Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

However, this was not aligned with his desires.

If he were to take that path, it would significantly diminish his standing right from the outset. No one would regard him with respect, and he would not be taken seriously.

So, how much would he have to invest, both in terms of resources and time, to establish his credibility?

Once people formed a first impression of a novice, it was notoriously challenging to alter.

He had a history of associating with individuals of exceptional talent, but who would believe him if he suddenly proclaimed his intention to engage in official affairs and seek justice for his mother?

This course of action was clearly not viable.

Yet, how could a young merchant like him easily forge a meaningful connection with a person of substantial influence?

Firstly, he would need to demonstrate unwavering integrity. Secondly, he would need to attain a high-ranking position and wield significant influence. Lastly, he would have to offer assistance without harboring ulterior motives… an exceedingly arduous task!

As he and Uncle Qing deliberated with a sense of hopelessness, Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan made a surprise appearance in the capital.

Uncle Qing promptly set his sights on them.

Even though Shao Yunduan wasn’t a prominent official, he had captured the Emperor’s attention. Qiao Xuan, in particular, had successfully treated the Emperor’s cherished peony, a feat tantamount to receiving a prestigious accolade. Who would dare to slight him?

Furthermore, these two individuals were unyielding in the face of authority. They displayed no deference to the Tian Family and even severed all ties with the Qiao Family without hesitation!

They were unquestionably in the same predicament as their Young Master!

From Uncle Qing’s perspective, it was evident that the narratives propagated by the Qiao Family might not be entirely baseless. Nonetheless, nobody believed them, and they found themselves deceived by Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan without any recourse.

Uncle Qing didn’t understand the precise methods employed by Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan, but this didn’t hinder him from holding them in high esteem and harboring a tinge of envy.

How remarkable it would be if their Young Master could also outmaneuver the Zhao Family and sever ties with them!

It might be highly beneficial to locate Madame Shao.

After conducting inquiries about their hometown, Uncle Qing personally journeyed to Yuzhang to gather information.

The revelations he unearthed were astounding!

Uncle Qing was left dumbfounded and filled with admiration.

Officer Shao and Madame Shao had truly faced formidable challenges to carve out this path!

The second and third sections of the Shao Family exhibited no particular scruples and behaved like opportunists. The head of the first section of the family seemed rather ineffectual. As for the Qiao Family, Madam Qiao harbored covetous intentions towards them, necessitating utmost caution. She wouldn’t let them off the hook if she discovered anything amiss.

At that time, they lacked the means to contend with Madam Qiao.

However, despite these odds, they persevered and gradually grew stronger, eventually surpassing Madam Qiao in influence.

The Yuezheng Family, led by Yuezheng Zhang, was the most prominent merchant clan in Yuezheng, yet Third Young Master Yuezheng had maintained a close and amicable partnership with Officer Shao and Madame Shao for many years. First Madame was as dear to Madame Shao as a mother and daughter.

On one hand, the Le Zheng family was known for their integrity and upright character. However, it was not solely their virtue that attracted Sir Shao and Madame Shao.

If they lacked capability, why would the Yuezheng Family choose to collaborate with them?

Furthermore, leaving other considerations aside, the mere fact that they had singled out the Yuezheng Family from numerous alternatives showcased their extraordinary discernment.

Uncle Qing, hailing from a merchant lineage, possessed a profound understanding of the perils associated with selecting the wrong business partner.

Compensation, while significant, paled in comparison to the potential consequences. History had witnessed individuals who not only lost their entire fortunes but also forfeited their very lives due to such misjudgments.

Upon his swift return to the capital, he promptly presented his recommendation to Zhao Shu.

At the outset, Zhao Shu harbored some reservations, for the matter at hand bore immense significance to him.