#107 · 107 of 191
Chapter 107: The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole Behind
The Zhou Family moved very quickly.
Three days after the Clan Chief of the Zhao Family died suddenly, the Zhou Family sent people to "pay their respects."
Paying respects was just a pretext; the real goal was to probe.
Without their backbone, the Zhao Family was in chaos, and several collateral branches were arguing incessantly over the position of Clan Chief.
The Second Madam, Zhao—now she should be called one of Su Yun's people—sat steadily in the backyard in the guise of a "bereaved widow," turning a deaf ear to the arguments in the front courtyard.
After the Zhou Family's people returned, Zhou Yuankui summoned Su Yun that very night.
"The Zhao Family is already in chaos." Zhou Yuankui personally poured a cup of wine for Su Yun, his Face crinkling into a smile, "Young Master Su, you truly have impressive methods."
Su Yun picked up the wine cup and took a light sip.
"Senior Zhou is too kind. This is only just the beginning."
Zhou Yuankui's eyes lit up.
"Does Young Master mean…"
Su Yun put down his wine cup and said calmly:
"Over at the Zhao Family, the Second Madam will cooperate with the Zhou Family. As long as the Zhou Family releases word that they support one of the branches to become the Clan Chief, the other branches will naturally fight like dogs."
"Once they have fought enough, the Zhou Family can intervene in the name of mediation and take the opportunity to take over the Zhao Family's assets."
Zhou Yuankui nodded repeatedly as he listened.
"Wonderful! Simply wonderful!"
He paused, then hesitated slightly:
"And what about the Wang Family and…"
Su Yun smiled.
"As for the Wang Family, wait a few more days. Once they have exhausted their strength in internal strife, the Zhou Family can then make their move."
"Over at the Li Family, the Li Clan Chief is on his last legs. Once he dies, those concubines will fight over the inheritance, and the Li Family will inevitably fall into chaos. When that time comes…"
Zhou Yuankui took over the conversation:
"At that time, the Zhou Family can help 'uphold justice.'"
Su Yun nodded.
The two looked at each other and smiled.
After three rounds of drinks, Zhou Yuankui suddenly said:
"Young Master Su, I have a somewhat presumptuous request."
Su Yun raised an eyebrow.
"Please go ahead, Senior."
Zhou Yuankui sighed:
"I have a young daughter, sixteen years old this year, who is reasonably decent in appearance. It's just that she has been pampered since childhood and is quite naive."
"I would like… to have her follow Young Master Su and learn some manners."
Su Yun looked at him.
This old fox, does he want to plant his daughter here as a spy?
Or does he want to form a marriage alliance?
He smiled.
"Senior, you flatter me. I am merely a Loose Cultivator; how could I possibly delay your daughter's future?"
Zhou Yuankui quickly waved his hand:
"Young Master is too humble. With your ability, you will surely not remain in a small pond in the future. I am just… wanting to find a good home for my daughter."
As he spoke, he clapped his hands.
From behind the screen, a slender figure walked out.
It was a young girl of sixteen or seventeen.
She was wearing a goose-yellow long dress, with her long, jet-black hair draped over her shoulders. Her features were exceptionally pretty—not the kind of stunning beauty, but a delicate, refined look that became more pleasing the longer one looked at her.
She lowered her head, her cheeks slightly flushed, and walked to Zhou Yuankui's side, softly calling out:
"Father."
Zhou Yuankui took her hand and looked at Su Yun.
"This is my daughter, Zhou Ruoyun. Ruoyun, greet Young Master Su."
Zhou Ruoyun looked up, stole a quick glance at Su Yun, and then lowered her head again.
That glance contained curiosity, shyness, and a hint of an indescribable… flutter?
Su Yun narrowed his eyes.
This girl…
Interesting.
He stood up and cupped his hands in a salute:
"Greetings, Miss Zhou."
Zhou Ruoyun's Face turned even redder, and she said in a low voice:
"Ruoyun greets Young Master Su."
Zhou Yuankui laughed heartily.
