Chapter 2083: Find Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law
During those tis, Zhao Shu faced ridicule and pity, branded a wastrel, yet erged unscathed each ti.
Zhao Shu indulged in life’s pleasures, embodying the image of a spendthrift Young Master. Despite his youth, his business empire eclipsed those of seasoned veterans, stoking envy both overt and covert.
Should the prefect’s brother-in-law make such an accusation, most would readily accept it. Even those who harbored doubts would eagerly use it to undermine Zhao Shu.
Confronted with the prefect’s authority, Zhao Shu found himself powerless to refute. His only recourse was to swallow his pride.
Though unaware of the prefect’s brother-in-law’s sche, Zhao Shu refused to yield at the outset. Stubborn to the core, he couldn’t fathom relinquishing his ancestral wealth over re slights.
In her perplexity, Taotao suggested, “Why not seek counsel from Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law?”
When all else failed, Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law were their last resort.
Fifth Brother and Fifth Sister-in-law surely possessed a solution.
Zhao Shu pondered the suggestion and found rit in it. Upon confiding in Uncle Qing, he too endorsed the plan.
Caught in a quandary, they opted to lie low for the ti being.
Their imdiate concern was to weather the storm. As for the future, they would address it when it arrived.
In these turbulent tis, the world was unpredictable. Who could guarantee their safety today or their power tomorrow? The once-mighty could easily beco prisoners on a stage.
As for the coming year, there was no certainty that the arrogant prefect of Hangzhou would retain his sway.
Crucially, the 100,000 mu of mulberry fields lay in Yangzhou, not Hangzhou. Without Zhao Shu’s acquiescence, the brother-in-law’s influence would not extend so far.
Leaving openly was out of the question.
Uncle Qing assembled a small retinue of trusted servants and departed ahead to secure an escort. Zhao Shu and Taotao slipped out of the city discreetly, hastening their flight.
By the ti the magistrate’s brother-in-law realized their absence from Hangzhou City, three days had elapsed since their departure.
Traveling swiftly in a light carriage drawn by sturdy horses, they had already distanced themselves by 500 ters from Hangzhou City. Unless the prefect’s brother-in-law sprouted wings, catching up was futile.
His fury knew no bounds!
Gritting his teeth, he bided his ti, plotting his next move.
He resolved to alert Yangzhou. If Zhao Shu possessed any sense, he’d never return to Jiangnan.
With nurous ventures in Jiangnan, the loss was substantial.
Shao Yunduan inquired about the situation in Jiangnan and sighed. “The loss of hundreds of thousands of silvers is regrettable. But to avert disaster, we must invest further. Since you’re here, remain for the ti being.”
He cast a glance at Taotao, a smile gracing his lips. “With the warmth of spring arriving tomorrow, your Sister-in-law will be eager to return. You two should accompany her. Spend so ti with Father and Mother.”
Taotao and Zhao Shu readily agreed.
Though Zhao Shu felt reluctant to part with hundreds of thousands of silver, he didn’t dwell on it. Money was hardly scarce for him.
“Let it go, let it go,” he shrugged.
Turning to Zhao Shu, he added with a grin, “We’ve brought plenty of banknotes and valuable jewelry along. If Fifth Brother needs funds, just say the word. We’re family, after all. No need for formalities!”
Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan exchanged a knowing smile.
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