“Let me think about this carefully first.” After carefully considering the matter, Yu Yi said, “Han Ren, keep this matter hidden for now.”
Xu Han Ren asked puzzled: “Why does mother want Han Ren to conceal this? What if…”
Yu Yi then explained what she wanted him to do. Xu Han Ren listened carefully, nodded in agreement, and followed Yu Yi back to the Xu family home.
—
Xu Hanzhong had been less present at the weaving workshop in recent days. After his previous dispute with Hanxiao, he realized that simply managing the workshop was not enough. Without a large influx of business, he would not be able to overshadow Hanxiao in front of their mother.
However, the major merchants in the city all had fixed procurement channels. How could they easily change?
Xu Hanzhong was pondering how to overcome Hanxiao when he suddenly heard someone outside shouting, “Young Master, Young Master, something’s wrong!”
He hurriedly stood up and walked to the door, frowning and asking, “What happened?”
The person was Wu Yong from the weaving workshop. He rushed in from outside and, seeing Xu Hanzhong standing at the door, stopped and caught his breath, his face panicked as he replied, “Young Master, Manager Zhang has run away!”
Xu Hanzhong was shocked: “Why would he run?”
Wu Yong said anxiously, “I’m not entirely sure.”
I just heard from Xu Gui that Manager Zhang has run away with money, and he told us to find the Young Master quickly!”
Xu Hanzhong immediately ordered someone to prepare a carriage. When he arrived at the weaving workshop, he found Xu Gui and asked what exactly had happened.
Xu Gui was an old servant of the Xu family who had always helped at the weaving workshop. With a worried expression, he said, “Young Master, after discovering that Manager Zhang had run away, I went to check the account room and storehouse.”
Xu Hanzhong had already guessed part of the situation but still held onto a glimmer of hope as he asked, “How is it?”
Xu Gui replied, “The storehouse is almost empty. Manager Zhang secretly sold many raw silk and finished silk fabrics and ran away with the money.”
Xu Hanzhong’s face turned pale. After thinking for a moment, he asked, “When did he run?”
