Chapter 22 Persuasion

Shaoyu’s grandmother waited for a while, only to hear from the maid that the Third Young Master had left and had not returned to the mansion yet.

The angry old lady could only continue to be upset…

On the other hand, An Shaoyu and Zhao Qing Qing had finally enjoyed their intimate moments.

Upon returning to the mansion, feeling blissful, An Shaoyu was approached by Chang Feng, who said, “Young Master, your Mother and Grandmother returned from the Shu Mansion and sent someone to find you, asking you to see her as soon as you return to the mansion.”

An Shaoyu immediately understood that it was about the daughter born to Shu Yuwan, the matter recorded in the Shu family genealogy!

His good mood instantly soured!

In reality, he didn’t care much about this matter. To him, although it was unpleasant, this child, as Shu Yuwan had said, was like a thorn between him and Qing Qing.

With the child recorded in the Shu family genealogy, he could conveniently treat her as if she didn’t exist, starting fresh with Qing Qing.

As for losing face! Well, people outside had been mocking him for a while now!

His former friends would tease him about marrying a merchant’s daughter, mock him for posting notices, or advise him not to do anything foolish.

Adding one more thing wouldn’t make much of a difference!

An Shaoyu was quite open-minded, so he said to Chang Feng, “I understand. I have an important matter to discuss with my father. After meeting with him, I’ll go see my grandmother.”

“Understood.” Chang Feng didn’t dare to say more.

He was newly assigned here, having replaced Chang Ming, who had been with the Third Young Master since childhood. Chang Ming had already been dealt with, and their relationship was very close, so he didn’t have a good ending. Chang Feng was even more cautious, obediently following the orders of his masters and not speaking out of turn.

Shaoyu’s Father was in the study, finishing up some matters, when An Shaoyu intercepted him.

“Father, I have something to discuss with you.”

His father see An Shaoyu looking serious, patiently said, “Come in and speak.”

“Dinghou, I’d like to talk to Father alone.”

Marquis glanced at Dinghou, who nodded, and politely said, “Yes sure.”

After he left, Marquis asked, “What’s the matter? Speak.”

“But if it’s about marrying that Zhao merchant’s daughter, there’s no need to say it.” Marquis said coldly.

An Shaoyu pursed his lips and, following the script in his mind, began, “The Fifth Prince has intentions for the throne!”

“Oh?”

Marquis was slightly surprised, not by the Fifth Prince’s desire for the throne – it was not surprising for a prince to have such ambitions secretly, regardless of their outward appearance. He was surprised that his youngest son would bring up this matter.

“How do you know?”

“The Zhao family has a significant business, and Qing Qing father is aware, and they are earning money for the Fifth Prince!”

“What are you trying to say?” his father scrutinized his youngest son.

An Shaoyu was somewhat nervous, yet also excited.

“Father, the Fifth Prince currently lacks supporters by his side. If we support the Fifth Prince, in the future, if the Fifth Prince succeeds, our Marquis’s Mansion will be the top contributor.”

“If the Fifth Prince doesn’t succeed, we’ll only be supporting him secretly, without any losses.”

“Qing Qing is the only daughter of the Zhao family. As long as I marry Qing Qing, the Fifth Prince will trust us!”

An Shaoyu became more and more excited as he spoke.

However, Marquis’s expression remained unchanged, still indifferent.

“Father?”

“Is this a new idea you came up with just to marry the Zhao merchant’s daughter?” Marquis chuckled.

“Of course not!” An Shaoyu shouted, feeling uncomfortable. His father’s lack of trust in him was unsettling. If it were his elder or second brother, his father would surely believe them!

“How can you prove that this is true?”

Marquis didn’t want to doubt his son like this, but his son had done too many unconventional things for the sake of marrying the Zhao merchant’s daughter, completely disregarding the mansion. Given the gravity of the situation today, he couldn’t easily believe him.

“I, I currently don’t have any evidence to show you… but I promise, I haven’t lied to you, everything I’ve said is true.”

Marquis impatiently pressed his forehead.

“Present the evidence when you have it.”

“Understood!”

“Father, I really haven’t lied to you, but you have to give me a definite answer. Are you willing to support the Fifth Prince secretly? If you agree, I can have Qing Qing go find the Fifth Prince.”

Marquis’s brows furrowed even tighter. Seeing An Shaoyu like this, he was starting to believe him.

This Zhao family, a mere merchant, had actually gotten involved with the Fifth Prince!

The Fifth Prince was still young, always following the Crown Prince, but secretly plotting for the throne!

“Son, the Crown Prince’s position is secure. How the Emperor treats the Crown Prince, and how the courtiers see it, is clear to everyone! Besides, the Crown Prince is not incompetent! If nothing unexpected happens, the Crown Prince will undoubtedly be the next emperor!”

“But the Crown Prince doesn’t value our Marquis’s Mansion.”

“Furthermore, until the end, who knows what might happen? The Second Prince from Noble Consort Zhang, the Third Prince from Consort Shu, both have their maternal families supporting them, and they might compete for the throne!”

“The Fifth Prince has always followed behind the Crown Prince, being the youngest and least attention-grabbing, so the focus won’t be on him. With our Marquis’s Mansion secretly supporting him, we might benefit in the end!” An Shaoyu analyzed.

Seeing An Shaoyu speak so convincingly, Marquis couldn’t help but be surprised.

Had the potential been triggered by the desire to marry the Zhao merchant’s daughter?

“Do you know who from the Zhao family is in contact with the Fifth Prince?”

An Shaoyu hesitated for a moment and replied, “It’s Qing Qing.”

“Qing Qing is truly different from ordinary women. The Zhao family started becoming wealthier only after Qing Qing took over.”

“Now, besides me, no one else knows about the relationship between Qing Qing and the Fifth Prince.”

“Father, Qing Qing is sincere towards me. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have told me this secret. Please grant us your approval!”

“Let me think about it…”

Silence filled the study, to the point where An Shaoyu was almost tempted to urge Marquis. Finally, Marquis gave An Shaoyu a positive answer.

“Alright, as long as you can prove what you’re saying is true, I agree to you marrying the Zhao merchant’s daughter.”

“But don’t contact the Fifth Prince so soon, we need to observe further.”

An Shaoyu stood up happily, “Okay, I’ll follow your lead.”

“Don’t worry, everything I’ve said is true, and I will provide you with proof.”