Shen Tangning’s words were all true. Despite the booming business now, the initial investment in opening a new store far exceeded the profits. Without strong financial support, ordinary families would find it difficult to afford it.
Moreover, Peach Blossom Village targets aristocratic families and wealthy gentry, with limited daily supplies; customers must pre-order what they want.
The shop has already received a considerable amount of deposits. If the goods cannot be delivered on time, not only will they be refunded, but compensation will also be required.
The old lady has a good plan. She thinks she can take over the shop with just a few words. But if she actually takes it over, she won't make any money and might even lose her life savings!
After weighing the pros and cons, the old lady's face stiffened. She could only look at the gold nugget in front of her, unable to touch it.
Feeling rather displeased, she gave a light snort: "Look at them, all acting like they're facing a formidable enemy, like they're obsessed with money. I was just saying!"
Shen Tangning looked at her with a half-smile: "Indeed, Grandmother is so detached from worldly affairs. However, although gold and silver are external things, firewood, rice, oil, and salt are absolutely indispensable."
Her eyes flickered, and she glanced at Chi Jingyu with feigned concern: "I heard that the young master has recently encountered some trouble. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Chi Jingyu's expression darkened slightly, and his tone stiffened: "No need."
He was filled with doubt and suspicion. How did Shen Tangning know?
The old lady snorted coldly, her tone quite disdainful: "What could Jingyu possibly need your help with?"
Shen Tangning's eyes flickered slightly. It seemed that the old lady was still unaware of Chi Jingyu's debt.
She quickly realized that the Lady of the Marquis must have been keeping it a secret. She slightly raised her lips, her eyes showing a hint of surprise: "Wasn't it said that the young master was being harassed by debt collectors? Did I hear wrong?"
"Debt collection?!" The old lady's expression changed drastically, and she looked sharply at Chi Jingyu. "Is that so?"
Seeing his unnatural expression, the old lady understood immediately, and her voice suddenly rose, "When did you incur debts outside, and I had no idea?"
Chi Jingyu frowned uncomfortably, forcing himself to remain patient: "Grandmother, this matter has been resolved..."
"Resolve it? Jingyu, I was the last to know about something this big happened! Do you even respect me as your grandmother?" The old lady slammed her hand on the table and stood up abruptly, pointing her finger at his nose and yelling, "I've raised you for so many years, and all you've done is deceive your superiors and cover things up!"
In the past, the old lady might not have been so angry, but ever since the second branch of the family separated, the Marquis's family has been struggling to make ends meet, and her standard of living has also declined sharply.
How could she not be angry when money was involved?
Moreover, it's obvious that the whole family conspired to keep this from her, which greatly challenges her authority!
Chi Jingyu was also a little annoyed, and her tone turned cold: "Why do you have to make such a mess of a perfectly good day?"
The old lady paused in disbelief, then erupted in fury: "You scoundrel! Who taught you to speak to your elders like that? I'd like to ask your father how he raised his son! Go and fetch the Marquis back at once!"
Furong Courtyard instantly descended into chaos. Shen Tangning raised an eyebrow; the spectacle was beyond her expectations.
The atmosphere became so tense that Mr. and Mrs. Chi awkwardly withdrew.
"Mother, your daughter-in-law is going to visit my sister-in-law."
Just as Shen Tangning was about to follow Mother Chi, Shen Xiwei, with her pregnant belly, blocked her way: "Elder sister, please wait."
Her gaze lingered on the other person's face for a moment, then she smiled calmly at her mother beside her: "Mother, please go ahead. I'd like to say a few words to my second sister."
Chi's mother glanced at Shen Xiwei with some unease, but finally nodded and turned to leave.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
