Even with Ning Yi's background in his previous life, coupled with an extremely powerful intelligence analysis system and a large group of advisors, it was still a business miracle that could only happen in a relatively extreme environment. And to change a business decision that had already been decided by the other party, without the cooperation of all parties, was basically a fool's dream. However, the situation in front of them was different.
Of course, the things that Ning Yi could sense were part of his keen senses, but to the He family, these things were within the scope of their interests. Ning Yi could casually guess a few things, but they might have long suspected it. Perhaps before Ning Yi and Su Tan'er came to visit, these people were still distressed and suspicious. And at this time, Ning Yi's casual words immediately gave them the signal that "the Su family already understood this situation." But Su Tan'er didn't notice at all. She was only certain that the He family's business deal had fallen through.
When this happened, Ning Yi had a helpless expression on his face. He felt that this kind of conditioned reflex was unnecessary. He was obsessed with doing business, and he couldn't escape the trade-offs for the rest of his life. Next to him, Su Tan'er was full of doubts, but it was naturally a good thing that things had taken a turn for the better. Then, she followed them in to discuss business. Ning Yi, who had originally planned to go to the bookstore in the east of the city to buy books, couldn't leave for a while. In the evening, everyone went back together. In the carriage, Su Tan'er still looked puzzled.
A few more days passed, and it was close to December. The Su family gradually became lively. Although it was snowing heavily, it was close to the end of the year. The managers of the Su mansion in the cities near Jiangning began to gather in Jiangning to evaluate the performance and determine the dividends. In addition, some relatives of the Su family would come to celebrate the New Year and visit. Every day, they would enter and leave the mansion on a rather large scale.
There were many wealthy families in Jiangning, and this scene was not uncommon at this time of year. These days, on one hand, Su Tan'er was busy with the He family. On the other hand, she began to prepare for the year's accounts. On top of that, she had to deal with some relatives that she hadn't seen for a long time. Even Chan'er, Juan'er, and Xing'er were busy non-stop. On this day, when they came back, the snow was still falling. A line of carriages was parked outside the mansion. Su Tan'er entered from the front door. She had something to do, so she let her carriage go to the side door. At this time, there were some servants at the front door carrying four or five big boxes in. She and Xing'er waited outside the door.
Today, Su Tan'er wore a snow-white fox fur coat. The fluffy collar contrasted with her beautiful cheeks. She looked like a young and inexperienced girl, but she also had the confidence and independence that she had cultivated for many years. She was now somewhat famous in the business world of Jiangning. Before she got married, there were many times when she dressed as a man. However, she didn't hide her identity as a woman too much. Others looked at her as if she were a merchant. They even thought that she was the daughter of some scholarly family. Often, after a business deal was settled, they couldn't feel much of her sharpness. It was only after a period of time and considering the whole situation, that they secretly sighed at this woman's ability. There was even a saying that if she was born a man, the current head of the Jiangning cloth industry would not be the Wu Family.
In this era where men were more important than women, Su Tan'er's identity was inconvenient. In fact, when a group of men discussed business with a woman, they more or less felt uncomfortable. Some felt strange, some looked down on, and some felt happy. She was more powerful than others. She probably worked hard to turn this inconvenience into her own. She found an advantage in an unchangeable disadvantage. If this was seen from Ning Yi's side, perhaps it was really a pitiful struggle. Of course, others couldn't feel this kind of pitiful, cute, or struggle. If it were people in the Su mansion, most of them would have already adapted to the temperament of this second miss. It could be the shrewd side, the beautiful side, or the weak side, or the side that gradually supported the first branch of the Su family. At this time, seeing her standing outside, after a while, the steward nearby ran over.
"You people, get out of the way. Didn't you see that the second miss is back?"
The steward waved his hand to let them go quickly. Su Tan'er smiled and walked over. "Don't, Uncle Qi. Let them go in first. They're already halfway there. It'll take a lot of time to come out again. Let's go in first …"
Since she had spoken, the steward called Uncle Qi had to let these people go in slowly. Only then did Su Tan'er ask, "Uncle Qi, why don't they go in from the side door?"
