Chapter 173: Calming the Storm (Part 3)

Waves of discussion and confrontation spread from the assembly hall, forming a fierce and noisy clamor that gradually reached the small plaza outside the hall and the surrounding areas. Various discussions were underway, each following its own arguments and logic. Sometimes, small disputes would break out, though they wouldn't escalate, which was an unusual sight in the Su family.

"Fifty thousand taels, ten thousand taels... and another twenty thousand over there," "I've said for years that the First Household has been messing things up..." "I saw it coming with that batch of red cloth from Raozhou; they kept saying they had no spare money, if it weren't for that..." "This kind of thing is just reckless! Look, after today, who knows how many more problems will arise..." "I guess the deficit is at least two hundred thousand taels, maybe more... I really don't know how they kept it hidden—" "Second Sister definitely can't keep her position now..."

From the moment Su Tingguang was the first to step forward with some ledgers in hand, followed by the second and third managers, it was as if something hidden beneath the surface had exploded like a bomb. Similar statements spread uncontrollably outside, creating a cacophony of buzzing voices. Inside the assembly hall, members of the First, Second, and Third Households were debating the origins of these accounts.

In fact, with the family business split into three branches, such situations were not uncommon. If one were to meticulously trace the whereabouts of every single coin, these funds might not represent a significant deficit. When the annual accounts were tallied at the end of the year, the First Household's profits and development might not necessarily be worse than the Second or Third Households'—this was clear proof. However, Su Tan'er had indeed sacrificed greater development potential by drawing funds to manage affairs related to the imperial merchant trade. At this point, without a possibility of compensation, once exposed, it would clearly become a very unsightly blemish in the Su family's accounts.

Su Wengui and others outside the assembly hall had no need to consider these details; even exaggerating Su Tan'er's deficit to a million taels would cause them no psychological burden. For those inside the hall, however, once several managers from the First Household had come forward to confess certain things, it seemed there was no longer any need to consider matters purely rationally. From the moment Su Tingguang first appeared, various accusations erupted into a clamor of arguments.

By this point, the arguments continued, but some of the leading figures from each household had gradually quieted down. Su Zhongkan returned to his seat, resting and sipping tea. Su Yunfang was frowning and discussing matters with Yu Daxian. On the First Household's side, Su Yunsong had gradually realized the irreversible nature of certain events. He had initially argued for a while regarding the accounts, but later discovered that further debate would likely be futile.

Some indications had already emerged amidst the ongoing noisy arguments. Regardless of the outcome of the dispute, what was laid before the elders above was the fact that the First Household was no longer favored, and people's support was starting to wane. If it were anyone else, there might still be a chance, but as a woman, Su Tan'er's status could not withstand such a failure. This had nothing to do with right or wrong.

As the focus of the accusations, Su Tan'er could only sit quietly beside her father, occasionally looking up to observe everything.

Su Zhongkan finished his tea, stood up, and attempted to mediate between the two sides still arguing in the hall, then walked back to his seat.

The arguments still seemed fierce; some First Household members who knew they would lose power if this matter fell through continued to argue, while many from the Second and Third Households eagerly participated with excited expressions. Su Zhongkan was not there to break up the fight; rather, the pre-arranged events had mostly played out. In a little while, the arguments below would subside, and it would be time for the elders above, and even his father as clan head, to reach the natural conclusion.

From the start of the meeting, Father had not been in high spirits; Uncle Seven had spoken on his behalf. He had merely observed, only occasionally becoming serious. Su Zhongkan understood the reasons: his second niece was capable, and Father had invested great effort. Moreover, the elder had hoped for the family's well-being over the years. The sudden trouble, even division, within the First Household would naturally cause him disappointment and sadness.

"But no matter what, Father, when these matters are laid bare, there's ultimately nothing to be done. Yunfang and I didn't intervene forcefully; we merely went with the flow. Tan'er truly failed too greatly this time, and Big Brother had this issue... You must understand that over the past two months, events have finally progressed to this point, and the situation is now perfectly clear. Father should be able to accept all of this." Su Zhongkan sighed inwardly, waiting for the final fifteen minutes or half hour to pass. He glanced at Su Yunfang, who smiled and silently shrugged. A moment later, amidst the noisy arguments, Su Zhongkan noticed a small change among those above...

Su Chonghua was a little bored, and perhaps because of this, he was among the first to notice some changes among the clan elders above.

