Chapter 135: Seeing the Book I Can't Understand Makes Me Angry

After the patriarch of the Su family's first branch and the second young lady, who was slated to take over the family business, had arrived, the live-in son-in-law began managing the Su family's affairs.

This was a major piece of news within the Su family recently.

Given Su Boyong's assassination and Su Tan'er's illness, it was highly unlikely that the other two branches harbored no schadenfreude. While the news of Su Tan'er's illness hadn't spread externally yet, most family members were already aware. Public opinion largely revolved around speculating how the historically weak main branch would cope with the current situation, or perhaps suggesting that despite Su Tan'er's past competence, she was, after all, just a woman and incapable of shouldering such a heavy burden. In any case, with everyone watching, Ning Yi was put forward as the temporary head, immediately sparking discussion.

As a live-in son-in-law, in other families, he would likely have been met with immediate ridicule and scorn. However, this particular son-in-law was different. Since entering the household, he had repeatedly defied expectations. Initially thought to be a simple bookworm, he had proven himself remarkably talented in both poetry and teaching over the past year. Whenever family members spoke of him, they could only admire the old master's foresight, believing he had single-handedly arranged the marriage, surely knowing that this "bookworm" was not simple.

Now, with him finally put forward by the first branch, the family members adopted a wait-and-see attitude. Everyone, from Wenxing and Wenji of the second and third branches to relatives and friends who were close to the first branch, quietly watched to see if he was equally reclusive and capable in business. They wondered if the old master was truly so shrewd and partial as to find Su Tan'er a husband who excelled in both scholarly and business talents, even as a live-in son-in-law.

This quiet anticipation lasted for about a day, before dissolving into a burst of laughter.

Despite his astonishing poetic talent, Ning Yi was, after all, an amateur in business, and merely a bookish one at that.

It was clear he sincerely wanted to do a good job, but his methods were genuinely clumsy. For several consecutive days, he would ceremoniously take a carriage to inspect several shops and warehouses in the city each morning – likely having inquired about Su Tan'er's daily routine beforehand and then imitating it.

In reality, given the Su family's foundation, the shops were all managed by trustworthy individuals, so the owner didn't need to visit daily. Su Tan'er's strict routine was part of her preparation to eventually take over the entire Su family. Currently, any problems in the shops could be resolved by Su Tan'er if she were present. However, after a few days of Ning Yi's routine – despite him only observing and trying not to speak much – a few feigned casual questions he asked revealed his pretense to others.

After all, there was a vast difference between an expert and an amateur when it came to professional matters. Ning Yi's occasional questions might have been simple, but to an expert, they seemed ridiculous. For example, Wenxing and Wenji might not be good at managing shops, but they were very familiar with the fabric business. Over the past two days, they had burst into laughter over an incident involving Ning Yi at the fabric store. Ning Yi had mistaken some aromatic herbs used for storing fabric as dyeing materials. During his inspection of the warehouse, he very politely asked a clerk to sweep up the scattered "dye" into a bag to avoid waste. The clerk was mortified, and the story spread throughout the entire Su residence in less than a day.

What Ning Yi said to the shopkeepers that morning also circulated. His focus on the imperial merchant route was likely Su Tan'er's idea, and it wasn't wrong. However, the words that came from Ning Yi's mouth, though seemingly impassioned and emphasizing that good products were indeed good, were actually full of idealistic bookishness. Even the shopkeepers of the first branch would often shake their heads when repeating them. While not entirely incorrect, implying that having good products was all that mattered could only be described as naive bookishness.

It was now certain that this live-in son-in-law understood nothing about business. Few had initially believed he "might understand," and after a few days, their doubts were merely confirmed.

However, despite Ning Yi's initial blunders during his first few days of managing the Su family's first branch business, which became fodder for gossip, one thing was certainly set in motion. The shopkeepers of the first branch had begun diligently publicizing the years of preparation for the imperial merchant bid. Regardless of Ning Yi's actions, these shopkeepers were ultimately professional and capable. In just three or four days, news of the Su family producing new fabrics and preparing for the imperial merchant bid for several years had spread like wildfire throughout the weaving industry in Jiangning. Coupled with the high-profile events of the preceding days, most people in the various fabric shops now understood that, due to Su Boyong's assassination, the Su family—or at least Su Tan'er—was prepared to fully showcase her capabilities and make a desperate gamble on this matter.

