Master Su Er frowned slightly. "When we first heard that you were being betrothed to Prince Zhao, your uncle and I were very worried. Xiao Jiu, did you know that Princess Pei of Prince Ning and Marquis Pei Ren of Lu are only half-siblings?"
Gu Jiu nodded, "I've heard of it."
Master Su Er added, "This old lady Pei is the biological mother of Princess Pei of Ning, and her relationship with Marquis Pei Ren of Lu is not very good."
Gu Jiu pondered for a moment, "Uncle means that not only will Marquis Lu not be a help to Prince Ning's Mansion, but he might even attack Prince Ning's Mansion from behind."
Master Su Er was surprised. He didn't expect Gu Jiu to react so quickly.
He nodded and said, "That's right."
Gu Jiu had a question, "Second Uncle, is Marquis Lu really so stingy?"
Master Su Er snorted, "He's not only stingy, he's also greedy for money and vindictive. Over the years, he's made many enemies at court. If it weren't for his outstanding military achievements and the emperor's trust, he would have been impeached and imprisoned long ago. Back then, he and His Royal Highness Prince Ning fought over the favors of brothels and even had a murder case."
Gu Jiu held his forehead with his hand. It turned out that all the famous figures in the court had some ridiculous years in their youth. There is no most ridiculous, only more ridiculous.
Master Su Er reminded Gu Jiu, "Lord Lu holds grudges, be careful of him playing dirty tricks behind your back. So you have to keep an eye on the movements of Princess Pei, the Princess of Ning."
Gu Jiu nodded, "I understand. Thank you, second uncle, for the reminder."
Master Su Er sighed, and the wrinkles on his face made him look ten years older than his actual age.
It can be seen that the Su family has not had an easy time in recent years.
He said, "The Su family has been away from the capital for over ten years, and many things in the capital have become unfamiliar to us. Especially the emperor's grandchildren, no one is familiar with them. Uncle can't help much, so please don't despise him."
Gu Jiu said hurriedly, "My uncles are killing me. I can't express my gratitude to them enough, so how could I despise them? Take the purchase of medicinal herbs for example. If it weren't for the Su family's reputation, I would not have been able to successfully purchase high-quality and low-priced herbs. Even if I did, I probably wouldn't have been able to transport them back to the capital."
Master Su Er waved his hand. "This is just a small matter, not worth mentioning. As for gratitude, it is our Su family who should thank you.
The Su family has had a hard time these years and has even put aside their pride to do some work to make a living.
But no one in our Su family is good at business. Not only did we not make any money, but we lost the last bit of our property.
For so many years, I could only guard a few acres of thin land and make a living as a teacher.
There are many people in the family and the expenses are high, so life is getting harder and harder every year.
Su Zheng was in danger, and thanks to your help, he was able to reach the capital safely and settle down there.
Our Su family owes you and your sister a lot. You and your sister have been living under your stepmother and have faced many difficulties, but our Su family has not been able to help you at all.
On the contrary, I ask you to help us. I feel ashamed.
But seeing you grow up so much and your brother become successful, I am happy in my heart, happy for your mother."
These words made Gu Jiu's eyes red.
She said, "Second uncle, please don't say that. I hope that the Su family will one day regain its former glory and everyone will live better and better."
Master Su Er laughed and said, "Yes. With Zheng'er here, the Su family will have successors."
Su Zheng suddenly felt under tremendous pressure.
Gu Jiu smiled at Su Zhengfa.
Su Zheng could only respond with a wry smile.
It was getting late, and Gu Jiu had to hurry back home.
Master Su Er asked Su Zheng to send Gu Jiu away.
"Sister Xiaojiu, I'll take you out."
"Thank you, cousin Su."
The two of them went out together, and Gu Jiu said to Su Zheng: "I have caused trouble for my cousin Su because of the Jumeizhai incident. I hope my cousin Su will forgive me."
Su Zheng shook his head and said solemnly: "I should thank Sister Xiaojiu. If you hadn't given me the opportunity to invest money in Jumeizhai, I wouldn't be able to make any money.
The incident at Jumeizhai has nothing to do with you, Xiaojiu sister. It was a natural disaster and a man-made disaster.
Besides, now that Jumeizhai has reopened, it doesn't matter if we make little money or even lose money. "Little Sister Jiu, if you need me anywhere, just send someone to let me know."
