Su Boyong collapsed, but it wasn't just the first branch of the Su family that got busy. Once the news came from the yamen, everyone knew that someone was going to make a move against the Su family. From the afternoon, the entire Su family's power in the city had been busy. Shopkeepers, stewards, and all kinds of staff who helped with the planning began to rush to the Su family. The second branch, the third branch … and the first branch had even more things to do.
In the past, Su Tan'er was in charge of the first branch's business. Although it was said that she was in charge of half of it, behind the scenes, there was still Su Boyong holding the fort. As soon as Su Boyong collapsed, the control of the first branch was directly pressed on Su Tan'er's back. Perhaps the Great Grandfather would consciously share some of the responsibility, but the old man also had more important things to do. After all, he was old and couldn't come out and carry the entire Su family on his back.
In the afternoon, after the Great Grandfather left, Su Zhongkan and Su Yunfang also left anxiously. Su Tan'er also began to gather all the people that could be gathered into the mansion. This time, even the shopkeepers that Su Boyong had been in charge of were called. In fact, even if they followed the previous path step by step, these shopkeepers could still hold on for a long time. But if there was really someone behind the scenes, the entire Su family's business in the country would become very dangerous. Moreover, at this time, the city gate was closed, and the news spread in and out was many times slower than before.
After hearing about Su Boyong's injury, Su Tan'er's mother fainted. After that, Su Tan'er and Su Tan'er accompanied each other in the room. Ning Yi told Chan'er and Juan'er and the others to go out and deal with some trivial matters. When the lanterns were first lit, he went out to the courtyard. When he came back, the room was already lit. Su Tan'er's mother had also woken up. Approaching the room, she saw the figures inside and heard the voices. Su Tan 'er's mother and her two concubines were crying inside, talking to each other. Su Tan'er sat there in silence. Ning Yi listened for a while and roughly understood.
The three women were crying and complaining about Su Tan'er at the same time. They were complaining about her stubbornness and the incident with the imperial merchants.
"I've said it before … Why are girls so competitive …"
"Who knows if Second Uncle and Third Uncle were involved in this incident …"
"They know that Tan'Er is going to be an imperial merchant …"
"They were talking about it a few days ago …"
"Maybe we scared them … If we really succeeded, they would have wasted all their efforts …"
"Women like us also know this …"
Su Boyong managed all aspects of the first branch very well, but his wife, Su Tan'er's mother, was a little weak, mainly because she only gave birth to a daughter for Su Boyong. In such a family, she didn't have much confidence. Later, she helped Su Boyong marry two concubines, but the first branch still didn't have any children. Everyone thought that it might be Su Boyong's problem. But at this time, the status and style of each person had basically been determined.
In the early years, because Su Tan'er was a girl, as a mother, she didn't love her very much and wanted to give birth to a boy. This probably also determined that the way the mother and daughter got along was similar to the father and daughter pair. Usually, they weren't very close. When Su Tan'er wanted to get involved in the family business, she objected, but later she didn't say much. Now, even if she missed the relatively normal mother-daughter relationship, in fact, it was already at a loss.
The two concubines usually didn't have much say in front of Su Tan'er. At this time, they only dared to cry and indirectly hint.
There weren't many people in the family who knew about Su Tan 'er's intention to take over the Royal Merchants. There weren't many people in the family who could see through her plan. However, even if she wanted to keep it a secret, there would come a day when it would be exposed. After all, the people who were in charge of the Royal Merchants were all officials. The matter of the Jiangning Weaving Factory would eventually be exposed when the truth was revealed. A few days before the city gate was closed, probably after talking with Xi Junyu, Su Tan'er had formally met with the people in this area, and laid out the relationship she had built in the past. This year, if she really wanted to take over the imperial merchant, it would be in the next one or two months.
As soon as the matter was exposed, everyone saw it, especially the people of the Su family. They originally wanted to make some obstacles for Su Tan'er, waiting for her to lose the opportunity to compete for the head of the family because of her identity as a woman. Who knew that this woman was so powerful in the dark. If the imperial merchant business could be done beautifully and profitably, then there would be nothing to fight for in the future.
After the city gate was closed for a few days, this matter was still spread and discussed among people. In the end, the matter of Su Boyong came out. Su Tan'er's mother and concubines usually came into contact with people in the mansion, and their feelings of kindness and malice were also targeted at these members of the family. At this time, of course, they were suspicious of Su Zhongkan and Su Yunfang. Some of them took the risk out of desperation. Even if they sold the family, at least they wouldn't let Su Tan'er take everything … It was better to take less than nothing … Women's minds often revolved around this.
