Chapter 2377: Malu's Future (Patreon)

Chapter 2377: Malu's Future

In the following days, Shu Yu began to survey the market in the southwest. This region had a diverse population with various habits and diets due to people coming from all over the country. Shu Yu believed that opening a shop here was a feasible idea, as the locals were quite accepting of such diversity.

She visited several places but ultimately chose Hetai Prefecture as the location for her shop. Hetai Prefecture was a provincial capital, more prosperous than Linzhang Prefecture, with a larger population and stronger consumer power.

Recently, Hetai Prefecture had experienced some difficulties, and although it quickly recovered, there were still a few prime locations available for a reasonable price that met Shu Yu's criteria.

Shu Yu, being quick and decisive, secured two of these locations. After all, opportunities like these were rare. She planned to open one shop and temporarily rent out the other, with the possibility of expanding in the future.

Once she decided to open a shop in the southwest, Shu Yu sent a letter to Dong'an Prefecture, instructing Yuan Gui to lead a caravan to transport her goods. Yuan Gui was already familiar with the route through the southwest.

Subsequently, Shu Yu began searching for craftsmen to renovate the shops.

During this period, Qi Lie came to see her and tried to persuade Meng Yunzheng to help him with some matters. However, Meng Yunzheng politely declined, saying, "As my wife is opening a shop, I, as her husband, cannot leave her alone in this chaotic place to face everything by herself. I should take on most of the responsibilities so that she can have an easier time realizing her dreams. There's little I can do for your affairs here."

Qi Lie was puzzled and asked, "What dreams does County Princess Lu have?"

"To become the richest woman in Dasu Dynasty."

Qi Lie paused, taken aback. Just as he was about to say something, Shu Yu overheard their conversation from outside the door and hastily made her exit, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

Qi Lie tried to persuade Meng Yunzheng to no avail and left in frustration. However, he took Malu with him.

Malu had always been full of ideas. He and his brothers used to be bandits in the mountains, but the authorities showed leniency as they hadn't taken any lives and had turned to a life of crime out of desperation. They were exiled to the southwest as a result.

After arriving in Zhengdao Village, they lived relatively peaceful lives compared to their days as bandits. Malu got married and realized that he couldn't continue down the same path. So, when Cheng Xian recruited him, he agreed and came to Hetai Prefecture.

He wanted to make something of himself, firstly to help him and his brothers clear their names and become honest citizens. Secondly, he wanted to help the Fang family, who had been wrongly accused by the local authorities.

Malu worked diligently, and if everything went according to plan, he could achieve his goals.

However, when Qi Lie arrived, he persuaded Malu to go with him. Malu bid farewell to the Cheng family, taking his brothers with him, embarking on a new journey.

Qi Lie was satisfied with Malu and his brothers' abilities. He planned to take them back to the capital. He also promised Malu that once the situation in the southwest was resolved, he would petition the emperor to pardon their crimes and ensure the Fang family's exoneration.