Free Web NovelChapter 597: Chapter 599: A Fool’s Fortune
Gu Lehuan and Xu Nuo’s wedding date was just around the corner, so Xu Dawang wouldn’t dare trouble him.
"I wonder when Seventh Uncle and Aunt Seven will be returning to Shangjing?" fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm
Xu Dawang said with a smile, "It probably won’t be more than a few months. They’ll definitely be back before winter sets in."
Gu Lehuan gave a simple smile. "That’s good. The family hasn’t seen them in several years. I wonder if they’ll get any rest when they come back this time?" freeweɓnøvel.com
"That’s something I wouldn’t know, but I imagine they’ll be able to stay in Shangjing for a while.
By the way, Young Master Huan, how are your wedding preparations coming along? If you need any help, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Nanny Ou was just asking about it the other day. She told me to let you know that if there’s anything you need taken care of, you have but to command."
"It’s all just minor odds and ends," Gu Lehuan said. "I’ve been working through them slowly, and I’m almost finished.
It’s just that my parents want us to get married back in Gaoling Village, in Fu County.
I’ll be taking Miss Xu back at the end of the month, which unfortunately means I won’t be able to treat you all to a drink.
We’ll have to wait until we’re back in Shangjing to treat you all. I hope you’ll understand."
This was the first Xu Dawang had heard of this. ’Weren’t they supposed to hold the wedding banquet in Shangjing?’
But this was the master’s business, and it wasn’t a servant’s place to interfere. He smiled and said, "That’s wonderful. It’s about time for a family reunion.
We’ll be busy welcoming the master and madam back to the manor, so we won’t be able to attend and offer our congratulations in person. Please allow me to congratulate you now, Young Master Huan."
"Thank you, Housekeeper Xu," said Gu Lehuan. "Are you sure there’s nothing I can help with?
You don’t have to be so formal. You’ve all helped me so much over the years. It’s my turn to repay the favor."
After confirming several times that there was nothing he could help with, Gu Lehuan finally left the manor.
He had intended to go to his small variety store, but once he was outside the main gate, he changed course and headed for the Xu family’s home instead.
When Xu Nuo saw him arrive, she wasn’t shy at all, openly welcoming him into her home.
"What brings you here today? Have some free time?"
"It’s been a few days," said Gu Lehuan. "How are things with you? Has anyone been causing trouble? Do you need help with anything?"
Xu Nuo smiled, relieved. "All the neighbors know I’m engaged to you. They’re trying to get on my good side, not cause trouble.
You don’t have to worry about me all the time. If you have a moment to spare, get some rest. Don’t take your health for granted just because you’re young."
The concern from his future wife filled Gu Lehuan with joy. "I know, I know. We have to go back at the end of the month. How are your preparations coming along?
You don’t need to pack too much, though. We’ll just go back, get married, host a banquet for our relatives and friends, and we’ll be back in a few days."
"Is that proper? Shouldn’t we at least stay for the first month?" Xu Nuo was not one to flout etiquette. Even if they wouldn’t be living with her in-laws in the future, they still had to observe the proper customs.
"Under normal circumstances," Gu Lehuan said, "not staying for a full month would be unacceptable.
But these are special circumstances. I doubt the family will have time to worry about us then."
Xu Nuo didn’t understand. She frowned at Gu Lehuan. "Is something wrong with the family?
If you need help with something, just say so. Don’t keep it to yourself."
Gu Lehuan knew she had misunderstood and quickly reassured her. "Don’t worry, it’s good news.
My Seventh Uncle’s term in office is up, and he’ll be returning to Shangjing soon. The family will definitely be busy with his reunion, so they won’t have time to mind us at all."
At this, he looked at Xu Nuo cautiously. "But this is all just my guess. It’s just... Seventh Uncle hasn’t been back for so many years, he’ll definitely want to reunite with my grandparents. It’s not that he doesn’t value you."
Xu Nuo really wanted to reach out and pinch this blockhead. ’The family hasn’t even sent a letter, and you’re just sitting here guessing wildly.’
"Besides, when Mr. Gu and his family return, we’re the younger generation. Can we really just wash our hands of it and leave?
Instead of thinking about staying home a bit longer to be with your family, you’re already planning to rush back to Shangjing."
"I honestly didn’t think of that. My shop hasn’t been open for long. If I’m gone for too long, all my regular customers will disappear.
What should I do? If I wait at home for Seventh Uncle’s family to return, won’t the shop be neglected for months?"
Xu Nuo shook her head. ’Although Mrs. Gu’s shopkeepers have been helping him for years, he really lacks a bit of natural talent.’ "Can’t you just hire an assistant?
If you’re short-handed, I can have Dazhuang go help out for a while.
You’re always having to step away for one reason or another. It would be better to hire an assistant. That way, business won’t be held up."
It wasn’t that Gu Lehuan hadn’t thought of it. He mentally tallied the silver he had on hand. After the betrothal gift and the travel expenses, with all the deductions, he’d probably be scraping the bottom of the barrel.
"Is it a matter of not having enough silver?" Gu Lehuan’s worries were written all over his face, and Xu Nuo saw it at a glance.
"It’s a bit tight," Gu Lehuan admitted, not trying to hide it. "There are just too many expenses coming up. I wish I could split every copper coin in two. How could I afford to pay another salary?"
"Haven’t you calculated the pros and cons?" Xu Nuo was both annoyed and amused. ’Has he learned nothing after all this time around those store managers?’
"As long as the shop stays open, you’ll have income.
Besides, your supply chain is stable. Even if you’re not in Shangjing, Mrs. Gu’s shopkeepers will help keep an eye on things. It won’t go too badly."
"...I’ve troubled them so much over the years. I’d be too embarrassed..." It wasn’t that Gu Lehuan didn’t know this was the best solution; he just felt like he’d be taking too much advantage of his Seventh Aunt.
Those store managers are busy enough without having to spare the attention to look after me.
"...Have you thought about it?" Xu Nuo said. "If your business fails, won’t you be an even bigger burden on others?
I’m not telling you to just take advantage of them. Family is about give and take. They are our elders, so we’ll be sure to honor and respect them in the future. Doesn’t that make sense?"
"Of course," Gu Lehuan replied immediately. "I’ll always remember the kindness of Seventh Uncle and Aunt Seven. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have the life I do now."
At this, he glanced shyly at Xu Nuo and added in a low voice, "And I certainly couldn’t have dreamed of having a wife like you."
"...I’ll have Dazhuang go with you in a bit," said Xu Nuo. "You can have him watch over things while you find another assistant yourself. That should be enough.
That way, you’ll have more free time. Whether you want to help out at the manor or take care of your own business, nothing will be delayed."
Gu Lehuan knew he wasn’t as quick-witted as Xu Nuo. The assets he had now were not only due to the help of the shopkeepers but also because Xu Nuo was always behind the scenes, helping him strategize.
Looking at the capable young woman before him, Gu Lehuan’s heart filled with contentment. ’I might not be the sharpest tool in the shed,’ he thought, ’but I sure am lucky.’
He had the support of his dear uncle and aunt, and he was about to marry a smart and capable wife. He felt that his future was full of hope.
Watching Gu Lehuan stand there in a daze with a silly grin on his face, Xu Nuo shook her head. ’Fortune really does favor fools.’
