There is no Redemption for A Scum Villain

Chapter 55

After his days of rest, Shen Qingqiu had expected that he would at least be granted a slow start into work, but judging from the expression of this outer disciple alone, there was likely something rather bothersome to be expected.

"Greetings to Shen-shibo," the disciple said, respectfully cupping his hands, "This disciple delivers information from Shizun."

"Elaborate," Shen Qingqiu sighed as he snapped open his fan.

"Shizun says that he has progressively been getting reports from An Ding Peak members who hear about strange rumours fluctuating about Shibo. He has more detailed records of them, but they appear to be concerning Shibo's time before becoming part of the mountain, yet not always in a proper recounting."

Shen Qingqiu wordlessly extended his hand for the report. He had not really expected much else, but he really couldn't help but admire the audacity.

"Tell your Shizun that this peak lord will be taking care of the matter and he need only keep me updated about the situation. If the number of rumours he hears fluctuates, he is to tell me immediately," Shen Qingqiu instructed.

"Understood," the disciple said, running off right away.

Shen Qingqiu did not mind that there were rumors, but at least he would like them to be correct. It was not really a problem that there were any. He had made preparations in advance to counter them. He would just have to say the word and it would happen.

Yue Qingyuan was, as per usual, in the study, working through papers. When Shen Qingqiu entered the room unexpectedly early, he looked up. The smile that had been forming on his face faded immediately as he saw the serious expression Shen Qingqiu had and when he noticed the other man playing with his fan, he knew for sure that something was not right.

"We have to deliberately leak my past after all," Shen Qingqiu sighed, "There is a sudden uptake in false rumours. Someone has been busy. Shang Qinghua is keeping me updated."

Yue Qingyuan closed his eyes in annoyance. "I will instruct our shidi and shimei accordingly," he said, "If he genuinely wishes to hurt your reputation, I really–"

"Qi-ge," Shen Qingqiuz interrupted immediately, "We have talked about this. If we make a wrong move, he can actually hurt us. We have the means to bring him down, but we have to gather our own intel first. For now we make sure that his efforts stay fruitless and we don't lose any trust from the people. It does not matter if I am known as a former slave or a nobleman. As long as people don't regard me as incompetent and cruel."

"You are right. I'm sorry," Yue Qingyuan apologized, "I'm surprised though that there was still nothing about me. Was he not able to find anything? If he knows about you, then it wouldn't have been hard to find anything about me."

"Or he doesn't see you as a good target," Shen Qingqiu replied, "Although it should be quite hard to find something on you unless they found out through someone from the sect or the town under the mountain, I think that man is stubborn enough to find something and certainly wealthy enough. If it was him who made an attempt on our life,then it proves that we are both a target, but he seems to be more determined on bringing me down. Bringing down me is bringing down you. He can't go directly against a sect leader, but if he were to find proof that his right hand man and spouse is unfit to lead the mountain with him because of impure birth, this could give him the chance to also doubt you publicly."

"Why do I have the feeling that this has the potential to get really ugly?" Yue Qingyuan asked.

"Because you are smart enough to see the signs," Shen Qingqiu responded, "Because you know that rich old men hate it when someone makes an attempt to take their power from them. Especially when it's rightfully so."