Luo Ning's claim of buying the mansion was a pretext. Her real intention was to prevent the couple from drifting aimlessly.
Luo Chun had a fiery temper and was ill - suited for business. It was better to give him a mansion and a few acres of land to tend to.
"Yes, sir. From now on, when you speak and act, even if you don't think about yourself, at least think about the eldest miss."
On normal days, he would have retorted immediately. But looking at the familiar handwriting on his hand, he felt that if he made up any more high - sounding excuses, he would truly become the most despicable person in the world.
"Feixing, when you go back, tell Luo Ning that I will surely guard this mansion well. From now on, this is her home. She's welcome to come back anytime."
Yarong quickly stepped forward to smooth things over.
"Sir, Luo Ning is now the mistress of the Ji family. How could she possibly find the time to come back? Feixing, just tell Luo Ning not to worry about us. When she has time, come back with her husband for a visit."
Yarong came from a prominent family and was much more tactful than Zhao Luochun in dealing with people.
"By the way, the eldest miss also said that this mansion is her private property and should be kept secret. She hopes that the eldest master also keep his identity a secret."
Zhao Luochun was still fuming. Mentioning the Ji family naturally reminded him of the outrageous things Ji Shisu had done.
"I understand Luo Ning's intention. Right, we can't let the people of the Ji family know. This is our home. The Ji family has no right to know, especially that Ji Shisu."
After Feixing handed the key to Zhao Luochun and gave him the names of several foremen, he left. As for Zhao Luochun, he was indignant on Zhao Luoning's behalf for quite a while after mentioning Ji Shisu.
...
"Miss, I've been to the house. It's estimated that the major repairs will be completed by the end of the year. The eldest master knows you like lotuses, so he dug a pond in front of the house... The eldest master really loves that mansion. He insisted that I persuade you to find some time to take a look."
Caixue was putting the rouge she brought back on the dressing table while reporting to Zhao Luoning about her visit to the farm.
"Okay, how's Feixing's matter going?"
"At first, Mrs. Ye refused to accept the money no matter what. Feixing just insisted that it was a donation for the private school as you instructed. With the support of several local gentry, Mrs. Ye finally accepted the money. But according to Feixing, Mrs. Ye didn't touch a single cent of it. She gave it all to the foreman to expand the private school."
Zhao Luoning nodded. She had long known Mrs. Ye had such a personality.
"It's her money. She can use it as she likes."
Caixue also nodded, agreeing with Zhao Luoning's view.
"Grandma's birthday is approaching. I can't spare the time. Let Feixing help keep an eye on the pharmacy and the silk shop."
Caixue nodded and said, "Miss, even if you don't tell him, Feixing will do it."
"Also, find some people to spread the news that the second young master of the Zhao family has suffered a recurrence of his old illness and needs to recuperate in Zhaoming Temple."
In the past, when she was stretched thin, this "illness" for recuperation would recur at just the right time.
Caixue nodded. Only in this way could they neither offend the Ji family nor expose the secret they had hidden for more than a decade.
"However, miss, this invitation was personally written by the second master. If you don't attend, will people think we are being deliberately disrespectful? How about I ask Feixing to find someone with a similar figure to you to take your place?"
They had used this method in special situations before. But this time, it was too rushed to prepare.
"Will it be in time? The birthday banquet is in two days."
"Miss, you can trust Feixing's work."
"Then make two - pronged preparations. First, spread the news. If we can't find a replacement, we'll at least have an explanation for the Ji family."
If the Ji family really had an issue because of this, it was beyond her control.
She'd find a way to make it up later.
Zhao Luoning and Caixue were discussing this matter when suddenly they heard a sound outside the window. The two immediately became alert.
Zhao Luoning gave Caixue a look. Caixue understood and tiptoed towards the window. Taking advantage of the person outside not noticing, she suddenly pushed open the window.
There was no one outside.
Caixue turned back and shook her head at Zhao Luoning.
But Zhao Luoning wasn't reassured.
She had been so busy these days that she hadn't even realized someone was eavesdropping!
Her pretense as Luo Jing was an absolute secret. If it got out, it would not only turn the family upside down and break the balance she had painstakingly maintained for so many years, but also in the business world, if the cooperating merchants knew that the Second Young Master Zhao they had trusted for so many years was a woman, they would be very angry!
"Caixue, tell Feixing about this and ask him to keep an eye out. If anyone leaks the news, stop them by any means necessary."
Caixue looked at Zhao Luoning, who was exhausted by all these things, with pity and nodded, "Yes, miss. You can rest assured."
Zhao Mansion
It was a rare sunny day in winter. The sun shone through the withered branches into Zhao Luoming's room, giving him an excuse to relieve his annoyance caused by the account books. He took his personal maid Zhusheng to enjoy the flowers in the already desolate garden.
"Zhusheng, you've served by the second brother's side for some time. Tell me how the second brother usually deals with all these account books?"
Since the marriage between the Zhao and Ning families was arranged, the family's expenses had increased a lot. Just dealing with these account books gave him a headache.
Zhusheng used to be a maid under Zhao Luojing, mainly responsible for helping Feixing manage the inner courtyard. After Zhao Luoning got married and Zhao Luojing fell ill and went to the mountain to recuperate, she was assigned to the madam's room. Recently, with so many things to do, seeing that he was short - handed, Lord Zhao sent Zhusheng to be his personal maid.
Although she hadn't helped much with the business, she had served by Zhao Luojing's side when he was dealing with affairs. Through exposure, she had learned some business skills.
"The second young master rarely checked these account books personally."
Rarely checked them personally?
Zhao Luoming was stunned. Then how did he manage such a large family business in an orderly manner?
"Except for the tea - house business, which the second young master dealt with personally, the account books of other commercial firms were sorted out before being presented to him. The second young master only needed to look at the last account book to know the business situation. Then he only needed to check the amount of silver with the accountant to see if there were any false reports."
Zhao Luoming straddled the stone railing, looking at Zhusheng, and voiced his confusion.
"With so many people involved, wasn't the second brother afraid that the people below would deceive him?"
"If you can think of it, the second young master must have considered it long ago. So he would randomly and irregularly go down to check each commercial firm. The second young master was well - known among the shopkeepers for his clear rewards and punishments. Once someone was caught, he would show no mercy. Besides, the second young master had Feixing by his side. Feixing was so elusive that everyone was afraid of being caught by him."
The two were discussing business skills when they heard a call from afar.
"Third master."
Zhao Luoming turned around. Seeing someone in the distance, he was so scared that he turned and ran.