The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1224 - 1223: The Shen Family’s Husband

It's probable that hidden factors, unknown to outsiders, are at play. Perhaps the remaining two families have secretly allied, aiming to oust the Shen Family and eradicate them in one decisive move.

"Little brother, we’ve disclosed all we could. So, regarding this…"

"Don’t fret about the tea expenses, my friends," Su Changfeng responded with a grin.

"If that’s the case, thank you, little brother. We shall intrude no further." With that, the group departed. Su Changfeng, meanwhile, began to process the newly acquired information in his mind.

The Shen Family's current predicament likely stems from either a deception by the other two families, who seized an opportunity for elimination, or the Shen Family's own overreaching ambition to usurp the City Lord position, disregarding the opinions of the other two families entirely.

However, the latter scenario presents a lower probability. Typically, a stable balance is maintained among the three, and given the Shen Family's established strength, it's improbable they could unilaterally contend against the combined forces of three parties.

"Check, please." Su Changfeng had been out for a considerable time and needed to systematically gather intelligence. His plan was to return for now and commence inquiries about hunting the following day.

Yet, upon rummaging through his pockets, Su Changfeng was dismayed to find them utterly empty!

Not only was he without currency, but he also had no familiarity with the local monetary system.

"Shopkeeper, we have a disturbance!" The clerk eyed Su Changfeng with suspicion before calling out loudly.

Every establishment likely has protocols for such situations. As soon as the clerk’s voice rang out, several other clerks, armed with wooden staffs, emerged and encircled Su Changfeng.

"Someone dares to stir up trouble in my Earth Building? Are they tired of living?" The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man, directed a displeased glare at Su Changfeng.

Su Changfeng awkwardly touched his nose, realizing he had completely overlooked this crucial detail when he left. Having never experienced a shortage of funds, he naturally hadn't cultivated the habit of carrying money. To his surprise, his very first day out presented such a predicament.

"I'm not here to cause trouble, shopkeeper. I simply forgot to bring any money," Su Changfeng explained.

The middle-aged man naturally found this hard to believe and motioned for the clerks to prepare for a physical reprimand.

While Su Changfeng wasn't concerned about personal harm, he wished to avoid drawing undue attention. Excessive commotion would invariably complicate his efforts to maintain a low profile in the future.

"I am affiliated with the Shen Family, shopkeeper. If you doubt my word, you are welcome to accompany me back, and I assure you, payment will be made," Su Changfeng declared.

"The Shen Family?" The man scrutinized Su Changfeng intently. Based on his attire, he didn't appear to be destitute; the material of his clothing was certainly beyond the reach of common folk.

"What is your connection to the Shen Family?" the man inquired.

Su Changfeng found himself momentarily speechless. Revealing his status as Shen Rushuang's husband would likely be met with disbelief, especially considering how many perceived him as a cripple.

"I am a relative of the Shen Family. If you remain unconvinced, please accompany me," Su Changfeng proposed.

"Very well. Go inform the Shen Family that one of their relatives is currently enjoying tea at my Earth Building and has failed to settle the bill. Have someone come and clear it," the man instructed his clerks.

Su Changfeng felt a wave of relief; merely informing the Shen Family was sufficient.

"Shopkeeper, your establishment boasts an intriguing name. Is there a story behind it?" Now at ease, Su Changfeng engaged the middle-aged man in conversation.

Hearing this, the man's face lit up with pride. "Young man, you might not realize it, but I didn't choose this name lightly. I once single-handedly vanquished an Earth Beast, which is why I adopted this name. The tale is known by many."

The man then launched into a vivid and animated account of his battle with the Earth Beast, embellishing the narrative with great enthusiasm.

From the shopkeeper's description of the Earth Beast, Su Changfeng inferred it was indigenous to this region. Judging by the man's demeanor, it became apparent that such creatures could be tamed, and many took pride in their prowess over these beasts.

"Alas, the Earth Beast refused my attempts at taming, forcing me to slay it. Otherwise, my status would surely be more than just a tea shop owner," the man lamented with a sigh.

In truth, he had not engaged in combat with an Earth Beast; his story was a fabricated one, born from sheer luck in encountering the creature, which subsequently brought his teahouse a degree of notoriety.

"If you had succeeded in taming the Earth Beast, what path would you have pursued?" Su Changfeng inquired.

The man regarded Su Changfeng with incredulity. Surely, this was common knowledge. Could this individual be foolish?

"Kid, you can't be serious, right?" The man's voice tinged with annoyance.

Su Changfeng realized his question might have been a tad insensitive, apparently touching upon universally known information and thus provoking the man's suspicion.

While Su Changfeng pondered his next move, a figure entered from outside. The sight of this individual caused Su Changfeng to freeze in astonishment.

He had initially assumed the Shen Family would dispatch a subordinate to address his current predicament, but he never anticipated Shen Rushuang herself would make an appearance.

"Miss Shen?" The middle-aged man was equally taken aback at the sight of Shen Rushuang.

"Are you the proprietor?" Shen Rushuang inquired.

The man quickly affirmed with a nod, his posture betraying his nervousness.

"He is my husband, and he unfortunately didn't bring any funds on this occasion. My sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused!" Shen Rushuang stated, offering her apologies with a nod.

Her declaration drew incredulous stares from everyone present.

Much speculation had circulated recently regarding Shen Rushuang's husband, yet none had expected to encounter him in such circumstances today.

He appeared nothing like the person rumored to be crippled; rather, he seemed perfectly alright.

Su Changfeng was equally taken aback. He hadn't expected Shen Rushuang to reveal his identity so openly, especially after she had previously cautioned him against straying too far. Truly, women's hearts were as unpredictable as ripples on the vast ocean!

"Miss Shen, so this is your husband then. In that case, let's disregard the tea charges." The man mumbled, discreetly acknowledging that he, as a mere shopkeeper, could not possibly afford to offend the influential Shen Family of Tianshui City.

"Thank you!" With a nod, Shen Rushuang cast a glance at Su Changfeng, who obediently followed her out of the teahouse.

"So he's Shen Rushuang's husband! He doesn't seem so bad, not like the gossip suggested?"

"Indeed, they look quite like a pair. Someone like Wang Junyi simply doesn't measure up to Shen Rushuang."

"But appearance isn't everything; a man's true worth lies in his capabilities. Can this pretty boy even defeat Wang Junyi? If this gets out, this pretty boy is in for some trouble."

News of Shen Rushuang's husband's appearance at the teahouse swiftly reverberated throughout Tianshui City.

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