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墨書 Inktalez
"You're quite bold to dismiss your brother," Hu Lingyun seemed to have aged a few years, joining in the playful banter.
Laughter echoed throughout the courtyard, and the Hu Family, once shrouded in gloom, now basked in the sunlight.
After Xiu'er left, the servants attending Linglong were replaced entirely, but Jin'er remained steadfastly by Linglong's side. Although she was just a maid, Linglong treated her with great affection, sharing whatever good food or items she received, which endeared Jin'er even more.
Dinner was served in the side hall at a round table that could seat five or six people, allowing Jin'er and Qin'er to join. They weren't from a prestigious family and didn't adhere to strict customs; in others' eyes, merchants were as lowly as maids, so sharing a table wasn't an issue.
As they ate and laughed, Qing Luan noticed that Hu Lingyun's smile didn't reach his eyes and curiously asked, "Brother, is something bothering you?"
"Uh," Hu Lingyun was taken aback that Qing Luan could see through him.
"If you see me as your sister, just tell me what's going on or if there's anything we can help with," she said. Her ability to sense Hu Lingyun's unease came from years of experience in business. She felt grateful toward him and wanted to return the favor by offering assistance.
"Brother, what happened?" Linglong also set down her chopsticks and asked with concern.
Seeing them both looking at him expectantly, Hu Lingyun fell silent for a moment before saying, "It's just some issues with business..."
"A minor issue wouldn't have you frowning like that, looking as if you're about to cry," Qing Luan retorted without hesitation. She continued to persuade him, "If you share it with us, even if we can't help, it will lighten your heart a bit. You don't have to bear it all alone." If it was something he could talk about, it couldn't be too serious; after all, business matters usually revolved around money.
Qing Luan's slightly teasing tone made Hu Lingyun chuckle. "Well then, for my sister's sake, I suppose I should say a few words." He had always carried burdens alone and had never heard anyone speak like that before; it made him regard her with even more appreciation.
It turned out that Hu Lingyun had been conducting business with the Imperial Merchant Journal for several years. However, he had always been in debt to them and had been managing payments little by little, which left him exhausted and helpless. If cash flow wasn't an issue, he wouldn't mind settling once a year. But now that he was struggling with cash flow problems, he felt particularly helpless and anxious.
"Are you directly trading with the Journal?" Qing Luan asked, pointing out a detail.
"No, it was introduced by the Old Shopkeeper from the Qianji Gold Shop and then transferred through him. The Hu Family's goods are all handled here, and the Old Shopkeeper goes to the capital several times a year, so he arranges everything for the Hu Family. When the time comes, he also brings the silver to me," Hu Lingyun explained the situation, then added helplessly, "Although I never lose a single coin during settlement, this time of year always presents a problem with cash flow. Fortunately, the Old Shopkeeper is quite kind and always supports me, so I don't run into major issues."
Blinking her eyes, Qing Luan remained silent, tilting her head in thought: The Old Shopkeeper from Qianji is a businessman; business is business, and he always seeks profit and silver. But what benefit does the Hu Family provide him? Why is he so eager to help Hu Lingyun? Is there something fishy going on?
"Qing Luan, what are you thinking about?" Linglong asked curiously as she nudged the seemingly petrified Qing Luan. "Big Brother said it's fine. If it really comes down to it, the Old Shopkeeper will lend us a hand. Don't overthink it."
Though she was suspicious, Qing Luan kept her thoughts to herself and asked with slight confusion, "What connection does this Old Shopkeeper have with you? Why is he helping you like this?" Can someone truly be that generous without any benefit in return?
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