Chapter 994: Chapter 992: Intentions
Wu Lihong has been in the Shu region for some time now. With his identity as an imperial envoy, how could he not uncover all the details about the mother and daughter? Especially with Zhou Xuennian and his daughter by his side, acting as informants. Therefore, he has a pretty good understanding of Wufuâs affairs.
However, hearing and seeing are two different things. Madam Zhouâs personality is soft and weak; she definitely doesnât have the capability to build such a household. If she doesnât, then it must be that girl who has just reached the age of marriage...
Wu Lihong looked at this garden. Although this residence is small, it is like a sparrow with all its vital organs. Even the small garden is extremely well maintained.
Such meticulousness is built with silver, not something that can be spoken into existence.
Furthermore, there are several other estates, along with two shops, including one restaurant, which is said to have excellent business.
Fu Gui secretly investigated and calculated, and the output from all these various businesses would be at least twenty thousand taels of silver.
And all of this was accumulated by a young girl.
Wu Lihong felt a bit complicated, thinking of his own daughters. Even the concubine-born ones are pampered, spending their time embroidering in the attic, discussing clothes and jewelry; none are like her, who saved to build such a vast household estate.
Well, these thirty thousand or so taels might not be much in the eyes of the aristocratic families in Changan, but in such a small place, it would be enough for the mother and daughter to live comfortably.
Not only in Huayang but even in the Wu Family, who among the women and concubines has such an economic foundation?
No wonder Zhou Xuennian previously said they are confident; isnât this confidence after all!
Thinking of this, Wu Lihongâs mood was indescribably complex, somewhat itching, somewhat sour.
Madam Zhou was stunned for a moment, then smiled, saying, "Doesnât Mr. Wu know what kind of person I am? I am simple and incapable. Our comfortable life now is all thanks to Wufuâs savings."
These words carried a hint of proud relief, but also a slight grievance.
Wu Lihong immediately caught on and said, "Rest assured, when you return, you wonât be lacking in fine clothes and good food."
Madam Zhouâs smile became a bit stiff, her eyelids lowering slightly.
Qiu Xiang internally sneered even more, thinking they donât lack fine clothes and good food now; whatâs the need for unnecessary actions?
Returning to that home would likely not even compare to eating here; after all, the ways a Madam has to torment a concubine are countless.
"You said earlier, Wufu went to Changan with a man to handle some business?" Wu Lihong asked again.
Madam Zhou nodded, "She said she had some business to negotiate."
Wu Lihong pursed his lips and said, "She is a clever girl, but you shouldnât spoil her so much. After all, sheâs of marriageable age and having a young lady show up in public and travel a long distance with a man... how does that sound good?"
Madam Zhouâs expression changed.
"In grand families, except for merchant women, no young lady shows up and negotiates business like a man," Wu Lihong added.
"What does Mr. Wu mean?" Madam Zhou frowned slightly, probing.
Wu Lihong said, "When you return to the Wu Family, Iâll assign a few capable managers to assist you, to manage these estates and shops, so you donât have to be directly involved. Otherwise, if word gets out that Wu Lihongâs daughter negotiates business like a man, it would be a laughingstock." Fearing that Madam Zhou might misunderstand, he added, "Rest assured, these assets will still be in your and your daughterâs name and will serve as her dowry. You only need to settle accounts and collect interest annually."
Madam Zhou was taken aback.
Qiu Xiangâs face drastically changed; these words sound nice, but isnât it just an attempt to seize the young ladyâs properties?