Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Xu Mao was startled, her pupils trembling violently as she saw Hua Xiangui’s sincere expression and the eager looks in everyone else’s eyes. She suddenly realized the seriousness of the situation.

After reducing the troops, I’m not short of funds at the moment. If you truly wish to help the Loyal Army… Xu Mao’s mind raced as she conceived a plan to redirect the trouble. She opened her mouth and said: Why not go support my three subordinates – Wang Xingzhu, Lin Shuniang, and He Suifen? I’ve sent them out to learn skills. Since you’re all experts in business, you can likely guide them in the right direction and help them avoid detours. I would be immensely grateful.

Everyone’s eyes grew warm with emotion. Xu Mao genuinely didn’t want to accept the wealth they offered – this wasn’t some hypocritical performance. She constantly considered others’ situations. How could there exist such a righteous person in this world? How could they selfishly follow Xu Mao while calculating personal gains?

Standing before Xu Mao, everyone present felt ashamed. They had been far too narrow-minded.

Regardless of their thoughts, Xu Mao ordered the boxes that had been stored in the warehouse to be carried out again, then shooed Hua Xiangui and the others away.

Though Hua Xiangui regretted failing to present their gifts this time, he understood Xu Mao’s righteousness. Moreover, Xu Mao had pointed them toward an alternative path. No longer dwelling on it, Hua Xiangui hurried off to inquire about Wang Xingzhu and the others’ situation.

Xu Mao hid behind the door, peeking through the crack until she confirmed Hua Xiangui’s group had truly left. Only then did she sigh in relief, thankful they weren’t stubborn individuals – otherwise she’d have to find ways to deal with them.

Returning to her study, Xu Mao urgently wrote letters to Wang Xingzhu and the other two, warning them that if Hua Xiangui and other wealthy merchants offered precious metals, jewels, or copper coins, they could accept a portion after careful consideration. However, every transaction must be properly recorded and could only be used for official matters, not freely squandered for personal desires.

By having Wang Xingzhu and the others accept a little, it would reassure the wealthy merchants. With proper records kept, she could find opportunities to repay the merchants elsewhere later.

As for the boundary between public and private matters, Xu Mao didn’t specify details, leaving Wang Xingzhu and the others some room for discretion.

*

He Suifen arrived in Baoping and successfully located Shang Fanzhi’s residence. Thinking about how their Loyal Army enjoyed high popularity among the common people, with local powerful families turtling up in their corners, not daring to oppose them – let alone a mere merchant household – He Suifen confidently paid a visit, expecting everything to go smoothly.

However, He Suifen was invited to the sitting room where she sat and sat, drinking cup after cup of tea until her stomach was full. The subsequent cups felt like forced gulps, becoming hard to swallow.

The one entertaining her was Shang Fanzhi’s wife, whose surname was Mo and given name was Huifu, though most people called her Hui娘 (Huinang). With a round face, somewhat plump, and delicate features, she was clearly the mistress of the house. Yet she sat quietly, slightly restrained, her head slightly bowed to reveal a slender neck.

When Huinang addressed her, she kept repeating the same phrases: Please have some tea and snacks, madam. My husband has gone out and hasn’t returned yet. I don’t know when he’ll be back, but perhaps it will be soon. Please sit comfortably.

Her speech and movements were refined, her voice soft and gentle, possessing a clay-like temperament that wouldn’t get angry no matter how others treated her. Her eyes held tranquil autumn waters – serene and gentle – causing even He Suifen to unconsciously lower her voice and speak more softly. All the fire in He Suifen’s belly instantly vanished when Huinang spoke.

Madam He, please have some tea, Huiniang said softly as she poured a cup for He Suifen.

He Suifen’s stomach was bloated and swollen, and she was truly afraid to hear those three words that might follow. She quickly waved her hand and said, No, no, no, there’s no need… Where is Merchant Shang’s shop? I’ll go find him myself!

Unable to sit still any longer, she decided that if the mountain wouldn’t come to her, she would go to the mountain. She would take the initiative to seek out Shang Fanzhi.

Huiniang’s face froze for a moment, her expression turning awkward, with a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. She said apologetically, Madam, at this point, I can no longer hide it from you. To be honest, my husband hasn’t returned home for five or six months… After careful inquiries, I found out he’s been staying outside, setting up a courtyard for his mistress, taking full responsibility for her food, clothing, shelter, and travel. I’m afraid he’s currently lost in a world of tender luxury, and he no longer has any regard for this home.

He Suifen was shocked and filled with righteous indignation. How could such a thing happen? What era is this, and he still has the leisure to keep a mistress?

A trace of desolation and bitterness appeared on Huiniang’s face. His business has grown larger and larger, and he’s no longer the man he used to be. Ah, perhaps he was always like this, and now he’s just unwilling to pretend or act, revealing his true nature. No matter the time, men are never trustworthy or reliable.

Madam He, I shouldn’t really be telling you this, but if you’ve come on behalf of the Loyal Army Marshal to discuss business with him, I advise you not to waste your effort. He won’t agree.

Why? He Suifen sensed there was more to her words and pressed urgently for an explanation.

Not long ago, I heard that some people from the so-called Heavenly Sect came to see him. I’m not clear on the specifics, but he’s been in close contact with those followers and likely won’t associate with the Loyal Army anymore.

Mo Huifu finally couldn’t hold back and confided the truth to her, revealing a shocking secret about Shang Fanzhi.

He Suifen stared blankly and said, Why are you telling me this? Aren’t you afraid I might spread it?