From the moment Su Tingguang appeared, the lower hall erupted in arguments. The clan elders above did not interfere but were already frowning, occasionally leaning in to whisper amongst themselves. This was quite normal; while the lower hall argued, those above summarized and deliberated. The two elders beside Su Yu were the second and fourth eldest in the family. Occasionally, Second Uncle, who usually spoke little, would frown and exchange a few words with Su Yu, likely also worried about the family. Su Yu might reply with a word or two, but his gaze remained fixed on the chaos below, showing little intention of making a statement.

This elder had always been the center of the entire family. Even if it was to force a decision, everyone had to give him a process of adequate psychological preparation. Everything displayed today was, in fact, prepared to pressure the clan elders, and ultimately to compel him to summarize and state his position.

Because he had remained so calm, a small movement in the midst of the fierce and chaotic scene almost went unnoticed. At one point, when Second Uncle leaned over to whisper something, Su Yu turned his head to reply. Then, he pulled several sheets of paper from his sleeve and handed them to the elder beside him to see.

This was perhaps the first time Su Yu had made a clear, purposeful gesture after such a long meeting. Of course, at this moment, everyone below was still focused on arguing and didn't notice this. They all knew that the clearer their arguments, the more it would help those above draw a conclusion. Su Chonghua didn't immediately feel much curiosity about the papers, but a moment later, he noticed the change in the elder's expression as he looked at them.

Su Yu's elder brother had already frowned when he saw the first page. He glanced at Su Yu, said something to him after turning a page, and then continued reading. The further he read, the more serious his expression became.

Perhaps... those were the drafts for Third Uncle's decision... Su Chonghua thought. But the situation that followed was slightly different.

The elders nearby began to notice the papers. Others approached, seeming to ask Su Yu concerned questions, and Su Yu turned his head to reply a few times. Then, one by one, two by two, three by three, the clan elders seemed to lose interest in the arguments below and began discussing the papers amongst themselves.

When Su Zhongkan noticed, the entire situation had already changed: those few sheets of paper had captured the attention of the elders around Su Yu, and those seated nearby had also noticed and came over to look, revealing expressions of surprise.

Su Yu looked down, allowing his clan brothers beside him to discuss. The arguments below, in turn, began to subside amidst a slight bewilderment.

Soon after, the arguments below gradually ceased. The discussion above, however, continued. One or two elders, after looking at the papers, cast complex glances downwards. Su Zhongkan looked at Su Yunfang, not quite understanding the meaning of the suddenly appeared papers. Then he looked towards Su Tan'er's side; Su Boyong, already weak from his injury, remained silent with his head bowed, while Su Tan'er still sat quietly, her thoughts unreadable. It was at this moment that the sound of a walking stick hitting the ground finally echoed from above.

Su Yu, who as clan head had witnessed everything from beginning to end, finally rose from his seat. Having sat for so long, he looked a little tired. His gaze swept across the entire hall.

"You've... finished arguing. I've heard enough," the elder said, slowly walking over. After silence settled in the assembly hall, the arguments outside also gradually died down. Su Wengui and others peered in from the doorway, waiting for the outcome.

"In the past four months, our Su family has experienced many events—external threats, and following those, internal worries," he sighed, beginning to speak slowly, sentence by sentence. "I am old now, and sometimes I feel a little powerless. I've felt this roughly since Boyong was attacked."

"For the past four months, the Su family's problems have actually been clear to everyone. Today, you've all rushed back from various places to resolve these matters. Some people also told me, 'Old brother, I know you're reluctant, but some decisions ultimately must be made.' I actually know..."

Noticing his father's tone, Su Zhongkan and Su Yunfang relaxed, thinking, "Ah, it's almost over..."

"Even a few years ago, I was already thinking about these matters. The situation of our Su family is a bit strange. Among the three households, the children, while perhaps good at preserving what exists, lack in pioneering spirit. Perhaps our family's method of education is flawed. A few years ago, the one who seemed to have the most ideas and potential was a girl. I was hesitant back then, but I thought that when I'm gone and Boyong and Zhongkan manage the family, there should always be a capable person in charge. Tan'er, this child, has also experienced hardships, so at the time, I didn't mind letting her try..."

The elder paused: "However, in business matters, girls ultimately don't have an advantage. What others can achieve with one effort, you have to put in three. Because of this, Tan'er's marriage was also delayed, and there were all sorts of rumors outside. In any case, these matters have always worried me. If one day, Boyong steps down, can a young woman truly manage so many businesses? Everyone actually has little confidence..."

