"You all make a good point!" Mrs. Wang naturally favored her son a bit more, so she was pleased that Gu Fangzi was helping ease her son’s burden, and she smiled, "In that case, you can bring it up with Fengju tonight!"
"Auntie," Gu Fangzi hesitated slightly, and with a smile said, "Could you perhaps speak with my cousin about this? I’m afraid—"
"Yes, mother!" Shi Yui also said, "Otherwise, those who don’t know might think Fangzi is trying to curry favor, spreading rumors about ’disrespect during the mourning period’ and such, wouldn’t that damage her reputation? It would be a tragedy to wrong her kind intentions!"
Mrs. Wang ignored Shi Yui’s comnt and simply nodded, "Alright, I’ll talk to Fengju when he returns!"
"Thank you, Auntie!" Gu Fangzi joyfully stood up to thank her, and with grateful glance at Shi Yui, they exchanged a smile.
With her wish fulfilled, Gu Fangzi was naturally delighted, and Shi Yui was eager to see Shi Fengju neglect Sang Wan, both feeling even more jubilant inside, which made their alliance unbreakable.
Seeing the situation was in her favor, Gu Fangzi made small talk a little longer with Mrs. Wang before politely claiming she needed to go back "to fulfill her filial duties," to which Mrs. Wang nodded with a smile.
As evening approached and Shi Fengju was about to return, Gu Fangzi went over to Mrs. Wang’s place. Initially, she wanted to play it cool and wait in the peony garden for news, waiting for Shi Fengju to co and invite her. But upon reconsideration, a sense of unease crept in her heart: her cousin was now blinded by that vile woman Sang Wan, no longer as rational or as kind to her as before. Being present might add weight to her words; if she were absent, her too-easily persuaded aunt might just let her cousin dismiss the matter.
Gu Fangzi failed to realize that deep down, she had already understood that Shi Fengju’s heart was not with her, hence all her elaborate sches.
"Oh, you impatient child! Fengju hasn’t returned yet—don’t worry; when he does, I will surely talk to him!" Mrs. Wang saw her coming at this ti and couldn’t help but joke warmly.
"Mother, it’s not like Fangzi isn’t concerned about her second brother!" Shi Yui took the initiative to explain before Gu Fangzi even spoke, "Otherwise, she would be happy enjoying leisure ti in the peony garden!"
Gu Fangzi quickly said, "My cousin is the head of this family and also the backbone of Fangzi’s life. It is only natural for Fangzi to care about him."
"Such a thoughtful child!" Mrs. Wang couldn’t help but feel deeply moved, and instructed Xiuchun to guard the second gate and to report when the young master arrived.
Shi Fengju knew of his mother’s gullible nature and felt slightly uneasy hearing that Gu Fangzi was there too. After Xiuchun relayed the ssage, he washed his face, changed clothes, and then headed to the main courtyard.
Upon entering, Mrs. Wang imdiately stared at his face, causing Shi Fengju to be puzzled as he touched his face and laughed saying, "Mother, is there dirt on my face or do you not recognize anymore? Why stare at like that?"
"Nonsense!" Mrs. Wang glared at him, hurriedly told him to sit down to talk, instructed the maid to pour goji berry ginseng tea, and sighed with Shi Yui and Gu Fangzi, "Indeed, he looks thinner and not quite well!"
Shi Fengju uncovered the teacup, frowned, set it aside, and ordered the maid, "Bring Longjing or Biluochun tea!"
"Don’t change it!" Mrs. Wang quickly said, "This is the ginseng tea specially brewed for you to strengthen your body, why switch it? Drink it up quickly!"
"Mother!" Shi Fengju exclaid half-jokingly, "My body is fine, why do I need to strengthen it? I’m not used to drinking this!"
"What? Are you not listening to your mother now?" Mrs. Wang said with a mix of distress and displeasure. "Am I not caring for you? Look at you, looking so haggard and still saying you’re fine! Xiuchun, quick, serve the ginseng tea to the young master!"
"Yes, madam!" Xiuchun then offered the bowl of tea, "Young master, please drink it."
Knowing he’d have to drink it lest his mother insist personally, Shi Fengju couldn’t really wait for that, so he reluctantly took a few sips.
"That’s more like it!" Mrs. Wang was satisfied and smiling, she advised, "It’s almost New Year now, so although there is a lot to handle in the business, you must also take good care of your health, not imrse yourself in work too much! It’d pain to see you not doing so!"
"Exactly!" Shi Yui also said, "Nothing is more important than health because even if you earn more money,SLOT it doesn’t matter; we won’t spend it at ease!"
It’s his own family who truly cares for him! Shi Fengju felt ward inside and smiled, "Mother, elder sister, don’t worry, I’m aware! Besides, I’m still young, I can handle this much!"
Gu Fangzi then expressed her concern, "Cousin, that attitude might not be right. When you’re young, you should be more cautious. If you overlook things now, what will happen when you age and problems suddenly arise? What then?"
Mrs. Wang’s heart skipped a beat and she internally agreed, that’s exactly why! Therefore, finding an assistant for him and soone to keep an eye on things is essential! The best candidate, of course, would be Gu Fangzi.
Mrs. Wang cleared her throat and then addressed Shi Fengju, "Fangzi is absolutely right. You always make your mother worried! I understand, so matters can’t be handled by the shopkeepers or accountants; it must be managed by us. Thus, let’s have Fangzi share your burdens, just like before. Let’s settle on this, and you discuss with Fangzi tonight and get her to help you tomorrow."
Gu Fangzi tenderly glanced at Shi Fengju and with a gentle smile tugged at her lips, "Cousin wouldn’t consider Fangzi ddling, right?"
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