Chapter 194 Unexpected News
Feng Lan was stunned, then smiled broadly, "Really? That's great! This kid has great potential!"
"Don't be happy yet."
Su Wenbin's face was solemn. "In order to win over talented people, the emperor has granted Shitou and the third princess a marriage. The imperial decree has already been issued."
Feng Lan's smile froze on her face. "What? A marriage arranged?"
"It is said that after Shitou received the imperial edict, he never showed up again."
Su Wenbin sighed, "I asked around for a long time before I found out that he now lives in a small courtyard outside Shangjing and doesn't see anyone."
Feng Lan sat in the chair and didn't speak for a long time.
She knew what Shitou felt for San Ya, and this was a problem.
"Mom, what do you think we should do?" Su Wenbin asked.
"What else can I do?"
Feng Lan smiled bitterly, "Disobeying the order? You'll lose your head."
"But Shitou obviously doesn't want to."
Su Wenbin said anxiously, "If he really marries the princess, there will be no possibility for him and San Ya in the future."
Feng Lan shook her head. "You can't force feelings. Besides, San Ya is completely focused on her business right now and hasn't thought about romance."
"So that's it?"
"What if I don't remember it?"
Feng Lan stood up and said, "Wenbin, some things are beyond our control. Since Shitou has chosen the path of the imperial examination, he must bear the consequences."
Su Wenbin wanted to say something but was stopped by Feng Lan.
"Don't tell Sanya about this for now."
Feng Lan advised, "Let her focus on her business, and we can talk about other things later."
When the two returned outside, San Ya was discussing with Chen Kangbo about finding a manager.
"Do you have any good news this time?" San Ya asked with a smile.
Su Wenbin forced a smile and said, "I just missed you guys and came to see you."
"Then you've come just in time."
San Ya said excitedly, "I'm looking for some reliable managers. You're well-informed and experienced. Do you have any suitable candidates to recommend?"
Su Wenbin thought for a moment and said, "I do know a few people who have worked as accountants. They are good people, but I don't know if they are willing to leave their hometown."
"It's okay, just ask for me first."
San Ya was full of anticipation, "If they are willing, the treatment can be negotiated."
Chen Kangbo was listening at the side when he suddenly remembered something. "By the way, Wenbin, have you been to Shangjing? I heard that the results of this year's imperial examination have been announced."
Su Wenbin's heart tightened, and he glanced at Feng Lan, "I heard the results have been announced, but I'm not too sure about the details."
"I don't know how Shitou did in the exam."
Chen Kangbo sighed, "That child has been smart since he was young, he should be good."
Sanya also nodded, "Yes, Shitou works so hard, he will definitely get a good rank in the exam."
Feng Lan and Su Wenbin looked at each other and didn't respond.
"Mom, why don't you speak?" San Ya looked at Feng Lan curiously.
"I'm thinking about Jinzhou."
Feng Lan changed the subject, "I still have to meet those bosses tonight, so I have to prepare well."
“That’s right!”
San Ya slapped her forehead and said, "I almost forgot about this. You're here just in time. Let's go to Zuixianlou together tonight and help me with some advice."
Su Wenbin wanted to refuse, but seeing the hint in Feng Lan's eyes, he had to nod and agree.
"Okay, I'll go with you to take a look."
In the afternoon, Li Desheng came again, this time bringing with him several middle-aged men in luxurious attire.
"Auntie Feng, these are the bosses I was talking about."
Li Desheng introduced them, "This is Mr. Wang from the silk shop, this is Mr. Zhang from the grain store, and this is Mr. Liu from the tea business."
Several people greeted each other politely and their words and behavior were very appropriate.
"I've long heard of Miss San Ya's name."
Boss Wang smiled brightly, "I heard that your restaurant business is booming, we all admire you."
San Ya responded modestly, "Thank you for the compliment, it's just a small business."
"The girl is too modest."
Zhang Dongjia continued, "It's not something that ordinary people can do to run a restaurant so successfully."
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, they agreed to discuss the matter in detail in the evening.
After they left, Su Wenbin frowned and said, "Aunt, I always feel that there is something wrong with these people."
"What's wrong?" Feng Lan asked.
“I can’t explain it, I just feel like they’re too enthusiastic.”
Su Wenbin shook his head. "Logically speaking, they've been doing business in Jinzhou for so many years, so they should be very cautious. But they're so proactive towards outsiders like us. It's a bit unusual."
San Ya also thought it made sense. "Indeed, it's strange that they trust me so much without even trying my cooking."
"Who cares?"
Feng Lan waved her hand. "We'll know what they're up to when we meet tonight. We won't be at a disadvantage."
As night falls, Zuixianlou is brightly lit.
Feng Lan and her group arrived at the agreed time and found that the bosses were already waiting in the private room. Su Wenbin had left first.
Feng Lan looked at Su Wenbin's back as he left, feeling mixed emotions.
She understood that this matter involved the royal family and was not something that common people like them could interfere with.
But San Ya has been waiting for Shi Tou. What should we do now?
"Mom, why is my cousin in such a hurry to leave?"
Sanya came out of the room and said, "I also want him to help me find out the details of those bosses."
"He has urgent business to attend to."
Feng Lan casually responded, "We just need to be careful."
San Ya nodded and started to busy herself with the restaurant's affairs again.
Feng Lan felt more and more uncomfortable as she watched her daughter busying around.
Early the next morning, Su Wenbin set off for home as expected.
Feng Lan saw him off to the city gate and repeatedly warned him before leaving: "Remember, don't tell anyone about this."
"Don't worry, auntie. I know the seriousness of the situation."
Su Wenbin got on the carriage, "It's just that Sanya..."
"I'll take care of it."
Feng Lan waved her hand and said, "Be careful on the road."
After returning to their residence, Feng Lan deliberately took San Ya out for a walk. "Girl, it's been a long time since we went shopping alone. Come with me today."
Sanya was a little surprised. "Mom, didn't you say you were going to discuss cooperation with those bosses?"
"No hurry, just walk around with me first."
Feng Lan took her daughter's arm and said, "You are busy with business every day and have no time to talk to me."
The mother and daughter strolled slowly in Jinzhou City. Feng Lan pointed at the street vendors and chatted from time to time. Although San Ya was a little absent-minded, she still accompanied them patiently.
When she reached a jewelry store, Feng Lan suddenly stopped.
"Girl, what do you think of this pair of earrings?"
Sanya took a look and said, "It looks pretty good, but I don't usually wear these."
"As a girl, how can you not dress up?"
Feng Lan deliberately put on a stern face, "You are not a child anymore, it's time to think about your personal problems."
Sanya blushed, "Mom, what are you talking about?"
"I'm serious."
Feng Lan took her daughter to sit at the tea stall and asked, "Do you have someone you like?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
