Hearing these words, Xu Han Ren also fell into contemplation. Yu Yi seized the opportunity to say: “Actually, for you, splitting the family now would be a bad outcome. Han Zhong is powerful, Han Xiao is shrewd, and the old master is stubborn. If the family truly splits, I’m afraid you’ll get nothing.” The implication was that among the Xu family members, he could only rely on Madam Xu.
Xu Han Ren shook his head: “Han Ren is not trying to get more family property…”
Yu Yi already knew Han Ren was moved by her words and understood what he truly wanted was acknowledgment and respect from the Xu family. She smiled: “Even as a concubine’s son, you are still a Xu family member.”
If you are willing to work hard for the Xu family, I will definitely fight for a place for you in the Xu family.”
Xu Han Ren no longer hesitated and agreed: “Han Ren will work hard.”
Yu Yi smiled comfortingly.
Xu Han Ren then said: “Mother, when Han Ren was managing the silk shop, the shopkeeper mentioned that the quality of silk from the weaving workshop had deteriorated. Han Ren asked the eldest brother about this, but he was not concerned, saying it was because the silk cocoons from farmers were mixed in quality, so the silk would also vary.”
Yu Yi knew that since he brought this up, it was not that simple, so she asked: “Not really?”
Xu Han Ren said with some shame: “Actually, Han Ren thought at the time that the eldest brother was deliberately making things difficult, sending inferior silk to Han Ren’s shop. So he secretly investigated and discovered that the workshop’s chief manager Zhang was secretly selling good silk and buying inferior silk from elsewhere to weave, profiting from the difference. But Han Ren was self-serving at the time, thinking it was none of his business and wanting to see the eldest brother embarrassed. So he only told the manager Zhang not to send such inferior silk to his shop.”
He spoke while looking at Madam Xu, seeing her serious expression, and said nervously: “This was Han Ren’s mistake. Han Ren will go tell the eldest brother…”
Yu Yi stopped him: “Don’t tell Han Zhong or Han Xiao for now…”
Xu Han Ren looked at her in surprise: “Why?”
