Chapter 250: Chapter 251: The Persuader
Gu Yuanlei felt as if he had finally found a confidant. He tried to pull Lan Yun down to sit on the doorstep for a chat, but Lan Yun led him to a teahouse instead.
As soon as they were seated, Lan Yun immediately ordered a pot of tea and some pastries, putting on an expression of someone ready to listen attentively.
Gu Yuanlei poured out all his recent frustrations. "Honestly, I don’t really blame Yingying. It’s all my fault for being so useless. I can’t even take care of my own wife and child."
Lan Yun said, "In the very beginning, I was also quite against Yingying taking a husband who would marry into our family. Marrying in, marrying out... it’s all the same. Besides, with me here to support the household, the proper thing would have been for her, as a young woman, to be given a dowry and marry out."
Gu Yuanlei was silent. ’Isn’t it a little late to bring this up now? If you had objections, you should have voiced them sooner!’
His expression then shifted as a thought struck him. ’Is my dear brother-in-law worried that we’ll fight him for the family inheritance in the future?’
Lan Yun sighed and continued, "As your big brother, I know you’ve certainly been put through a lot at home. But you also have to consider this: if you had married a wife into your own family, do you think she wouldn’t have to endure grievances from her in-laws?
"Even though our family treats you as one of our own, no matter what we say or do, we’re not related by blood. No matter how close we are, it can’t compare to one’s own kin. Don’t you think that’s true?"
Gu Yuanlei covered his face. "It’s too late to say anything. I’m now a rootless wanderer with no clan or family. Yingying is the only relative I have left."
Lan Yun said, "You’re being foolish. What parents in this world are truly in the wrong? Your mother and father raised you. Even if they’ve disowned you, you still have a duty to be filial. Or do you want my little nephew to also grow up without a clan?"
"What are you suggesting, brother?" Gu Yuanlei asked.
"After all, we’ve known each other for a long time. On the road when we were refugees, you saved our family’s lives. Otherwise, we never would have entrusted my sister to you.
"But seeing you two bicker and argue every day, it doesn’t sit well with me either.
"I know that making you a live-in son-in-law has truly wronged you.
"So, I was thinking of persuading our parents to go to the government office and annul your status as a live-in son-in-law."
Seeing Gu Yuanlei about to get excited, Lan Yun quickly added, "Let me finish.
"Here’s my thought: it’s just my sister and me in the family anyway. I’m willing to give half of the family property to my sister as her dowry so she can marry you with all the proper honors. That way, you can also return to your parents’ side and fulfill your filial duties, and you won’t have to be a rootless man in the future."
Gu Yuanlei’s eyes grew red. "Brother, I will never forget your great kindness for the rest of my life.
"Every night, when I think about the days ahead, I can’t sleep a wink.
"It’s just... I’m afraid my father- and mother-in-law won’t agree to this."
Lan Yun immediately took full responsibility. Before finishing, he didn’t forget to put in a good word for his sister. "Yingying has become a bit quick-tempered lately, but she genuinely has your best interests at heart. After all, she’s my sister; I know her better than anyone.
"She’s always had a sharp tongue but a soft heart. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have stayed with you when you had nothing."
Gu Yuanlei recalled the sweet times they had shared. Listening to his brother-in-law, he tried to see things from her perspective and realized he would have been just as anxious in her position.
Seeing that he had successfully placated the man, Lan Yun took his time. After finishing their tea, he even took Gu Yuanlei to a nearby tavern for a few drinks. Only then did the two of them head back, arm in arm like the best of brothers.
***
Back at the estate, Ancient Wenheng watched as the first batch of finished glass emerged. He stood up, clapping his hands happily. "Alright, you can handle things from here. I’m heading back."
Ye Si understood that the other man had only come to help temporarily. Now that the initial work was done, he was confident in his own ability to get things running smoothly.
He respectfully invited Ancient Wenheng to his quarters and laid out all the gifts sent by the Young Master.
"This is a token of our Young Master’s appreciation for all of Mr. Gu’s hard work during this time."
Ancient Wenheng glanced through the gifts. They certainly knew his tastes—a selection of hair ornaments suitable for Qianqian. "Your master is becoming quite the big spender. In that case, it would be rude of me to refuse."
Ye Si exchanged a few more pleasantries before hurrying back to his work.
Ancient Wenheng didn’t delay for a moment. He immediately had Hong Tianbao, who had accompanied him, hitch the carriage to head back.
***
Time marched on, and Ancient Wenheng began preparing for the imperial examinations two years away.
There was a special imperial examination this year, but Ancient Wenheng knew his own limits. If he wanted to take another major leap forward, he needed more time to consolidate his knowledge.
Jin Qianqian, her pregnant belly now showing, was just about to head out when Nanny Ou came rushing over.
"Madam, Mrs. Tian is here to visit."
Jin Qianqian turned to her. "Did she send a calling card beforehand?"
Perhaps due to the pregnancy, Jin Qianqian felt her memory wasn’t as sharp as it used to be.
Ou Qingshui shook her head. She now managed all the affairs of the inner courtyard; if there had been a calling card, she would have reminded the Madam first thing in the morning.
"Mrs. Tian doesn’t look very pleased. Should I tell her you’ll see her, Madam?"
Jin Qianqian nodded. "Of course. Please show her to the front hall. I’ll be there shortly."
After all, it was the County Magistrate’s Wife visiting. Even if Jin Qianqian had her suspicions, she couldn’t just turn her away.
When Zeng Nuwan saw Jin Qianqian enter, surrounded by her attendants, she spoke with an apologetic smile. "Forgive me for this sudden visit. I hope I’m not disturbing you."
Jin Qianqian led her attendants in a Fuli. "We’ve known each other for a long time. There’s no need for such formalities."
Zeng Nuwan’s eyes fell on her slightly rounded belly, and she quickly said, "We’re practically family, don’t stand on ceremony.
"You’re in a delicate condition right now. Please, sit down."
Jin Qianqian smiled, stroking her belly. "Honestly, I could still run and jump. It’s everyone here who’s being overly cautious."
Once Jin Qianqian was seated, Zeng Nuwan hesitantly began to explain the reason for her visit.
It turned out that the youngest brother from Mrs. Tian’s maiden family was also a traveling merchant. He was passing through the area and had heard that the workshop for the soap and scented soap currently popular across the country was located here, which gave him an idea.
Her younger brother had originally entertained the thought of acquiring the secret formula for himself, but unfortunately for him, Mr. Tian had put a stop to it.
If it were just an ordinary commoner, Magistrate Tian would have dared to intervene and offer some silver for it.
But Ancient Wenheng had the backing of Leping Academy. On top of that, Mr. Tian had heard whispers that Ancient Wenheng had a good private relationship with the Heir of Wu’an Hou. He had no desire to make powerful enemies for the sake of his in-laws’ interests.
The moment he realized his brother-in-law was thinking of using his position to bully others, he had issued an order for him to leave Fu County as soon as possible.
Of course, Jin Qianqian had no way of knowing any of this. For now, she just listened quietly as Zeng Nuwan explained her purpose.
"I know my coming here so suddenly puts you in a difficult position.
"But my younger brother is in a hurry to continue his journey. As a traveling merchant, he heard about our local soap workshop and begged me to act as a go-between for him. He’s hoping to purchase a shipment of your goods."
Jin Qianqian stroked her belly, her brow furrowing slightly. "That’s rather unfortunate timing. Just yesterday, Prince Bai’s men came and took all of my remaining inventory. The warehouse is completely empty right now."
