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"You gentlemen have been with the Zhao Family for years. Now that my late husband is gone, everything has fallen to me, a mere woman. It's understandable that you have grievances. But as my younger sister said, my late husband gave each of you an opportunity. And both he and I are your employers. You should respect me, help me, and see us through this difficult time."

"I don't think we'll settle anything today. Why don't you all go home, and we can discuss it another day?"

After that, the shopkeepers could hardly stay. They filed out of the room. Before leaving, the eldest looked back at Shen Lantang, his eyes full of the disappointment and reproach of a respected elder faced with an arrogant, ignorant youngster.

Shen Lantang only glared back coldly, her expression saying, What are you going to do about it?

Only when everyone had left and no one but the Zhao Family members remained in the courtyard did Shen Lantang suddenly relax. She turned to Fangyun.

"Fangyun, quick, pour me some water."

"Ah, yes, right away!"

Fangyun hurriedly poured her a cup. Shen Lantang drank it in one gulp, and the throat she had strained to its limit finally felt a little better.

She had enjoyed such an easy life these past few years that it had been ages since she'd banged on a table and shouted someone down. When she was younger, she could practically have joined Zhuge Liang in debating a tenth of the scholars, all right?

"Madam Shen." Fangyun was awestruck.

"You were incredible just now!"

Shen Lantang answered with a proud look.

Madam Zhao came down as well and took Shen Lantang by the arm. "Thank you so much for speaking up just now. If you hadn't, I don't know what I