Chapter 38: Returning Home

General Xiao, who had planned to spend the entire day accompanying his granddaughter, was pleasantly surprised to find her fully recovered within less than an hour. She was lively and cheerful, laughing sweetly as if nothing had happened.

Relieved, General Xiao began to consider their next destination for fun when his granddaughter rubbed her eyes with both hands and murmured softly, “Grandfather, I’m sleepy.”

“Ping’an is sleepy? Did you wake up too early today?”

Xiao Yao shook her head. Perhaps it was due to sleeping in a new environment last night—a four-person bed with two extremely skilled martial artists on either side. Apart from Third Uncle, who was always at ease, it was unlikely anyone else would have slept soundly.

“Grandfather will take you back.”

Xiao Yao wanted to suggest that her maid could escort her, but thinking it wouldn’t take much time and that her grandfather wouldn’t feel reassured otherwise, she agreed.

At the entrance of Ya Garden, Tong Mingyu personally came out to greet them. Reluctantly handing over his granddaughter, General Xiao turned back but not before making a promise with her: “You’ll join me for dinner tonight.”

Xiao Yao truly felt tired. She fell asleep almost immediately after lying down. Tong Mingyu stayed by her daughter’s side until she was sound asleep before leaving. With Xiao Yuan gone, there was no other little girl in the household to keep her daughter company. Determined to find two playmates for her daughter, she set about making preparations.

General Xiao returned to his room for a brief rest, then spent some time with his wife in Ninghe Hall before changing into fresh clothes and going out to meet friends. After a hearty meal, he was on his way home when he passed by Wangxian Tower and spotted a familiar figure.

Fang Yufu was fawning over a portly man. While General Xiao didn’t recognize the man, he casually asked his accompanying guard if they knew who he was. One of them replied, “That man is the steward of the Han family.”

General Xiao sighed. “If the Fang family had been content to stay in Xuzhou, living a life of idle wealth, they could have enjoyed peace and longevity. But now, who knows what their future holds…”

Fortunately, his family had severed ties with them. Whatever became of the Fang family would no longer affect the Xiaos.

Thinking of how such people once coveted his grandson and granddaughter made him feel disgusted. He quickly lost interest in observing further and headed home to spend time with his granddaughter instead.

Fang Yufu, unaware that General Xiao had noticed him, was intent on pleasing Steward Huang today. After handling some other matters, he planned to return to Xuzhou.

Money truly makes things easier. After spending a large amount of silver, he had not only gained the title of Yuanwailang but also acquired several shops in the capital, a city where every inch of land was valuable.

Even though half the profits would go to the Han family, Fang Yufu was already content. The only regret of this trip to the capital was not gaining any advantage from the Xiao family.

In the luxurious private room, Steward Huang cut straight to the point, asking Fang Yufu about his current relationship with the Xiao family.

“It’s quite good,” Fang Yufu replied, raising his teacup to his lips to mask his unease.

“Then why didn’t you attend General Xiao’s birthday banquet?”

“My wife suddenly fell ill, so I missed the timing.”

“Don’t lie to me. Let me tell you the truth: if it weren’t for your relationship with the Xiao family, such opportunities wouldn’t have come your way.”

“Yes, yes, I understand.”

“Good. The master has instructed us to maintain good relations with the Xiao family. If there’s anything you can’t handle, let me know. The Han family will assist you.”

“I will remember that,” Fang Yufu assured, silently vowing to conceal the falling-out with the Xiao family from Steward Huang.

“Additionally, when you return to Xuzhou, invest more manpower and resources into the grain business. Expand it to affluent areas so the enterprise can establish a foothold. This is the master’s priority, and it must be done well. Do you understand?”

“Rest assured, Steward Huang. I’ll personally oversee the matter and ensure everything is handled flawlessly.” Fang Yufu hoped that excelling in this task would secure his standing, even if the Xiao family feud were eventually exposed.

After finishing his instructions, Steward Huang departed with a hefty purse, leaving Fang Yufu deep in thought.

At the quiet courtyard where the Fang family temporarily resided, Fang Yufu had confined his wife and Fang Qinglian since returning from the Xiao residence. His daughter-in-law, Fang Qinghe, and young grandson had also been reprimanded.

“Summon the second master,” Fang Yufu ordered.

“Yes,” a servant promptly complied.

Moments later, Fang Yufu’s second son entered the study.

“Father, you called for me?”

“Prepare yourself. We’re returning to Xuzhou.”

“But our business in the capital has just begun. Is it appropriate to leave now?”

“You wish to stay?” Fang Yufu’s tone was sharp, as if he had seen through his son’s intentions. Most of the family’s business in Xuzhou was controlled by his elder brother, leaving little for him. Naturally, he wanted to cling to opportunities in the capital.

“I will follow your instructions, Father.”

“Return to Xuzhou. More significant responsibilities await you.”

Given the Han family’s involvement in every business venture in the capital, leaving his son here would only subject him to manipulation. It was better to assign experienced managers to handle affairs smoothly.

“Understood. I’ll make arrangements immediately,” the second son replied, suppressing his discontent as he left.

“How are your mother and that little troublemaker?” Fang Yufu’s voice was devoid of emotion.

“They’re fine, no longer making a fuss.”

“If they cause trouble again, let them fend for themselves. They’re useless burdens.” Upon returning, he would quickly arrange a marriage for Qinglian, caring only for the benefits it could bring to the Fang family, regardless of the groom’s age or appearance.

Days later, Fang Yufu and his entourage left the capital. When General Xiao Jingtai received the news, he consulted his brother Xiao Jingkang about the next steps.

“Since our ties are severed, withdraw our people. There’s no need to monitor them anymore.”

“But what if they harbor ill intentions or resort to underhanded methods? I don’t trust that Fang character to give up so easily.”

“You’re acquainted with the Imperial Guards. Ask them to keep an eye out. If the Fang family returns to the capital, have them take note.”

“Shouldn’t we continue monitoring them in Xuzhou? I can’t shake this uneasy feeling,” Xiao Jingtai muttered, wondering if he was being overly cautious.

Xiao Jingkang, momentarily swayed by doubt, ultimately decided not to press further. “If they reappear in the capital, we’ll deal with it then. With our family firmly established here, there’s nothing to fear.”