FBC – Chapter 64 A Lifesaving Straw

Zhou Chunyu was in charge of the external businesses and all external affairs of the Mu Residence.

Meanwhile, Zhou Zhilian managed internal household matters. However, for major decisions, she would consult Yiniang, the trusted aide of the Old Madam. When the Old Madam was still overseeing house affairs, Yiniang had been her right-hand woman.

Gu Hua followed Zhou Zhilian around the residence and was shocked by how well-organized and strictly regulated everything was. It was no exaggeration to compare the rules of the household to military discipline.

Back when she stayed beside Gu Wanru, even until Gu Wanru was killed, she had never taken charge of the household.

Mu An was reckless and extravagant, but he had never touched the foundation of the Mu family.

Naturally, Gu Hua had never had the chance to understand the inner workings of the State Duke’s Residence. She had assumed it was as decadent and hopeless as Mu An.

Now, a brand-new world had opened before her eyes.

But then, why was Mu An the only one allowed to run wild?

It was a puzzling question.

Zhou Zhilian, usually cheerful and warm, was methodical and capable when it came to managing affairs.

She not only took Gu Hua to meet all the stewardesses in charge of various sections but also publicly announced the master’s decree in front of everyone. From that moment, the way people looked at Gu Hua changed completely.

Those from Wenhan Pavilion and Xiangrui Hall didn’t react much — they were the trusted inner circle of the Mu family and had long known Gu Hua’s identity, even if unspoken.

They were also tight-lipped, and not a single unpleasant rumor had leaked from within the residence.

But the stewardesses from other courtyards and the outer estate, who were unaware of the situation, were extremely surprised.

In no time, the entire residence knew that the Young Madam’s biological younger sister had become the deputy head housekeeper.

By noon, the news had reached Jinxiu Pavilion.

Gu Wanru, who had just woken from a nap, smashed a full set of valuable official kiln porcelain tea ware in rage upon hearing Jin Kui’s report.

“Why? I’ve toiled for the State Duke’s Residence, only to become a stepping stone for that dead slut?” Gu Wanru ground her teeth in fury.

Jin Kui remained quiet, head bowed.

“Go fetch Granny Chen.”

Facing Jin Kui was like punching cotton — it only fueled Gu Wanru’s anger to the point she could barely breathe.

Granny Chen was a servant brought over from the Pei family by Concubine Pei. She was assigned to manage Gu Wanru’s external affairs and her dowry businesses.

Gu Wanru had always disliked the Pei family’s merchant-like airs and never allowed their direct people to get too close to her. She was only interested in receiving the monthly silver.

Before long, Granny Chen arrived.

“Miss, are you feeling better?” she asked, elated to be summoned by the young lady, though her face immediately filled with concern at seeing her pale complexion.

Touched to be asked after for once, and unable to see her birth mother, Gu Wanru suddenly clung to Granny Chen like a child finding her backbone, hugging her around the waist and sobbing.

“Good child, your tears are breaking my heart,” Granny Chen gently comforted.

“Granny Chen, what should I do? Am I going to be divorced?” Gu Wanru was utterly distraught.

Granny Chen stroked her softly and whispered reassurances. “Don’t worry. I’ve brought good news. If this goes well, not only will the State Duke’s Residence not divorce you, they’ll treat you like royalty.”

Hearing this, Gu Wanru immediately stopped crying. “What is it? Tell me quickly!”

Granny Chen glanced at Jin Kui. “Go stand guard outside.”

Jin Kui nodded and left.

Granny Chen poured a cup of warm water for Gu Wanru, watched her drink it, and carefully wiped her mouth.

“Concubine Pei told me to take good care of you. I’ll protect you well.”

“What’s the good news?” Gu Wanru asked anxiously.

“What does the Young Master value most about you?” Granny Chen asked mysteriously.

Gu Wanru frowned.

What could he possibly value?

In terms of looks, Gu Hua surpassed her.

In terms of managing the household, she hadn’t even earned her father’s approval, let alone authority.

“Money.”

Seeing her silent for a while, Granny Chen prompted her.

Gu Wanru suddenly realized, “You mean, my husband only values the monthly silver I give him?”

“Exactly. Do you know he only receives five taels a month as his allowance? Every expense has to be approved by Chief Steward Zhou. Even keeping his concubines — Zhou manages those expenses by the book. If he wants to buy something expensive to please those vixens, he has to get Zhou’s permission.”

Gu Wanru was stunned. She hadn’t known that.

