The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 369: Uncle Chu’s Little Schemes

Chapter 369: Uncle Chu’s Little Schemes

That golden nanmu... even high-ranking officials and nobles might not be able to afford it.

Feeling guilty for their inadequate protection, Chu Shuo couldn’t bear the thought of spending so much silver. The two guards exchanged glances, understanding each other’s thoughts, and pulled Chu Shuo aside to explain the situation. Before they could warn him to keep it quiet, he was already crying tears of joy, shouting loudly, "This isn’t my fourth brother, he’s a fake using a Face-Changing Talisman!"

The two guards felt like slitting their throats on the spot. They had caused trouble for the Ninth Princess again.

Chu Ye, finding the situation odd, asked for more details and immediately ordered everyone who heard to keep their mouths shut while still proceeding with the funeral arrangements.

In the early morning, Nanli appeared directly in the front yard. The guards of the Marquis Manor, overjoyed, quickly went to report her arrival.

"The Sixth Miss is back!"

The Chu family in the main hall immediately got up and went out. Madam Shen led the way, followed by several brothers. Madam Qian supported Madam Liang. It was evident that everyone had not slept all night, their eyes red from worry.

Especially Madam Liang, who looked so worried that her usual charming appearance was completely gone, replaced with exhaustion.

She asked urgently, "Sixth Miss, where’s my fourth son? How is he?"

Not seeing her son, she already had a bad feeling.

Uncle Chu Hanming’s face changed. "He didn’t come back. How can there be good news? Second brother, it’s all your fault! You had people prepare a fine golden nanmu coffin from the start, wasn’t that a curse on the fourth son?"

Chu Shuo knew his uncle always had a sharp tongue. Usually, he could endure it, but hearing the bad news had made his heartache unbearably. His face darkened immediately. "Uncle, even though I’m wealthy, I can still hit people!"

"What tone is that to use with an elder? It should be me disciplining you!" Chu Hanming retorted, eyeing Chu Shuo up and down. "With that build of yours, you dare talk tough? Poor fourth son, with his exceptional talent in martial arts and military strategy, now..."

He sighed heavily at the end.

Madam Liang couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. "My fourth son... How could this happen? I’ve never done anything bad in my life. How did my son meet such a fate?"

Everyone was talking over each other, and Nanli hadn’t been able to get a word in since she arrived. She hadn’t slept all night, had traveled far, and consumed a lot of energy. Feeling irritated, she cast a silence talisman, quieting everyone in the yard instantly.

"Fourth brother is fine. He’s at the Flame Sect and said he wants to finish reading their books before coming back. You don’t need to worry about him." Nanli yawned and stretched. "Alright, you all continue arguing, I’m going to rest."

With a swipe of her fingers, she lifted the silence spell.

Returning to her courtyard, Nanli left everyone stunned.

Chu Ye was the first to react. "Fourth brother is fine! Mother, you can relax now!"

Madam Shen nodded repeatedly. Chu Huan and Chu Yan, though quiet, also sighed in relief.

Madam Liang patted her chest. "This child, doesn’t he know the family is worried? He still has the leisure to read. When will he ever grow up?"

Chu Huan smiled. "Aunt, don’t be angry. As long as fourth brother is safe, it’s all good."

Chu Shuo was already bragging again. "I knew it. Sixth Sister wouldn’t fail. Our Sixth Sister is amazing!"

Chu Hanming glared at him. "Second brother, people might think you saved him."

"We’re all Chus, does it matter?" Chu Shuo retorted, hands on his hips.

Chu Hanming’s expression softened slightly. He was now benefiting from his niece’s reputation, receiving warm welcomes and support from colleagues and friends whenever he dined out or had tea. His social engagements had increased dramatically. Many families and wealthy merchants in the capital sought to connect with him through his niece.

However, he remembered his brother’s teachings not to cause trouble for the family or his niece, so he always deflected promises during social events. Still, he felt a bit resentful. Nanli and Chu Shuo were in business together, and all the profits went to Chu Shuo, leaving him without any benefits.

As Nanli’s uncle and a member of the Chu family, why was he being neglected?

With this in mind, Chu Hanming saw Nanli’s return as an opportunity. After two days, once Nanli had rested, he spent a significant amount of money to buy fish maw and asked Lady Tian to make a ginseng and fish maw chicken soup, which he personally delivered to Nanli.

But as luck would have it, he ran into Chu Shuo.

Nanli stood up and greeted him with proper respect, "Uncle, what brings you here?"

It was rare for her uncle to visit; usually, it was Lady Tian.

Chu Hanming thought he couldn’t just leave after delivering the soup.

"A’Li," he said with a smile, trying to ingratiate himself, "You worked hard saving fourth brother, staying up all night. You really need to replenish your strength."

He waved his hand, signaling the maid to bring up the ginseng and fish maw chicken soup.

"This was personally made by your aunt, using the best ingredients and proper cooking time. You should drink it while it’s hot."

"Thank you, uncle." Nanli thanked him, letting Rainbow serve the soup.

As soon as the lid was opened, Chu Shuo frowned at the smell. He leaned in for a closer look and clicked his tongue. "Uncle, were you scammed? Is this what you call good fish maw?"

In his shop, this would be considered mid-tier at best!

He couldn’t bear to let his sister drink this and said, "Uncle, there’s no need for you to go through the trouble. My mother sends soup every day, and she uses the best ingredients."

Chu Hanming’s face darkened repeatedly, his glare at Chu Shuo filled with murderous intent.

Chu Shuo shrugged, unconcerned.

He had given his sister many supplements, only to later find out that his uncle had stolen some to sell for entertaining funds. Although his sister was healthy, he couldn’t tolerate such behavior and lost respect for his uncle.

Nanli, fearing the two might fight in her room, intervened. "Second brother, don’t you need to inspect the shop?"

Chu Shuo, understanding his sister’s hint, grumbled, "How could I refuse Sixth Sister? Want me to bring back some cakes from Chunxi Tavern?"

"Sure." Nanli nodded with a smile.

After sending Chu Shuo off, the soup was at the perfect temperature. She drank a few sips, finding it indeed mediocre, just as Chu Shuo had said. The ingredients were not top-notch, incomparable to what she usually drank at the manor or what Madam Qian sent.

Her palate had been spoiled by the prince and her brother.

Maintaining her composure, she thanked him again, "The soup is delicious. Thank you, uncle and aunt."

Chu Hanming, feeling awkward, rubbed his hands together. "As long as you like it. Unlike your second brother, I’m not as wealthy. It took three months of my salary to buy these ingredients."

Nanli raised an eyebrow and said, "Rainbow, give uncle a thousand-tael silver note."