"The things that Third Master bought are some big and small decorations. He said that they are for the New Year celebrations. These are to be placed in the front hall. Seeing that no one would come in for a while, I had them quickly carry them in. Oh, right, second miss, Zhizhou Song arrived today. He is now in the Tibetan Academy testing the talents of the students … "
"Oh, Zhizhou Song came?"
The Su family had been in business for a long time. Although they couldn't be considered a scholarly family, they naturally had all kinds of contacts with various officials. Most of these contacts weren't very close. However, they had a lot of connections with Song Mao, who was now a Zhizhou in Shenzhou. The wife of Second Master Su Zhongkan and Song Mao were cousins. The Song family had produced a few minor officials. When Song Mao was in power, the Su mansion also did a lot of business. Therefore, Song Mao could be considered one of the Su family's strongest backers. Although the influence of the Zhizhou did not extend to Jiangning, the Su mansion's business in Shenzhou was indeed much more convenient.
On the other hand, the fact that Song Mao was able to hold the position of Zhizhou meant that his knowledge was extremely outstanding. These years, the Su Manor had wanted to develop in the direction of scholars. Every year when Song Mao came to visit during the New Year, Old Great Grandfather Su would often arrange for the young students of the family to gather together. In addition, he would find some teachers and scholars that he was familiar with and test the progress of these children. Song Mao was known for his straightforward personality. Every year, he didn't have many good words to say during the test. However, with his experience, what he said was indeed the most reliable evaluation.
With such an official backing, when he came to visit other officials in Jiangning every year, he would often reveal some of his relationship with the Su family. This was naturally another benefit for the Su family's business. However, after all, Song Mao's relationship with Second Uncle was the best. After hearing this, Su Tan 'er only nodded her head. She wasn't too happy. As for the test, it was the same every year. For the time being, the Su family probably didn't have the fate of producing scholars. Furthermore, her husband was also messing around in school. In the past, the teachers wanted to use the entire day to teach, but her husband only allowed people to study for two hours. The rest of the time was used to tell stories. It was nice to hear, but it was hard to understand what they were learning. She only hoped that she wouldn't be scolded this time.
The big box had already been moved in. Then, Juan 'er, who had originally stayed in the mansion, ran out, panting. "Miss, you're finally back. Master Cousin and Miss Cousin are here. Miss Cousin is waiting for you … Oh, Shopkeeper Xi and Shopkeeper Luo also arrived just now. It seems that the He family's matter has been settled, so they came to report the good news … Hehe, Miss, is this considered double happiness? "
The Su family had many cousins, but there was probably only one who would be called by Juan 'er like this. When Su Tan 'er was young, she was the only child of the first branch. Su Boyong didn't have a son, so he more or less had some resentment towards his only son. Although he didn't beat or scold her often, it was inevitable that he would have hot and cold tempers. After she became sensible, as a girl, Su Tan 'er was unsociable for a period of time, and also rebellious and eccentric for a period of time. Later, in addition to the three maids, Chan' er, Juan 'er, and Xing' er, the only one who became friends with her was probably the eldest daughter of Su Yunsong, the uncle of Ren Jiangning's shopkeeper at that time.
Su Yunsong's daughter was named Danhong. She was half a month older than Su Tan 'er. When she was young, she was lively like a boy. As she grew up, she gradually became gentle. Later, Su Yunsong went to manage the affairs in other places, and his wife and daughter also left Jiangning. But every year when he came back, the sisters would always excitedly talk about the old days and the future together. Last year, this cousin got married. Her husband was also a young shopkeeper in the Su mansion's cloth business. She lived a happy life. This year, when Su Tan 'er got married, she gave birth to a son, so she couldn't come over. At this time, hearing that Juan 'er said that she had arrived, Su Tan' er was happy. "That's great. Where is cousin now?"
"In the courtyard. Just now, I met Shopkeeper Xi and Shopkeeper Luo. I also chatted with them for a while. Chan 'er is also there."
Su Tan 'er thought for a moment. "Okay, I'll go there first. Juan' er, you and Xing 'er send these account books over first. The top ones are for the accountant, and the bottom ones are for Master." Xing 'er, who followed behind, carried a large stack of account books. At this time, Su Tan' er gave some orders and separated with the two maids. She tightened the silver fox fur on her body and smiled as she walked toward the inner courtyard.
