On the night Lu Zhenping returned, he faced Shen Meng's interrogation. He had never told her about his background before, and this time he also planned to lay it all out for her.

Shen Meng listened, her head spinning, and when she looked at Lu Zhenping, she felt a bit of pity for him.

"Your life really has been tough."

Lu Zhenping: "..."

You're my wife, can't you phrase it a bit less bluntly? Some words of comfort wouldn't kill you!!!

"Your mom wouldn't happen to be the one from Commander Bai's family that you mentioned before, would she?"

"Yes, Commander Bai is my mother's uncle; he also knows about my background and that I don't want to acknowledge them. So, he's never forced me over the years, but I understand that he has subtly been grooming me."

"Your mother is really something else. A reincarnation of a white lotus flower. They should move the big Buddha out of the temple and give her the seat. Her love is so wide-ranging and selfless, truly not an ordinary person. The way your maternal grandparents raised her is extraordinarily good too, so bold to let such a girl go to the countryside. Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Lu Zhenping: "..."

Cough cough cough... After all, she's your mother-in-law, try to be a bit more restrained when you curse.

Shen Meng didn't want to hold back; if she ever saw her, she might just curse to her face.

"So, you're saying that the ostracism I'm facing now, the danger that I and the kids might be in, it's all the doing of your stepbrother and the stepmother I've never met?"

"You could say that, but it could also be her adopted daughter."

"Uh? Explain that a bit more clearly?"

Lu Zhenping stole a glance at her, pursed his lips, and then dared to explain.

"Well, when I was in the army, she came to find me, and, and she brought her adopted daughter. She implied that she wanted me to return to her side, and preferably, to be with her adopted daughter. I didn't know before, and when I met her, it was just to see what kind of person she was. But after meeting her, I was extremely disappointed and never saw her again."

Shen Meng: "..."

Is there a knife? A big knife? I want to stab that old woman!!!

"Don't be angry, wife. It's all in the past. I don't understand why they've suddenly gone crazy recently. Even Commander Bai is acting mad. But it has nothing to do with us. Don't worry, I won't let them hurt you or the kids."

Shen Meng rolled her eyes; it was easy for him to say. If they dared treat Lu Zhenping like this, it was bound to be more than just some small skirmish.

She guessed this was just an appetizer, and Lu Zhenping's nonchalance was just to keep her from worrying.

With Lu Zhenping's intellect, how could he not handle the situation himself? He was probably just aware of his high position now and trying in his own way to make her more aware of potential crises.

Seeing that she handled it okay, he simply shared the previous reasons, which was another form of training, in a way.

"I'm not angry, but Lu Zhenping, we still need to grow stronger. We can't let others treat us like playthings to be messed around with at their whim."

Lu Zhenping looked at her steadily, his expression turned serious, and he solemnly said to Shen Meng: "Alright!"

Shen Meng chuckled; she had nothing to fear from those from Shangjing.

Five years later.

At Shen Meng's farewell banquet, the newly-appointed County Party Secretary arranged thirteen tables to honor her achievements and even presented her with a silk banner. Grasping it with tears in her eyes and facing a crowd of cameras, she posed with a beaming smile.

Shen Fugui and Wang Guizhi clapped fiercely from below the stage, filled with pride over their daughter's accomplishments. Mingyang's children were even jumping and cheering.

Xie Jinghao, Wang Lianhua, Xifeng, and Yu Xueli also came with their families in tow. Lu Xiangxiang held her second child in her arms, sitting next to Shen Xiaobin. Seeing them by her side during her most glorious moments, as well as times of disappointment, Shen Meng's heart swelled with warmth.

"Comrade Shen Meng, today marks the day of your resignation. From now on, let the younger generation take over the industries in the county. You have indeed worked hard these past five years. Our Ning County has transformed from a poor county to one of the top ten, exporting a vast array of products both domestically and internationally. Your contribution is irreplaceable. Now, at last, you can have a good rest," said Secretary Pu.

"Secretary Pu, you are right. I have truly exhausted my efforts over the years and regret not spending enough time with my children and family. I don't have any ambitious aims; I am merely a woman. Now that I can finally lay down my burdens, I do feel relived. With the current favorable policies, I plan to take my family to Shangjing next month for a good time," Shen Meng replied with laughter.

"Hehe, congratulations indeed. You're settled then, unlike me, taking on a heavier load. But rest assured, I will work diligently. You have developed Ning County's economy so well, and I will certainly build upon this foundation to make our Ning County even more splendid."

"I will hold you to that, Secretary Pu. We shall see," Shen Meng replied.

Secretary Pu's face was brimming with a smile as he looked at Shen Meng and said loudly, "If Comrade Shen faces any difficulty in the future, remember to come to me. Whether it's the colleagues you've worked with before, or me, as the County Party Secretary who has just taken office, we will all support you."

Shen Meng's smile grew even broader. She didn't know where this surname Pu originated from, but he had taken over all her power just like that. This commendation was clearly a declaration, informing her acquaintances, family, leaders, factory managers, and directors that Shen Meng was now just an ordinary citizen, and her relationship with the County Government was over.

"No worries, Secretary Pu. When my eldest son reaches high school in a couple of years, I'll take them to the Provincial City. Their father has been looking forward to us moving there for a family reunion for the past two years!"

Secretary Pu's expression changed, his previously contented smile suddenly stiffened on his face.

He was so caught up in his triumph that he had forgotten Shen Meng's husband was the Provincial Public Security Department's Director, and his comrades all held important positions. Making life difficult for Shen Meng was like daydreaming.

"Is that so? Is Director Lu not able to come today, on such a joyful day for Comrade Shen?"

"He'll come later."

"Secretary General, Director Li has just arrived. I kindly request that you come over."

Shen Meng nodded to Secretary Pu and walked away. As soon as she left, Secretary Pu's smile vanished, and he gestured to someone nearby.

"Secretary Pu!"

"Reprimand this Zhang Liang. Relying on Shen Meng, he got a job as an accountant in the Ministry of Finance, really not taking me seriously. Just now, what was that look he gave me, was he rolling his eyes at me?"

"Secretary, you misunderstood. Zhang Liang just saluted you, didn't you hear?"

"Really?"

Of course not; a newcomer like you, without any solid achievements, with a heart as small as the tip of your nose, who's going to show you any respect!

"Hehe, of course, it's true. Secretary Shen—no, Comrade Shen Meng—is no longer working in the government. He has always been smart, knowing who will be in charge of Ning County, and wouldn't dare to disrespect you."

Upon hearing this, Secretary Pu snorted coldly, considering Zhang Liang sensible enough.