Chapter 83 The Tiger's Roar (Part 2): "Master, you're finally back! If you hadn't returned, I would have gone to the Shen residence to look for you." ...

"Master, you're finally back! If you hadn't come back, I would have gone to the Shen residence to look for you."

"What's going on? The accounts department has already settled the money due for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Have they taken care of this matter yet?"

"Everything is done. Old Wu was in charge of handling it, so there won't be any mistakes."

Waiting at the side door, the person who immediately approached Shen Wanqing was Fang Liang, the same Fang Liang who was running a drab general store with no business last year.

He was among the people sent to Jingzhou this year to prepare dowry land for Fuxuan, and he did a very good job. When he returned, Shen Wanqing learned that Fang Liang had traveled to many places with the canal gang when he was a teenager. Later, he didn't make any fortune on his own, so he settled down and joined the Hesheli family as an external manager.

From then on, Shen Wanqing kept him by her side, and he was responsible for handling matters at the shop and for communicating with the outside world from the East Courtyard.

At first, Changshun and Changlu, who were in front of Yulang, were full of resentment. They felt that if the eldest mistress had something to do, she should just ask them to do it. Why did she suddenly elevate an outsider?

Later, seeing that Fang Liang could handle everything at home and outside, and only listened to the eldest mistress, and that he had nothing to do with the complicated relationships between the servants, and that he just did his job without asking questions, I was convinced and no longer resentful or complained.

It is said that family members are born into the family, and there are smaller families within the larger family. Chang Shun and Qing Shuang are all from large families working in the Hesheli family. They do their best to do whatever their masters want, but they still have some selfish motives.

This is human nature, and Shen Wanqing can't control it anyway. However, Fang Liang is the best example of someone she can promote from outside of those born into wealthy families. As long as he has ability and has no other support but herself, she can give him enough space to develop his talents.

To live, one must have a sense of existence, one must make some noise. Whether it's good or bad, no one truly wants to come and go quietly. As long as he can satisfy Fang Liang's demands, he is his own 'houseborn son'.

"The caravan from Shengjing has arrived too? The old lady mentioned to me twice before that she wanted to put two more good ginseng roots in my aunt's dowry, but I've been putting it off and haven't agreed yet."

Find some time these next couple of days to ask the caravan owners what they think about the ginseng harvest in the second half of the year. If it's not much, then forget it; if it's plentiful, take two ginseng roots to the old lady.

After the New Year, Shen Wanqing consolidated her several shops. Fang Liang's general store was transformed into a shop specializing in Fuzhou specialties, coastal goods, and goods from Southeast Asia. It also sold products from Guangdong and Guangxi, mainly depending on what was on the ships docked at the shore.

Shen Wanqing will decide what goods to sell this year. She will take people to pick them out when the merchant ships dock in Tongzhou. In two years, once the shopkeeper has developed a good eye, there will be no need to worry about the shop anymore. Goods from the coast and Southeast Asia will never lack a market in the capital.

Another shop mainly sells goods from Shengjing and Liaodong, with leather and mountain products as its main business. Because the Hesheli family has always had connections with the Imperial Household Department, even though the relationship has gradually faded after the deaths of Shuaiyanbao and Erhe, maintaining a small shop is not a problem.

What a shop used to do sometimes determines what it is suitable to do later. For example, if a shop used to make paper offerings and sell coffins, it is not advisable to change its business to a silk shop or a snack stall. Doing so would be taboo.

Therefore, Shen Wanqing did not make major changes to the shop, but only changed the items sold inside. The eldest branch of the Shen family had its own caravan, and they replaced most of the leather and mountain products with ginseng and deer antler, keeping only the best and finest products. They also asked Urgun to find a way to invite two master craftsmen back to specialize in processing ginseng slices, ginseng wine, deer antler wine, and other fine products.

Half of the shops sell the original items, while the other half, having upgraded its quality, is repurposed to sell Xiuyan jade artifacts, Fushun jet, finished embroidered purses, and woven handicrafts related to these jade stones. Whether it's pendants, fan pendants, shoes, socks, or coats, everything can be custom-made by hand.

It's like a shop that used to only sell basic raw materials is now shifting towards deep processing and high-quality products. The biggest challenge for others in this transformation is the lack of manpower. Making ginseng slices and deer antler wine requires more than two masters; each master needs at least two apprentices.

Furthermore, to make those jade and jet into ornaments, one needs specialized craftsmen and women who do weaving and embroidery. It might be troublesome for others to find so many people, but for Shen Wanqing, the people are readily available.

The eighteen households I visited before the Lunar New Year last year were mostly inhabited by elderly, infirm, or disabled people; the majority were widows with children or elderly couples with children.

Manchus were not allowed to engage in commerce, but that didn't mean they couldn't work for their own bannermen.

