Madam Su lowered her head in thought, recalling what Su Xiangling had said earlier. She knew that Huajin Pavilion had already gained widespread fame in the capital in just a few months.
Calculating the date, it was indeed opened shortly after the Su family's silk shop closed. Regardless of whether the shop belonged to Su Qingyu or Su Shunci, it was always Su Shunci who ran it. To have built the shop to this level in such a short time, this girl really knows how to run a business.
The old lady felt choked up when she thought about how Su Shunci was making a lot of money outside while the Su family was still struggling.
Madam Gu Si looked up and glanced at Madam Su's expression, then continued, "Aunt, if you agree, why not settle the marriage first? There's no rush to get married, but we have to let her earn some money for the family first to honor her."
"When she marries into the Gu family, not only will she be able to take care of Jinsong at home, but she'll also be able to run the business outside. While Jinsong pursues a career in the imperial examination, she'll make the business flourish. It won't be long before our Gu family regains its former glory."
The old lady's expression changed, and she was obviously moved by Mrs. Gu Si's words.
If Su Shunci is the goose that only lays golden eggs, then naturally she cannot let others get them for free.
The old lady twirled the small leaf Buddhist beads in her hand faster, "Go back and rest first, let me think about it."
Madam Gu Si stood up, bowed and stepped back, with a determined smile on her lips.
Madam Su tossed and turned all night long, unable to sleep. Before falling asleep, she finally made up her mind and turned over to sleep.
The next morning, after everyone in the Su family paid their respects, the old lady left Su Chengye alone.
She first talked about how Su Shunci helped Su Qingyu open a shop, and then said that she wanted to marry Su Shunci to Gu Jinsong.
Su Chengye was a little surprised. He had never thought of marrying into the Gu family again. Although the Su family was a little down and out now, it was still much stronger than the Gu family.
Even if Su Shunci couldn't marry into a royal family in Beijing, she could at least marry into a powerful official family. Since Su Shunci and Su Qingyu were close friends, her marriage wasn't a problem. After all, there were many people who wanted to become Shen Ge Lao's brother-in-law.
What benefits can he get from marrying into the Gu family?
Thinking of this, Su Chengye refused, "Mother, Ah Ci is still young, there is no rush for this matter."
"Besides, I've also met Gu Jinsong. I even tested his knowledge yesterday. Guess what? He's not even as good as the servant next to me."
Su Chengye couldn't help laughing at what he said, and after laughing, he realized that the old lady's face had darkened. He then realized that he had said the wrong thing.
The old lady said in a cold voice, "I know you look down on the Gu family, and that you're also prejudiced against Jinsong. Yesterday, your second brother asked about his knowledge, saying that he was not only intelligent and well-mannered, but also had a very solid knowledge. How come you can't even compare to your own servant?"
Su Chengye forgot that the old lady was indeed the old lady of the Su family, but she was from the Gu family. What was the difference between saying that the people of the Gu family were bad and saying that she was bad?
Su Chengyan never said anything about this, always agreeing with the old lady. He said whatever the old lady wanted to hear. So the old lady treated Su Chengyan better.
When Su Chengye heard her say this, he hurriedly explained, "Mother, that's not what I meant. It's Gu Jinsong. He really isn't worthy of Ah Ci."
The old lady slammed the table hard. "Not worthy? Your daughter is such a traitor. She doesn't give a penny of her earnings to the family, and you still treat her like a treasure?"
"Besides, you still expect a bastard's daughter to marry a member of the royal family? When she reaches Jinsong High School, she will be an official's wife. How can she not be worthy?"
After thinking for a while, "It just so happens that she and Qingyu have a deep sisterly bond. When the time comes, let Shen Zhixiu help Jinsong."
Su Chengye felt helpless for a moment, but he didn't dare to disobey his mother too much.
The old lady persuaded Su Chengye a few more times, and finally got Su Chengye to nod.
After Su Chengye nodded, the old lady ordered her subordinates to call Su Shunci over.
Yesterday's incident made Su Shunci cautious. Fearing that they would continue to cause trouble, she deliberately stayed at home today.
When Su Shunci heard that her grandmother had ordered her to go to Songhe Hall to talk, she took a deep breath, knowing that she could not avoid it.
Fortunately, she was prepared and would deny it even if beaten to death. After all, they had to consider their elder sister and the Shen family, so they couldn't rob the shop openly.
In Songhe Hall, Su Shunci walked in calmly and bowed to her grandmother and father.
The old lady didn't let her sit down and asked directly, "Who owns that shop? Is your eldest sister covering for you?"
Su Shunci shook her head and said, "Grandma, you misunderstood. I don't have that much ability. Besides, no matter how good my elder sister is to me, she wouldn't dare to lie to you for me."
The old lady sneered in her heart. Su Qingyu didn't dare? What else could she not dare to do?
"Don't try to deceive your family. There's no such thing as an impenetrable wall. If you tell the truth today, your father and I won't blame you. But if we find out, you'll be punished according to family rules."
The old lady's eyes were deep and sharp, and her words were subtly threatening. If it were a young lady who had lived in the inner house for a long time, she would probably have been frightened and cried by now.
But Su Shunci has been gaining experience outside for more than half a year and will not be intimidated by such words.
"Grandma, please calm down. I've told you everything that's true. If you find out I've been lying, I'll be willing to bear the brunt of the family punishment."
The old lady stared at Su Shunci intently, but couldn't spot a single flaw. The thirteen-year-old girl stood in the middle of the hall, her chest and head held high, not a trace of panic on her face.
Either what she said was true, or this girl was really scheming.
Seeing that she couldn't get anything out of him, the old lady simply stopped asking.
"Since the shop belongs to your eldest sister, you don't have to go there."
"From today on, you must stay at home and not go anywhere."
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