Mo Huifu looked up and sighed, filled with melancholy. The government is weak, and Jin Province has fallen into the hands of the Loyal Army. Yet, instead of panicking and fleeing, the common people are full of praise. That Heavenly Sect also emerged from the chaos, and the court has tried several times to suppress them without success. These are troubled times—whether I speak or not, what difference does it make?

He Suifen widened her eyes in astonishment. She hadn’t expected Mo Huifu, small in stature and seemingly submissive, to possess such insight. Clearly, she was educated and understood the ways of the world.

If what Madam Mo said was true, and Shang Fanzhi had already pledged allegiance to that so-called Heavenly Sect, he certainly wouldn’t treat her kindly. There was no point in staying here any longer.

But she was unwilling to accept it. In her imagined scenario, everything should have unfolded naturally and effortlessly—it should have been the easiest task to accomplish. Who would have thought she’d encounter such a situation?

He Suifen frowned in distress, on the verge of tears. Mo Huifu asked, Must it be Shang Fanzhi, Madam? Could you settle for someone else, such as the manager of one of his shops? Would that suffice for your report?

The manager? He Suifen was momentarily stunned.

Mo Huifu explained, Madam, you may not know this, but those shops originally belonged to my family. Back then, my father saw how diligent and hardworking my husband was and took him under his wing to mentor him. Before his death, he entrusted both me and the family business to him. There are still some old-timers in the shops who, out of regard for me, might be able to offer some small assistance.

He Suifen was utterly astounded, her fists clenching tightly. Are you saying this ingrate seized your family’s shops and is using your money to support his mistress?

Mo Huifu blinked twice. I didn’t say that.

How outrageous! Not only is that heartless man unfaithful, but he has the audacity to seize another family’s shop and squander money on keeping a mistress! He Suifen’s anger surged to her brow. Turning and noticing Mo Huifu’s uncomfortable expression, she realized she was criticizing the other woman’s husband and promptly checked herself. Do you intend to reclaim the shop and seek a divorce from Shang Fanzhi?

Mo Huifu didn’t take offense at He Suifen’s earlier blunt words, but neither nodded nor shook her head. Her delicate brows furrowed slightly as she sighed sorrowfully, A divorce… how easily said. Since you’re newly married, you may not understand the complexities. What’s called ‘mutual separation’ actually requires a letter of release from the husband—whether he grants it or not is his choice. My wishes hardly matter, let alone recovering family assets.

If you wish to realize your intentions and find a complete solution, I’m afraid it would be as difficult as climbing to heaven. Mo Huifu sighed helplessly.

He Suifen scratched her head in frustration. Wait a few days, I’ll report this to the Marshal. The Marshal will surely have a way to help you.

Mo Huifu hesitated, Is that appropriate? Might it disrupt the Marshal’s important affairs?

Don’t worry, I’ll make the report first. Our Marshal is very kind—he won’t ignore such matters. Seeing her waver, He Suifen immediately stepped forward to reassure her, drawing her closer to continue the discussion.

Mo Huifu nodded gently. Then I’ll prepare a guest room. You can stay here temporarily. If anyone asks, just say you’re a cousin who’s come from afar to visit. This will prevent followers of the Celestial God Sect from discovering and secretly plotting against your life.

He Suifen expressed immense gratitude, thanking Mo Huifu profusely. She had no reason not to comply with the arrangement and immediately began writing a letter to Xu Mao without any delay.

Meanwhile, after a long and hurried journey from distant Jiangzhou accompanied by Tang Zhegui, Lin Shuniang finally arrived at Song’an and stood before the Du residence gate.

Lin Shuniang had mentally prepared herself and rehearsed various speeches.

Taking a deep breath as she approached, she addressed the gatekeeper: Lin Shuniang of the Loyal Army requests an audience. I beg you to announce my visit.

The gatekeeper looked at them with surprise but didn’t question or cause trouble. Maintaining proper etiquette, he bowed and hurried inside to deliver the message.

Lin Shuniang waited anxiously, her heart unsettled as she anticipated the outcome.

Before long, the gatekeeper returned, bowing respectfully as he invited Lin Shuniang, Tang Zhegui, and their companions to enter. His polite and gentle demeanor made a very favorable impression.

Lin Shuniang observed silently, growing increasingly astonished.

If even the servants carried themselves this way, the masters’ cultivation must be exceptional. She wondered what situation she might encounter—perhaps facing subtle resistance or suffering hidden disadvantages.

After winding through the vast compound with multiple turns, Lin Shuniang finally reached the reception hall. Entering and focusing her gaze, she saw two elderly people seated at the head—one man and one woman, both with graying hair.

The old gentleman maintained a stern expression, quite serious enough to discourage any impropriety. Recalling the Du family relationships and matching them with reality, Lin Shuniang identified him as the old clan leader of the Du family.

The elderly woman beside him appeared more kind-hearted, with gentle features that suggested she would be easier to talk to. This should be Old Master Du’s wife, née Xue, the once celebrated talented woman of Jiangzhou—Xue Ling.

After Lin Shuniang’s group exchanged greetings but before stating their purpose, Old Master Du asked: I’ve heard the Loyal Army consists mostly of women, and that you’ve established classrooms for daily studies?

Indeed, Lord Du, why do you ask? Is there something inappropriate? Lin Shuniang’s heartstrings tightened as she stared fixedly at his lips, closely observing every change in his expression.

If in the next moment Lord Du showed the slightest hint of contempt or spoke disrespectfully of the Marshal, regardless of the consequences, she would throw a punch first and discuss other matters later.