When Gu Jiu opened Jumeizhai, he thought of Su Zheng.
She was certain that Jumeizhai would make money, it was just a matter of how much. So she asked Su Zheng to invest in it, hoping that he would earn some pocket money and have more money to spend.
The capital required to open Jumeizhai was very small, only two or three hundred taels.
Su Zheng paid thirty taels of silver, and Gu Ting also paid twenty taels of silver. The three of them got together and opened Jumeizhai.
Later, Gu Jiu heard that the thirty taels of silver was all Su Zheng had at the time. Because of the thirty taels, the master and servant almost starved.
When Su Zheng left Jinzhou, he had five hundred taels in his hand. Two hundred taels were from Gu Jiu as a thank you for his help, and the other three hundred taels were a loan to him.
Su Zheng took the money but didn't dare spend it carelessly. He immediately asked someone to send 400 taels back home. With 100 taels, he lived frugally and came to the capital to settle down.
He copied books for a bookshop and wrote letters for others to earn money during the day, and only reviewed his lessons at night.
Even the servant Shunzi had to go out to do odd jobs every day.
The master and servant earned money by working and managed to gain a foothold in the capital.
Of the one hundred taels, after paying for travel expenses, rent, etc., the remaining dozens of taels were all saved.
If Su Zheng had not fallen ill later and spent a lot of money on medical treatment and medicine, he would not have been left with only thirty taels.
But at that time, Gu Jiu knew nothing. When she saw Su Zheng take out thirty taels, she thought Su Zheng should still have money in his hand.
It was not until later when Jumeizhai distributed dividends and Erzhuang gave silver to Su Zheng that he learned from the servant Shunzi that the thirty taels were all the property of the master and servant.
If Shunzi's wages had not been settled on the same day, both the master and the servant would have gone hungry.
After Gu Jiu learned about this, he felt very guilty.
Later, Jumeizhai encountered problems and closed down. Gu Jiu was always worried that Su Zheng and his servant would be short of money.
She sent someone to give Su Zheng some silver, but Su Zheng refused to accept any of it and said he had money on hand.
Gu Jiu knew that Su Zheng had a strong sense of self-esteem, so he didn't force him.
Su Zheng did have some savings. He saved all the dividends from several months and didn't spend a penny.
He planned to save up one hundred taels, send fifty taels back home, and return the remaining fifty taels to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu said to him, "Don't worry, cousin Su, Jumeizhai will not lose money, but will only make money. At the end of the month, there will be another dividend. This year, cousin Su should be able to have a comfortable New Year."
Su Zheng bowed deeply to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu quickly dodged, "What is cousin Su doing?"
Su Zheng said gratefully: "Cousin Xiaojiu, thank you for helping our Su family so much and making our lives better. My abilities are limited now, and I don't know how to help you."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Cousin Su really wants to help me?"
Su Zheng said solemnly: "Of course I want to help you."
Gu Jiu put away his smile and said seriously, "If you really want to help me, cousin Su, then you must promise me that from today on, you will no longer copy books or write letters.
The dividends from Jumeizhai are enough to cover the expenses of you and Shunzi. I hope you can spend all your time reading.
I long to see my cousin Su’s name called out at Donghua Gate one day, become a disciple of the emperor, and successfully enter the officialdom. Only when you enter the officialdom can you help me.”
Su Zheng stared at Gu Jiu with a deep gaze, "You want me to help you in the officialdom?"
"Exactly. If cousin Su doesn't want to, I won't force him."
"No, I'm willing to help you. I promise you that from today on, I will no longer do the work of copying books and writing letters. I will spend all my time reading. When I am called out at the Donghua Gate someday, I also hope to see that my cousin Xiaojiu will be happy for me."
Gu Jiu nodded heavily, "Sure!"
"must!"
Su Zheng watched Gu Jiu leave until the ox cart turned the corner and disappeared from sight, then he looked away.
Back in the main house, Master Su Er looked at him and asked, "What did you say to Xiao Jiu?"
Su Zheng said solemnly: "From today on, I will concentrate on studying."
Master Su Er looked relieved. "You should have done this a long time ago. Your father told me to tell you again and again not to worry about money, studying is the most important thing. Wait, you suddenly figured it out, but did Xiao Jiu persuade you?"
