Chapter 38: The Clam, the Snipe, and the Family
The next day, Wen Dalang accompanied his new bride back to her family home.
Wen Yu sat in her room, gently tapping the table with her round fan, feeling somewhat agitated.
After the wedding, her grandfather couldn’t stay any longer and hurriedly returned. Now, several of the Wen family’s decision-makers were talking in the front study, and it was inevitable that she would be involved.
Hopefully, while the clam and the snipe are fighting, the fisherman will benefit…
At this moment, in the front study, Old Master Wen, Old Madam Wen, Wen Qian, Wen Feng, and Wen Shuo sat together discussing family matters.
Wen Shuo was truly exceptional, showing extreme attentiveness to Old Master Wen. He would test the temperature of the tea, refill the tobacco pipe promptly, and have handkerchiefs, tissues, and throat lozenges readily available.
His all-encompassing filial piety made Wen Feng’s expression change constantly, shifting between disdain, mockery, and envy…
Meanwhile, Wen Qian paid no attention to this, focusing on his upcoming move to the capital: “Son will settle matters in his current position and tidy up the house, which will take at least six months. Father, you’re also at this age now, why not retire and hand over the family business to Third Brother? In six months, you and Mother can come to the capital together and enjoy your retirement.”
Wen Shuo was somewhat surprised and glanced at everyone present.
Old Master Wen shook his head. “I don’t handle the actual matters in my position. It’s just a nominal role, nothing more than this and that. However, your Third Brother is not yet capable of managing the family business. I won’t be going to the capital for now.”
Although Old Madam had anticipated this, hearing it firsthand still gave her a sense of relief. She was reluctant to let the old man go, but she was also afraid that he would create trouble, resulting in her eldest son being labeled as unfilial and affecting his future prospects.
Wen Qian continued to persuade: “Father, there will always be unfinished business. If Son’s official career is to progress smoothly, the matters in your hands are not as difficult as before. You can still oversee them from time to time. It wouldn’t be bad for you to retire and enjoy some leisure.”
Old Master Wen sneered inwardly: So, you’ve just been promoted and are already planning to reach for what’s in my hands?
In your dreams!
“Leisure… hah, I’m not that fortunate. Moreover, while the Wen family has some assets, they don’t provide much support for your official career. We don’t know the situation in the capital yet, so carefully consider your own matters! The higher you climb, the more cautious you need to be! If something goes wrong, it won’t be a small matter! It could drag the whole family down! So, don’t worry about me for now.”
“Then… I’ll follow Father’s wishes.” Wen Qian certainly understood what his father was thinking. He also sneered inwardly: You’re overthinking it! I don’t want to reach for what’s in your hands right now.
After all, official position comes first. Without an official position, even if I spend a lot of effort to get it, I may not be able to hold onto it securely.
But if my official career progresses smoothly, then… how will you be able to contend with me? You’re painstakingly trying to leave it for Third Brother, but I can get it without lifting a finger!
Everyone harbored their own thoughts and remained silent for a while.
The Wen family’s wealth primarily came from two sources: mines and wharves.
After Old Master Wen’s falling out with Old Madam, to a certain extent, they had separated their assets and lived apart. Old Madam had control over the wharves, while Old Master had control over the mines.
The wharves were Old Madam’s resources, including those she had taken over from the Fourth Mistress’s (Liu family) downfall. However, she couldn’t manage them effectively. Wen Qian was occupied with his official duties, Wen Feng lacked the ability and was frivolous. So, the business had always been struggling, not earning much. It was only in recent years, after entrusting the management to Song Wu (Song Shang), that the situation had improved significantly.
Old Madam could now sit back and collect her silver! Even if she moved to the capital, there was nothing to worry about.
A significant portion of Old Master’s ore had to be transported through the wharves by water. The wharves were always busy, so being able to prioritize his shipments was equivalent to giving him silver.
That’s why Old Master had to curry favor with Song Wu.
Although the mining business seemed incredibly profitable on the surface, making Old Madam envious, in reality, after all the expenses and costs, the actual profit wasn’t that substantial.
The costs and expenses were too high. Officials in the capital would all reach out for their share, and even eunuchs in the palace and stewards from Prince Wu’s residence could benefit.
