Lu Yinghuai could roughly guess what Yun Ling wanted to ask, and when she did, he was overjoyed. However, he couldn't reveal this, lest he earn the title of "judge" again and displease the person in front of him.
"The courtyard that Song Sanlang had was somewhat unconventional and not bound by strict rules. Because it was close to the mountain, it was a good place to graze sheep. Uncle Song San got a great deal when he bought it. The owner of the estate was in a hurry to sell it, and he only paid 1,800 guan."
Yunling was somewhat moved.
"Why is the manor owner in such a hurry to sell? This manor isn't something that can be easily consumed. Even if it's left unsold for a couple more years, it won't be a loss."
"Everyone has their own ideas. He might be thinking that he will never come back here again, and he might be thinking that he can sell the estate and have some money in his pocket."
Yunling could understand. If she really didn't want to develop her career in Pingcheng in the future, and she wasn't going to be involved in business, it would be more appropriate to sell her belongings for what she needed.
"What is the price range for private gardens, as the young master mentioned earlier? And what about the prices for those that are profitable?"
“Here’s what I’m thinking: Your aunt married Yu-ge’er, and the Qin family also owns a estate, though they’ve always described it as a private garden. It must be profitable, but given Master Qin’s status, it’s not appropriate to reveal it publicly…”
Yunling thought Lu Yinghuai's words were serious, but his gaze was rather unreadable. It wasn't the burning look he usually gave her; instead, it was somewhat cunning, with a meaning that was left unsaid. Yunling dared to guess:
"You mean you want me to buy a profitable estate?"
Lu Yinghuai didn't respond, but instead picked up the teapot and poured some more perilla drink into Yunling's still full teacup.
Yunling continued:
“If Aunt has a profitable estate, firstly, she can earn money, and secondly… she can take the opportunity to register the Qin family’s undiscovered estates under her name. After all, the Yun family is a merchant family, and it’s not surprising that merchants have money and profitable estates.”
Lu Yinghuai smiled knowingly, but ultimately did not respond to Yun Ling's words.
Yunling cursed him as "cunning and treacherous," took a sip of the perilla drink, and couldn't help but recall what Manager Zhou had said earlier.
She should have been suspicious earlier, but she was too excited to think straight. To be honest, even if Song Xiaoliulang and Manager Zhou were very capable, they wouldn't dare to make up stories about the future daughter-in-law of the Qin family unless the Qin family agreed to it.
If that's really the case, then the Qin family is truly not simple. Her aunt doesn't even know if she can outmaneuver them...
“Lingniang, there’s no need to overthink it. There’s a reason why Yu’er has delayed getting married until this age. Firstly, he doesn’t like it himself, and secondly, he’s seen too much of the power struggles and intrigues in the political arena. He’s more inclined towards things that are genuine and pure.”
"As for Madam Qin... Master Qin has not taken a concubine or mistress all these years, which shows that Madam Qin is a formidable person. She has seen all kinds of ups and downs and has witnessed many tricks. Naturally, she finds sincerity and honesty rare."
"With Madam Qin protecting you, Yu-ge'er doting on you, and Master Qin's official authority awe-inspiring, your aunt will be safe."
Yunling knew about things in the city, but Lu Yinghuai knew far more than she did. Since he said that, she figured her aunt would be alright, and her heart, which had just been hanging in suspense, eased a little.
"Does the young master have any estates to recommend?"
"Let me think about it, and I'll talk to you about it tomorrow."
Yunling nodded, downed her perilla drink in one gulp, then patted her bottom and was about to leave when her hand was quickly grabbed.
"Lingniang, let's have dinner together tonight."
"Thanks, but I'm busy with other things. I need to prepare for product development when I get back."
Be careful on the road!
"What, are you going to send someone to stop me?"
Lu Yinghuai chuckled. He was only offering a friendly reminder, but it had been misinterpreted as a threat or warning. He was even more reluctant to let her leave.
Lu Yinghuai tightened his grip on Yunling's hand and said gently:
"Lingniang, tell me why you're so happy today?"
Yunling found this person rather strange, so she said in an annoyed tone:
"Didn't I just say that I want to buy wool? That's something to be happy about."
Lu Yinghuai wouldn't let go, tilting his head back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Yun Ling.
"Let's talk about it again."
"What are you saying?"
"How did you find out that your products were going to be sold more? Did Manager Zhou tell you? Did he say anything else? Did he discuss your aunt and Yu-ge'er's affair with you?"
Yunling rolled her eyes inwardly. This person claimed ignorance, but these few words had already summarized her entire affair with Manager Zhou. What was there left for her to say?
"If you're bored, go to the outhouse and grab a toilet paper stick to scrub yourself. That will make sure you don't itch anymore."
After saying that, Yunling pulled her hand away and walked downstairs without looking back, leaving Lu Yinghuai with a silly grin on his face.
Uncle Cao was surprised that Lu Yinghuai had put the person down so quickly, and immediately became suspicious of Lu's claim from the previous night that the two were deeply in love and wanted to be together all the time.
It hasn't even been fifteen minutes yet, and he probably hasn't even finished those two salted egg yolk rice dumplings. It seems that Brother Huai really has a silver tongue to deceive his own family, exaggerating his abilities to the heavens, but the young lady doesn't believe him at all.
"Little Madam, are you leaving already? Won't you stay for dinner? The merchant ship that just arrived today brought in a lot of seafood from Yuecheng. It's best to eat it while it's fresh."
"Uncle Cao, what kind of seafood did you get?"
"We have giant prawns, sea cucumbers, abalone, clams, blood clams, oysters, and fresh yellow croaker. Little Auntie, see which one you'd like to eat, and Uncle Cao will pick out the best ones for you to cook."
Yunling swallowed hard and asked:
"Can I really eat this?"
Uncle Cao felt that Yunling's words were a bit stingy. Given her current status in the Lu family, she could eat anything, not just some seafood, but even dragon meat from heaven.
"Just tell us what you need. We'll make what we have right now, and we'll buy what we don't. Don't be shy."
"Uncle Cao, give me a little of everything, I'll take it home."
Uncle Cao stumbled and had to grab the handrail to steady himself.
"Oh, Miss Er, why don't you stay and catch up with Uncle Cao?"
"I have urgent business to attend to. I'll catch up with Uncle Cao another time."
Although Yunling was in a hurry, her feet seemed to be glued to the ground. She had no intention of doing this, but since Uncle Cao had tempted her, she would not give up until she got the seafood today.
Uncle Cao felt like he'd shot himself in the foot. He seemed to faintly hear Lu Yinghuai's laughter upstairs. No wonder, no wonder, he must have had something urgent to attend to. He'd thought it was Brother Huai...
Oh well, the Yun family is our future in-laws anyway, so eating some seafood won't hurt.
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