At this time, Su Tan'er's mother was crying, and so were the two concubines. Trivial words, complaints, innuendo … In the shadows reflected on the window, Su Tan'er had been sitting there with her head down in silence, not saying a word, nor did she refute. Ning Yi knocked on the door. When he opened it, he saw Su Tan'er sitting on a stool beside the bed, still wearing the blood-stained clothes. She clenched her fists and rested them on her thighs. Her gaze was fixed on a spot on the ground, and her expression was cold and indifferent.
Ning Yi greeted the two concubines and his mother-in-law on the bed. His mother-in-law was still crying and didn't pay attention to him. There was some resentment in her eyes, but more than that, there was sadness. She resented Su Tan 'er for being too headstrong. She also resented Ning Yi, her son-in-law. Other than that, there were also her family members. Her two younger brothers-in-law, the second and third wives, who wanted to fight for the family's inheritance … This was common in wealthy families.
"… Several shopkeepers have arrived, so I came to have a look. Manager Liao has something to show to Tan'er …"
After greeting them, Ning Yi said these things. Tan'er nodded, wiped the corners of her eyes, and softly apologized to her mother and two concubines. It was a little formal and perfunctory. But at this time, she didn't care. After leaving the door and the courtyard, Su Tan'er and Ning Yi walked on the road. The starlight shone through. Su Tan'er looked at the scenery around her indifferently. When she silently walked to the door of the courtyard where she lived, Xiaochan was already waiting there. She trotted over.
"Young Master, the hot water is ready." She looked at the young miss beside her.
Su Tan'er frowned. "Manager Liao …"
"I'm talking nonsense. You've been sitting for a day. If you still have work to do at night, then go take a bath first." Ning Yi said.
Su Tan'er was stunned. She turned her head to look at Ning Yi. After a moment, she nodded silently. "Husband, thank you …" After saying this, she walked towards the courtyard. After that, she raised her hand to wipe the corners of her eyes, but there was not much hesitation in her footsteps. Ning Yi gestured to Xiaochan to follow her.
The starry night hung high in the sky. The moonlight turned from round to dim as if it was bitten by something. Moonlight, starlight, and lights gathered in the Su family's mansion. All kinds of noisy voices and footsteps could be heard. Ning Yi stood there and thought for a while. He sighed slightly. This night, he probably wouldn't sleep …
*****
Half of the night, the lights in the courtyard next door were still on. Su Tan'er and the shopkeepers of the first branch were having a meeting throughout the night. They were predicting what might happen, discussing how to deal with it, estimating the enemy behind it, and what help they might find next. At the moment, there were not many clues, but the things that should be prepared had to be prepared.
The three maids, Chan'er, Juan'er, and Xing'er, were busy and had their own things to do. Compared to them, the courtyard here was relatively deserted. Ning Yi was relatively idle because in the eyes of most people, this was not his business. It was not something that he had the ability to participate in or change. He took half a bowl of peanuts and slowly peeled them in the pavilion in the middle of the courtyard while feeling the atmosphere of the whole mansion. He thought about the possible reasons for this matter and the direction it would lead to.
Of course, there were not many clues that could be grasped. It was impossible to say that there would be any results. When Xiaochan walked through the corridor in a hurry, she saw that there was no one around. She leaned over and hugged him. After letting go, she lightly pursed her lips. "Son-in-law, are you worried?" She whispered. It seemed that she wanted to comfort Ning Yi. Ning Yi smiled and put a few peanuts in her hands. "I'm fine. Go and do your work. Look after Tan'er."
The young maid nodded and put the peanuts in her arms. After thinking for a moment, she turned around and left. "Son-in-law, sleep early …"
About two hours later, when Juan'er walked past the eaves, she looked in this direction. Then, she came over and sat down quietly. Ning Yi was bored and placed the shells of peanuts on the table. They were the various parties involved in this matter. Juan'er probably did not understand. She sat quietly for a while and looked at the bowl of peanuts. Then, she looked at Ning Yi. Ning Yi glanced at her and pushed the bowl over. "What's wrong?"