Su Zheng nodded in acknowledgment.
Master Su Er sighed, "Xiao Jiu is a really smart kid. How did she convince you?"
Su Zheng said, "Uncle, if you have nothing else to do, I will go back to my room and study."
Master Su Er's beard twitched, this brat.
Su Zheng returned to his room and opened the book.
Shunzi was waiting by the side, writing with ink. "My cousin's words really worked. I tried to persuade you for a whole year, but you refused to listen and just toiled all day long for a living. Finally, my cousin persuaded you with just a few words. From now on, when I encounter problems, I will have to ask you to intervene."
Su Zheng frowned and scolded softly, "You're the only one who talks too much, shut up."
Shunzi made a face and ran out.
Gu Jiu stopped by to take a look at the ready-made medicine shop.
The medicine shop is not far from Shili Hutong, located in Xishi. The rent is a bit expensive.
Gu Jiu was distressed that she had not received her dowry, so she could not afford to buy the shop and could only rent it.
The rent is expensive, but the location is good.
The decoration is completed and all the containers are in place.
The medicinal herbs brought by my second uncle were also packed and classified into different categories.
Song is helping out in the shop.
When he saw Gu Jiu, he hurried over to greet him.
Gu Jiu waved his hand, "No need to be polite outside. I'm sorry for the hard work you've put in, for making you run thousands of miles in the middle of winter."
"It's not hard. If you have any other errands, just tell me. I'm happy to run around outside."
Song Zheng's mental state was completely different from when they first met.
He is now full of energy and in great spirits, with a pair of bright eyes.
The beard on his face is too thick, I don’t know how many days it has been since he took care of it.
In addition, he is strong and looks very intimidating when he stands in front of people.
As expected of someone who had been a guard in the imperial city.
Erzhuang ran out from the backyard.
From now on, Erzhuang will be the owner of the medicine shop.
Jumeizhai is managed by Erzhuang's apprentice.
"The girl is here, I will show her around."
Gu Jiu nodded, visited the shop, looked at the clinic, and finally sat down in the backyard to drink tea.
Er Zhuang said, "Doctor Tian is here. Do you want to see him, young lady?"
Gu Jiu became interested, "Okay! Ask him to come in."
Erzhuang went out and invited Doctor Tian in.
Song Zheng took the opportunity to say, "Miss, I have something to report."
"you say."
"Madam Yi owns a bank that lends money at high interest rates."
Madam Yi is Xiao Qiner, the wife of Young Master Yi. Young Master Yi is Liu Yi, Liu Zhao's full brother from the same mother.
Gu Jiu raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure her bank is lending money at high interest?"
Song Zheng said affirmatively: "I'm sure, the monthly interest rate is 5%."
This is definitely usury, and the interest is compounded.
Gu Jiu asked, "Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing has happened yet."
Gu Jiu smiled knowingly, "Keep an eye on this bank for me. If anything happens, report to me immediately."
"As you command."
Gu Jiu sneered. How much did Xiao Qin'er love money? As the wife of the emperor's grandson, she actually opened a money shop to lend money at high interest rates.
Xiao Qin'er's dowry, including the betrothal gifts, was definitely no less than 70,000 or 80,000 taels. With such a large dowry, why would she choose any other business instead of engaging in the disgraceful usury of loan sharking? She must be out of her mind.
But this is a good thing for Gu Jiu.
If she uses this matter properly, she can skin Xiao Qin'er alive.
Gu Jiu quietly asked Nanny Fang, "Is Xiao Qin'er in the housekeeping?"
Nanny Fang nodded. "Since Madam Yi came in, the Princess has taken her in as the housekeeper. She's even pushed the Second Madam aside."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "The princess dotes on Master Yi, and she loves him too. She also values Xiao Qin'er very much."
Nanny Fang said, "Madam Yi loves money so much, she must have a lot of evidence. Once the young lady enters the palace, I will take care of this matter. I must catch her in the act."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Thank you for your help, Madam. You must find something to hold against Xiao Qin'er."
Nanny Fang agreed, her fighting spirit high. She hadn't been this excited in ages. She could finally roll up her sleeves and fight.
She wanted to give the girl a good start, so she slapped Xiao Qin'er's face.
