Chapter 2378: Argument (Patreon)

Chapter 2378: Argument

Malu and the Fang family were very happy. Shu Yu was also delighted, as Meng Yunzheng was no longer being pestered by Qi Lie, which improved his mood.

The renovation of the shop started swiftly, and Shu Yu began thinking about hiring a shopkeeper and assistants.

She actually had a lot of confidence in both Xu Dali and Xu Zhensheng, but given their performances in the recent events, they would certainly receive recognition for their contributions. When the time came, they would no longer have to bear the stigma and might leave the southwest for better prospects.

Therefore, Shu Yu planned to hire local shopkeepers and assistants.

While the population in the southwest was diverse due to people coming from different regions, there were also many talented individuals who had been exiled to this place for various reasons. Among these people, even picking one at random might lead to significant accomplishments.

However, Shu Yu was concerned. She told Meng Yunzheng with a troubled expression, "I don't know any of these people. Moreover, we can't stay here for long. When we leave, if the shopkeeper's character isn't reliable, our shop will be in trouble."

No matter where they opened a shop, the selection of a shopkeeper always troubled her. Especially in the southwest, unlike Dong'an Prefecture, which was her hometown, or the shops in Changjin Prefecture, which were home by the Meng family, or even in the capital, where Meng Yunzheng had old acquaintances and trusted aides, the southwest was unfamiliar territory for them.

Meng Yunzheng suggested, "We may not know much about Hetai Prefecture, but the Cheng family has been living here for many years, so they should be familiar with it. If we're unsure, why not ask them?"

Shu Yu's eyes brightened. "That's a great idea."

The two of them went to the Cheng family, but as they entered the front yard, they heard Prefect Magistrate Cheng and Cheng Xian arguing loudly, their faces red with anger.

Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng exchanged surprised glances. Cheng Xian... dared to argue with Prefect Magistrate Cheng?

They didn't want to eavesdrop, but Prefect Magistrate Cheng noticed them and immediately said, "Young Master Meng, County Princess Lu, your timing is perfect. Please help me persuade him."

Both of them were taken aback by the unexpected sight. Cheng Xian and Prefect Magistrate Cheng were having a heated argument.

Prefect Magistrate Cheng sighed and explained, "I won't hide it from you. After the events in the southwest are over, the Cheng family may face a decline. I don't know what the future holds, but it's likely that we'll be in trouble, possibly facing imprisonment." In more dire circumstances, it might even lead to a death sentence.

"The Cheng family can consider itself fortunate if it can save a few children. Although Cheng Xian has been with me for many years, I can't pin any crimes on him. I've given him an indenture, hoping he'd take advantage of my remaining influence to find his own path, and that would settle our master-servant relationship. But he refuses and wants to stay with the Cheng family. I know he's loyal, but the Cheng family can only save one, so why drag him down?"

However, Cheng Xian had his own reasons. "Master, you're the only one left by your side now. If I were to leave you at this time, I would be too ashamed to face Cheng Wen and the others. My life belongs to you, Master. Wherever you go, I'll follow."

Prefect Magistrate Cheng was troubled. "Why didn't I know you were this stubborn before?"

Cheng Xian remained silent, his lips tightly sealed.

Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng were surprised by their argument, as both had valid reasons for their positions.