Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Chapter 1216: Working with Officer and Madame

Editor: Henyee Translations

After a few moments of casual conversation, Shao Yunduan broached the topic, “My wife is eager to start a small business, and Young Master Zhao seems equally interested. Perhaps we can collaborate, and I’m eager to hear your thoughts, Young Master Zhao.”

Zhao Shu and his servant found comfort in Shao Yunduan’s words. Zhao Shu exhaled a sigh of relief and responded with a gracious smile, “Officer Shao and Madame Shao are truly admirable, and I believe your ideas are likely superior and more fitting than mine. I’m open to hearing your suggestions.”

“However, I must make one point clear. I am here to work with you, not the Zhao Family in Yangzhou. They hold no relevance to our collaboration,” Shao Yunduan added firmly.

As the mention of the Zhao Family in Yangzhou resurfaced, Zhao Shu couldn’t help but simmer with anger. Privately, Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but sigh.

Late Mrs. Zheng had been a wise, gentle, and virtuous woman, but her fate was marred by her unfortunate marriage to a man like Zhao Shu. Despite their wealth, they lacked support, legal guidance, and were constrained by the need to consider their son’s future. Divorce was an unthinkable option for her, as it would be deemed absurd merely for a man to take a concubine, let alone for a wife to object.

In the end, she tragically passed away while still in her prime, leaving behind a deeply embittered Zhao Shu, who couldn’t help but suspect foul play within the Zhao Family.

“Agreed,” Shao Yunduan replied with a hint of disdain, “The Zhao Family in Yangzhou is hardly deserving of our attention.”

Shao Yunduan harbored a particular distaste for individuals like Zhao Mu, who fathered two sons out of wedlock before having a legitimate heir. He himself did not condone taking concubines, but he respected personal choices. However, he considered such clandestine behavior beneath the principles of a true gentleman.

Moreover, the mysterious circumstances of Ms. Zheng’s death cast suspicions on Zhao Mu, further fueling Shao Yunduan’s disapproval.

Zhao Shu found solace in Shao Yunduan’s words and concurred, “Officer Shao is absolutely right; they are not worthy of our association.”

He had long yearned to sever ties with the Zhao Family, nursing a simmering envy towards Qiao Xuan. However, the stark reality was that such a separation seemed nearly impossible. Qiao Xuan, being a married daughter, occupied a different position in the family hierarchy compared to him, the legitimate heir.

Nonetheless, even if he couldn’t fully extricate himself from the Zhao Family, he was still, undeniably, a part of it.

Their conversation took a subtle turn, and both discerned that the other party had likely conducted some background investigation. Yet, there was no need to voice this observation aloud; a silent mutual understanding sufficed, making their exchange more effortless.

With an amicable smile, Qiao Xuan broached a new topic, “I’ve heard you possess land in Hangzhou. Are you interested in cultivating flowers for perfume production?”

Zhao Shu’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Certainly! Perfume production is a lucrative industry, and demand is high!”

Without probing further, Zhao Shu assumed that Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan enjoyed support from the East Palace, deducing that the East Palace must be behind this venture. Otherwise, Qiao Xuan wouldn’t have had access to such an opportunity. To his knowledge, perfume production of this caliber was non-existent within the country, making it a coveted luxury item whenever Western cargo ships arrived on their shores.

He recalled his mother’s few treasured bottles of perfume from his childhood days. Their enchanting fragrances had always intrigued him, exuding elegance and charm.

“In that case, let’s make preparations. My guild will inform Hangzhou discreetly, but we must maintain a low profile. Acquire more land and two mountains, and cultivate tea leaves on those hillsides. Publicly, we’ll state that the flowers are intended for making flower tea.”

Zhao Shu grasped the implication—quietly amassing wealth, hidden from prying eyes.