"They are indeed relatives of my friend. My friend used to be part of the Chen family, which had been flourishing for many years. Almost everyone there had some connection, albeit minor. Of course, her earnings were limited, and she couldn't buy everyone back. So, she gave me a list, and I had already done my homework. We've never met before; why would I deliberately make things difficult for you?" Even if it were another man, if someone dared to oppose him like this, he would feel compelled to teach them a good lesson. For some reason, since this morning, the list on this document has been bothering him. Every time, the two of them would engage in a fierce struggle over it. Although Wu Caiwei eventually secured more people due to her higher bids, they both suffered considerable losses compared to each other.
"Oh, so that's how it is. You should have said so earlier. If you had explained clearly, such a big misunderstanding wouldn't have happened. Since they are your acquaintances, I can't just stand by and watch you part ways with them. How about this: from now on, whenever you choose someone, tell me, and I will make sure to avoid them." Upon hearing this, the man understood. There were many families in Jincheng and Yili that had stood the test of time and were now part of Fuding. Not only did their new additions serve in the manor, but their sons, grandsons, and even their younger offspring were all dedicated to the Chen family.
"Thank you, young master." Wu Caiwei's gratitude was much more sincere now. She hadn't expected this young master, who appeared to be a reckless dandy, to say such a thing. Indeed, one cannot judge a person by their appearance, nor a body of water by its depth.
However, after they cleared the air, things proceeded much more smoothly. Although their auction prices were very low, and some people were hesitant, they had indeed committed a mistake. The maids and servants from the Chen family, whom Wu Caiwei had listed, felt that these families had treated them almost like young ladies of noble birth during their upbringing. Coming to this impoverished place, they were needed for diligent labor, not to be served as pampered maids. Thus, their hopes were dashed. Of course, there were also those who specifically came to buy concubines. These families, with their deep roots, had cultivated maids who were truly extraordinary. Their bearing, attire, and demeanor were unlike those of ordinary people. They wished to take such individuals back to assist the matriarch in managing the inner courtyard.
The Chen family members purchased by Wu Caiwei were led away by a dignified lady. They were somewhat overjoyed, as this was much better than they had anticipated. They had initially thought that they might be separated this time, and even mother and daughter might not see each other again, having to rely on themselves for their future lives. To their surprise, they were all bought by the same person. At the very least, they would not be separated and could support each other. However, they couldn't quite figure out what this person intended to do by buying so many people, and it seemed as if she had some awareness that the individuals she bought were all closely related.
She couldn't quite articulate her feelings, and Wu Caiwei didn't pay them any mind. She directly led them to a row of small courtyards by the edge of the city.
"What did you say? These courtyards are for us? Is there such a good thing in this world?" An older woman among them looked at her in disbelief, absolutely certain that they had never seen this lady before and couldn't understand why she would help them.
"I am a good friend of Chen Renjie. When the Chen family had their troubles, he secretly sent me a letter, which is how I learned of your situation. I observed you beforehand. In the future, I will also retrieve your deeds of sale and give them back to you, and provide each household with some silver. From then on, you will have to rely on yourselves." She looked at them calmly. Among them were Chen Renjie's maternal relatives; they were naturally treated differently from others, but he didn't make this obvious.
Everyone looked at each other, confirming that she wasn't lying. They quickly knelt and kowtowed to her. Wu Caiwei rushed to help them up, but seeing their insistence, she reluctantly accepted their gesture.
She felt much more at ease now. She had been tirelessly gathering information recently, fearing that she would miss the opportunity to buy them. If others had bought them, scattered across the four corners of the land, who knew where they would be sold? Finding them again would be difficult, and they might never return in this lifetime.
An Hanye looked at the relieved Wu Caiwei and knew her task had been resolved. He teased, "He's quite fortunate to know you, and you're so devoted to finding ways to help him. It's truly a blessing from a past life that makes me envious just watching. From now on, you are forbidden from being busy with his affairs. You need to consider me, otherwise, I think I might turn into a vinegar jar."
"Don't worry, from now on, I will devote all my energy to you. Whatever you wish to accomplish, I will find a way to help you achieve it." After so many days of getting along, Wu Caiwei had already discerned his ambition. As she spoke, she gestured upwards. If he wished to ascend to that position, she would also go all out to support him.
In her past life, he was merely a prince. At first, she thought everyone had their own aspirations and perhaps he just desired a life of leisure. However, judging from the current situation, that was far from the truth. Perhaps in her past life, he had settled for less not out of lack of ambition, but out of powerlessness. It was possible that the opponent's strength was too formidable, or perhaps he had no outstanding advisors to strategize for him, thus missing the opportune moment. But now that Wu Caiwei was here, along with Chen Renjie, she believed he would surely achieve his aspirations this time.
The young man nodded with satisfaction. As long as the other party didn't consider him rebellious and wholeheartedly assisted him, he wouldn't have to work tirelessly and risk various dangers for his affairs.
"Gao Shang has been acting like a completely different person lately. He's been diligently reviewing memorials every day. Is he trying to make a comeback against all odds? Do you think the court can still be salvaged?" If before, he felt a sense of fulfillment, it was because the Emperor was dissolute and all knew of the discontent towards him. If he were to rise up, he would receive support from others. Unexpectedly, the Emperor had suddenly regained his vigor, which had disrupted all his plans and left him uncertain.
"The wood is almost rotten by the borers. Even with diligent effort, how can it withstand the weight from above? If there's a sudden attack, this house will surely collapse. What you need to do is to continuously cultivate your own influence. When the house collapses, not only will you be able to protect yourself, but you will also rise to prominence, emerging from the ruins of the house to astound everyone." Wu Caiwei smiled and looked at him. Since she had already become his chief strategist, she would not shirk her responsibilities and would guide him in various aspects.
Although her analysis couldn't completely alleviate his worries, he felt much more comfortable. After all, after so much time together, he knew her judgment was always very accurate, and her words had never deviated from the general direction.
After Wu Caiwei left, he immediately instructed his wives to continue building his intelligence network, continue training personnel, and silently acquire grain and medicinal herbs.