Juan'er smiled. "When we passed by just now, Xiaochan took out a peanut from her arms and ate it. After eating one, she went to do her work. I went to ask her. She smiled and told me that son-in-law gave her a few peanuts. That way, she could eat until dawn …"
"Oh, that's amazing …"
"So I also came to eat one." Juan'er took a peanut from the bowl, peeled it, and ate it. Then, she got up and left. As she left, she said, "Son-in-law, sleep early …"
Ning Yi looked at her leaving figure and shook his head with a smile. It was hard to say how busy this night was. Su Tan'er and many shopkeepers were busy. They were mainly anxious and discussing. But for the time being, there were not many clues. Most of the people below were waiting with this mood. If they were not busy, they would most likely be criticized for not doing their job. At present, if they really wanted to find a breakthrough, the one in front of them was that Chen Er in the yamen. If they could not find out who the mastermind behind the scenes was, they would have to wait for the other party to fly into a rage again before there could be further development.
After thinking about some of the things that he could think of, Ning Yi put away the bowl of peanuts and went back to his room to sleep. After sleeping for about two hours, he woke up again. It was already the darkest and quietest time before dawn. But the restlessness and restlessness of the entire Su family's mansion could still be clearly felt. He took a cup of tea and went out. The courtyard next door was already dark. He guessed that the shopkeepers who came for the meeting had already left. Chan'er, Juan'er, and Xing'er should have also gone to rest. The light in Su Tan'er's room was still on. When Ning Yi walked over, she was holding a pen in her hand. She was staring at the light of the oil lamp on the table in a daze. A half-written letter was unfolded on the table. This letter should be sent out of the city.
Ning Yi walked to the window and placed the teacup on the table. Only then did Su Tan 'er, who was inside, react. She lifted her head abruptly and looked at Ning Yi. After that, her gaze turned quiet. She looked at the teacup that was pushed towards her in a daze. After that, she reached out and took the teacup and lowered her head.
"It's almost dawn." Ning Yi said.
Su Tan'er nodded, but did not answer. She remained silent for a long time before she lifted her head and smiled. Her smile was a little sad, but also a little cheerful. "Mother … Aunt and the others think that the matter of the royal merchant was exposed, and that's why people took the risk out of desperation. Some shopkeepers … also think so. The people from the second and third branch might have been involved …"
"There are no lack of idiots in this world." Ning Yi nodded. "But idiots can't do big things."
"Heh …" Su Tan'er smiled. "Even if there are, they can't be the leader. Besides, the second and third branch only knew about the imperial merchant for a few days. They can't be so decisive. It's impossible for them to make up their minds to sell the family so quickly. Even if they made up their minds, they didn't have the ability to do so. The people behind this must have planned for a long time. But even so … I can't say that it has nothing to do with me. "
Su Tan'er was assertive and had perseverance. Even though these things had happened, she still calmly started to deal with everything tonight. She responded proactively and supported the overall situation. Her father had already fallen, so she definitely couldn't fall. This kind of temperament was stronger than the average man's. It was also the true attitude of doing things. But now that she said this, her eyes still glistened with tears. The woman raised her head and held back some of her tears.
"But no matter what, since I've made up my mind and I'm going to do it, there will definitely be resistance. There might be all kinds of resistance. If I try to avoid everything, then I won't be able to do anything. Husband … I will do it … After I'm done, everything will be clear."
Su Tan'er looked at him and revealed a smile. Then, she sniffled. Rather than saying that she was talking to Ning Yi, it would be more accurate to say that she was talking to herself. Ning Yi nodded and turned to leave. Then, he turned back.
"The tea was freshly brewed … Finish your work early and go to bed early."
"Thank you, Husband …"
They could be considered the same kind of person. Ning Yi roughly understood that a crisis was a crisis. This time, perhaps the sudden blow was too big, but Su Tan'er didn't need too much sympathy. For the entire Su family, this was just a process of coping with a crisis. Everything that should be done and everything that could be done was clear to her. They just needed to watch her do it.
However, in the following days, perhaps because of some unexpected circumstances, the whole situation took a sharp turn for the worse …
*****
In these days, Ning Yi didn't go out.
The situation in the Su family was chaotic. Ning Yi could only watch. Of course, he couldn't intervene. In these days, the Old Great Grandfather Su Yu, Su Zhongkan, and Su Yunfang often went out to visit people. However, there was still no new progress regarding Chen Er at the yamen. Some shopkeepers from the first branch frequently visited the officials of the Weaving Bureau. Under such circumstances, they still showed an imposing manner of wanting to win the imperial business — Su Tan'er was using the correct strategy. For these matters, she had been preparing for more than a year. Once she showed it, it was a spirit that left others speechless.