"Good, good, good! Ruoyun, you go down first. Your father and Young Master Su still have things to discuss."
Zhou Ruoyun nodded and turned to leave.
As she was leaving, she looked back at Su Yun again.
That glance was longer than the previous one.
Su Yun watched her back disappear behind the screen, deep in thought.
Zhou Yuankui leaned in and lowered his voice:
"Young Master Su, does my daughter meet with your approval?"
Su Yun withdrew his gaze and smiled.
"Senior, you joke. Your daughter is only sixteen…"
Zhou Yuankui waved his hand:
"Sixteen is not young. When I married her mother, her mother was only fifteen."
He paused, then added:
"If Young Master Su does not mind, let her follow you. Whether she pours tea and water or serves as a concubine, it is entirely up to your preference."
Su Yun looked at him.
This old fox, what exactly is he planning?
Does he want to tie him down with his daughter?
Or does he want to plant a spy by his side?
Regardless of which it is, he has to accept this Zhou Ruoyun.
If he doesn't accept, it means he is not giving Zhou Yuankui Face.
If he accepts…
He smiled.
"Senior, your kindness is overwhelming; I cannot refuse."
Zhou Yuankui was overjoyed.
"Good, good, good! Then I will send Ruoyun to Young Master's courtyard tomorrow!"
That night, when Su Yun returned to his courtyard, it was already late at night.
The four maids were all asleep.
Only Shen Ying was still waiting for him.
Seeing him return, Shen Ying quickly went to meet him.
"Young Master, tonight…"
Su Yun waved his hand and walked into the study.
Shen Ying followed him in.
Su Yun sat down in a chair, closed his eyes, and pondered.
Shen Ying dared not disturb him and stood quietly to the side.
After a long while, Su Yun opened his eyes.
"Zhou Yuankui has sent his daughter over."
Shen Ying was stunned.
"The Young Miss of the Zhou Family? Zhou Ruoyun?"
Su Yun nodded.
Shen Ying frowned slightly.
"Young Master, what is the Zhou Family doing…"
"They want to tie me down with their daughter. And incidentally, use her as a spy."
Shen Ying's expression changed slightly.
"Then what does Young Master plan to do…"
Su Yun smiled.
"Play along with their scheme."
The next afternoon.
The Zhou Family's carriage stopped at the entrance of the courtyard.
Zhou Ruoyun got off the carriage, followed by two maids and four large trunks.
She was still wearing that goose-yellow long dress, with her long, jet-black hair loose, but today there was an extra jade hairpin on her head—it was the very one Su Yun had bought yesterday.
Su Yun stood at the entrance, watching her.
Zhou Ruoyun walked up to him, blushing, and curtsied lightly.
"Ruoyun greets Young Master."
Su Yun smiled.
"Miss Zhou, there is no need for such formalities. Come in."
Zhou Ruoyun followed him into the courtyard.
Her gaze quietly surveyed the surroundings.
This courtyard was not large, but it was kept very clean. The garden was planted with some flowers and plants, and there was a small pond.
Several maids were working under the corridor; seeing them enter, they quickly bowed.
Shen Ying stood to the side, silently watching this newly arrived young girl.
Zhou Ruoyun noticed her gaze and lowered her head slightly.
Su Yun led her to the backyard.
"Miss Zhou, you will live in this room. My study is next door; if you need anything, you can come to me at any time."
Zhou Ruoyun nodded.
She looked up at Su Yun.
Those eyes were clear and bottomless, carrying the unique innocence of a young girl.
"Young Master… from now on, should Ruoyun call you Young Master?"
Su Yun smiled.
"What would you like to call me?"
Zhou Ruoyun thought for a moment.
"Call you… Brother Su?"
Su Yun raised an eyebrow.
Zhou Ruoyun blushed and lowered her head.
"Ruoyun was presumptuous…"
Su Yun reached out and ruffled her hair.
"Just call me Brother Su."
Zhou Ruoyun looked up, her eyes sparkling.
"Really?"