Some people who come to your home to run errands are doing work, and if they take embroidery or weaving work from your hands, they are doing work too. After they finish, you should give them some reward as a thank you. It is only natural and reasonable.

If there's no one in the family skilled in handicrafts, then have the sons come to the shop to help out as apprentices, picking stones and cutting ginseng slices; there will always be odd jobs that can be assigned to them.

Back in the spring, Shen Wanqing told them to give it a try first. If they could do the job, they would do it; if not, they would all work together to find a solution.

Now, half a year has passed in the blink of an eye. The families who work for Shen Wanqing's shop have basically settled down. There are also a few skilled and efficient women who work extra for the shops of Fuchang and Akdun.

Shen Wanqing never questioned this, after all, they were all bannermen under Yu Lang's command, not slaves. The work she assigned them was piecework. As long as they delivered their work on time and to a high standard, she let them do whatever they wanted the rest of the time.

Or rather, what Shen Wanqing wanted was for them to proactively find ways to survive within the rules. The more families willing to use them like she did, the better their lives would be in the future, and the less conspicuous she would become. Making money quietly was the safest option; if she made too much of a splash, she might fall and get hurt.

Of course, there were also two families who didn't appreciate what Shen Wanqing had done at all. They felt that they were Manchus of the Plain Yellow Banner, servants of the Emperor, and how could Shen Wanqing, a woman of the Han Banner, order them around?

When these words reached Shen Wanqing's ears, she simply nodded and then completely ignored the two families. Every family has its share of poverty; with so many households under a military command, how could there not be a few poor ones?

Since they value their reputation more than poverty, we can only wish them a life as they desire for all eternity.

"The goods from the caravan and the boatmen have all arrived. The headman and the headman of the village, Song, also returned early this morning. The chickens and ducks brought from the village have all been processed first and will be delivered to the preserved meat shop this afternoon."

Shen Wanqing used her dowry shop to set up a preserved meat shop, specializing in preserved and smoked meats from the southwestern and Hubei regions. It is said that it is easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. Shen Wanqing felt that her taste was innate. If she didn't set up a preserved meat shop to transport her favorite ingredients to the capital, her days would be meaningless.

Most of the products sold at the preserved meat shop were transported to the capital by cargo ships along the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal. Each provincial capital had a guild hall in the capital. In addition to serving as a communication center for officials and candidates taking the imperial examinations, merchants from all over the country would also visit their local guild hall as soon as they arrived in the capital.

Over time, anyone who wanted to do business with merchants from any region could simply visit the guild hall. Shen Wanqing's goods were also facilitated through several guild halls, and Fang Liang handled the arrangements. Having traveled extensively in previous years, he had met many people and could chat with people from all over the country about local affairs.

As for the chickens, ducks, and geese on their own estate, they were just an extra bonus. They didn't expect to make much money; they just wanted to keep the estate's managers and tenants happy.

"Everything is arranged perfectly. Is there anything else you need me to do?"

"This matter is related to Miss Fu."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wanqing stopped and turned to look at Fang Liang. She thought to herself, "So that's why he's been rambling on and on. No wonder he didn't respond when I suggested picking out two ginseng roots; the real show is yet to come."

"Speak, what is it?"

"Miss Fu asked someone to pass on a message to me, asking if I would like to go to Jingzhou with her."

Fang Liang felt that this young lady must have some problems with her brain. He had finally managed to climb up to the great-grandmother's big tree, how could he go to Jingzhou with her before he had even settled down?

"Anything else?"

"Of course I refused. The nanny sent by Miss Fu asked if we could introduce her to the cargo boats, boat hulls, and horse caravans we are currently using, so that she could set up a few shops like ours when she goes to Jingzhou in the future."

"It would be best to choose two more capable managers to take with her, so that she can get things started once she arrives in Jingzhou."

"Crazy! What else could this be but utter madness?" Shen Wanqing grew angrier and angrier as she listened, her eyes practically spitting fire by the end. Fang Liang, too, dared not utter a sound; he was starting to regret coming to report this.

"Come with me to the main courtyard."

"My lady, please be patient. Don't lose your temper in front of the old lady. I asked Qing Shuang to inquire about this matter, and it seems to be Miss Fu's own idea."

"Really? Then I'll have to ask him about it."

Shen Wanqing hates it most when others try to steal her partner's things. No one can take what's rightfully hers, and she'll chop off anyone who tries.

He had been tolerating Fu Xuan before because he felt it wasn't easy for a girl her age who hadn't married yet to survive in this world, so he tolerated it as much as he could. Anyway, Fu Xuan was about to marry into Jingzhou, and whether she lived a good or bad life was none of his business.

But now that she dared to reach out to her, Shen Wanqing realized that she had been too lenient with her. Did she really think she was some kind of living bodhisattva who would give her whatever she wanted? Dream on.

