Chapter 2300: Different

When Shao Yunduan became the Deputy Prefect of the remote Anze Province, the Zhao family believed that his career had reached its peak and would never advance further, so they didn’t care about Taotao at all.

However, Shao Yunduan was later forced to fight back and occupy Huaixi. Zhao Shu’s business in Hangzhou was taken over by Prefect Fu and his brother-in-law due to Shao Yunduan’s actions. Although the main family in Yangzhou didn’t suffer any losses, many people began to worry.

What if they were implicated?

Moreover, although Zhao Shu’s assets belonged to him, he contributed a lot to the clan every year. Now, with his businesses in Hangzhou City lost, this blow was enough to shake his foundation. Could he still provide money and benefits for the clan?

During that period, Zhao Shu and Taotao sought refuge with Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan. They were enjoying their time, unaware that the clan was scolding them.

Taotao, in particular, was labeled a jinx, a vixen, and a siren by the clan members, who blamed her for Zhao Shu’s troubles.

The Clan Leader’s wife often muttered that if Zhao Shu had listened to her and married the Lu family’s girl back then, everything would have been fine. They would have lived harmoniously, unlike now, when a significant portion of their property was taken away, causing heavy losses.

Who would have thought that Shao Yunduan’s power would grow so quickly?

In a short period, he had conquered Hangzhou City and Jiangning City, becoming a formidable force rivaling the three Emperors. His momentum was such that the two princes couldn’t gain any advantage against him. This led many to believe that the destiny of Great Qin had come to an end and that perhaps the world would indeed fall into his hands in the end.

Meanwhile, Zhao Shu not only regained all the assets he had previously lost but was also poised for even greater success in the future.

At this point, how could the clan dare to speak ill of Taotao? Those who had gossiped before now closed their mouths guiltily and awkwardly, especially the Clan Leader’s wife, who was scolded by the Clan Leader.

Zhao Shu also had informants within the clan, so he was aware of what had happened. However, he did not let Taotao or the Shao family know.

He was familiar with the way the world worships the powerful and tramples on the weak. When his mother passed away and the entire Zhao family business fell into the hands of Ms. Qin and her two sons, he had heard many harsh words.

Having money and fulfilling his duties, Zhao Shu chose to turn a blind eye to the past slights and couldn’t be bothered to argue with them.

After all, there were still some voices in the clan that spoke up for Zhao Shu and defended him. That was sufficient for him.

Of course, not everyone in the clan could earn his genuine trust.

Even though Zhao Shu didn’t confide in Taotao, during their days at the Zhao clan, there were always those who tried to win her favor by volunteering information.

Taotao listened attentively.

Her approach mirrored Zhao Shu’s: as long as she maintained her dignity, there was no need to take everything seriously or personally.

Those worthy of support would naturally receive it, and could potentially be valuable allies in the future. Those who were insincere or opportunistic could be handled as part of normal social interactions.

Regardless, their stay in the clan would be brief. They had already agreed to return to Hangzhou City to celebrate the Lantern Festival together!

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