*****
When two women get together, there is probably no fixed pattern of what they would gossip about. When two sisters who had just married and hadn't seen each other for a long time got together, they would gossip about each other's husbands.
After passing through the courtyards and the snow-covered roads between the gardens, Su Tan 'er saw her cousin whom she hadn't seen for a long time before she arrived at the courtyard where she lived. It seemed to correspond to her beautiful name. Even after getting married, this beautiful and gentle woman was still dressed in red. After some small greetings, she asked about Su Tan 'er's husband, Ning Yi.
"I've wanted to see my brother-in-law for a long time. It's a pity that it was inconvenient for you to travel when you got married. Later, I heard some things, but … Oh, how is my brother-in-law?"
Talking about her husband with such a close person, it was impossible for her to be polite. Su Tan 'er blushed slightly. "It's hard to say. Sister Hong, didn't you see Liheng when you came?"
"No, I thought he would go out with you. I asked Xiaochan, but he didn't. Just now, I saw Xi Junyu and Shopkeeper Luo …"
Su Tan 'er thought for a moment. "Oh, Zhizhou Song also came. He is hiding there to test the knowledge of the students. Liheng is also a teacher in the academy now, so he should be there."
"Actually, a few years ago, I thought that Eldest Uncle would marry Xi Junyu for you …" Cousin said thoughtfully. Seeing Su Tan 'er frowning with a puzzled expression, she smiled. "Let's not talk about this. I have also asked about this brother-in-law. His tune, Shuidiao Getou, is sung every day in Hangzhou. I thought he just has the same name as brother-in-law, but later I found out that he is a family … But to be honest, when I came here, I heard some strange words …"
Naturally, the evaluation of Ning Yi would not spread too much in the society. However, if one had connections and wanted to inquire about it, he would be able to get all kinds of information. Moreover, with the identity of the other party, he would naturally know a lot about the way Su Tan'er and Ning Yi interacted with each other. The relationship between the sisters was very deep, and she was also really concerned about Su Tan 'er's thoughts in this regard. At this time, she rambled on a bit and then said, "Don't believe all the hearsay. Whether brother-in-law Liheng is talented or not, let's not talk about it first … Sister, what do you think? I want to know."
After all, she was an experienced person, so she asked these questions in a tactful tone. After all, she still needed to know what Su Tan 'er was thinking in order to say something. Su Tan 'er was silent for a moment, then she lowered her head and smiled.
"Sister, you also know Tan 'er's thoughts in the past. Husband, he … it's really hard to say how talented he is. However, his personality is indifferent. If we talk about suitable, he is indeed the most suitable husband for Tan' er."
Her cousin looked at her a few times, then smiled and said, "You seem to have resigned yourself to fate …"
"In the past, when I was bored, I thought about it. I also hoped that my future husband would be skilled in both literature and martial arts, have a good personality, and would not stop me from inheriting the family business. However, this was all just a fantasy after all. These days, if I can really go on like this, I'm afraid it's not bad. Husband, he … he might have some talent, but his personality is indifferent. Sometimes he might do some strange things, but he doesn't cover up his mistakes or hide them. Speaking of which, he is also open and aboveboard … "
As she spoke, she raised her head. The sky was full of snowflakes falling from the sky. "When I got married, I thought about the future, I felt afraid and angry, so I decided to leave Jiangning. When I came back, I gritted my teeth and made up my mind. But now that I think about it, if I go on like this, I won't feel that it's difficult anymore. I think that's the case. Perhaps I have resigned myself to fate, but indeed … I don't hate it … "
The endless snowflakes covered the entire Su family's mansion and Jiangning City. On this road, two women, one in red and one in white, walked on the snow. After a moment of silence, the gentle woman laughed and changed the serious topic.
"So, there is no scholarly talent …"
"No … uh, he doesn't care about it …"
"There is no scholarly talent …"
"Not really, but … ah, teaching is messing around. There are some of his disciples in the examination in front. I'm afraid he will be scolded …"
"Ha, so … My Husband won!"
"… How, how can there be such a competition … I won't compete."
The sound of laughter could be heard, disappearing in the white snow that filled the sky. Their line of sight swept across a stretch of courtyards, big and small. When they gathered in front of the Su mansion, a stove was burning in the surroundings. A family's knowledge examination was now in the middle of it …
*****
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