Chapter 482

Chapter 488: Smugness (Part 1)

Eleventh Lady had no choice but to sit beside Lord Xu.

Lord Xu glanced at Lady Wen, whose eyes were red from crying, and spoke bluntly, "Even if you don’t say it, I know why you came to see my wife. But this matter isn’t just about you—it concerns the Xu family as well. There’s no need for lengthy explanations. The shop must be closed, and it must be done before the second day of the second month, the Dragon-Head Festival!" His tone was resolute, leaving no room for negotiation. He added, "You’ve accumulated quite a bit of private savings over the years. Contentment brings happiness, but greed often leads to ruin."

Lady Wen’s face flushed crimson, and she shot Eleventh Lady a pleading look.

This was more or less what Eleventh Lady had expected. If Lord Xu could tolerate Lady Wen pocketing those two hundred thousand taels, why would he be unable to endure a small shop? Most likely, Lady Wen’s business posed a threat to the Xu family’s safety, which was why Lord Xu was so adamant about shutting it down. The only question was how deeply involved Lady Wen’s shop was in the matter… Lady Wen had her own difficulties, but Lord Xu might be facing even greater challenges!

Thinking this, Eleventh Lady gently advised Lady Wen, "We invited Lord Xu here to clarify things. Now that his stance is clear, you should speak openly as well."

Lady Wen was stunned.

If Lord Xu had already made his decision, what more could she say?

But Eleventh Lady gave her a slight nod, as if in support.

Remembering Lord Xu’s favor toward Eleventh Lady, recalling her mother’s tears when she was sent to the capital, and the wet nurse she hadn’t seen in seven or eight years… Lady Wen gathered her courage. "M-my lord, this unworthy one means no disrespect. At first, I didn’t realize the shop was tied to court affairs. But after hearing the mistress's inquiries, everything became clear, and I understood your concern. Regarding the shop, I will follow your orders and have it sold before the second day of the second month." Once the arrow was loosed, it could not be retrieved—now that she had started speaking, the words flowed more easily.

Lady Wen’s speech grew smoother. "My only worry now is my mother in Yangzhou. She bore and raised me—how can I stand by and watch…" Her voice faltered, and tears welled up again. "My lord, you are wise and experienced, unlike a sheltered woman like me. I beg you to think of a way to save my mother’s life." With that, she slowly knelt before Lord Xu. "My lord, saving a life is like building a seven-storied pagoda. At this point, only you can find a way to rescue my mother."

Lord Xu frowned slightly and motioned for Eleventh Lady to help Lady Wen up.

"It’s not as dire as you think," he said sternly. "Still, it wouldn’t hurt for you to send word to the Wen matriarch. These past two years, Wen Third Master has gone too far. If the Wen matriarch steps in to admonish him, he might rein himself in. It would be best for him to understand what must be done moving forward."

Lady Wen was overcome with gratitude. "Thank you, my lord!" She rose to her feet, unable to wait another moment. "My lord, Madam, I’ll send someone to Yangzhou at once. As for the shop in Jinan…" Her face fell. "I’ll find a way to sell it as well."

Lord Xu nodded and took up his teacup.

Lady Wen gave a grateful look at Eleventh Lady before curtsying and withdrew.

Eleventh Lady, however, was worried about Lord Xu.

She poured him another cup of tea and asked softly, "When you saw the Emperor on New Year’s Day, did he give you a hint? Or did you deduce something yourself?"

"The Emperor gave me a hint," Lord Xu replied, taking a sip of tea as his expression gradually softened. "Otherwise, I wouldn’t have anticipated such a drastic move from His Majesty this time." His expression grew troubled. "Ruling a great nation is like frying a small fish—one must be careful. His Majesty is moving too boldly this time… I fear he may lose control."

Even if he did lose control, at worst, he would be a weak ruler—not one who would lose the kingdom.

Eleventh Lady breathed a sigh of relief.

If the Emperor truly intended to deal with the Wen family, why would he have given Lord Xu a warning? Yet Lord Xu’s insistence that the Wens restrain themselves suggested the Emperor was displeased with them as well. Right now, the Emperor’s main target was the Yang family. But if the Wens continued to act recklessly, once the Yangs were dealt with, the Emperor might turn his attention to them. It was best to prepare early.

"His Majesty’s mind is made up," she reassured Lord Xu. "You must act according to the circumstances."

Lord Xu gave a quiet "Mm" and, rallying his spirits, comforted her in turn. "Don’t worry about the Wen family. If the Emperor truly meant to punish them, why would he have given me warning? I suspect the Wens will face some reprimand, but it won’t be as severe as the Yangs' case—where one wrong move could mean confiscation and extermination…" His gaze turned apologetic. "I didn’t want to burden you with these messy affairs. I never expected Lady Wen to be so bold as to disregard my warning and seek you out…"

"You have my best interests at heart, and I understand that. Lady Wen was simply desperate." Eleventh Lady seized the opportunity to cite the example of Liang Ge Lao's third son's wife, and how Madam Tang of the Tang family treated her. "…The front and rear courtyards are as interdependent as lips and teeth. The outer courtyard’s fortunes affect the inner courtyard’s survival." She smiled. "If you truly wish to spare me worry, it would be better to tell me everything plainly. Knowing the reasons would put my mind at ease. All this guessing only makes me more anxious."

