The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1226 - 1225: Life Is Valuable

Even while residing at the Shen Family's estate, Su Changfeng found his days far from dull. The sprawling Shen Family compound offered endless avenues for him to explore when boredom threatened to set in.

Within the estate lay a serene pond, and Su Changfeng, with his own hands, fashioned a fishing rod. During his leisure moments, he would frequent this spot for a quiet session of angling. The servants of the mansion seemed oblivious to his activities, often gathering with curious gazes as if witnessing an entirely novel pursuit.

Eventually, the allure of fishing waned, prompting Su Changfeng to devise other diversions. Yet, the onlookers persisted, their stealthy observation unchanged, as if his every move was a source of endless fascination. Before long, the annual hunting event of Tianshui City was upon them.

On the designated day, after a perfunctory ablution, Su Changfeng intended to visit the pond once more. It was then that Shen Rushuang’s personal maid hurried towards him.

"What is it?" Su Changfeng inquired, a note of bewilderment in his voice.

The maid’s countenance was grave as she addressed him, "The young mistress is in dire straits. Given your status as her husband, you must go to her aid."

Without missing a beat, Su Changfeng responded, "You are well aware that our marriage is a facade. Furthermore, it is highly unlikely she would welcome my involvement in her affairs."

"What sort of man are you? The young mistress faces peril, and you intend to stand idly by?" the maid questioned, her face paling.

Su Changfeng remained impassive. In his mind, Shen Rushuang was by no means his wife, and thus, her predicaments held no bearing on him.

"My masculinity has no relevance to you. If you have nothing further, you would be wise to depart promptly. Judging by your urgency, your young mistress's predicament seems critical. You should focus on finding a solution," Su Changfeng advised, making to move away.

The maid, however, moved swiftly to block his path, exclaiming, "No, you absolutely must go and rescue the young mistress!"

Su Changfeng’s expression instantly turned severe.

This young maid was being utterly unreasonable. She clearly understood the nature of his relationship with Shen Rushuang. Was this truly a situation that necessitated his intervention? What concern was it of his?

"Did Shen Rushuang herself authorize you to seek me out?" Su Changfeng demanded, his tone chilling.

A flicker of apprehension crossed the maid's eyes. Shen Rushuang had indeed not given her any instructions; her visit was entirely of her own volition.

Observing the maid's reaction, Su Changfeng discerned the truth of the matter. "If my assessment is correct, Shen Rushuang's current predicament is likely connected to the other two prominent families, isn't it?"

"Who informed you of that?" The maid's demeanor shifted dramatically. She hadn't even begun to explain the situation to Su Changfeng, so how could he possibly know?

Su Changfeng offered a slight smile. Who told him? Did he require an informant? Surely, anyone possessing a modicum of intellect could deduce it, could they not?

Shen Rushuang's evident ambition likely led her into a meticulously laid trap by those two families.

The identity of the City Lord was secondary; that position was destined to be a mere figurehead. Even a slightly recalcitrant puppet posed no significant threat, thus unworthy of genuine concern.

However, the Shen Family represented a different caliber of opponent—a rival capable of matching them blow for blow. It was entirely plausible that the remaining two families harbored a desire to eradicate the Shen Family.

Perhaps this entire affair was a planned deception from the outset, with the two families presenting a united front with the Shen Family against the City Lord, while secretly conspiring to target the Shen Family themselves.

"My intelligence is quite sharp; do I truly need someone to spell it out for me? Naturally, I deduced it. However, your young mistress must possess her own strategies, so you needn't fret unduly," Su Changfeng stated.

The maid quickly interjected, "But this time is different. They possess a Fourth-rank Expert, a level the Shen Family lacks. I fear the young mistress may suffer greatly."

A Fourth-rank Expert?

Although Su Changfeng lacked precise knowledge of a Fourth-rank Expert's capabilities, logically, such a rank represented a mid-to-lower tier. The Shen Family commanded such significant influence; how could they not boast even a single Fourth-rank Expert?

Then again, considering the circumstances, it wasn't entirely astonishing. Tianshui City was, after all, a relatively minor locale. Any truly formidable expert would likely seek opportunities elsewhere. Therefore, the presence of a Fourth-rank Expert within Tianshui City was indeed noteworthy.

"Observe me closely," Su Changfeng suddenly instructed, gesturing towards himself.

The maid appeared slightly perplexed but followed his instruction, scrutinizing Su Changfeng before asking with a furrowed brow, "What is the meaning of this?"

Su Changfeng let out a sigh. "Do you genuinely believe someone as frail and slight as myself could contend with a Fourth-rank Expert? You have far too high aľopinion of me!"

The maid's eyes immediately lost their spark. Indeed, this man was utterly useless; how could he possibly overcome a Fourth-rank Expert? His involvement would serve no real purpose. However, with all the elders of the Shen Family absent from Tianshui City, the young mistress was left to manage affairs, and the maid couldn't shake off her unease.

"Even if it costs you your life, you must remain by the young mistress's side!" the maid declared sternly.

Su Changfeng's gaze flickered with amusement. So, his life was considered so insignificant?

"I happen to believe my life holds considerable value. I refuse to engage in any act that leads to a futile demise, so kindly cease wasting your efforts on me," Su Changfeng stated.

"Should anything befall the young mistress, your survival is also impossible, and the Shen Family will assuredly not pardon you. Wang Junyi will also show you no mercy!" the maid retorted through clenched teeth, her voice laced with panic.

Upon hearing this, Su Changfeng halted his movement. Though the maid's words were blunt, they held a degree of truth. The sole reason he could reside peacefully within the Shen Family was his status as Shen Rushuang's husband. If Shen Rushuang were to meet misfortune, even if the Shen Family chose to overlook him, he would undoubtedly be cast out, and Wang Junyi would certainly seize the opportunity to deal with him.

If such a scenario were to materialize, his predicament would become rather precarious. For the present, he still required the Shen Family's protection as a facade while he familiarized himself with this world. Only then could he devise more effective strategies to resolve Tuo Shi's impending crisis.

"Ah, if you are soliciting my assistance, could you not employ a more polite tone? With such an approach, do you expect anyone to lend a hand? Fortunately for you, I possess a more benevolent nature than most. Very well, make haste and lead the way," Su Changfeng declared.

"You..." The maid's face flushed with a mixture of white and red, clearly incensed. She had never encountered such an audacious individual. Kind? He was the antithesis of kindness!

At this precise moment, within the main hall of the Shen Family, Shen Rushuang was seated, confronting the Family Heads of two other prominent families. While she outwardly displayed no apprehension, the presence of Fourth-rank Experts accompanying them instilled a subtle unease within Shen Rushuang.

She had genuinely not anticipated these factions would manage to secure the involvement of Fourth-rank Experts.

Just then, Su Changfeng made a sudden appearance, shattering the palpable tension in the air.

"Wow, such a crowd! I've merely come to partake in the excitement," Su Changfeng announced, sauntering over with a cheerful grin.

Shen Rushuang could not suppress a frown. Why had Su Changfeng shown up unannounced? Casting a glance at the maid beside her, who studiously avoided her gaze, Shen Rushuang instantly grasped the situation. ...