Chapter 298: Chapter 291: Pretending
When Fengyu appeared in the reception hall, the sun was high in the sky. Qiuxiang and Chunlu, concerned for her tireless efforts in recent days, allowed her to sleep for over two hours without waking her as scheduled.
Shopkeeper Su and Shopkeeper Li had already drank six cups of tea and eaten snacks three times. The sweltering heat left the two shopkeepers irritated as they waited, venting their frustrations on Qiuxiang and Chunlu for nearly an hour. Yet Qiuxiang and Chunlu refused to let their disturbance wake Fengyu.
As Shopkeeper Su attempted to force his way inside, Chunlu stood firm to block him. "The master is the master. She will summon you when she desires, and you will wait obediently. If you wish not to wait, you’re free to leave; we will not stop you."
Shopkeeper Li was more composed than Shopkeeper Su and restrained him, patiently waiting in the reception hall.
"Uncle has waited long," Fengyu greeted. Dressed elegantly in an orange-yellow gauzy summer outfit, adorned with pearl flowers on her head, she exuded sophistication without losing her noble bearing. As she carried herself forward, the hem of her skirt gently swayed, resembling blossoms blooming with each step. "Ayu was busy last night and woke late; I beg your forgiveness for the delay."
Su Mengwei, a descendant of the Su Family lineage, had lost his parents and sister to a flood disaster. Unable to bear his solitary plight, Su Ming had brought Su Mengwei under his care at the age of seven. He was raised in the Jiangnan Su Family as a young master and was four years younger than Su Yuejiao. When Su Yuejiao married, six years later Su Mengwei reached adulthood, and Su Ming assigned him to oversee the Twelve States.
Now, he served as an iron official of the West State’s Salt Iron Department, as well as the general manager of the Su Family’s Trading House spanning the Twelve States.
While Feng Changlin held office in Liling, Su Mengwei visited Fengyu three times there. Since Fengyu departed for the Capital City, Su Mengwei seldom crossed paths with her.
"Years apart, Ayu has grown into such a refined young lady that even Uncle nearly failed to recognize her." Shopkeeper Su smiled gently, no trace of irritation from his waiting evident, as he naturally accepted Fengyu’s courtesy without hesitation.
Su Ming had only one daughter, Su Yuejiao. Renowned as a scholar-merchant, he commanded unparalleled status within Jiangnan’s business circles. The Su Family lineage flourished under his guardianship, and out of concern for the inheritance, several clan members had suggested either adopting Su Mengwei or passing down the family name to male heirs within the clan. Considerations weighed heavily in Su Ming’s deliberations, and he ultimately declined all such requests, defying opposition to leave the entirety of the family’s business to Su Yuejiao. At her marriage, Su Ming allotted half of the Su Family’s assets as her dowry.
This decision stirred significant backlash and disputes within the Su Family lineage, incidents that Fengyu vaguely recalled from her youth. The disputes gradually subsided after Feng Shu’s engagement with Xie Zhang.
Shopkeeper Li also paid his respects to Fengyu.
"I sent three summons from Jinzhou to West Continent but to no avail with Uncle and Shopkeeper Li. Initially, I thought it was an affront to Ayu’s youth and insufficient authority. Only upon reaching West Continent did I realize the complexities of the local situation. Uncle and Shopkeeper Li have many urgent matters; Ayu can understand."
Su Mengwei responded, "Had Uncle known that Ayu would come to West Continent, I would certainly have come to welcome you. Last night’s clashes between the bandits and the government troops created a perilous atmosphere; you must have been startled."
"The Prince sent trusted guards and the Iron Cavalry to protect me, so the situation was hardly alarming," Fengyu replied. "Before my elder sister’s wedding, she entrusted me with managing the Twelve States Trading House. The Ningzhou Iron Cavalry urgently needs weapons and armor, and the West State Iron Mine is a crucial resource. I hope Uncle and Shopkeeper Li can cooperate with me."
Su Mengwei and Shopkeeper Li shared a look before Shopkeeper Li spoke, "Young lady, you weigh your words heavily. Our West State Iron Mine has always prioritized supplying the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry. Even after the Xie Family’s betrayal of Yanyang, the Trading House continues to deliver weapons and armor. Young lady, just provide a quantity, and we will fulfill the request promptly."
Fengyu was slightly surprised. She had expected Uncle and Shopkeeper Li to create obstacles regarding this matter but hadn’t anticipated their easy acquiescence. Her expression momentarily shifted. "Very well!"
Shopkeeper Li handed over the comprehensive records of the West State Iron Mine, spanning five years, enclosed in three chests. "Young lady, these are the mine’s production, smelting, and transportation logs. You can review them at your leisure. If there’s anything unclear, I will personally clarify."
Fengyu raised an eyebrow. "Good!"
She refrained from acting hostile toward smiling faces and, unfamiliar with her surroundings, kept her composure. Fengyu engaged the two shopkeepers in discussions about West Continent’s agriculture, economy, and other topics. They answered openly and showed no reservations. Fengyu extended an invitation for them to join her at lunch. Perhaps sensing their newcomer status or lack of sufficient supplies, Su Mengwei and Shopkeeper Li had brought ample provisions: fruits, grains, fine blankets, and other miscellaneous daily items, easing Qiuxiang and Chunlu’s immediate needs.
The two excused themselves before lunch, citing other obligations. After their departure, Qiuxiang remarked, "Young lady summoned them three times; they never showed up in Jinzhou. Now, they’ve offered the iron mine, delivered the records of their own accord—has the killing of Zhu Shengliang last night shaken them into submission?"
"Hard to say!" Fengyu turned to inquire, "Chunlu, what do you think?"