Capítulo 1308: Chapter 1308: Trouble in the Lee Family

Shopkeeper Wu’s face changed, and he opened his mouth to say something, but he understood deep down that it was the Lee Family who had provoked this first.

The Lee Family still thought of Wang Yongzhu as just the helpless farm girl she once was, forgetting that her current status was no longer something they could manipulate.

Shopkeeper Wu couldn’t understand why the Family Head would make such an erratic order, knowing well that in business, harmony breeds wealth.

The Lee Family had reached its current position because of their amiable nature and avoiding unnecessary enmities.

They had always taught their subordinates to inscribe these principles of harmony deeply within themselves. Why, then, was the head of the Lee Family going against these principles?

Shopkeeper Wu felt an indescribable discomfort and a sense of his beliefs shattering.

Silently standing up, he bowed to Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin: “I realize, to be honest, that saying these words makes me blush with shame! It’s embarrassing! And I’ve long anticipated this outcome; even if it were me, I wouldn’t agree!”

“I’ve been entrusted with a duty, and I’ve relayed the message. I will convey your stance back to the Family Head. I have nothing more to say and bid farewell!”

With a sigh, he cupped his fists and left.

The spine that was once proudly straight now bent slightly.

Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin watched as Shopkeeper Wu slowly walked out, feeling a mix of emotions themselves.

They understood Shopkeeper Wu’s current helplessness and despondency, and his worries for the Lee Family.

Yet, after all, Shopkeeper Wu was a subordinate of the Lee Family, and his position barely allowed him to say what he had.

Shaking her head, Wang Yongzhu said, “I bet this wasn’t the true intent of the Patriarch of the Lee Family unless he’s lost his mind.”

Song Chongjin beckoned, and the two personal soldiers standing outside exchanged glances. Although Shopkeeper Wu had dismissed the servants during their conversation, the personal soldiers, being sharp-eared, had caught most of it.

Seeing Song Chongjin signal, one of them stepped forward.

“Has something happened with the Lee Family in the Capital City?” Song Chongjin asked abruptly.

The personal soldier nodded: “The news from the Capital says the Patriarch of the Lee Family fell ill some time ago and is now simply recuperating, leaving most of the family business to several sons to manage separately.”

“In the past, Qingzhou Prefecture was overseen by the Ninth Master, but this time, for unknown reasons, it was taken back by the Family Head and given to the two legitimate sons of your Eldest Lady.”

“It is said that someone told the Patriarch that the Ninth Master harbored disloyal intentions—he had such good rouge formulas and could connect with Nobles in the palace yet didn’t submit them to the Public Institution, keeping them under his own name. Called him an ingrate, fostered by the Lee Family yet giving no return.”

“After hearing this, the Patriarch assigned the fabric business in Qingzhou Prefecture to the Third Young Master, and the tea business, reportedly to the Fourth Young Master. Rumor has it that Zhang Yinbao has already been called for several talks with the Fourth Young Master, vaguely indicating an intention to buy shares in his tea business.”

“Other businesses under Ninth Master Lee’s management have also been divided between the two Young Masters, and the Ninth Master has been put under house arrest, not allowed to leave.”

In a few words, the situation in the Capital was made clear.

Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin exchanged glances, not expecting such changes just a month after leaving the Capital.

The Patriarch of the Lee Family falling ill, dividing the business among his sons, and confining the Ninth Master—each event was astonishing.

“Is Ninth Master Lee’s safety at risk?” Wang Yongzhu recalled the words the Ninth Master said when she bade farewell before leaving the Capital, and now he was confined.

And Zhang Yinbao—if the Fourth Young Master of the Lee Family continued to pressure him, could Zhang Yinbao withstand it?

“Though the Ninth Master is under house arrest, the area around his courtyard is watched by the Patriarch’s people, so safety shouldn’t be a concern.”

Wang Yongzhu pondered and asked Gu Yu to bring out pen, ink stone, and ink slab, then gestured for Song Chongjin to write letters.

She could read well enough, but writing with a brush was not her strong suit; despite Song Chongjin urging her to practice daily, her skills had only improved marginally.

Finding it difficult to produce a presentable script, she simply had Song Chongjin write on her behalf.

First, she composed a letter to Gu Zikai. He and Ninth Master Lee were close friends, though outsiders often thought they didn’t get along, they were actually quite compatible.

This was something Gu Zikai mentioned after recognizing ties with the Gu Family.

It seemed if Ninth Master Lee had any plans or if there were any real situations, asking Gu Zikai would be the only way to find out.

Another letter was to Zhang Yinbao.

Zhang Yinbao’s greatest support in the Capital was Ninth Master Lee. Now that the Ninth Master was confined, it was uncertain if he could withstand the pressure from the Fourth Young Master of the Lee Family.

Regarding the tea business, she needed to know Zhang Yinbao’s thoughts to decide their next step.

Song Chongjin finished writing the letters, had Wang Yongzhu review them, then resealed them before handing them to the personal soldier: “Deliver these to the Capital. If there’s a reply, bring it back together.”

The personal soldier took the order and left.

Wang Yongzhu sighed; the joy of soon returning home was now overshadowed.

Seeing no one else in the room, Song Chongjin held her hand to comfort her, “Don’t worry. Though Ninth Master Lee seems arrogant and dismissive, he actually has great depth. Brother Zikai once said, though he’s not the favorite in the Lee Family, the Family Head still values him among his brothers. He couldn’t be incompetent.”

“With such major changes in the Lee Family, it’s unlikely that the Ninth Master would have no plans. I rather think that being quietly under house arrest doesn’t suit his temperament. He must have his own agenda.”

“As for Boss Zhang, after so many years in the business world, rising from nothing to his current status, his methods and mindset mustn’t be underestimated. For the past year in the Capital, he’s mingled well with some influential people, showing he’s calculated.”

“I’m sure he has strategies in place; otherwise, how could he build such a large enterprise? Though business often emphasizes harmony, the true tactics behind the scenes aren’t always clean. Success presents the appearance of harmony.”

“Instead of worrying about them, you should worry about your husband more. As I get closer to home, the shyness of being near creates more apprehension and fear. Comfort me, dear—”

At first, Song Chongjin’s analysis was logical, and Wang Yongzhu relaxed somewhat. Yet, upon hearing the final words, his jealousy made her laugh and cry.

However, she also knew Song Chongjin was right; even if there were real difficulties for Ninth Master Lee and Zhang Yinbao in the Capital, they were too far away to help.

Better to wait for updates from the Capital before making plans.

For now, returning home was naturally the top priority.