Chapter 617: Chapter 616 No Rest
Liu Hai took Liu Zheng back to the Liu Family residence.
"Second brother, you have returned!" As soon as Liu Zheng entered the room, a middle-aged man dressed in luxurious clothes came out. This man was Liu Zheng’s third uncle, Liu Wenjie.
"Third Uncle, why haven’t you rested yet?"
"I couldn’t sleep," Liu Wenjie sighed, "I have been thinking about how you and your brother have lived in the countryside for these years. Perhaps the hardships you’ve endured are no less than ours in these wealthy households, so I wanted you two to move back and live here for a while!"
"Third Uncle, my second brother and I have gotten used to the rural life. We do not wish to move back to the city, please understand," Liu Zheng said politely.
"How can this be acceptable!"
"Father, we have already decided. We won’t leave again this time!" Liu Zheng said, "You don’t need to worry, we are going to pay respects to Grandmother right now!"
"Ah... If that’s the case, then you must be careful on the road and avoid any dangers!" Liu Wenjie admonished.
"Understood! We are aware of that!"
...
That very night, the two rushed to Liu Family Village to pay their respects to the elderly Madame Liu.
After paying respects to Madame Liu, they went to Liu Zheng’s home to pay homage. After all, Madame Liu had not been stingy with them in their youth, especially with Liu Zheng, whom she taught with great care, which is why Liu Zheng always kept her in his heart. Every holiday, he made time to come visit and show his respects.
...
"Father, second brother and I have returned!"
"Master!" When Mrs. Liu heard footsteps, she hurriedly came out to greet them.
"Master!" Several of Liu Zheng’s concubines and maids also came out to pay their respects.
"Mm, all rise," Liu Hai waved his hand.
"Thank you, Master!" The concubines and maids stood up and respectfully stood to the side.
"Second brother, have you returned?" Liu Wenjie asked, "Have you been well these past days?"
"Yes, thank you for your concern, third brother. I am very happy now. You needn’t worry; anything you need done, just command the servants!" Liu Zheng replied with a slight smile.
"That is good to hear, very good. By the way, you and third sister haven’t been in town recently, and I am in need of a chef. What do you think?" Liu Wenjie ventured tentatively.
"A chef?" Liu Zheng frowned, "That is indeed problematic. I’ve been in town for several years now, and I still haven’t found a suitable candidate. What to do?"
"How about this, I send my chef to you?" Liu Wenjie suggested.
"A chef?" Liu Zheng responded in surprise, "That won’t do. Those chefs are hired with your money, how could you just send them to me?"
"Hehe, it’s no trouble at all. The chef was hired by me personally, it didn’t cost money!" Liu Wenjie laughed, "You know, it’s not easy for me to make a living outside, and without a chef to help, I’m afraid I’d barely have enough to eat!"
"But, isn’t that a bit inappropriate? After all, you hired that chef from the Capital City. How could I take what others cherish?" Liu Zheng said, somewhat embarrassed.
"Haha..." Liu Wenjie laughed heartily, "Second brother, don’t be so modest. I’ve already discussed it with the chef; if you agree, he will come over to help!"
"Well then, I will have to trouble third brother, thanks!"
"Second brother, you’re being too formal. You are my brother, it’s only right that I do this for you!"
"Second brother, here is the thing: the chef will arrive at the Liu Family residence tomorrow. When he arrives, it will be your responsibility to greet him. I still have some affairs to take care of over here, so I won’t stay for lunch!"
"Alright!"
...
After Liu Zheng left, Liu Wenjie’s expression darkened as he said, "This Liu Zheng is getting bolder, daring to defy even my words!"
"Master, don’t be angry now. After all, Liu Zheng is still young. In time, he will understand, and we can guide him little by little. It’s not too late!" Mrs. Li hurriedly advised.
"Hmph, he’s just returned, and he’s already so arrogant. What will happen if he gains influence?!" Liu Wenjie said through clenched teeth.
"Master, you are right, but surely you don’t really intend to transfer Liu Zheng back to the Capital City?" Mrs. Li asked.
"Is there any doubt?" Liu Wenjie snorted coldly.
"Then about the chef..."
"I have plans of my own. You needn’t worry about it!"