Su Yun nodded.
Zhou Ruoyun smiled.
That smile was brighter than the sunshine.
That night.
Su Yun was reading intelligence reports in the study.
Zhou Ruoyun carried a bowl of soup and gently pushed the door open to enter.
"Brother Su, drink some soup. I brewed it myself."
Su Yun looked up at her.
This girl had already changed into casual clothing, and her hair had been re-combed; she looked even more gentle and graceful than during the day.
He took the soup and tasted a mouthful.
The taste was not bad.
"Your cooking skills are very good."
Zhou Ruoyun's eyes curved into crescent moons.
"As long as Brother Su likes it."
She stood to the side, watching him drink the soup.
Su Yun finished drinking and put down the bowl.
"It is getting late; go back and rest."
Zhou Ruoyun nodded, but did not leave immediately.
She lowered her head and said in a low voice:
"Brother Su, Ruoyun… Ruoyun has a question she wants to ask."
"Ask."
Zhou Ruoyun looked up and met his eyes.
"Brother Su, will you always be here?"
Su Yun was stunned for a moment.
Zhou Ruoyun continued:
"Father said that Brother Su is very capable. You might go to a very far place in the future."
"Ruoyun… Ruoyun is afraid…"
She didn't say what she was afraid of, but her eyes were already filled with it.
Su Yun looked at her.
Moonlight spilled in from outside the window, falling onto her Face.
A delicate Face, innocent eyes, and that little bit of unease.
He suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms.
Zhou Ruoyun stiffened all over, then softened as she leaned against his chest.
"Brother Su…"
Su Yun lowered his head and whispered in her ear:
"Wherever I go, I will take you with me."
Zhou Ruoyun looked up, her eyes sparkling.
"Really?"
Su Yun nodded.
Zhou Ruoyun smiled.
She stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed his cheek.
Then, blushing, she ran away.
Su Yun watched her back, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned.
Interesting.
This girl is more interesting than he thought.
Three days later.
The Zhou Family's plan proceeded smoothly.
Over at the Zhao Family, the Second Madam cooperated with the Zhou Family, successfully allowing the collateral branch supported by the Zhou Family to become the Clan Chief.
As a reward, that collateral branch handed over one-third of the Zhao Family's assets to the Zhou Family.
[part:gemini-2.5-flash]
Over at the Wang Family, the internal strife finally ended. The Clan Chief stepped down, and the main branch suffered heavy losses of Origin Qi. The Zhou Family seized the opportunity to intervene, taking over several of the Wang Family's shops under the guise of 'mediation'.
Over at the Li Family, the Li Family Head finally breathed his last. Several concubines fought fiercely over the inheritance, and under 'duress', Madam Liu had no choice but to ask the Zhou Family to preside over justice.
The Zhou Family naturally 'presided' with great justice.
Seventy percent of the Li Family's assets went to the Zhou Family.
The remaining thirty percent was left for the concubines to divide equally.
In just half a month, the Zhou Family soared to become the sole overlord of Qinghe City.
Zhou Yuankui was overjoyed and held a grand banquet in his mansion, celebrating for three days.
Su Yun was naturally also invited to attend.
At the banquet, Zhou Yuankui pulled him aside, repeatedly toasting him.
"Young Master Su, it's all thanks to you! This old man toasts you!"
Su Yun raised his wine cup and drained it in one gulp.
Zhou Yuankui leaned closer, lowering his voice:
"Young Master, what are your plans next? Do you want to stay in Qinghe City? This old man can give you half of the family property!"
Su Yun smiled faintly.
"Senior's kindness is appreciated. It's just…"
He paused.
Zhou Yuankui quickly asked:
"Just what?"
Su Yun looked at him, his gaze profound.
"It's just that I still have other things to do."
Zhou Yuankui was stunned.
"What things?"
Su Yun didn't answer.
He put down his wine cup and stood up.
"Senior, the wine tonight is almost finished. I shall take my leave first."
Zhou Yuankui wanted to keep him, but seeing that his mind was made up, he could only nod.