"Tan'er, this child, has high aspirations. Over the years, everyone has seen how well she's managed the businesses under her. But she is still quite young. Especially after Boyong's incidents, I've been constantly thinking about what everyone told me. At this moment, can she still continue managing these affairs? If Boyong steps down, will she still have the ability and prestige? Can she inspire this confidence in everyone? Today, I must make this decision..."

The elder closed his eyes. Everyone inside and outside the assembly hall waited. When he opened his eyes, he glanced behind him: "Tan'er, prepare yourself..." Su Tan'er nodded, bent down to retrieve a small box from the wheelchair behind her father, and then stood up, beginning to walk forward. The elder turned back towards his seat, his walking stick tapping the ground.

"From today forward, all matters originally managed by Boyong—the businesses and accounts in all the prefectures," he declared, "will all be handed over to his eldest daughter, Su Tan'er, for management."

Su Yunfang stood up. Su Boyong hesitated for a moment, then also rose to his feet. The surroundings erupted in an uproar. In his seat, Su Yunsong's eyes widened. On the Second Household's side, Su Chonghua froze. However, something began to well up from deep within him—images repeatedly flashing: a little girl, Xuan paper, poetry.

"Uncle Shanzhang, that's mine.""Mr. exchanged it with Xiao Qi.""Bamboo cane and straw sandals are lighter than a horse; who's afraid!Chilly spring breeze sobers me, slightly cold, yet the slanting sun on the mountain peak greets me...""...Ding Feng Bo."

In front, Su Tan'er opened the small box on the table before the clan elders, taking out items one by one: papers, silver notes, contracts. She bowed to those in front, then turned around, her calm gaze sweeping over everyone present. Inside and outside the assembly hall, some were even involuntarily awed by her presence, no longer surprised or whispering, merely wanting to hear what she was about to say.

"What everyone wants to see is all here," she said. "This is just the first batch."

"You... no, Tan'er... did you already anticipate today's events?"

In the still somewhat quiet courtyard, sounds from inside and outside the assembly hall could be heard faintly. In the pavilion, Ning Yi finished his peanuts, feeling a bit bored. Su Danhong was in a state of confused and complicated emotions. Throughout the process, some of Ning Yi's words to her had been strange, as if he had anticipated the current situation long ago, even made arrangements. Today's events seemed to hint at a turning point. However, Ning Yi didn't seem willing to explain clearly, so she could only run back and forth, occasionally peeking at the arguments in the assembly hall, and returning anxiously when she couldn't bear it.

"Always so anxious? That's because subconsciously, you don't believe Tan'er can turn things around, simply because she's a woman. Those managers, like Uncle Tingguang and the others, actually think the same way. It's not necessarily out of malice, but... 'Tan'er is just a girl,' that's how others see it, and because I care about her, I naturally think that way too..."

"But there's no other way. You have to make them stop thinking that way. There's no reasoning with it. Even if she's a woman, if she's managing this situation, people must abandon that idea. They must feel that even as a woman, she possesses an ability absolutely not inferior to men. If you can't make them forget she's a woman, then you have to make them remember something profound. Listen, it's quiet over there."

Then, an uproar erupted once more.

"They'll remember this very deeply now," Ning Yi chuckled.

"What, what's going on...?"

"Over... four hundred seventy thousand taels in silver notes, more than twenty land deeds, property and shop transfer contracts, business contracts, and about five fabric formulas—I'm not entirely clear on the rest—but... these things should be enough to silence everyone for now..." Ning Yi brushed the peanut shells off himself and stood up. "Come on, let's go see the tables turn."

"You, you, you, what on earth are you talking about? What... silver notes, land deeds... huh..."

"This... impossible!"

Su Zhongkan shook his head, examining the silver notes and documents on the table. As for the weaving formulas, Su Tan'er had tucked them into her sleeve, showing them to no one. "Where else could you have gotten these? No, this land is... why this particular plot?"

"Grandfather," Tan'er said, facing forward. Su Yu retrieved the original papers he had taken out and handed them to her. Su Tan'er placed the papers on the table: "Second Uncle, Third Uncle, everyone, please see for yourselves. This one... is a contract signed by Wu Chenghou. Everything is on it. And what's to be given in the end is more than just what's on the table."

Su Zhongkan and the others leafed through the documents. Above, Seventh Uncle frowned and asked, "The Wu family clearly... how could he possibly give all of this to you?"