Su Boyong's injury was still hovering between life and death. It was hard to say what would happen in the end. Everyone was waiting in silence. Su Tan'er went to see him once a day. When she started working, she was unshakable.
Occasionally, Ning Yi would watch the shopkeepers go in and out from the second floor. Occasionally, he would dictate the latest news. Most of the time, he would read and write, summarizing the developments in his heart.
No one knew when this happened. Four days after Su Boyong collapsed, on the morning of the 22nd of July, Ning Yi noticed that Su Tan'er's spirit seemed to have changed. She seemed to have caught a cold. However, this abnormality was not only in her body, but also in her spirit. She was different from when she was talking to him a few nights ago.
In the evening, many shopkeepers were called into the mansion to discuss some matters. When Chan'er, Juan'er, and Xing'er were busy with the reception, Su Tan'er fell asleep in the room. A few letters were blown out by the wind. Ning Yi picked them up and brought them in. He placed the letters on the table beside Su Tan'er and pressed them down with a paperweight. Su Tan'er suddenly woke up. She stood up and bumped into Ning Yi's arms. Then, she took two steps back. When she saw it was Ning Yi, she smiled weakly, "Ah, Husband."
Ning Yi looked at her a few times, "Do you have a fever?"
"Hmm?" Su Tan'er was stunned. She reached out and touched her forehead. After a while, she smiled and shook her head, "No, I'm just a little tired these few days. Husband also knows that … I'll be fine after the matter is done."
After saying this, she turned her head and tidied up the letters on the table. Then, Juan'er came over to say that the shopkeepers had arrived. Su Tan'er smiled at Ning Yi apologetically. After saying a few words, she left with Juan'er.
At night, Ning Yi stood in front of the window on the second floor and looked at the situation in the courtyard next door. Several servants and maids of the first branch were guarding outside. Inside, there was a meeting. Everyone was discussing all sorts of things. Su Tan'er seemed to be in a good state of mind. He also saw her talking. After watching for a while, Ning Yi sighed and turned to go downstairs. Then, he went to the courtyard next door.
Although there was a meeting, among the maids, Chan'er and Juan'er, and Xing'er, were the ones in charge. Seeing Ning Yi's serious expression, they naturally wouldn't stop him. Only Xing'er followed him, "What's wrong, Young Master?"
"What's going on? How many days has your Miss been sick? "
"Miss …" Xing'er was stunned. Then, she almost cried, "We … we also found out today, but, but …"
Ning Yi walked into the room. Su Tan'er was back to the door. Her left hand was on the edge of the table. She lowered her head and used her right hand to point on the table. She was talking about something. Seeing Ning Yi come in, the shopkeeper all looked at him. Ning Yi walked over and patted Su Tan'er's shoulder. Su Tan'er waved her hand subconsciously. Ning Yi patted her again. Then, she turned around and looked back. She was slightly confused, but she still showed a little smile, "Husband, you …"
As soon as her left hand left the table, her body had actually started to shake. Ning Yi put his palm on her forehead and felt a faint heat. Su Tan'er lowered her head and used both hands to hold Ning Yi's palm.
"I'm fine, I'm fine …"
As she murmured this sentence, her body softened and collapsed. Xi Junyu came from the side and wanted to reach out, but Ning Yi had already carried Su Tan'er's body.
"Miss!" Chan'er, Juan'er, and Xing'er all rushed in. The shopkeepers also widened their eyes and stood up. There was a mess of words. But after a moment, there was a faint voice among the crowd. It was not loud, but everyone heard it clearly.
"You guys continue to discuss. Manager Liao will help to take charge. Juan'er, go and call Doctor Sun over. Chan'er, come with me. Xing'er, stay here and take care of the situation. Everything will be as usual. "
After this simple sentence, Ning Yi frowned and turned to leave with Su Tan'er in his arms.
The night sky was dark and gloomy. Thick rain clouds accumulated in the sky and shrouded the city. The night wind was a little cold, but the body of the woman in Ning Yi's arms was boiling hot. When he put Su Tan'er on the bed in the bedroom, the woman's lips were slightly open. Her face was red from the heat and she was still shaking her head subconsciously …
*****
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