Chapter 162

Chapter 162: Relations with the Liao Family Deepen

Tang Mo said with restraint: “Forget it. I do not expect much of him now; it is only mutual use.”

[His feelings toward his father were tangled. Once he had yearned for him; now he had seen through him. He would be lying to say he was not hurt, for that man was his Father, the one he had admired since childhood.]

Xin An did not try to persuade him otherwise, thinking: [A father ought to be the child’s support and guide, the one most worthy of devotion, yet Tang Gang’s favoritism truly wounds and leaves no room for respect.]

Fortunately, Tang Mo now cherished his life. He took a deep breath, slowly steadied his mood, slept, and rose refreshed to report for duty.

Tang Rong, by contrast, lay awake half the night troubled by Tang Gang’s changed attitude. He appeared in the morning with dark circles under his eyes and could only blame the discomfort of his healing wounds.

By evening, Tang Mo took his mother and Xin An to Tang Yong’s residence. As for Tang Gang, no one considered inviting him, lest he spoil the mood, nor was it certain their host would welcome him anyway.

They gathered around a round table spread with an abundant feast. Cups went back and forth amid ceaseless laughter. An outsider ignorant of the truth would have thought this was a truly harmonious family, relaxed and happy.

Days slipped by until the date of the Moon Inviting Banquet at the Second Prince’s residence. As its name suggests, it was for moon viewing, held at night, and guests would arrive in the afternoon.

The Moon Inviting Banquet had one more distinction: only the younger generation from each household received invitations, with elders excluded. It was a gathering exclusively for the young. Whoever received an invitation was recognized as the most outstanding person in their household.

At the marquis’s residence, the invite had always gone to Tang Rong in past years.

As a result, everyone in Qiu Shi Courtyard strutted about like proud roosters that day. Whenever they met people from Chun Hua Courtyard, they raised their heads, puffed out their chests, flashed a smug look, and then departed with satisfaction, so much so that the people of Chun Hua Courtyard shut their gates outright to avoid the sight.

A little maid came to announce, speaking crisply to Xin An: “Second Young Madam, Steward Fang has come to pay his respects and is waiting in the front courtyard.”

Xin An rose with a smile and said: “Please have Steward Fang served tea. I will be there shortly.”

By now the marquis’s residence had a reception room reserved exclusively for her, making things far more composed than before. It had to be said that Madam Wang, her mother-in-law, was truly generous and considerate.

When Fang Da was led into the side hall and learned that this spacious, dignified, and elegant place was set aside for his young lady, he was overjoyed. He decided to write home to Huaijiang that very evening to put the old master’s mind at ease.

Xin An arrived quickly and, after a short while, took her seat. Fang Da rose and saluted: “Second Young Madam.”

Xin An sat unhurriedly and asked: “Uncle Fang, did you come today about the shops?”

Fang Da nodded and went straight to the point: “The shops on Ying Hui Street have been put in order. The shelves are set, and we have contacted traveling merchants to supply us. As soon as the goods are stocked, we can open for business.”

“There is just one matter for which I must ask the young madam to make an introduction.”

“What matter?” Xin An asked.

Fang Da, having met many traders who transported goods to and from the capital, had learned that whether by water or land, one could not avoid the men under Liao Zhi’s command: “In the past two years, Commander Liao has cleared many bandits and bullies from the routes to the capital, and even the checkpoints are staffed by his people. If he is willing to lend a hand, our costs will be lower.”

Xin An lifted her gaze and immediately understood: he wished to bring Liao Zhi into the venture. She promptly instructed Nan Feng to go at once to the Liao Family: “Ask whether Madam Liao is free to see me now.”

Nan Feng left with the order. Fang Da smiled and said: “Though we would have to share a portion of the profits, we would avoid many troubles and gain a powerful backer.”

Xin An nodded: “Uncle Fang, you have thought this through thoroughly.”

The Liao Family might be in turmoil, but that had nothing to do with her. So long as no accidents occurred, Liao Zhi’s future would extend far beyond his current post. Besides, she and Madam Liao got on well, and Tang Mo’s future would also benefit from Liao Zhi’s help. If the two households cooperated, it would be a win for both.

“If we can work together, all the better,” she added.

Fang Da smiled. As soon as he learned that his young lady knew Madam Liao, he began plotting this idea and carefully inquired into the Liao Family’s situation. He was certain they would accept the deal and just as sure his young lady would approve.

Xin An asked about the medicinal-cuisine shop. Compared with the general store, she valued more highly the business that could bring connections for her and Tang Mo.

Fang Da personally managed the matter and reported progress in detail: “Renovating the shop is easy and moving along smoothly. Testing dishes is the trouble. One dish took twelve tries. Physician Qin says his mouth is numb from tasting.”

Xin An laughed and said: “Then his mouth must work a little harder.”

They both smiled. Xin An then spoke of the Fang family’s affairs in the capital, mainly worried that Fang Da might act too hastily. But he was steady and already had a plan, and after he laid it out briefly, Xin An felt at ease.

Nan Feng returned quickly to report that Madam Liao was free all morning. Xin An stood and said: “Uncle Fang, come with me.”

Fang Da agreed. The two soon arrived at the Liao Family. The residence was especially quiet today, with far fewer people moving about; the courtyards even seemed wider. Seeing them, Madam Liao greeted them with a warm smile and asked: “You came in such a hurry. Is something urgent?”

Xin An answered with a light laugh: “I just thought of something and could not wait to discuss it with Sister Xu.”

They sat in the flower hall, and once tea was served, Xin An stated her purpose plainly: “I want to work with Sister Xu.”

So direct, Madam Liao’s interest was piqued. She said with a smile: “Let me hear it.”

Xin An explained her plan to open a general store and the current preparations: “I will provide the shopfront and handle sales. Sister Xu’s people will take charge of procurement and ensuring the goods reach the capital smoothly. I have four shops knocked together into one large general store, but a city as big as the capital can easily hold at least three such stores. General stores may not look flashy, yet the profits are substantial.”

“Let us join forces and build the largest general store in the capital. Would Sister Xu be interested?”

With only a moment’s thought, Madam Liao decided it was a deal worth doing. Many looked down on general stores as lacking status, but only those who had run them knew how rich the profits were.

Four shops merged into one meant the store would be large indeed.

“Our Xu Family deals in grain,” she said frankly. “We own many grain shops but have never run a general store. As for procurement of sundry goods, my people are not yet familiar.”

Hearing that, Xin An knew there was hope. She gestured to Fang Da and said: “This is Steward Fang, my chief manager. He has already contacted several traveling merchants. Let him introduce them to the stewards under Sister Xu. With Commander Liao’s connection, those merchants will certainly do their utmost to procure for us.”

Liao Zhi practically held those merchants’ livelihoods in his hand. To be connected with him, they would scramble to take on the business, even to the point of accepting a slight loss.

Understanding Xin An’s purpose in inviting her to partner, Madam Liao smiled and said: “Younger Sister is willing to trust me, and in this I even take advantage of your convenience. I could not ask for more.”

“Then it is settled?” Xin An asked.

Xin An raised her teacup, and Madam Liao lifted hers as well: “Settled. Please draft a detailed agreement. When the terms are ready, we will sign a document. Then the deal is done.”

Xin An smiled and nodded: “May our cooperation be smooth and our profits abundant.”