Chapter 163: Carried Back Home

Chapter 163: Carried Back Home

Yongning Marquis Residence

After dinner, Tang Shuyi chatted with Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu. She shared her plans about the Empress Dowager and the Qi family investing in their venture, suggesting they hold forty percent of the shares while the Empress Dowager and the Qi family each held thirty percent.

Xiao Yuzhu, puzzled, asked, “Why don't we hold a larger share? After all, the idea was yours.”

“Have you been looking at the estate’s accounts with me lately? Do you think we're short of silver?” Tang Shuyi queried.

Xiao Yuzhu shook her head. Although the Yongning Marquis Residence’s assets weren’t numerous—just land and shops—they were substantial. Additionally, the family had accumulated jewelry and rarities over the years. It could be said that as long as the three siblings didn’t squander their wealth, their family’s fortune could support them for generations.

“Thus, the true purpose of establishing this club isn't to make money,” Tang Shuyi declared.

Both Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu looked perplexed, wondering why she would exert so much effort on something not aimed at profit.

Tang Shuyi smiled at the siblings and revealed, “My real objective is connections.”

Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming seemed to half-understand, and Tang Shuyi explained, “No matter the endeavor, it requires people. If you find the right people and utilize them properly, you’ve already succeeded halfway. Just like silver, connections must be cultivated and accumulated over time, ready for use when needed. Take your elder brother’s imperial examination; what would his chances be if he relied solely on his own studies?”

“Not great,” Xiao Yuzhu replied.

Tang Shuyi smiled and said, “But with the guidance of Fang Daru and Minister Qi as his tutors, his chances are much better. That's the power of connections.”

After finishing her explanation, she leaned back on the brocade couch and sighed, “No one knows what the future holds, but as long as we have money and connections, we need not fear.”

Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuzhu nodded earnestly, indicating their understanding. At that moment, Tang Shuyi added, “While it's important to cultivate connections, it doesn’t mean you must ingratiate yourself with everyone. Different people require different approaches, something I’ll explain to you later.”

No amount of explanation is as effective as hands-on teaching.

Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming nodded again. Tang Shuyi didn't continue on this topic but mentioned Xiao Yuchen, wondering where he might be at the moment. They had received a letter from him a few days ago, and it would be several more days before the next one.

After chatting for a while, the three of them went to rest. The next day, after breakfast, Qi Er arrived. This was the "working hours" Tang Shuyi had set for him: start at 8:30 a.m. (the fourth quarter of the chen hour) and finish at 5:30 p.m. (the second quarter of the you hour).

In the study, Qi Er presented his "homework". Tang Shuyi looked it over, noticing the handwriting wasn't very attractive but it was clear he had put in effort. She complimented him with a smile, and Qi Er's face beamed with joy all morning.

That morning, Tang Shuyi, along with the three of them, re-planned each courtyard in the Lakeview Pavilion, deciding on functions and layouts for each. In the afternoon, they visited the Lakeview Pavilion again for on-site verification. By the end of the day, they had formulated a renovation plan.

On the way back, Tang Shuyi spoke to Qi Er, "Has your father discussed the club's investment with you?"

Qi Er nodded, "My father said to invest in my name."

Tang Shuyi was momentarily surprised, then she understood. The love of a parent for their child involves far-sighted planning. Qi Liangsheng was also strategizing for Qi Er's future. The affection of a parent towards their child is mostly the same.

"Alright," Tang Shuyi said. "Not only have you and I invested in this club, but Empress Dowager Jia Shu has also invested. My idea is that I hold forty percent, and you and Empress Dowager Jia Shu each hold thirty percent. What do you think?"

Qi Er naturally had no objections and quickly agreed. However, Tang Shuyi added, "Discuss this with your father and give me a reply tomorrow. If it's agreeable, I'll draft a contract for us to sign."

Qi Er nodded again in agreement. When he returned home, he discussed the matter with Qi Liangsheng. Hearing that Empress Dowager Jia Shu was also a shareholder, Qi Liangsheng's expression paused briefly. Considering that the Lakeview Pavilion was the property of Prince Xiao, he understood the situation.

"Alright, let me know how much silver is needed when the time comes," Qi Liangsheng said.

Qi Er nodded. Qi Liangsheng asked about his day's activities and gave some guidance after Qi Er's recount. It was only after this that he let Qi Er go. Alone, he sighed internally, acknowledging that Tang Shuyi was better at educating children.

The next day, having received Qi Er's reply, Tang Shuyi visited Prince Xiao's mansion to discuss the club's shares with Empress Dowager Jia Shu. The empress dowager had no objections, and the three parties smoothly signed the contract, followed by the busy renovation.

As a successful manager, Tang Shuyi naturally wouldn't micromanage. She delegated most tasks to Qi Er, explaining how things should be done whenever she assigned him tasks.

A person weak in academics isn't necessarily incompetent in other areas. Under Tang Shuyi's guidance, Qi Er, who was good at sweet-talking, became more adept in handling affairs. Though he initially stumbled, he gradually became more proficient.

In the blink of an eye, two months passed, and the Lakeview Pavilion was almost fully decorated. Major renovations weren't needed; it was mostly local improvements and soft furnishings. After all, renovating a five-section large mansion couldn't be completed in less than three to five months.

As things settled down and the previously busy Qi Er found himself with free time, Tang Shuyi generously gave him a two-day break. The young group of friends, who hadn't had the chance to go out together in a while, finally made plans to ride horses outside the city.

Tang Shuyi didn't stop them, acknowledging that a break was needed after a long period of work. However, little did she expect that the lively young man who left in the morning would be carried back in the evening.

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