Zhou Shaojin nodded obediently and walked toward the door, still feeling rather dejected inside.
When she was nearly at the doorway, she remembered there was still one matter she hadn’t asked about. She turned back around and said somewhat cautiously, “Uncle Chi, about that ship from the Thirteen Hongs—is everything all right?”
Two hundred thousand taels… how much silver was that?
She remembered that in her previous life, Duke Dingguo had been ordered to lead a distant expedition to Goryeo. It lasted three years, with military provisions totaling one hundred thousand taels.
In other words, the silver Uncle Chi had lost could fund two expeditions to Goryeo.
Even if the Cheng family wouldn’t be completely ruined, they would surely suffer a severe blow.
That was secondary.
What she worried about most was that the ancestor of the second branch, Cheng Xu, would jump out to make things difficult for Uncle Chi, and might even seize control of the Yutai Bank.
In her previous life, Cheng Jia had once mentioned that her older brother Cheng Shi was extremely envious of Yutai Bank.
It was just that at the time, she hadn’t taken it to heart.
In this life, how could she stand by and watch Uncle Chi fall into trouble?
Seeing her bring up this matter again, Cheng Chi surmised she must have heard some gossip. Afraid she would worry and be frightened, he simply explained to her in detail: “The Thirteen Hongs sent out a fleet of ships to sea. Right now, only one ship has had an incident. Although it will affect profits, as long as they can return safely, there will still be gains. Right now, all sorts of things are being said outside. Some are worries from merchants who invested, but some might also be rumors spread by the Thirteen Hongs’ competitors, specifically to undermine those who invested in the Thirteen Hongs fleet—this voyage is the largest of any dynasty in history. If something goes wrong, the Thirteen Hongs could lose their dominant position in southern trade. But similarly, if it succeeds, the Thirteen Hongs will rise to an even higher level and influence northern trade. That would encroach on many interests.”
Zhou Shaojin understood.
She didn’t care whether the Thirteen Hongs could become industry leaders. She only worried about whether Uncle Chi’s money could be recovered.
The reason maritime trade was so profitable was precisely because of its high risks, which kept people from getting involved.
Right now, only one ship had capsized. But what if another ship capsized?
As the thought flashed through her mind, she mentally spat at herself and silently recited several times “bad omens don’t work, good omens do.” Only then did she say, “Uncle Chi, can we return part of what was bought today? It’s too much. There are many things we won’t use. Like those bowls and dishes—I noticed there are twelve sets. We’re only living here temporarily and won’t be entertaining guests. What do we need so many sets of bowls and dishes for? Even if we did entertain guests, we wouldn’t host the same group of guests twelve times in a row! I think two or three sets would be enough. At most, we’ll only entertain once when Grand Madam Liao comes. And then those decorative vases—I saw there are both Snow Scene and Plum Blossoms Braving Cold patterns. I think we only need to keep one pair. Next year when there are new designs, it won’t be too late to buy more…”
Household decorations were supposed to be changed according to the four seasons. Snow Scene and Plum Blossoms Braving Cold were both for winter use. Particular households would display Plum Blossoms Braving Cold during the coldest days and switch to Snow Scene when it snowed. But if they didn’t change them, it wouldn’t be considered rude—it would still be acceptable.
Putting Zhou Shaojin’s words together, Cheng Chi understood.
The little girl was indirectly helping him save money?
If something really did go wrong for him, how much could be saved from returning a few sets of bowls and dishes and a few decorative vases? But the little girl’s thoughtfulness made him happy.
Cheng Chi thought for a moment and said, “You should keep them for me for now. I’ve given the Elm Money Alley residence to you, so it’s yours. Including the things in the house. I’m also planning to send over some calligraphy and paintings in a few days—all authentic works by masters from previous dynasties. You must keep them safe too…”
What was Uncle Chi planning?
Zhou Shaojin’s heart pounded. After a long while, she said, “Uncle Chi, is the residence near Chaoyang Gate part of the family estate?”
In large families, private property was not allowed before the family division.
So although Uncle Chi managed the general affairs of Nine Blessings Alley, what belonged to him personally might not even be as much as her private savings.
This little girl—she was quite sharp when it mattered!
Cheng Chi smiled and said, “It belongs to the main branch.”
Zhou Shaojin felt she had learned the truth.
She immediately became somewhat indignant.
Business naturally had times of profit and loss!
Although it might be wrong to encourage Uncle Chi like this when the Cheng family might be facing great disaster, Uncle Chi had earned so much silver for the Cheng family. They couldn’t strip away his right to manage affairs just because he lost money, could they?
Then what would Uncle Chi do in the future?
Would they really make him act according to others’ wishes for just a few taels of silver?
Zhou Shaojin bit her lip and said timidly to Cheng Chi, “Whatever else Uncle Chi needs to give me, bring it all over! You can also arrange for a few skilled guards. I promise not to lose any of those valuable things.”
This little thing—was she encouraging him to acquire private property?
Cheng Chi suddenly had the feeling that if he killed someone, she would help hand him the knife.
But this feeling… really suited his temperament.
He hated those who, under the banner of doing what was good for him, constantly watched him and made him act according to their intentions.
Cheng Chi pulled Zhou Shaojin into his embrace. Lowering his chin against her head, he sighed and called out “Shaojin.”
Zhou Shaojin’s body went rigid.
She felt somewhat displeased.
Just as she was considering whether to push him away, she heard that sigh.
Long and drawn out, filled with melancholy and loss.
Uncle Chi must feel very distressed inside, mustn’t he?
When such a thing happened, there wasn’t a single person who could help him.
In her previous life when he left home, could it have been related to this matter?
Zhou Shaojin’s heart instantly became as soft as water.
When she was sad, she also wanted someone to hold her.
Although Uncle Chi was a man, the feeling of sadness was the same.