In the past three days, Yu Yi did nothing, wanting to rest and recover. But she obtained the account books of the Xu family shops and discovered the accounts were in complete disarray. It seemed that Xu Hanzhong and Xu Hankao were so consumed by their dispute over dividing the family that they had no heart to manage the workshops and shops.
The Xu family was not only falling apart internally but also facing a business crisis.
On the fourth morning, while Yu Yi was examining the recent accounts of the weaving workshop, a young maidservant from the front yard ran in panic: “Madam, something’s wrong!”
Nanny Zhao scolded: “What are you shouting about? Speak clearly about what happened.”
The maidservant, after being reprimanded, lowered her voice: “The eldest and second young masters are fighting again.”
Nanny Zhao said: “Let them fight. The madam said the family will not be divided.”
The maidservant anxiously replied: “No, the eldest and second young masters are arguing so intensely they’re about to come to blows!”
Yu Yi said: “Nanny, come with me to take a look.” She turned to the maidservant, “Where are they? Lead the way.”
“Yes,” the maidservant responded, hurrying outside.
Yu Yi knew Nanny Zhao was loyal and afraid she would be upset seeing her two sons fighting. She shook her head: “I’m much better now. Since Hanzhong and Hankao are set on dividing the family, we must find a way to resolve this. After the old master passed, I’m running this household. I must find a way to bring this large family together.”
“
Seeing Madam Xu’s calm and determined expression, Nanny Zhao followed her to the main hall of the Xu family.
Upon entering, Yu Yi saw Xu Hankao grabbing Xu Hanzhong’s collar, shouting: “Why should the eldest brother’s shop be supplied first when I ordered goods from the workshop earlier?”
The Xu family had their own weaving workshop that produced silk fabrics, which were then sold in city shops. Xu Hankao had placed several orders this month, requesting the workshop to deliver silk fabrics to his shop once woven. However, Xu Hanzhong, who managed the workshop, naturally prioritized supplying his own shop first. As a result, Xu Hankao’s shop was short of goods.
