Chapter Thirty-Two: Affairs of the Eastern Manor (4)

Seeing her still hesitant, Shi Yi pondered for a moment and added, “Second Sister-in-law, it’s only because I remember your kindness that I’ve come to you first to discuss this. You need only invest the capital and hold shares; I’ll handle everything else.”

Wang Xifeng’s eyes sparkled as she laughed, “Well then, tell me, how much do you want me to put in?”

A smile lit Shi Yi’s face. “My plan is to put five hundred rickshaws out for hire in the capital. Each one costs twenty taels of silver to make, plus the expenses for setting up the carriage houses and labor. I intend to build four rental depots in four districts of the city. Altogether, you’ll need to invest at least five thousand taels. There are also fees for smoothing things over with the authorities.”

Fengjie shot him a glance. “Five thousand taels isn’t much, but in any business venture, partners are expected to contribute. Are you planning to run this venture on just a few thousand taels?”

She wasn’t short of the money, but no matter how prettily Shi Yi painted the picture, she couldn’t help but be suspicious. She knew better than anyone what sort of scoundrel he had been; now he’d suddenly turned over a new leaf and was eager to start a proper business? It was hard to believe. Five thousand taels wasn’t a fortune, but it didn’t come from thin air either.

Naturally, she remained cautious. Her earlier words were meant to prompt Shi Yi to provide something solid and reliable as assurance—not a mere contract, since this wasn’t a loan.

Shi Yi saw her concern and, after a moment’s thought, cupped his hands and said, “It’s only natural for you to have reservations. In that case, I’ll first secure the premises for a few carriage depots and begin renovations, to show my sincerity—and so you can see my determination.”

At his earnest expression, Fengjie’s brows arched slightly and she smiled, “Yi, you know the difficulties I face. This household has countless expenses, day and night. I can’t touch the family’s silver; if you want me as a partner, all I can offer is what little I’ve managed to save over the years. It’s only when you run a household yourself that you realize how dear every expense is. I must be careful—you mustn’t take it amiss.”

The winter sun shone on her rosy, delicate face, adding a gentle, alluring glow.

Shi Yi coughed lightly and averted his gaze with a smile. “Others might not know, but I’m well aware of your hard work, Second Sister-in-law. It’s not just the household’s burdens by day; even at night, your mind finds no rest.”

She shot him a look. “As long as you understand. Business is never simple. Make all your preparations, and I’ll come in later as your ‘favorable wind.’ When your Second Brother Lian returns, I’ll have him help you out.”

Her meaning was perfectly clear: Wang Xifeng did not trust him.

In truth, it was understandable on reflection. His sudden transformation was as startling as a monk fighting demons in a spider’s cave.

With matters settled, Shi Yi sighed and was just about to take his leave.

At that moment, Jia Lian lifted the curtain and entered. “What were you two just discussing? How am I supposed to help Yi?”

Ping’er followed behind, helping him out of his cloak. She glanced at Shi Yi, then quietly withdrew.

“Well, speak of the devil. Our Second Master Lian returns in style,” Wang Xifeng teased with a playful, ironic lilt.

Jia Lian, beaming, sat beside Fengjie on the couch, his back turned to Shi Yi. Stealthily, his hand slipped under the blanket, caressing her soft, delicate feet.

Wang Xifeng gave him a coquettish, reproachful glance, but left her feet where they were, letting him indulge.

Jia Lian didn’t push his luck—after stroking her foot twice, he withdrew his hand and brought it to his nose, savoring the faint, sweet fragrance that went straight to his heart.

Fengjie’s cheeks colored for once, and she shot him an annoyed look, signaling him to behave; after all, there was still a guest present.

Shi Yi pretended not to notice, casting his eyes about the room as if admiring the furniture.

Fengjie’s rare display of charm had set his heart trembling. He hadn’t expected Jia Lian to be so brazen—acting as if Shi Yi were invisible.

Did he think Shi Yi was blind to his little tricks?

Curious, Shi Yi studied Jia Lian, who, indeed, seemed completely at ease—either unconcerned or assuming Shi Yi hadn’t noticed.

Suppressing her agitation, Fengjie sipped her tea and said, “Yi came to ask me to partner with him in a business venture, hoping you’d lend a hand—after all, we’re family. Since he’s sincere, we shouldn’t turn him away. If we can help, we should.”

“Oh? Yi, you’re going into business too?” Jia Lian smiled at him.

Shi Yi nodded. “I have an idea, but I’m short on startup funds. That’s why I came to Second Sister-in-law.”

Jia Lian’s expression shifted. “Let’s hear it—what kind of business?”

Shi Yi frowned thoughtfully, then repeated his plan to launch a rickshaw rental business, just as he’d explained to Fengjie.

Jia Lian’s eyes lit up. “Yi, this is a marvelous idea!”

Shi Yi said nothing, and Jia Lian flipped open his folding fan, weighing the matter. “It seems workable to me. Let’s invest ten thousand taels to start, and later I’ll take you to Big Brother Zhen—we can all go in together.”

“Ten thousand taels?” Wang Xifeng’s expression changed at his words. She glanced at him, amusement and meaning in her eyes. “Second Master Lian, when did you become so wealthy? Ten thousand taels, just like that?”

Jia Lian avoided her gaze with a smile. “Of course I don’t have that much, but since Yi is so earnest, and this business will surely grow, what’s a few thousand taels?”

Fengjie snorted. “I don’t have that much. I just told Yi that I can only put in five thousand. If you want to invest ten thousand, find the other five yourself.”

Jia Lian’s eyes flickered as he coaxed, “If you want to be a partner, then five thousand isn’t enough. The more we invest, the greater the returns. Didn’t you just bring in some silver the other day? Surely it’s more than five thousand. Lend me the rest, and I’ll pay you back out of the profits.”

“How do you know I had new income?” Fengjie’s face darkened, suspicion flooding her eyes.

“I… I…” Jia Lian stammered, caught off guard by her question.

“The other day, I happened to find a stack of banknotes under your pillow.”

“What were you doing rummaging under my pillow?” Fengjie’s suspicion deepened as she glared at him.

Jia Lian hurried to explain, “Do you think I’ve nothing better to do than search your pillow? Our little private matters—surely you don’t want me to speak of them in front of Yi?”

“Bah, who knows what mischief you’re up to.” A flush rose in Wang Xifeng’s cheeks as she muttered under her breath.