Mu An always acted like the sole noble son of the State Duke’s Residence, claiming the money was for official banquets.

Because Granny Chen handled the dowry businesses and liaised with various stewards, she was well-informed.

She had also been the one spreading all the slanderous rumors about Gu Hua.

“So, if I give him more silver, he’ll value me more? He won’t want to divorce me?”

“Men all need money to build connections. Hosting guests, dressing well — it’s all about appearances.”

Gu Wanru frowned. “But I’ve already given him the thousand taels my mother sends me every month. Most of the profits from my dowry shops too. I don’t have more to give!”

“That’s where the opportunity lies.” Granny Chen lowered her voice with a smile.

“Speak quickly,” Gu Wanru urged, as if grasping a lifeline.

Granny Chen no longer kept her in suspense.

“The Pei family wants to become a first-tier imperial merchant in the capital. There’s a chance right now. If the Young Master helps submit samples of their winter cotton and cloth to the selection, the Pei family is willing to gift one hundred thousand taels. If they win a military supply contract, they’ll give another five hundred thousand.”

Gu Wanru’s eyes widened. “That’s six hundred thousand taels?!”

Granny Chen smiled. “A small matter for the Pei family.”

“Can my husband do it?”

Gu Wanru knew this was a rare opportunity.

If it succeeded, not just Mu An, even her father would view her with new respect.

She would have no problem getting control of the household.

“Of course he can. The person he’s closest to recently is the godson of the Director of the Inner Palace Attendants.”

Gu Wanru’s eyes lit up. “So that’s it. That man is the top dog in the inner palace!”

“As long as the Young Master says a word to his godson, it’ll be done.”

Gu Wanru’s mind was racing. It was just a word — not difficult at all.

Especially for ten thousand taels just for submitting a sample — Mu An would definitely be tempted.

Before things had soured between them, he had said he wanted to buy a hot spring villa outside the city for ten thousand taels, so they could enjoy a few peaceful days together.

But she had run out of money back then.

“Alright. I’ll talk to him.”

Granny Chen was pleased.

Concubine Pei had stopped her on her way out. Since she couldn’t leave the residence easily these days, she had asked Granny Chen to deliver the message.

Granny Chen didn’t know why Concubine Pei treated the young miss like her own daughter, but she had promised one hundred taels if the job was done.

Granny Chen only cared about money. She didn’t care who Concubine Pei favored.

After she left, Gu Wanru summoned Jin Kui to help her dress.

Jin Kui frowned. “Miss, you’re still in postpartum confinement. Doctor Sun said you shouldn’t get out of bed.”

The mention of confinement brought a surge of rage. Gu Wanru snapped, “Just do what I say! Useless pig, all you do is anger me!”

Jin Kui shut her mouth and followed the order to dress her up.

Gu Wanru underestimated her condition. After dressing up fully, she was so exhausted she could barely stand. Every step made her lower body throb in pain.

Helpless, she swallowed her anger and calmly ordered, “Go tell the Young Master I have something important to discuss and ask him to come here.”

Jin Kui hesitated. “Young Master… won’t come.”

“I told you to go!”

Gu Wanru couldn’t hold her temper anymore and pinched Jin Kui’s arm hard.

Jin Kui didn’t dare cry and rushed off.

Meanwhile, Gu Hua and Zhou Zhilian had arrived outside Mu An’s Drunken Ink Pavilion and stopped walking.

Knowing she didn’t want to go in, Zhou Zhilian stayed with her outside and explained.

“There are six close-serving maids in the Young Master’s courtyard. Three are his bed companions. The other three concubines live near the back courtyard, Jinxiu Pavilion. There are fifteen other servants in total. The one in charge is Biyu, the daughter of the Young Master’s wet nurse, who has served him since childhood.”

Gu Hua nodded.

She knew this from her past life.

This Biyu, one of Mu An’s bed companions, was arrogant due to their long history and aspired to be his official wife. She looked down on every woman in his house.

In the previous life, Mu An and Gu Wanru had been deeply in love, but Biyu’s fate had been tragic — she died even earlier than Gu Hua.

And her death had been related to Gu Wanru.

Now that Mu An had turned against Gu Wanru, who knew if Biyu’s fate would change this time.

“You don’t have to get involved with the Young Master’s personal matters if you don’t want to,” Zhou Zhilian said gently.

Gu Hua smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Sister.”

But it wasn’t that she didn’t want to get involved in Drunken Ink Pavilion.

She needed to find a way in.

Because the Pei family’s military supply contract was at stake.

And perhaps — Biyu was the key.