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Chapter 424: Chapter 427: For Sale, Not for Rent_1
The next day, Qin Longyun rose early from bed. The tax collection was not yet complete, and he had to preside over the Government Office, lest chaos ensue.
He ate a simple meal, then set aside his chopsticks.
Unexpectedly, for such a burly man, he was finicky. Without Ling’er to accompany him at meals, he found the food tasteless.
"Keep quiet, everyone. Let Ling’er rest well," Qin Longyun specifically ordered.
In Big Willow Village, Ling’er had played recklessly, and being solely responsible for steadying the carriage ride yesterday must have exhausted her.
ChunTao nodded, "Young Master, don’t worry. I will take good care of our Miss."
With Qin Longyun’s orders, the backyard of the Government Office was silent. Everyone tiptoed around, afraid of disturbing Madam’s sweet dreams.
By the time Chen Yiling woke up, it was too late even for lunch.
"Miss, this is your favorite lily porridge," ChunTao said happily.
Chen Yiling picked up the spoon, "It’s ChunTao who treats me the best. By the way, did Duo’er come today?"
"No, you eat first," ChunTao replied.
Chen Yiling silently complained to herself that Qiao Duo’er was unreliable. She had even said she would come to save her.
Nevertheless, being so hungry she could eat a horse, she decided to satisfy her hunger first.
Only after she had eaten her fill did ChunTao speak of the day’s events.
"Miss, Shopkeeper Zhu came by today. He said he needed to talk to you. He’s still waiting in the parlor. Do you want to go and see him?" ChunTao asked.
"It must be about the shop. You, girl, are getting bolder by the minute, not speaking sooner of such important matters," Chen Yiling chided, poking ChunTao’s head in the process.
Pouting, ChunTao said, "The Young Master ordered that no matters should be brought to you until you had eaten and were fully satiated."
"Hmph, always bringing up the Young Master. Remember, you are my wedding dowry maid!" Chen Yiling retorted.
Chen Yiling walked briskly. The shop affairs were almost settled, and she couldn’t afford to have any last-minute mishaps.
In the parlor, seeing Chen Yiling, Manager Zhu immediately stood up and bowed.
Waving her hand, Chen Yiling said, "Rise. Didn’t we agree that I would bring someone over to check on the shop today? Why did you still come here?"
"I... Madam, forgive me, I’ve decided to sell the shop," Manager Zhu confesses, kneeling down. He had pondered this for a long time, but still, he worried when he finally spoke up.
Lord Qin’s doting on his wife was common knowledge, shown in every indulgent and accommodating way.
If Manager Zhu offended Madam, he’d be in deep trouble.
Chen Yiling’s neat brows furrowed, "Didn’t you say before that it was for lease? How can you just change your mind?"
"Madam, please don’t put me in a tight spot," Manager Zhu said helplessly, wishing he could keep the shop himself.
The monthly rent was enough to get by, meager but steady.
"How am I putting you in a tight spot? I told you clearly from the start that I was renting it for my friend. I’ve already made arrangements, and now you’re suddenly saying you want to sell the shop. How am I supposed to explain this to my friend?" Chen Yiling argued, her anger rising.
Qiao Duo’er had finally come to her for help, and now she might fail her.
Sighing, she castigated herself for being useless.
"Madam, my family has elders and children to take care of, and the shop is our livelihood. Truly, I cannot afford to offend certain people," Manager Zhu explained anxiously.
Taking a deep breath, Chen Yiling realized immediately that Madam Liang was behind the trouble.
And as a mere commoner, Manager Zhu dared not cross Madam Liang. With this understanding, he didn’t seem guilty after all.
She also guessed that Manager Zhu was giving her face by coming to her directly; otherwise, he had no reason to make the trip specially.