It was already the end of July, and the wedding was on the first day of the ninth lunar month. With only a month left and the Mid-Autumn Festival in between, time was extremely tight. So, the Tongjia clan was quite lively every day, discussing Fuxuan's marriage. When Shen Wanqing arrived, not only was Fuxuan with the Tongjia clan, but Shumulu clan was also there.

"Aunt Fu, there's something I want to ask you."

It's good that everyone's here; it saves us from having to send someone to inquire about what happened later. Shen Wanqing greeted Madam Tongjia with a stern face, then turned and headed straight for Fuxuan.

"I heard you want to take Fang Liang away from me, is that true?"

"I, I, I was just asking."

Shen Wanqing's stern and murderous expression frightened Fu Xuan, who stammered and stuttered as she shrank back in her armchair.

Even so, she still didn't know what she had done wrong. "Fang Liang is also the head of the household, and I am the matriarch of the family. I want to take someone away to ask what's wrong?"

"Don't play dumb. Fang Liang is the steward of the manor, but how many years has he been in the Hesheli family and how have you used him? I picked him out and put him to use, and you're already trying to reap the benefits? You still dare to tell me that we're all from the Hesheli family. Listen to how absurd that is."

"Don't make false accusations. I was just asking." Fu Xuan was humiliated in front of everyone and couldn't save face. Even though her heart was pounding with fear, she forced herself to stand up and confront Shen Wanqing.

"Don't forget that I'm also a great-aunt in the family. What's wrong with me asking how the family shop is run? My mother and Yulang didn't say anything. When did it become your place as a daughter-in-law to lecture me?"

"So Aunt Fu means you're all family, and I'm an outsider, right?"

Shen Wanqing sneered and shifted her gaze to Tongjia Shi. She stared at her without saying a word. Tongjia Shi knew from her expression that she was waiting for her reaction.

"Who said that? Lang's daughter-in-law, don't overthink it. Fuxuan was being inconsiderate. You've been managing all the big things in the family. You're the one who came up with the ideas and connections to make money in the business this year. You can decide who can be used and who can't be used, and no one can interfere."

See, that's what a clever person does. Every word is in favor of Shen Wanqing, but every word also leaves room for Fuxuan to maneuver. "I, as an old lady, have been so accommodating to you. Once this anger subsides, and she swallows her pride to ask for something on Fuxuan's behalf, won't Shen Wanqing have to give it to her?"

How could Shen Wanqing possibly grant their wish again? After hearing Tongjia's words, she turned back, took a big step forward, and forced Fuxuan back into the armchair.

"Since the old lady has said so, I will express my opinion to Aunt Fu."

"Aunt Fu's dowry, how it was divided when the family property was divided back then, is now exactly as it was, not a penny less. I have someone go to Jingzhou to purchase the best paddy fields for your dowry, and the shops are in the best locations in Jingzhou City."

"Also, all the dowry gifts that relatives and families under the jurisdiction have given to Aunt Fu these days are going to be taken away. In the future, when these families have weddings or other happy events, Yu Lang and I will repay these favors. Should the expenses for this in-and-out be included in the cost of arranging Aunt Fu's wedding?"

“I didn’t say it shouldn’t be done, but this is how it’s done for every family when they marry off their daughter. Every family has to give the bride a dowry. Once it’s given, the bride is supposed to take it with her. Are you suggesting the family should keep it?”

Fu Xuan hadn't expected Shen Wanqing to actually go through with the score point by point. She knew perfectly well that her family's attitude towards her was that she was, after all, a young lady about to be married off to a distant place, and they wanted to make things as good as possible, since it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Fu Xuan herself thought the same way; if she didn't want it now, she'd never get it again.

"I didn't say I would deduct it. Since it's already been given to everyone, who would want to cut back on this little bit of dowry? But whether your marriage to the Dong'e family is worth the price of this dowry, and who exactly gave you this dowry money, you should know in your heart."

Shen Wanqing is quite generous, but she can also be very stingy when she wants to. If it weren't for her, or rather, if it weren't for Yu Lang handling the arrangements, Fu Xuan's marriage would never have been so well-prepared.

I've treated her right from the beginning. It's just that she's too weak to accept this kindness, so she can't blame me for taking it back.

"The dowry has been prepared. As for how the old lady will secretly subsidize her aunt, I, as a junior, have no say or concern. But you can't take anything else with you, including your aunt."

"Don't say things like 'I'm your wife and you're my great-aunt.' Since you married me with all the proper betrothal gifts, everything in this house that belongs to you is also mine."

As long as I'm in charge of this household, I'm the one who calls the shots. If anyone can't stand it or can't tolerate it, then let Yulang write me a divorce agreement. Once I leave this household, I'll have nothing to do with anything else.

