Chapter 1039: Chapter 1037: Staying in Changan
The Wu Familyâs estate isnât too extensive. The household affairs are managed by Wu Liqing, who holds no official position. Although Wu Liqing is a Concubineâs Son, he earns the Old Master Wuâs favor by managing the household affairs. His days arenât too difficult, especially considering his Legitimate Wife comes from a merchant family with a considerable dowry.
"...The Wu Family originally had two jewelry shops, but now only one remains. Its location is quite favorable, situated on Changan Street, called the Royal Treasure Pavilion, although its business is rather ordinary, as there are countless such jewelry shops in the city." Purple Jade detailed the Wu Familyâs assets.
Besides the jewelry shop, there are several estates of various sizes, as well as a tea house, a pastry shop, and even a rice store.
"Their business is quite diversified," Wufu chuckled.
Purple Jade nodded and also mentioned the Eldest Lady Wuâs own dowry shop. As the âLegitimate Daughterâ of the Marquis Yonganâs Mansion, her dowry is quite substantial. Evidently, the Eldest Lady Wu excels in management, having doubled the assets. The most profitable is the Embroidery Workshop called Rongxiu Pavilion.
"Embroidery Workshop?"
"Yes. Itâs well-managed and has expanded to five branch shops, which the Eldest Lady Wu bought after getting married here. The Rongxiu Pavilion holds a certain reputation in Changan City, as many young noblewomen enjoy having their clothes made there," Purple Jade recounted her findings.
Wufu raised her head, "Thatâs rather interesting. Is the Wu Family Main Branch relying on the Eldest Lady Wuâs dowry?"
"Perhaps it is,"
"In that case, Wu Lihong definitely cannot afford to disrespect this Legitimate Wife!" Wufu squinted.
Both Purple Jade and Jadeite understood the implications behind Wufuâs words, though neither responded.
For an Assistant Minister of Rites, the salary may not be vast, and if the benefits arenât significant, he might find himself less comfortable than a typical merchant.
Therefore, if oneâs own resources are limited, there is reliance on oneâs wife. Wu Lihong is evidently one who depends on his wife, living off her resourcesâhow dare he disrespect?
"As the eldest legitimate grandson, Great Master Wu does have some private savings," Purple Jade laughed.
Wufu snorted.
"Miss, thatâs about all for the Wu Family. Naturally, living together leads to friction, and each branch has its own little schemes. When adding everything together, I dare say the entire Wu Family isnât as wealthy as the young ladyâs assets,"
Wufu said, "Hm. Any movements from the Eldest Lady Wuâs side?"
"I heard that a younger son of a nanny by the surname Wei from her side has left the capital for the Shu region,"
Wufu frowned and said, "Seems the rumors from the Wen Family reached her ears. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence for him to leave urgently? Itâs certainly not due to worries or longing for Wu Lihong."
"Miss, now that Ninth Master is gone, what about our return route?" Purple Jade tentatively asked.
Wufu leaned back on the chair and said, "I originally planned to leave the Cloud Realm heading back to Huayang, but plans canât keep up with changes. Weâre unlikely to return to Huayang."
"What does Miss mean?"
"Ah Jiu handed over people and also provided Silver. We must do something, right? What can we do going back to Huayang? Changan City is the imperial city, and itâs easier to grasp any developments firsthand while residing here," Wufu said, "Returning to Huayang, if anything happens here, distant water canât put out nearby fire; actions would be hindered."
Purple Jade and Jadeite exchanged glances, does this mean theyâre staying in Changan?