The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

Ma Lu and the Fang Family were both very happy.

Shu Yu was also very pleased, as Meng Yunzheng was no longer entangled with Qi Lie, his mood brightened up.

The shop began renovations in earnest, and Shu Yu was pondering hiring a shopkeeper and staff.

She actually had a good opinion of Xu Dali and Xu Zhensheng, but given their performance in the recent events, reward and recognition would surely include them.

When the time comes, they will no longer be shackled by accusations and might leave the southwest, return to their hometowns, and have better prospects.

Therefore, Shu Yu planned to hire a shopkeeper and staff locally.

Actually, although the personnel composition in the southwest was complex, there were also plenty of talents, many of whom were originally from wealthy families or were capable people, exiled here for various reasons.

These people, picking any one of them, might have the capability to create a great enterprise.

It’s just...

”I don’t understand these people at all,” Shu Yu said to Meng Yunzheng with some worry, ”We can’t stay here for long. When we leave, if the shopkeeper’s character is lacking, this shop would be opened in vain.”

No matter where a shop was opened, the choice of shopkeeper always troubled her greatly.

Especially here in the southwest, unlike Dongan Province, which was her hometown, nor like the shop in Changjin Prefecture, which was the Meng family’s hometown, nor like the capital where Meng Yunzheng had acquaintances and trusted aides.

The southwest was inherently complex and far away, and it was only occasionally that Yuan Gui and others came to deliver goods, generally leaving the management entirely to the shopkeeper here.

Meng Yunzheng advised her not to worry, ”We are unfamiliar with Hetai Prefecture, but Lord Cheng and Cheng Xian have lived here for so many years; they should be well-informed. If we really can’t decide, why not ask them?”

Shu Yu’s eyes lit up suddenly, ”Great idea.”

The two went to the Cheng Family, but as soon as they entered the front yard, they heard Lord Cheng and Cheng Xian arguing fiercely, both red in the face.

Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised.

Cheng Xian... actually dared to argue with Lord Cheng?

The two hesitated to listen further, but Lord Cheng had already noticed them and promptly raised his head to say, ”Sir, County Lord Lu, you arrived at just the right time, help me persuade him.”

Not understanding the situation, the two followed them in.

”Lord Cheng, what’s going on?”

Lord Cheng sighed and said, ”I won’t hide it from you. After this southwest issue is resolved, the Cheng Family might fall from grace. I don’t even know what the future holds; there’s a good chance of imprisonment.” In the worst case, he might even have to face death to appease his guilt.

”For the entire Cheng Family, it’s already a blessing to be able to protect a few children. Although Cheng Xian has followed me for so many years, if punishment is to be doled out, it won’t fall on him. I gave him a deed of sale, hoping he could find his own way while I still have some influence, preserving our relationship as master and servant. But he doesn’t want to leave, choosing instead to stay with the Cheng Family through thick and thin. I know he’s loyal, but the Cheng Family now must save whoever we can; why drag him into this mess?”

However, Cheng Xian had his reasoning too, ”Now there’s only me left by Your Lordship’s side. If I were to leave you now, I’d be too ashamed to face Cheng Wen and the others, even in death. My life was given by Your Lordship; wherever you go, I will follow.”

Lord Cheng was very stressed, ”Why didn’t I know before how stubborn you are?!”

Cheng Xian pressed his lips together and stayed silent.

Shu Yu and the others didn’t expect that this was the reason for their dispute, and yet both had valid reasons.