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"What did you say?!"

"They said they won't come back unless Madam apologizes to every one of them! Madam, those managers have worked at the Cloth Shop for years. They handle all the business and payments. If they all quit, how will we keep the shop open?!"

"What?" Magistrate Zhang had threatened Madam Zhao only yesterday. Now, hearing this terrible news, she grew dizzy and nearly lost her footing.

"Sister." Shen Lantang hurriedly caught her hand. "You have to stay strong. This is exactly what they want!"

After Shen Lantang's series of measures, the workers and managers had begun to turn against one another. Seeing how things stood, several managers had joined forces with the Zhao Family and made a scene. Madam Zhao was already beset on all sides; this might be enough to make her give in under the pressure.

"Sister, do you trust me? When I say I'll protect you and your two children, do you believe me?"

Madam Zhao looked at Shen Lantang's resolute face, bit her lip, and nodded with difficulty.

Shen Lantang smiled.

"Thank you, Sister. We can't back down now. Since you trust me, let me fight back. I promise I'll take care of this."

Tears in her eyes, Madam Zhao nodded silently.

Shen Lantang gave her hand another reassuring pat, then turned and left the room.

Xie Jin was waiting outside.

"How is Madam Zhao?"

"Not well, of course."

"We could..."

Shen Lantang cut him off. "I know what you're going to say. But official households have no shortage of parasites clinging to their splendor, eating away at even the most prosperous family until nothing but a shell remains. Power can protect her from outsiders, but leave the parasites inside to me."

In fact, this suited her perfectly. She had worried that if