“Cuifen, is the hangover soup ready?” Wang Yutong asked while looking at Aunt Tian, who was already drunk with a flushed face and glassy, unfocused eyes.
“It’s ready, Miss. Should I bring it over now for Aunt Tian to drink?” Cuifen glanced at Aunt Tian, who was still shouting that she wanted more wine, and asked softly.
“Bring it over for her,” Wang Yutong said with a light laugh. “She made a big decision today and ended up getting drunk in one go. If she doesn’t drink the hangover soup, she probably won’t even be able to get up tomorrow morning.” She couldn’t help but shake her head affectionately after speaking.
Cuifen’s heart skipped a beat. Oh heavens—what did she just see?
There was unmistakable indulgence in the young lady’s eyes, like an elder looking at a child.
This… this couldn’t be right.
Cuifen shook her head hard. When she looked again, Wang Yutong’s expression had already returned to calm.
Maybe she really saw wrong, Cuifen thought to herself.
In reality, she had not seen wrong. In Wang Yutong’s mind—carrying memories from a past life—Aunt Tian, a woman in her twenties, was simply a younger generation.
“Chuntao, after my mother drinks the hangover soup, you and Cuifen help her wash up and get to bed,” Wang Yutong instructed.
“Yes, Miss,” Chuntao immediately responded.
To be honest, today they had both received two months’ wages and eaten a feast they had never experienced before—how could they not be eager?
In fact, Chuntao and Cuifen were somewhat envious of Aunt Tian.
She had status, a daughter, a house, no in-laws to serve, and no one to control her—she was practically a winner in life.
After giving her instructions, Wang Yutong left the room and called out, “Ah Wu, come to the study. I have arrangements for you.”
As soon as her voice fell, Ah Wu emerged from the gatehouse. Inside the gatehouse, there was also a table of food and wine shared by Ah Wu and Hongshan.
Following Wang Yutong into the study, Ah Wu closed the door and stood respectfully in front of the desk, waiting for instructions.
“Ah Wu, go to the broker’s office tomorrow and look for a suitable house. If there is one, buy it.
It should be large, not overly luxurious, but safe, low-profile, and without troublesome neighbors.
The price doesn’t matter. Here are ten thousand taels—take it and handle it quickly. Put the deed under Aunt Tian’s name,” Wang Yutong said calmly.
Ah Wu paused for a moment, then asked softly, “Miss, are you planning to set up property for Aunt Tian?”
“Yes. I want to give her something to rely on so she has security,” Wang Yutong explained patiently, without reproach.
After hesitating briefly, Ah Wu suggested, “Miss, in that case, it might be better to buy a smaller house in a better location. A good location would make it easier to rent out for income. You could also buy one or two small shops and rent them out for steady income.”
Wang Yutong considered it and found the suggestion reasonable.
“Alright, we’ll do as you said. Buy a small one-entry courtyard house and one shop. Rent them out so she has income.
But still keep an eye out for a larger residence. Just register that one under my name—I have use for it. Don’t worry about money.
Also, if there are suitable shops, buy one or two more.
I’ll leave this to you. The ten thousand taels probably won’t be enough—check the broker first. If there are good options, come back and tell me.”
“Yes, Miss. I will also check with the yamen tomorrow,” Ah Wu replied.
Wang Yutong was surprised. “The yamen also sells houses and shops?”
Ah Wu respectfully explained, “Miss may not know this. The yamen occasionally handles confiscated properties from households that have been punished. These houses and shops are often cheaper and in good locations.
In fact, many properties in broker offices originally come from the yamen. If a broker has connections, they can obtain news of these sales.
I will go ask. Perhaps we can find something suitable.”
Wang Yutong’s eyes lit up. “Good thinking. If we can get something directly from the yamen, we’ll save a lot of money.
Indeed… it seems everything requires connections.”
Ah Wu nodded. “If I find anything, I will report back and bring Aunt Tian to see it before purchasing.”
“Good. Don’t rush. Take your time—this kind of thing depends on fate,” Wang Yutong said with satisfaction.
After arranging everything, she stopped worrying about it and resumed her routine of studying and training.
Time passed quietly and steadily. By the time Ah Wu came to inform her that they had found a house, a full month had already gone by.
“Ah Wu, what’s the situation with the house?” Wang Yutong asked when she saw his expression, which looked like he had found a great bargain.
“Miss, the house belonged to a wealthy merchant. His son killed someone in a brothel over a dispute, and they urgently needed money for compensation, so the price was forced very low,” Ah Wu explained in a low voice.
“Oh? Who did he kill? Some useless young noble who can be settled with money? Probably not an important heir,” Wang Yutong said calmly after a brief thought.
Ah Wu felt once again impressed by his young lady’s insight.
“Miss, it was the illegitimate son of the second master of Anning Marquis’ household.”
Wang Yutong frowned slightly. “An illegitimate son of a marquis household… and a second master’s at that. A wealthy merchant being forced to sell property over that? Someone able to establish business in the capital wouldn’t be without backing.”
Ah Wu was amazed again. “Miss, you’re truly perceptive. The merchant does have backing—his daughter is a favored concubine of an official in the Ministry of Rites.”
“A favored concubine of a minister, and an illegitimate son of a marquis second master… interesting,” Wang Yutong said with a faint smile. “So the Ministry of Rites likely doesn’t want to clash with the marquis household and has stepped aside.”
“Yes,” Ah Wu nodded. “More importantly, the main wife of the minister’s household took this chance to secretly sell off the favored concubine.”
Hearing this, Wang Yutong couldn’t help but feel a bit of sadness. Women in this era truly lived difficult lives.
After a sigh, she asked, “Besides the house, what else are they selling?”
“Two shops—one for cosmetics and one fabric store—and reportedly a small estate as well,” Ah Wu replied.
“Just this much property, yet they could still afford to spend freely in brothels… and they were the only son too. In a capital where a brick thrown down could hit half officials… how amusing,” Wang Yutong said lightly, unable to resist a faint teasing remark.