"But, Master, our assets are currently in Liu Zheng’s hands. If this continues, we may end up at a disadvantage!"
"Hmph, all the wealth of our family belongs to me, and no one can snatch it from my hands!" Liu Wenjie said, "However, I will plan this out carefully!"
...
"Master, what should we do now?" Madam Li asked.
"What to do? Obviously, we must find an opportunity to get rid of that damned fool. Our wealth must never fall into others’ hands!" Liu Wenjie said viciously, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes.
"Master, you are wise, but we can’t rush this matter!" Madam Li said.
"I know. Although Liu Zheng is a bit foolish, he is still the legitimate heir, and he is quite influential outside now. If I rashly move to kill him, it will inevitably arouse the suspicions of the ministers in the court. We must find the right moment!"
"But, Master, how can we find this opportunity?"
"Hmph, when the opportunity comes, I will naturally seize it. For now, our top priority is to consolidate our family business, and we absolutely can’t let that bastard take it from us!" Liu Wenjie said.
"Yes, Master!"
...
The next morning.
"Aiyo, Mother, look, the Second Young Master has returned!" Madam Li’s maid suddenly rushed into the room and said.
"What? My second son has returned? Where is he now? Take me to see him quickly!" Madam Li said excitedly.
"Alright, Mother, please wait. I will go and wake the Master!" The maid turned and left the room to call Liu Wenjie.
A moment later, Madam Li hurried to Liu Wenjie’s room door and knocked.
"Come in!"
After receiving permission, Madam Li quickly pushed open the door and entered.
"Father!" Madam Li called out.
"Mother, you’ve come so early. Did you sleep well last night?" Liu Wenjie, with sleepy eyes, asked.
"Yes, I slept very well. Second son, it’s your day off today; why don’t you sleep a bit more?"
"No need to sleep anymore. Since it’s my day off, I plan to go out and drink with a few friends!" Liu Wenjie said with a smile.
"Oh? Are your friends all in the Capital City?" Madam Li asked.
"Yes!" Liu Wenjie smiled, "But, our drinking capacity is really poor, I always end up losing badly every time!"
"Hehe, it’s alright, it’s alright. Your friends must be talking nonsense only after they’re drunk. Later, you can accompany Mother to go out and buy some rice, groceries, and vegetables. We’ll stroll around the town and let your friends taste the flavors of Liu Family’s cuisine!" Madam Li said with a smile on her face.
"Oh, Mother, you’re really spoiling me. Our family’s brewery relies on your name to make silver, how can we go out to eat in the town? I daren’t accept this honor!"
"You, why have you become so politely formal all of a sudden? Have you forgotten? Your father was once the first of the four great merchants in the Capital City!"
"Hehe, yes, yes, Mother, you are right!" Liu Wenjie laughed.
"That’s my good child!"
"Mother, does this outfit look appropriate on me?" Liu Wenjie asked, holding up a blue silk robe.
"It’s great!" Madam Li quickly nodded in admiration.
"Then, Mother, I will leave now!" Liu Wenjie said, already changing into the new clothes.
"Okay, go ahead! Be careful on the road!" Madam Li admonished.
...
After a while, Liu Wenjie and Madam Li left for the town in a carriage.
All along the way, Madam Li never stopped talking. She went on and on about her dishes and shop, how great they were; she even slapped the table in excitement, attracting looks from people around.
About an hour later, the two finally arrived in town. Madam Li first selected a large number of dishes in the vegetable market, then went on to a fabric shop to pick out silk for her daughter and son, some rouge and face powder, and also selected several new outfits for Liu Wenjie, spending a total of one hundred silver notes.
"Madam, such costly items should be handled by someone like me. This coarse cloth on my body does not match such fine silk and jewels!" Liu Wenjie promptly protested.
"You child, what nonsense are you talking about? You are my own son. What’s wrong with buying some things for my own child? Are you looking down on your mother?" Madam Li glared with wide eyes, angrily questioning.
"Uh... no, son is not looking down on Mother. Son just feels that his status is lowly, not worthy of Mother spending so much!" Liu Wenjie said with his head down, speaking softly.
"What’s happening to you, child? Why would you think like that? Do you think that you are poorer than this country mother of yours? Or do you look down on me, your mother?" Madam Li asked angrily.