"At this rate, how much could the Wu family possibly have left?" someone in the crowd exclaimed.

"This couldn't have happened..."

"But the Wu family's fabric faded."

"The Wu family clearly... ah..."

Everyone froze. Su Yunfang looked up at his niece in front of him: "What did you say?"

Su Tan'er smiled, "His Wu family's fabric faded. If he doesn't come begging me, what other choice does he have?"

"The Wu family's fabric..." Su Yunfang pondered, his eyes shifting. "The imperial merchant's fabric? It faded?"

"Yes."

A complete silence fell. Everyone, considering the suddenness of the moment, looked at the woman before them, who was now smiling, appearing almost innocent despite being only nineteen years old. Her smile at that moment was genuine and intriguing.

"So, over four months ago, you already... The Wu family stole a fake formula?"

"The real formula is with you?"

"These past few months, were you just pretending? Waiting for the yellow fabric to fade?"

An uproar filled the hall. Su Tan'er smiled noncommittally. Within moments, those inside and outside the assembly hall could already grasp the entire situation. Above, Su Yu sighed.

"Now everyone needn't question the outcome of the imperial merchant deal... Four months ago, when Boyong was attacked and Tan'er also fell ill, the First Household decided on this plan and took a desperate risk. At the time... I knew about it too."

"This matter required strict secrecy, and success was not easy. Many people contributed, and I know that everyone was kept in the dark, and that all of you sincerely care about our Su family. In fact, if our Su family's situation hadn't reached this point, this matter should have only been revealed after everything was fully implemented."

Su Yu stood up and recounted the events of the past four months to everyone, detailing the difficulty of the scheme's success, the meticulousness of its planning, and the manipulation of people's hearts: "...After this matter, I finally know that the two moles within our Su family are, firstly, Qi Guangzu! And secondly, Han Qi, who currently manages the warehouse on Shengxing Street! Both are now under guard and will be handed over to the officials for investigation tomorrow!"

Everyone was still lost in the shock of this reversal. Only when the elder suddenly roared out the names of the two moles did some people awaken, looking at Su Tan'er. This incident not only saw the Wu family outsmarted, and the Second and Third Households completely defeated, but it also exposed the family's internal traitors all at once.

To the side, Su Tingguang and others, who had previously been persuaded by Su Zhongkan and Su Yunfang to step forward, now looked flustered, their eyes unfocused and wandering.

"The difficulty of this operation and the immense profit gained are clear for all to see. Outside, the Xue, Lu, Chen, and other families who have been targeting our Su family have completely failed. The success of this matter is inseparable from the concerted efforts of everyone in our Su family." This was a standard platitude.

"And Tan'er's control and execution of the overall situation." This, of course, was true.

"But most importantly," the elder paused, "Li Heng's strategic planning."

This name finally came out. Su Zhongkan looked up at his father, thinking he had misspoken. Su Yunfang, Su Yunsong, and others' eyes widened. Su Chonghua leaned back in his chair. By the table, Su Tan'er, who had been faintly smiling, also froze, her expression stuck on her face. She turned her head, looking in bewilderment at her grandfather behind and to the side. Su Yu smiled back at her, his gaze not changing in the slightest.

"Tan'er, you have a good husband. Brother Zi'an, you... have a good grandson."

"Grandpa's tea..."

Su Danhong and Ning Yi bypassed a small path and came from that direction. As they neared the small plaza, a certain atmosphere finally made itself felt.

Ning Yi didn't walk fast. As he walked, he observed groups of people. Most of those gathered at the assembly hall entrance had a particular expression on their faces. Voices spoke inside, indistinct, but he could roughly guess what was being said. He had to admit, at that moment, it looked quite interesting.

Just as he began to approach, the uproar started to spread. People began to turn their heads and look towards him. Some whispered amongst themselves, others pointed, including Su Wengui and his group, who stared at him with ghost-like expressions of shock. More and more people looked his way, all Su family relatives, but their gazes were undeniably fixed on him, not on Su Danhong beside him.

He stopped, his gaze shifting, and he pursed his lips.

These expressions from the onlookers weren't something he particularly enjoyed seeing, as they felt rather overwhelming.

Su Danhong looked at the crowd, then turned to him, "Wh-what's wrong?"

"It seems I shouldn't be walking with you; it looks bad," Ning Yi shook his head, turned, and smoothly made his way towards a quiet corner.

"Sigh, I'll hide for a bit."

Only Su Danhong was left standing there, wondering about herself and looking at the others.