CHAPTER 565: CHAPTER 291: THE ZHOU FAMILY’S REJECTION

Shi Fengju pondered for a moment and said, "Half true, half false! Earlier on, Mrs. Zhou did indeed send someone to be busy for a while, but later on, for some reason, the flurry of activity suddenly ceased. In any case, you can rest assured about this matter for now!"

Shi Fengming stood dazed for a moment, sighing, "I know why — it must be Jingyi who is unwilling. Big brother, Jingyi must still have me in her heart."

Shi Fengju looked at him and said, "Perhaps! But I’m afraid due to this, Master Zhou and Mrs. Zhou must be fuming, and the hardship you’ll face tomorrow is probably going to be greater! Prepare yourself mentally!" Shi Fengju said this as he patted his shoulder.

Shi Fengming stiffened, his complexion turned pale, feeling extremely indignant inside. He thought to himself that you too should prepare yourself mentally, as Cousin Gu is still eyeing us covetously in our mansion!

The next day, the brothers truly rode their horses, accompanied by three or four trusted servants, to the Zhou Mansion. Upon reaching the gate of Zhou Mansion, Shi Fengming, who had been nervous all along, nearly went weak at the knees and almost couldn’t stand still, looking at Shi Fengju for help, while Shi Fengju smiled faintly, as carefree as the drifting clouds and gentle breeze.

Shi Fengming clenched his teeth and had no choice but to step forward and knock on the door.

The doorman did not recognize him and, after sizing him up politely, asked with a smile, "May I ask which young master you are? What business do you have at our mansion?"

Shi Fengming cleared his throat and said, "I am someone from the Shi family of Qingzhou seeking an audience; is your Master — at home?"

"The Shi family of Qingzhou?" The doorman was quite quick-witted, pausing for a moment with wide eyes suddenly brightening and exclaimed, "Ah, you are—from our young miss’s former fiancé’s family—"

Shi Fengming spoke unclearly, originally coming forward to seek Master Zhou, knowing that Master Zhou was approachable. But to his surprise, such a sharp doorman so quickly pointed out his identity. He certainly couldn’t hide it and had to say, "Yes, please go and report quickly!"

"Please, wait a moment!" The doorman, utterly astonished, turned and dashed back to report.

By chance, Master Zhou and his son were both out on this day, and the only person in charge was Mrs. Zhou. Hearing that someone from the Shi family had come, she felt a surge of anger rising within her. Upon further inquiry about the visitor’s appearance and attire, it turned out he didn’t look like a servant. She secretly pondered, never having expected Shi Fengming to have the guts to show up at the door, assuming it was Shi Fengju who had come, most likely concerning some business matters between the Zhou family and the Shi family, hence she nodded and commanded the visitor to be admitted.

When Shi Fengming and Shi Fengju appeared before her, Mrs. Zhou was taken aback, and her face immediately darkened, pointing at Shi Fengming, she reprimanded, "How could you let this person in as well? Servants, kick him out! And bring a mop to clean the floor!"

"Mother-in-law! I—" Shi Fengming was in a great urgency.

"Hold your tongue!" Mrs. Zhou interrupted with a sharp rebuke, and sarcastically remarked, "Second Young Master Shi, whom are you calling mother-in-law? The Zhou family has nothing to do with you! Who is your mother-in-law? The Zhou family does not welcome you, get out! Otherwise, don’t blame me for being impolite!"

Mrs. Zhou thought of her daughter, who in these past few days had indeed removed all her cosmetic, hairpin, and jewelry, wearing only plain clothes, and abstaining from meat and fish in her meals, presenting an appearance staunchly determined to live as a nun. She felt both heartache and helplessness, feeling uncomfortable within, and upon seeing Shi Fengming, her eyes nearly shot fire.

"Young Master Shi! My husband and my son are both away on matters, if you have any business, I will relay the message for them to find you later! Please forgive me for the inconvenience, Young Master Shi, you may leave!" Mrs. Zhou was fairly welcoming to Shi Fengju, but as soon as she turned to Shi Fengming, her tone became venomous again, "Are you not going to leave yet! What are you still doing here? Humph, don’t think I won’t hit you!"

"Mrs. Zhou, actually, today I accompanied my second brother here to apologize to you and Master Zhou, with no other intention! Considering my second brother’s sincere heart, Mrs. Zhou, why not listen to what he has to say!" Shi Fengju hurriedly said with a smile.

Mrs. Zhou scoffed coldly, raising her hand to signal a stop, "Young Master Shi, we cannot accept these words from you! The past is over, with no further ties between our two families, let alone any apologies. Leave quickly! If you don’t, don’t blame me for not being courteous! If things get ugly, it’s your own doing, don’t resent me for it!"

"Mother-in-law!" Shi Fengming stepped forward two paces and knelt down before Mrs. Zhou with his robe swept aside, "It was my fault before, causing Jingyi to suffer grievances; I beg my mother-in-law for forgiveness!"

A series of faint gasps could be heard around the hall, and Mrs. Zhou herself also stood stunned. Shi Fengming had always looked down on their family and their daughter, with either disdainful mockery or silent coldness, but now—he was actually kneeling before her?