Gu Jiu also instructed Song Zheng to keep an eye on the palace and the prince's mansion for her.
Erzhuang brought Doctor Tian to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu stood up and said, "Doctor Tian, please sit down."
"You're welcome, young lady."
Doctor Tian is fifty-five years old and has inherited medical skills from his ancestors and a long family tradition.
He originally had his own pharmacy, but later he offended some bad people and his family was destroyed, leaving him with nowhere to go.
As a last resort, he had to leave his hometown with his family and go to the capital to join his senior brother.
As a result, the senior brother is henpecked, and all matters big and small at home are decided by his sister-in-law.
My sister-in-law despised their poor relatives for asking for money, and she spoke coldly and looked down on them, making indirect accusations and saying all kinds of nasty things.
Doctor Tian, an old man living under someone else's roof, had to depend on others for his feelings and had no choice but to move out to make a living as he did not want to embarrass his senior brother.
Doctor Tian managed to gain a foothold in the capital with his medical skills.
It is not easy to live in the capital, and he has no support, so his life is difficult.
In this world, you can’t live a good life just by having good medical skills.
There are many important people in the capital, and you never know what you might say to offend them, and all the efforts of the past few years will be in vain.
My son also had an accident and was sued.
When Dr. Tian was in despair, he met Er Zhuang.
Er Zhuang asked Gu Yu to come forward and help him resolve the lawsuit.
Seeing that Doctor Tian's family had good character, Er Zhuang recruited them to be his side as reserve talents for Gu Jiu.
Doctor Tian had a gray beard and wore a washed-out blue cotton robe. He had a worried look on his face.
Gu Jiu asked, "Is your son's injury better?"
Doctor Tian’s son Tian Ku is Doctor Tian’s only son.
Tian Ku not only got into trouble with the lawsuit, but also had his leg broken. If Gu Yu hadn't stepped in to settle the lawsuit for him, Tian Ku would have died in prison.
Doctor Tian actually had two sons. Back then, he encountered evil people in his hometown, and his eldest son and daughter-in-law were killed. His wife was so heartbroken that she also died.
Only the youngest son Tian Ku and a grandson are left.
It's truly a broken family.
Otherwise, Doctor Tian would not have left his hometown with his children and grandchildren to make a living in the capital.
He nodded, "Much better. Thank you for the prescription, young lady. It works very well. I am ashamed of myself for not being as good as you."
"You're too polite, Doctor Tian. Once your son Tian Ku recovers from his injuries, let him work in the shop."
Doctor Tian was pleasantly surprised. "Is this appropriate? His medical skills are not up to par. He can't diagnose or prescribe medicine. He can only help."
Gu Jiu said, "The shop is in need of someone who understands pharmacology to help out. And I think the main reason why Tian Ku's medical skills are not good is that he has too few opportunities to practice."
Doctor Tian nodded repeatedly, as Gu Jiu's words touched his heart.
Tian Ku is well versed in pharmacology and medical theory, but he has never had the opportunity to put them into practice.
It's been delayed for all these years.
"Thank you, young lady. Thank you so much. If you give Tian Ku a chance, he will definitely not let you down."
Gu Jiu waved his hand and said, "Doctor Tian, you don't have to be so polite. Xinglin Hall will still rely on you in the future."
"Don't worry, young lady. I will definitely spread the reputation of Xinglintang."
Gu Jiu nodded approvingly.
She pulled out a few prescriptions from her sleeve and placed them in front of Doctor Tian. "Please take a look. Are these prescriptions effective? I want to use them in our shop as our signature prescriptions, to build our reputation."
Doctor Tian looked at several prescriptions with an excited expression.
One is for treating injuries from falls, one is for relieving pain from rheumatism, one is for relieving cough and reducing phlegm, one is for regulating qi and blood, plus three are for nourishing the body with medicinal foods.
"Good, good! These prescriptions are so exquisite. The one who knows first is first. Miss, please accept my greeting."
Doctor Tian stood up, bowed, and saluted Gu Jiu deeply.
Gu Jiu didn't dare to accept such a gift from an old man, so he quickly stood up and avoided it.
"Doctor Tian is killing me. If these prescriptions work..."
"It works. It works. It's wonderful."
"Then use it in the store and strive to quickly establish the reputation of our Sihai Xinglintang."
"I will definitely not let the girl down."
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