Although the storefronts and workshops were ready, it still required considerable effort to get them operational and profitable. Lu Nianfu was swamped, and Qingya's leisurely days were over. Not only was she constantly running errands, but she also had to handle tasks assigned by Wang Shoucheng.
This was agony for Qingya, whose primary responsibility was usually enjoying food, drink, and amusing young ladies. Within a few days, her round, chubby face had lost a significant amount of weight.
Gu Yanchen was also not idle. A former constable entering the Dali Temple was truly in his element, busy investigating and sentencing cases every day. Emperor Changwu, seeing his energetic drive, felt greatly reassured. Despite his time spent in exile, he had indeed inherited his father's sharp mind and was capable.
However, was this fellow a bit too prone to offending people?
It was one thing to handle cases directly under his jurisdiction, but why was he investigating minor matters like censors impeaching officials for visiting courtesans, failing to discipline their children, or misusing tribute items? Crucially, he actually uncovered evidence and brought all involved parties to justice, fining them.
Those paltry sums, even when going into the national treasury, were not particularly impressive.
And it had offended a whole host of people.
Even more critically, with someone wielding his authority like a weapon, the censors were afraid to impeach officials casually.
The Dali Temple had been in an uproar for days. With such an enthusiastic leader, when would they ever have downtime? They were so busy they were practically kicking themselves, the only upside being that their year-end performance reviews would have plenty of material.
The month turned, and the Tiger Might Escort Agency delivered a package containing ledgers from Liu Yuantong. Along with a ledger from the dye house, the ledgers were easy to transport, but the money was a different matter. Lu Nianfu had already arranged with the managers that she would send someone to collect the accounts every six months.
Madam Li was very satisfied with the account statements and then discussed with Lu Nianfu the matter of hiring a tutor for Lu Fei.
After the Lantern Festival, Gu Yanchen used his privilege as a protégé to send Lu Fei to the Imperial Academy. Upon returning from his break, he reported that his progress lagged significantly behind his peers.
Madam Li had been contemplating this for days: "There are many great scholars in the capital. Young lady, why don't you have your husband help Xiao Fei find a tutor? Don't worry, I'll pay. Just have him teach Xiao Fei at home with peace of mind."
"At home? Xiao Fei is not going to the Imperial Academy anymore?"
"Not that he's not going, just that he needs to catch up first."
Lu Nianfu was speechless for a moment: "Is this your intention or Xiao Fei's?"
Madam Li replied, "Mine. Xiao Fei always says he's already troubled you a lot and wouldn't dare bother you further. But this concerns his future, so as his mother, I have no choice but to humble myself and ask you."
"Xiao Fei is my brother. I would do anything that's good for him, even without you asking. However, you must understand that it's easy to leave the Imperial Academy, but impossible to get back in. Hiring a great scholar is certainly good, but truly learned scholars might not be willing to teach only Xiao Fei. Yanchen is merely a third-rank official; he cannot invite them."
Madam Li's mouth agape in surprise: "A third-rank official has no such influence?"
Lu Nianfu chuckled, "What do you think the capital is? Imperial relatives, royal dukes and marquises, who isn't more distinguished than a third-rank official? You've only just arrived; as you interact more, you'll understand. As for Xiao Fei's studies, you can discuss it with him before making further plans."
"But Xiao Fei can't keep up."
"This is only temporary. Xiao Fei is intelligent; he'll get through this period."
"Really?"
"I'm not entirely sure; I heard it from Yanchen."
Upon hearing Gu Yanchen's name, Madam Li felt somewhat reassured. In her mind, someone who could be a third-rank official was supremely capable, and his words were undoubtedly correct.
After appeasing Madam Li, Lu Nianfu visited Vermilion Bird Street again.
The renovation of the storefronts was nearly complete, awaiting only the arrival of goods from Yangzhou before opening. Lu Nianfu took a tour and, rushing back to Guangling Marquis Manor before lunch, found Madam Fang with two maids waiting for them.
Seeing their effortless landing over the wall, Madam Fang, with a dark expression, sneered, "I thought this maid of yours was just a simpleton who only knew how to eat and grow, but I didn't expect her to be a martial artist. I misjudged."
Qingya immediately rolled her eyes. *You're the simpleton who only knows how to eat and grow, can't you speak properly?*
Unfortunately, such thoughts could only remain in her heart.