This was the second time Eleventh Lady had said such a thing.

Lord Xu became thoughtful.

After a long pause, he spoke slowly. "Certain matters are too weighty… If you knew, you might only grow more uneasy…"

Eleventh Lady had never meant to serve as Lord Xu's counselor, nor would he ever reveal all the court’s secrets to her…

She smiled and said, "This humble one merely wishes for Your Lordship to give this humble one a reminder during critical moments, so this humble one won't indulge in wild imaginings. Take Lady Wen's matter, for instance—when she came to this humble one, this humble one had no idea how things stood. Summoning Your Lordship might have put you in an awkward position, yet this humble one also feared Lady Wen causing a disturbance that would trouble you..."

Lord Xu listened and took Eleven Miss's hand, nodding earnestly. "I understand," he said sincerely.

Eleven Miss pursed her lips in a smile, her eyes shining like stars.

Recalling Lady Wen's words, she asked Lord Xu, "How will Your Lordship handle the shop employees?"

Lord Xu's gaze darted, and instead of answering, he countered, "What did Lady Wen tell you?"

"Lady Wen didn’t say anything to me!" Eleven Miss chuckled. "But I know Your Lordship always acts prudently. Lady Wen mentioned those people had followed her from the Wen family and had once served the Xu family loyally. To abandon them now would seem ungrateful and tarnish Your Lordship’s reputation. Moreover, when recruiting future advisors, we need not seek fame for benevolence, but judging merit and rewarding deeds, and seeing things through, would reassure those who serve you. I believe Your Lordship will arrange for them properly!"

As he listened, Lord Xu’s expression grew solemn, his gaze so piercing that Eleven Miss felt as if she were under candlelight, every detail exposed.

"This humble one was just guessing wildly," she said, slightly uneasy. "If I’m mistaken, please don’t take it to heart." She lifted her teacup for a sip but found it had gone cold, then set it down again. "The tea’s gone cold—this humble one will brew a fresh cup." She rose from the heated brick bed (kang), but Lord Xu suddenly gripped her wrist tightly.

"You’re not wrong," he said, his eyes fixed intently on hers. "Those people did follow Lady Wen from the Wen family, but it’s unclear whether they came because aiding the Xu family made them unwelcome in the Wen household or if they were sent by the Wen family. I couldn’t interfere with Lady Wen’s affairs, nor could I distinguish their motives. Even without the Emperor’s warning, I’d have had her sell the shops eventually. This was merely opportune timing." He explained further, "I know the truth, but outsiders may not. So this time, I didn’t delve deeper. Each shop assistant will receive twenty acres of good land and five hundred taels of silver, while managers will get additional sums ranging from one hundred to five hundred taels—all are to settle down as farmers."

That seemed a reasonable arrangement—why would Lady Wen object?

Judging by her demeanor, she genuinely cared for those workers!

As Eleven Miss pondered, her arm was tugged, and she tumbled into a warm embrace.

"Mo Yan," Lord Xu whispered, pressing his face against hers, remaining silent for a long moment.

His warm breath brushed her ear, his heated skin against her cheek, making her body flush with warmth.

The intimate atmosphere stirred something in her, but when she glanced up through the glass window, she saw Gu Ma holding Jin Geer on a stone bench under the tree, its cushion in golden-yellow, while Chang’an took wobbly steps across the courtyard, supported by two young maids.

Her words came out haltingly, "W-what’s the matter?"

"Nothing," Lord Xu murmured, nuzzling her cheek. "I just wanted to hold you."

Eleven Miss breathed a soft "Oh," her body relaxed completely against his.

Lord Xu’s arms tightened around her.

Gradually, Eleven Miss found it harder to breathe.

She thought of pushing him away but hesitated for some reason.

Then Binju’s voice came from beyond the curtain: "Milord, Milady, a manservant from the outer courtyard reports that Third Young Master and his wife have entered Chaoyang Gate."

It was only the first lunar month—why had they returned so soon?

Eleven Miss struggled to rise, but Lord Xu held her even tighter.

"Understood," he replied, his lips curving as he gazed at Eleven Miss, his eyes alight.

Eleven Miss felt her face grow warm and lowered her lashes, then chided herself for being bashful and lifted her head boldly, meeting his gaze—only for her cheeks to burn even hotter.

Lord Xu laughed heartily, pecked her cheek, then abruptly released her and exited briskly.

"Inform Mother and arrange a homecoming feast," he called over his shoulder.

Eleven Miss responded obediently, but Lord Xu had already left the hall.