Su Yun turned and left.
Stepping out of the Zhou Manor's main gate, moonlight streamed down.
Shen Ying was already waiting at the entrance.
"Young Master, are we going back?"
Su Yun nodded.
The two walked back.
On the way, Shen Ying couldn't help but ask:
"Young Master, the Zhou Family's matter… is it over just like that?"
Su Yun smiled.
"Over? It's still early."
Shen Ying was startled.
Su Yun didn't explain.
When they returned to the courtyard, it was already late night.
Su Yun walked into the study and sat down in a chair.
Shen Ying followed him in and lit the lamp.
The candlelight flickered, illuminating the study.
Su Yun leaned back in his chair, his eyes closed.
Suddenly, soft footsteps came from outside the door.
Zhou Ruoyun pushed the door open, carrying a bowl of soup.
"Brother Su, have some soup. It's for sobering up."
Su Yun opened his eyes and looked at her.
Zhou Ruoyun placed the soup on the table and walked to his side.
"Brother Su, did you drink too much? Ruoyun will rub your head for you."
She reached out and gently pressed on his temples.
Su Yun closed his eyes, letting her massage him.
Zhou Ruoyun's hands were very soft, and the pressure was just right.
After a while, Su Yun opened his eyes.
He looked at Zhou Ruoyun and suddenly asked:
"Ruoyun, besides being a spy, what else did your father tell you to do by following me?"
Zhou Ruoyun's hand stiffened.
She looked at Su Yun, a flicker of panic in her eyes.
"Brother Su… Ruoyun…"
Su Yun smiled.
"Don't be nervous. I already knew."
Zhou Ruoyun lowered her head.
After a long while, she whispered:
"Father said, for Ruoyun… for Ruoyun to serve Young Master well. And to tell him any secrets Young Master has."
Su Yun nodded.
"And what else?"
Zhou Ruoyun bit her lip.
"He also told Ruoyun… Ruoyun to try to make Young Master stay. If he couldn't be kept, then… then to follow Young Master."
Su Yun raised an eyebrow.
"Follow me?"
Zhou Ruoyun nodded.
"Father said that a person like Young Master is destined for greatness in the future. Following Young Master is better than staying in the Zhou Family."
Su Yun looked at her.
"What about you? What do you think?"
Zhou Ruoyun looked up.
Under the moonlight, her eyes were clear as crystal.
"Ruoyun… Ruoyun wants to follow Young Master."
"It's not because of Father's orders. It's because…"
She paused, her Face growing redder.
"It's because Ruoyun likes Young Master."
Su Yun was stunned.
He looked at her.
This sixteen-year-old girl, standing under the moonlight, blushing, speaking the most direct words.
In her eyes, there was no calculation, no pretense.
Only the purest liking.
Su Yun was silent for a moment.
Then, he smiled.
He reached out and pulled her into his embrace.
Zhou Ruoyun leaned against his chest, her heart beating rapidly.
Su Yun lowered his head and whispered in her ear:
"Since you want to follow me, then follow me forever."
"However…"
He paused.
Zhou Ruoyun looked up.
"However what?"
Su Yun looked at her, his gaze tender.
"However, from now on, you must listen to me."
Zhou Ruoyun nodded vigorously.
"Ruoyun will listen to Young Master in everything."
Su Yun smiled.
He reached out and gently tapped her forehead.
A golden light flashed and disappeared.
Zhou Ruoyun only felt a warmth in her heart, and her dependence on this person grew even stronger.
She didn't know what it was.
She only knew that from now on, she wanted to stay by his side forever even more.
[Enslavement successful!]
[Obtained new slave: Zhou Ruoyun (Loyalty 95)]
Su Yun looked at the System prompt, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Zhou Yuankui.
You told me to sleep with your daughter, so I will really sleep with her.
It's just that after I sleep with her, she will be my person.
Three days later.
The Zhou Family study.
Zhou Yuankui was looking at the ledgers when someone suddenly reported:
"Master, Young Master Su has arrived."