If she won, with years of preparation, she would perfectly resolve the imperial merchant issue, control the Su family's first branch, and even formally establish her position as the next family head despite being a woman. If she lost, then she truly lost, but since Su Boyong had already been assassinated, there wasn't much more to lose anyway.

"To possess such spirit even while ill, truly a woman who doesn't yield to men. If one were to become her opponent in the future, the pressure would be immense," Xue Yan said, setting down his cup and shaking his head with a smile from his seat in the teahouse. "Ah Jin, if we had known this earlier, letting you marry into the Su family might have been a good match back then."

Today, Xue Yan was at the teahouse with Xue Jin and several other clan brothers, all involved in the fabric business. Naturally, they couldn't help but discuss the recent changes in the Su family. Xue Jin shook his head resignedly and chuckled, "I've seen it clearly now; I couldn't control her. If she married into our Xue family, I would, of course, treat her well. But if I had married into her family, wouldn't I be unable to hold my head up for the rest of my life?" Xue Jin, previously a proud man, had become surprisingly modest today. His clan brothers couldn't help but laugh and tease him for a bit, before the conversation inevitably turned to Su Tan'er's current husband.

"It's a pity, even with astonishing poetic talent, he's just a 'flowery pillow' – useless in a crisis. What good is poetic talent or lack of official status when such things happen at home?"

"Speaking of business, judging by Ning Liheng's performance over the past few days, it's likely Su Tan'er is supporting him from behind, helping with strategies."

"I even wonder if Su Tan'er was behind his previous achievements. We've seen many talented bookworms; it probably took Su Tan'er's cunning to build his reputation. In my opinion, that's exactly what it is: Su Tan'er simply helping her husband make a name for himself..."

Hearing them, Xue Jin hesitated to speak, then finally shook his head. "Don't jump to conclusions here. That Ning Liheng is not simple; he's no fool."

Ning Yi's rise to fame had effectively used Xue Jin as a stepping stone. Xue Jin, now more humble, had certainly progressed. However, after nodding, Xue Yan patted his shoulder. "Humility is a good thing, but in this matter, you're being overly cautious, little brother. While Ning Liheng is certainly not a fool, his talent lies only in poetry. Such scholars often have eccentric personalities, which is understandable. But if he truly possessed astonishing scholarly and business talent, ha, then why would he marry into the Su family as a live-in son-in-law? That would truly be a strange twist of fate, like something out of a legend."

He paused slightly. "From what I see, Ning Yi has at least average business acumen, perhaps even some talent. He is a clever person. But regardless, it's normal for someone new to the field to make some blunders. However, laughs aside, one thing must be clear: no matter what Ning Yi does, Su Tan'er is always pulling the strings behind him. That woman is not simple. No matter how many jokes Ning Yi generates, as long as they secure the imperial merchant bid, all those issues will simply blow away like wind. Su Tan'er grandly contending for the imperial merchant position while allowing her husband to make a fool of himself is probably part of her strategy. We also need a share of the imperial merchant business. Don't just keep laughing and watch them take all the benefits."

At Xue Yan's words, everyone's expressions turned serious. Regarding the imperial merchant bid, the Xue, Su, and Wu families had all revealed their intentions. Each had their own connections and advantages, but overall, the Su family was indeed the most prepared. Xue Jin shook his head, glancing at his brothers. "I told you so." Before he finished speaking, his gaze dropped downstairs. "Huh?"

Xue Yan also looked downstairs, seeing Ning Yi in the crowd, carrying a box and walking along the street. He was alone, without attendants or servants. It was unclear if he was just wandering or specifically there for business. He was seen asking some vendors a few questions by the roadside before heading towards a courtyard gate not far away.

"That's..."

"The residence of Master He Fang of the Weaving Bureau."

"Are you kidding? He came all by himself?"

The Xue family members exchanged glances. To compete for the imperial merchant bid, connections were essential. As Xue Yan, Xue Jin, and others knew, the Su family had already established many connections within the Weaving Bureau and was reportedly close to several officials. However, among the three most influential officials in the Weaving Bureau—Master He Fang, Master Han Chaoying, and the chief official Master Dong Decheng—only Han Chaoying was truly accessible to the Su family for the imperial merchant matter.

