mind was that if she handed the company over to Shen Zhengming, Ding Sheng Group and the Shen family might both be ruined by him.
"I..."
Just as Shen Zhengming was about to say something, the old madam didn't give him a chance to speak. "Shen Qiwen was raised by you. He is destined to pay the price for his actions."
Shen Zhengming's heart trembled violently. Was the old madam telling him not to save Shen Qiwen?
No matter what, that was his only son!
Was the old madam intending to cut off his lineage?
"Huan Ling, Qiwen... You have already lost a son and a daughter. You should cherish the people around you."
The old madam's meaning was already quite clear. She likely knew of Shen Zhengming's past actions for a long time. The reason she hadn't exposed him was simply to give him a chance to amend his ways.
"I understand!"
"Kowtow to your father."
Shen Zhengming clenched his fists tightly and kowtowed three times.
After leaving the Shen family's old residence, Shen Zhengming went to a restaurant. As soon as he entered the private room, he saw Shen Zhenghao, who was already waiting.
"Second Brother..."
Shen Zhenghao saw the redness on Shen Zhengming's forehead and immediately asked with concern, "What happened? Who hit you?"
Every time he saw Shen Zhenghao's naive and sweet demeanor, Shen Zhengming felt unbalanced.
Why was such a person liked by the patriarch and the old madam? Why could he have two such excellent sons, while he, after a lifetime of effort, ended up like this?
"Don't mention it. Regarding Qiwen's matter, the old madam felt I was a negligent father and just punished me a little."
Saying that, Shen Zhengming placed his hand on Shen Zhenghao's shoulder. "Zhenghao, I'm very sorry about Qiwen's incident. I never expected Qiwen to try to kill A'yan for a woman. Mom is right, it's my fault."
Shen Qiwen's matter had caused such a stir; Shen Zhenghao couldn't possibly not know about it.
Seeing his second brother look self-reproaching and guilty, he felt quite bad.
"Second Brother, how can this be your fault? It's Qiwen himself who is incorrigible. When you brought him back, I told you that child was always gloomy and too deep in thought. I told you to be vigilant while educating him, but... alas, luckily A'yan is unharmed."
Shen Zhengming let out a heavy sigh, poured himself some wine, and took a deep gulp.
Seeing him frowning with worry, Shen Zhenghao thought he must be very sad about losing his son and tried to console him. "Second Brother, what did Mom say about Qiwen's matter?"
"What else could she say? He deserved his punishment and has no one to blame but himself."
Shen Zhenghao nodded and patted Shen Zhengming's shoulder. "Since that's the case, you should just act as if you never had this son."
Shen Zhengming: "..."
Shen Zhengming had originally wanted Shen Zhenghao to think of a way to save Shen Qiwen. However, this naive and sweet person, upon hearing that the old madam had given up on Shen Qiwen, actually tried to persuade him to give up as well.
"Zhenghao, regarding Qiwen harming A'yan, I, as your second brother, have wronged you... But Qiwen is my only son. Unlike you, you have not only A'yan but also Junshen."
Shen Zhengming covered his face and began to cry, his voice choked with emotion. "Qiwen wasn't with me when he was little. When I brought him back to the Shen family, he was already twelve years old. At that time, he was sensitive and cautious, skinny and small. He looked particularly pitiful, especially endearing..."