Zhou Yuankui's eyes lit up.
"Quickly invite him in!"
Su Yun walked into the study, followed by Zhou Ruoyun.
Zhou Yuankui saw his daughter and smiled broadly.
"Ruoyun, is your stay with Young Master Su well?"
Zhou Ruoyun nodded.
"Father, Ruoyun is very well."
Zhou Yuankui looked at Su Yun.
"Young Master Su, what brings you here today?"
Su Yun sat opposite him and said indifferently:
"I'm here to discuss something with Senior."
Zhou Yuankui was startled.
"What matter?"
Su Yun looked at him, enunciating each word:
"From today on, the affairs of Qinghe City will be managed by Ruoyun."
Zhou Yuankui was stunned.
"What?"
Su Yun smiled faintly.
"Senior didn't mishear. From now on, Ruoyun will be the Zhou Family Head."
Zhou Yuankui's Face changed dramatically.
"Su Yun! What do you mean?!"
Su Yun stood up and walked to the window.
"Senior, who do you think the Zhou Family relied on to annex those three families in the past half month?"
Zhou Yuankui was speechless.
Su Yun turned around and looked at him.
"They relied on me."
"I can make the Zhou Family rise, and I can also make the Zhou Family fall."
Zhou Yuankui trembled all over.
"You… what exactly do you want to do?"
Su Yun walked to Zhou Ruoyun's side and put his arm around her shoulder.
"I said, let Ruoyun be the Family Head."
"Senior is getting old; it's time to enjoy your leisure."
Zhou Yuankui's eyes widened as he looked at his daughter.
"Ruoyun, you…"
Zhou Ruoyun looked at him, her gaze calm.
"Father, listen to Young Master."
Zhou Yuankui felt as if he had been struck by lightning.
He suddenly understood.
From beginning to end, this young man had no intention of helping the Zhou Family.
He helped himself.
His target was never the Zhao Family, the Wang Family, or the Li Family.
It was the Zhou Family.
And his most foolish act was to personally send his daughter into the tiger's den.
Zhou Yuankui slumped into the chair, his Face ashen.
Su Yun looked at him and said indifferently:
"Senior, don't worry. Ruoyun is your daughter; entrusting the Zhou Family to her will be no worse than it was in your hands."
"It's just that from now on, the Zhou Family…"
He paused, smiling profoundly.
"It is my Su Yun's Zhou Family."
That night.
The Zhou Manor was brightly lit.
Zhou Yuankui announced that he was passing the position of Family Head to his daughter, Zhou Ruoyun.
The entire assembly was in an uproar.
But no one dared to say anything.
Because the young man standing behind Zhou Ruoyun was smiling at them.
His smile was gentle.
But everyone felt a chill down their spines.
Zhou Ruoyun sat in the main seat, dressed in grand attire, a faint blush on her Face.
She looked at Su Yun.
Su Yun nodded to her.
Zhou Ruoyun took a deep breath and declared loudly:
"From today on, everyone in the Zhou Family, from top to bottom, shall obey my commands."
"This Young Master Su behind me is an honored guest of my Zhou Family. His words are my words."
The hall was silent.
Then, everyone bowed in unison.
"Greetings, Family Head! Greetings, Young Master Su!"
Zhou Ruoyun watched this scene, a strange feeling welling up in her heart.
She knew that she had transformed from a sixteen-year-old girl into the mistress of the Zhou Family.
And all of this was because of him.
She looked at Su Yun.
Su Yun also looked at her, his gaze gentle.
Zhou Ruoyun smiled.
That night, Zhou Ruoyun, for the first time, voluntarily walked into Su Yun's room.
Moonlight poured down, and spring filled the garden.
The matters of Qinghe City finally settled.
But Su Yun knew this was just the beginning.
The Central Domain was vast.
The Seven Great Immortal Sects, countless aristocratic families, and that mysterious Immortal Alliance.
He still had a long way to go.
But it didn't matter.
He had people.
Many, many people.
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