As the chief official, Dong Decheng's stance had always been ambiguous, and he wouldn't easily declare his position. This year, the situation had changed, and He Fang had also not yet declared his stance on the matter. He was likely still inclined to let a few medium-sized merchants continue as imperial suppliers according to old custom. Now, several families were trying to curry favor with him. As the situation grew more sensitive, He Fang simply stopped receiving visitors concerning this matter. Just two days prior, the Xue family had been turned away. They were still figuring out how to approach him, so it was unexpected to see Ning Yi just show up like this.

He was alone, seemingly acting on a whim, as he stood at the gate pondering for quite some time before finally knocking. He then disappeared under the eaves. The Xue family members upstairs couldn't help but start discussing him again, some making a few mocking remarks.

"Impossible."

"How could he possibly get a meeting... He's just a live-in son-in-law, running over like this, trying to represent the Su family in such a business deal. He really thinks he's been appointed to deal with an emergency..."

"He probably wants to achieve something."

No one believed Ning Yi could get an audience with He Fang. However, when he didn't emerge after a while, everyone grew curious. Someone went down to inquire and returned, unable to suppress a laugh.

"He's talking to the gatekeeper. Ning Yi truly has patience; the gatekeeper is practically driven mad by him..."

Hearing this, everyone felt a slight realization.

"Haha, so bookish! He can't possibly think that by persistently pestering them, he can get through to He Fang, can he?"

"It's not unheard of," Xue Yan frowned, then shook his head with a laugh. "But it sounds like a story..."

After another while, Ning Yi still hadn't emerged. Someone else went to check and returned, laughing that Ning Yi was still pestering the gatekeeper. They admitted, however, that they admired his perseverance; he wasn't being pushy, just continuously talking. The gatekeeper was likely at his wit's end and simply ignored him, letting him ramble on.

It was truly interesting to witness such an oddity while having tea. The talking, laughing, and discussing continued upstairs for about an hour as they waited and watched. Some wondered if he might actually succeed in getting through. But then, Ning Yi finally emerged, still holding the box, looked back at the courtyard gate, shook his head, and left. Someone else went down to inquire and returned with a mix of amusement and admiration.

"He talked to the gatekeeper for over an hour until the gatekeeper was exhausted... He said he'd come back to visit again tomorrow..."

Xue Yan was stunned for a long while. "This bookworm..."

Xue Jin was silent for a moment. "It seems he intends to make a statement in business as well... This clumsy method..."

"If he truly keeps pestering like this, Master He will have to see him eventually..."

"But what's the point of that?"

Although they said this, by then, most of the amusement had faded from their faces. This "clumsy" method was often recounted as a story by their fathers in their childhood, teaching them that business wasn't about clever tricks but about steadfast dedication and genuine patience. Of course, few such persistent attempts were ever rumored to succeed, but seeing Ning Yi's current approach, they couldn't help but ponder.

If the person wasn't home, waiting for a business deal was one thing. But the host clearly refused to see him, and this fellow, without seemingly inquiring about all the details, came and tormented the gatekeeper for an hour. A scholar's stubbornness was truly terrifying.

Hope was slim; whether he would succeed remained to be seen. It was already afternoon. At the same time they were muttering in the teahouse, Ning Yi was walking down a nearby street, having put the morning's activities out of his mind. Turning a corner, he reached the main shop of Zhuji. Ning Yi went inside and upstairs to the second floor. Having gone on a whim to pester the gatekeeper and missed lunch, he was now there to get some energy. After two small dishes were served, a woman in a green dress brought the last bowl of egg drop soup. Ning Yi nodded at her.

Before the city gates closed, he had promised to accompany Nie Yunzhu to apologize to Elder Qin sometime soon. However, due to the events surrounding Su Boyong, this was their first meeting in days. Ning Yi considered this and was about to apologize. Nie Yunzhu, however, showed no sign of blame. From the moment she arrived, she simply looked Ning Yi up and down with some concern in her eyes. Then, she spoke first, softly asking, "Liheng, are you... alright?"

"Hm?"