Sheng Hongxiao smiled slightly, with a hint of nostalgia in his eyes: "That is a heroic story. Our ancestor, Sheng Wuji, once led the children of the Sheng family to fight bloody battles with the enemy during the war years, and finally repelled the enemy and protected the peace of the Sheng family."
Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with excitement: "Sheng Wuji, I have never heard of this name."
Sheng Hongxiao nodded: "Yes, this name has not been mentioned for a long time. But his deeds will always be engraved in the hearts of everyone in our Sheng family."
The elders of the Sheng Mansion were all moved and looked at Sheng Hongxiao with respect in their eyes.
Sheng Yunrong looked at Sheng Hongxiao, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "Second brother, I want to give everything for the Sheng family like Sheng Wuji did."
Sheng Hongxiao smiled and patted Sheng Yunrong on the shoulder: "Okay, our Sheng family, with you and me, will definitely be more glorious."
"Our Sheng family is the richest family in Jiangnan." There was a hint of pride in Sheng Yunrong's rising tone.
Sheng Hongxiao smiled slightly, with a hint of fondness in his eyes: "Yes, but this identity also brings a lot of responsibility."
Sheng Yunrong snorted softly, turned around and walked into the mansion, followed closely by Sheng Hongxiao. The mansion was decorated with lights and was very lively. The two walked through the hall and came to the back garden.
In the garden, Sheng Yunrong stopped and looked at the spring scenery. She frowned slightly and said, "Second brother, do you really think that our Sheng family can maintain this status forever?"
Sheng Hongxiao was silent for a moment, then said softly: "Nothing in this world is permanent. However, as long as we work together, the Sheng family can continue to maintain its leading position, at least in this generation."
Sheng Yunrong bit her lip lightly, with a firm look in her eyes: "I understand, I will study harder so that I can help you manage family affairs in the future."
Sheng Hongxiao smiled slightly and patted her shoulder: "Okay, I believe you."
As the two were talking, they heard laughter in the distance. Sheng Yunrong turned around and saw her third sister Sheng Wan'er chatting and laughing with several young men from aristocratic families, looking very excited.
"Look at Wan'er, she's so happy. She seems to be looking forward to this banquet." Sheng Yunrong chuckled.
Sheng Hongxiao nodded, with a hint of tenderness in his eyes: "She is always so lively and cheerful, which makes people feel at ease."
Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly, but soon stopped smiling, her eyes becoming serious: "But, second brother, you also know that this banquet is not just to celebrate our birthday, there are more important things."
Sheng Hongxiao nodded, his expression becoming serious: "Yes, all the major families will send representatives to this Chamber of Commerce. We must seize this opportunity to consolidate the Sheng family's position."
Sheng Yunrong nodded slightly, with a hint of determination in her eyes: "I will do my best."
Sheng Yunrong sat elegantly in the main seat, chatting and laughing with the distinguished guests beside her, while Sheng Hongxiao carefully observed the situation on the side.
"Miss Sheng, I heard that you are an extraordinary musician. I wonder if I can have the honor of seeing you tonight?" a young distinguished guest asked with a smile, holding a wine glass.
Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly and nodded gently: "Since the distinguished guest is so kind, then I will show my ugliness."
She slowly walked to the piano and gently plucked the strings, and a beautiful melody sounded. At the same time, Sheng Hongxiao was talking with several representatives of the aristocratic families on the other side, discussing the future of the family.
"Second Young Master Sheng, which chamber of commerce do you think is most likely to be the biggest competitor this time?" asked a representative of a noble family.
Sheng Hongxiao smiled slightly, with a sharp look in his eyes: "Needless to say, it's the Lu family."
The representative of the noble family nodded, and his expression became serious: "Indeed, the Lu family has developed rapidly in recent years and has become an opponent that we cannot ignore."
Sheng Hongxiao patted his shoulder gently: "Don't worry, our Sheng family is no pushover. As long as we unite as one, there is no difficulty that we cannot overcome."
Halfway through the banquet, Sheng Yunrong's piano playing gradually ended, and everyone applauded and praised. Sheng Hongxiao also came over and praised with a smile: "Sister, your piano skills are getting more and more exquisite."
Sheng Yunrong smiled slightly, with a hint of pride in her eyes: "Of course, don't you see who I am?"
Sheng Hongxiao smiled gently, turned around and continued talking with the representatives of the aristocratic families.
…
In the courtyard of Sheng Mansion, ancient trees towered, birds sang, and flowers bloomed. Sheng Yunrong, wearing a lavender dress, stood by the rippling pond, with a determined light in her eyes. Sheng Hongxiao, standing tall and handsome, was leisurely waving a folding fan and looking at her with a smile.
Sheng Yunrong turned her head, her eyes like water, and said to Sheng Hongxiao: "Second brother, what do you think of the revival of our Sheng family?"
Sheng Hongxiao smiled lightly, his eyes revealing confidence: "It is indeed only a matter of time to revive the Sheng family's business and restore the title of the richest businessman in Jiangnan. But the key lies in how we grasp this time and how to make the process smoother."
Sheng Yunrong nodded slightly, a trace of thought flashed in her eyes: "So, where do you think we should start?"
Sheng Hongxiao put away his folding fan and said seriously: "First, we need to stabilize the existing industry to ensure that there will be no mistakes during this period. Secondly, we need to find new business opportunities and expand our business scope. Finally, we need to find a backer in the court to avoid being suppressed by official forces."
Sheng Yunrong's eyes flashed with approval, and she gently patted Sheng Hongxiao on the shoulder: "Second brother, your analysis makes sense. So, what should we do next?"
Sheng Hongxiao smiled slightly: "Miss, don't worry, I have a plan. First, I will personally inspect various places in Jiangnan to ensure the normal operation of my industries. Secondly, I will send reliable personnel to explore new business opportunities to see if there are suitable investment directions. As for the court, I will find an opportunity to approach the powerful Lord Li and establish a good relationship with him."
Sheng Yunrong nodded gently, with a trace of worry in her eyes: "Second brother, is it too hard for you to take on so many things by yourself?"
Sheng Hongxiao smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Miss, don't worry. I am the second young master of the Sheng family. This is nothing. As long as I can help the Sheng family regain its former glory, I am willing to give everything."
As the two were talking, footsteps were heard at the gate of Sheng's mansion. Sheng Yunrong turned around and saw the housekeeper of the Sheng family hurried over with a letter in his hand.
"Miss, Second Young Master, this is a letter from the capital. It says 'urgent' on it. I was worried that it might be something important, so I sent it here immediately."
Sheng Yunrong took the letter, opened it, and her face suddenly became solemn. She handed the letter to Sheng Hongxiao and said softly, "Second brother, take a look at this letter."
Sheng Hongxiao took the letter, quickly read it, and his face became serious. The letter said that the court intended to establish a new tax in the Jiangnan region, called "commercial tax", which would have a great impact on the Sheng family's business once implemented.
Sheng Yunrong looked at Sheng Hongxiao nervously: "Second brother, how should we deal with this?"