Han Ren Xu hesitantly took the account books without opening them. From the headings, he could tell these were account books for two medium-sized silk shops and clothing stores in the western part of the city. He looked at Yu Yi with an inquiring expression: “Mother, what are you referring to?”
Yu Yi said: “Han Ren, you’ve always been clever, so don’t play dumb with me.”
Han Ren Xu could guess the Madam’s meaning but could hardly believe it. Not even his late father, Master Xu, had ever trusted him. Despite Mother Yin’s persuasions, Master Xu had always allowed his two legitimate sons to manage the shops, telling Han Ren to focus on studying and pursuing official titles. When Mother Yin pleaded too much, Master Xu would say he would leave land for her and her son to ensure they weren’t left without support.
Han Ren Xu felt disappointed in Master Xu, believing that being told to study was just an excuse, and that he would always be different from his elder brothers no matter how hard he tried. Since he didn’t enjoy studying, he began frequently going out to play and enjoy himself.
However, he wasn’t fond of drinking or gambling. He loved collecting and appreciating wood and lacquer carvings, made friends with like-minded companions, and would sometimes travel far to view interesting artifacts.
Now the Madam was actually giving him shops to manage? Han Ren Xu put down the account books and said: “Aren’t you afraid I’ll collude with outsiders to falsify accounts and line my own pockets?” He intended to speak calmly but ended up sounding somewhat resentful, fearing the Madam was only temporarily giving him the shops because his elder brothers were currently unable to manage them.
Yu Yi understood his concerns and handed him several contracts: “Take a look. I don’t believe you’d falsify accounts in your own shops.”
Han Ren Xu was extremely surprised after carefully reviewing the documents, never expecting the Madam would truly give him these two shops. He momentarily didn’t know what to say.
Yu Yi said: “Han Ren, I believe you’re not an aimless man. Your past behavior wasn’t without reason, but you can’t continue like this. Since you’ve never managed shops before, I’ll start by giving you these two.