The mere mention of the words "separation" startled Lady Tongjia, who waved her hands repeatedly. Lady Shen was currently a favorite of the Crown Princess, and Lang Ge'er had so many things to manage inside and outside the palace; she dared not even bring up the topic of divorce.

“How can we not be family? Who dares to say you’re not from the Hesheli family? Don’t hold it against Fuxuan; she’s just a fool. I, this old woman, guarantee you that from today until she gets married, she will not cause any more trouble. Please, for the sake of this old lady, forgive her this time.”

"Grandma, you mean what you say. Not to mention Grandma, what haven't I been doing for you in the past six months? This was my fault today, little sister. I won't do it again next time."

Shumulu was dumbfounded. How could she not see that Shen Wanqing was the type to focus on the big picture and let go of the small details? As long as things were going well on the surface, she didn't care about the minor issues. Today, Fuxuan had really stepped on her sore spot. She didn't know whether to say that she deserved it or that she was just unlucky.

"There won't be a next time. This kind of disgusting thing is enough once. If there is a next time, whoever makes me unhappy will pay tenfold. I mean what I say."

After all, there was still Lady Tongjia around. She didn't use her seniority to pressure me after I made such a scene, which shows that she was sensible and knew what was good for me.

She didn't even glance at Fu Xuan, who sat there with a pale face. After taking a few deep breaths to calm herself down, Shen Wanqing returned to her usual self, bowed to Tong Jia Shi, and then prepared to return to the East Courtyard.

Turning around and walking outside, she saw Yu Lang rushing over, but then standing outside the door, too afraid to come in.

Lord Yu, who was frightened by Shen Wanqing's words, remained seated in the carriage for a long time, thinking he would calm down before getting off. However, the old woman from the main courtyard rushed over in a panic, looking terrified. When asked what was wrong, she stammered and couldn't explain clearly, only saying that the eldest mistress had lost her temper.

Startled, Yu Lang jumped off the carriage and ran towards the main courtyard. He only caught a glimpse of what had happened, but that didn't stop him from roughly guessing what it was. To be frank, his family members had never truly suffered a loss before, always assuming that their mistress's knife wouldn't fall on their heads.

"What are you looking at? Go back now." Shen Wanqing's anger hadn't subsided, and she didn't hold back her temper when she looked at Yu Lang. Lord Yu was very obedient at the moment, and as soon as he saw Shen Wanqing come out, he immediately followed her obediently, following his mistress all the way out of the main courtyard.

Shumulushi also came out with her. Tongjiashi couldn't stay in her room any longer. As soon as Shen Wanqing left, Fuxuan was so frightened that she cried.

Shumulu felt that Fuxuan deserved what happened this time, and couldn't say anything to comfort her, so she just made up an excuse to come out as well.

"Lang's daughter-in-law, come visit me in a couple of days when you have some free time. I have something I want to discuss with you. I'm not sure what to do and would like to hear your opinion."

"Tu Nan's marriage proposal?"

"That's right. His father sent a letter wanting to arrange a marriage for him in Fuzhou. But it's such a long and arduous journey, and I don't know anything about the girl's family situation, so how could I possibly agree?"

He Yi was a capable man. Although the task of supervising the grain transport was difficult, he managed to overcome this tough challenge. Of course, Shen Hongshi and the Shi family helped him during this time, but ultimately it was his own ability that mattered.

I don't know what he wrote in his letter to Shumulu, but Shumulu has been extremely attentive to Shen Wanqing all year. Today, she's made it clear that she's on Shen Wanqing's side. Even if Shen Wanqing is unhappy right now, she can't take it out on her.

"Alright, I'm saying all this so you can distract yourself from Fuxuan's matter. Now that you're out, don't think about it anymore. Don't argue with Yulang when you go back. This is your life, you can't really abandon our Lang-ge'er, can you?"

"Second Aunt is joking. If our eldest grandma really doesn't want me anymore, I'll pack my bags and go after her. It won't be shameful for me to marry into her family."

Shen Wanqing knew that her face looked terrible, and even when she tried to smile, the muscles on both sides of her cheeks felt stiff.

Yu Lang was the first to react. He said a few words to Shu Mulu Shi with a half-serious laugh, then took Shen Wanqing's hand and walked towards the east courtyard, leaving Shu Mulu Shi standing there alone.

"Madam, does the master mean something else by saying that?"

Shumulu had initially been somewhat inclined to watch the drama unfold, but after hearing Yulang's words, her expression turned even more unpleasant.

She had personally witnessed Yu Lang's rise from second-class guard to first-class guard that year, and it hadn't even been that long. His future was probably very bright; if he really abandoned this family, he wouldn't be the one to suffer.

"Go, find a maid and tell the old lady exactly what she said. We really can't keep this Miss Fu in our family. Look at what's going on."

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It's Black Monday again! [crying][crying][crying]

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