Currently, both Old Master and Old Madam were holding onto their respective assets while coveting each other’s.
In the past, the two elders were simply competing to see who would die last.
Whoever died first would benefit the other.
But now, the balance had been disrupted: Wen Qian’s promotion had tipped the scales in Old Madam’s favor.
Old Master Wen was deeply conflicted. His eldest son’s promotion meant he could stand his ground and prevent others from taking advantage of him. However… if he wasn’t being exploited by others, he worried that he wouldn’t be able to escape his eldest son’s control.
Damn it!
Old Master Wen’s mind raced. For now, he could only do two things: ensure his own longevity and keep a tight grip on his old wife and eldest son.
✿✿✿
“Eldest, why did I hear that you’re not planning to take Wen Yu with you when you leave?”
Hearing his father’s question, Wen Qian felt irritated. Why did a man like to play these games…
“Father, Yu Jie’er has been by Mother’s side since childhood, showing filial piety on my behalf… Mother can’t bear to be without her. She will follow us to the capital in six months.”
“Haha, haha! Song Shi, Wen Yu has been by your side since she was a child. Even though the Chen family lost their power and Chen Shi died early, and you didn’t favor her, she is still your own granddaughter! Yet, you didn’t even hold a coming-of-age ceremony for her, truly showing no regard for appearances!? The news even reached my ears!”
Old Master Wen never spoke to Old Madam in a pleasant tone.
Old Madam remained calm: “Master, Yu Jie’er’s fate was determined by Master Guangzhi’s divination.”
“Fate… it would be one thing if others said it, but for her own grandmother to say such a thing, how cruel can you be?”
“I certainly don’t believe it, but I can’t be careless! What if something unfortunate happens to someone in the family? They might attribute it to this matter!?” It’s all because of you, you old thing!
Did Old Master Wen not realize that his old wife was referring to him?
He snorted with a sullen expression.
Old Madam continued calmly: “Now, Yu Jie’er has come of age, and her fate has passed. How could I not value my own legitimate eldest granddaughter? After that day, everything will be on the right track.”
Wen Qian didn’t have the patience for this back-and-forth: “Father, I have already spoken to Wen Yu. Before we leave for the capital, I will give her Chen Shi’s dowry. During these six months, let her learn from Mother and Second Sister-in-law how to manage the family business.”
Both Wen Feng and Wen Shuo were surprised but remained silent.
Old Master Wen directly ordered: “Call Yu Jie’er here!”
Old Madam glanced at the old man. He didn’t believe it!? Her son could lie to him right in front of him? He had no fatherly authority at all! Inwardly, she looked down on him even more.
A while later, Wen Yu arrived and entered, performing the customary greetings and obeisance.
Old Master Wen didn’t waste time: “Wen Yu, your father said he would give you your mother’s dowry before he leaves. What are your thoughts?” He truly found it hard to believe.
“Grandfather, Father has already spoken to me about it. Granddaughter thinks, since it is Mother’s dowry, it is natural for me to accept it.”
Old Master Wen sneered inwardly and looked at Wen Yu. “You’re a woman and have never learned these things. How will you manage it if you simply accept it?”
“Everything has a beginning. These days, Granddaughter has been learning. Moreover, I saw Fifth Cousin the other day and shamelessly asked for his help. Cousin has already agreed.”
“What?!” Old Master Wen, Old Madam, and Wen Qian were all startled.
“Yes, Cousin said he would send some people to help me take over the dowry first, and then, once Granddaughter has trained her own staff, he will have them withdraw!”
Old Master Wen was stunned for a moment, but seeing Old Madam’s sullen expression, he laughed heartily. “Good! As expected of my granddaughter, truly capable, knowing how to utilize people! With your meager resources, you had the audacity to ask your cousin for help.”
Wen Yu lowered her head in embarrassment.
Old Madam was truly displeased. Without her knowledge, Wen Yu had asked Song Wu to help her with this matter…
She was willing to let her grandchildren get close to Song Shang, but not in this way!
Wulang was both well-mannered and reserved!
How did he agree? He didn’t even inform me!
She couldn’t help but feel suspicious.