In order to avoid being targeted and stopped, and because the weather was not good today and they were afraid that rain would delay their trip and they would not be able to return to the city before dark, the group said a few words and went to Hongbin Tower first.
Before leaving, Sheng Yunyou whispered a few words to Qingdai, who nodded and went out first.
Hongbinlou is the restaurant jointly opened by Sheng Yunyou and Liu Binglun. Although its scale is not even among the top three in Anping City, it has developed well in the past six months and is no longer an unknown small restaurant.
It's not beneath our dignity to entertain Uncle Zhao here!
It was only around half past ten when they arrived at Hongbinlou. Sheng Yunyou asked someone to bring a pot of good tea and went to prepare lunch.
Except for Bo Jingyao, no one else knew that Sheng Yunyou had any connection with this place. When they saw her leave, they just thought that she deliberately left to let them, the men, talk.
However, Sheng Yunyou did have such an intention. Intellectuals have always been old-fashioned and more particular about rules. It was not easy for Sheng Yunyou, a woman, to eat at the same table with them.
After arranging lunch, Sheng Yunyou was not in a hurry to go back. Instead, he went to the backyard to find Liu Binglun.
Liu Binglun was a little surprised to see her, "Isn't there something going on at home? You've dealt with it already?"
Sheng Yunyou shook his head, "They are all terrible things!"
Seeing that he was holding a book, she teased, "Oh, Second Young Master, have you figured it out and are preparing to take the imperial examination?"
Liu Binglun nodded, "This is the exchange between me and my father!"
He then talked about what happened after he returned from the imperial capital in the middle of the year. The Liu family's backyard was complicated, and he had to make some compromises many times for the sake of his mother and brother.
Sheng Yunyou knew that the Liu family had a concubine and a confused old lady. The concubine was the old lady's niece, and the two of them teamed up several times to try to frame and get rid of Madam Liu.
Lord Liu has feelings for his cousin who he grew up with, and he is a filial man. If he were not so foolish and cared about his reputation, and if his eldest son had not shown his talent since childhood, he would have turned a blind eye and let his mother harm his wife and make his cousin his legal wife.
Now the eldest son has been transferred to a desolate place for training, and has made no achievements. However, the illegitimate son born to his cousin has hooked up with a big shot in the capital. Lord Liu is also an ambitious man, so he is naturally shaken.
Being an official also requires a lot of money. Liu Binglun had never thought about going into politics before. He thought about complementing his brother Shanghe and supporting him from the side. But that woman and her child had evil ambitions, so he had to change his mindset!
Besides, who says that you have to do everything yourself when doing business? There's nothing wrong with him hiding behind the scenes like Sheng Yunyou!
He told Sheng Yunyou all about those troubles without any reservations, and then said: "Last time I went to the capital, I was actually looking for a backer, but it was not very smooth. I have no money or talent, and people don't think highly of me!"
Sheng Yunyou shook his head and explained the situation in the imperial capital. "Even if the Bo family is a royalist, they may not end up well. It is not wise for you to look for a backer at this time!"
Liu Binglun pointed to the book in his hand and said, "Brother Bo also gave me some pointers, so I am focusing most of my energy on this now."
Sheng Yunyou focused his eyes on the book in his hand, thought for a while, and then said, "The people we are receiving are from the Zhao family in Fucheng. Do you have any ideas?"
Liu Binglun was stunned. "The Zhao family hasn't left yet?"
"After lunch, we will hurry back to the city."
The person from the Zhao family who came this time was naturally not a core figure, but it made no difference to Sheng Yunlan and the people of the Sheng family, as they all represented the Zhao family.
"If it's convenient, I'll go and meet him." He then looked at Sheng Yunyou and seemed to be hesitant to speak.
Sheng Yunyou frowned and looked back, "Why are you being so shy as a grown man?!"
"You don't know how to appreciate a good person!" Liu Binglun sighed, "Actually, I don't know whether I should say it or not."
"Then let's not talk about it." Seeing that the time was almost up, Sheng Yunyou stood up and prepared to go back to the private room.
"If I don't tell you, I'm worried that you'll regret it later. You didn't even ask me what happened. You really don't know how to appreciate a good person!"
Liu Binglun snorted before continuing, "It's about your biological parents. Didn't you ask me to pay attention to the Sheng family's affairs before? My people reported that someone from that family came to visit us two months ago.
At first, they came to Anping City to look for you. The Sheng family said that you were driven out and your whereabouts were unknown. After an argument with the Sheng family, that family was beaten and driven out.
Someone came from that family again last month. This time, it was Sheng Yunzhu, the eldest daughter of the Sheng family who you exchanged with.
I asked someone to contact them, and it was the eldest son of the family who came. He said that your biological father was ill, and your younger brother had dropped out of the academy, so he came here to borrow some money for his father's medical treatment.
But Sheng Yunzhu didn't see him. He is now working as a laborer on the street. Do you want to meet him?"
The Sheng family has already deleted her from the family tree. The world is harsh on women nowadays, and the title of a peasant girl is always better than that of an orphan.
That is, he went to inquire around and found out that the family was of good character, and out of consideration for Sheng Yunyou he said a few extra words.
Sheng Yunyou frowned, "Let's talk about it later. The banquet is probably about to start. Have you decided whether you want to come with me?"
"Go!" Liu Binglun did not hesitate this time. After all, he was a member of the Zhao family!
That idiot Sheng Baicheng doesn’t know what the Zhao family represents, but Liu Binglun knows!
Sheng Yunyou led him into the private room, and seeing everyone looking at her, she smiled apologetically and said, "Excuse me."
Then he said to Bo Jingyao: "Brother Yao, Yunyou met Mr. Liu Er outside. He was very happy to know you were here, so Yunyou brought him here."
Bo Jingyao also stood up and pretended to greet him, "Brother Liu, long time no see, how are you doing recently?!"
Liu Binglun also reacted quickly. He walked over enthusiastically and gave him a loving fist. "Brother Bo, that's not nice of you. You didn't even look for me when you came to Anping!"
Bo Jingyao "explained" a few words before introducing Liu Binglun to everyone and having someone add a seat for him.
The atmosphere of the meal was quite good because Liu Binglun had deliberately made friends and because there were outsiders present so as not to say anything that would spoil the fun.
After the meal, Uncle Zhao was also worried that his unreliable nephew would come to block them, so he rushed to the provincial capital with his men without stopping. Before leaving, he politely invited Liu Binglun to visit him in the provincial capital when he was free.
Others were just being polite, but Liu Binglun was not going to be polite. He was the best at taking advantage of others' situation, and he really planned to go to the provincial capital and the Zhao family!
Uncle Zhao left in such a hurry that he didn't even notice the carriage full of things Sheng Yunyou had prepared for him. He only discovered it when he returned to the Zhao Mansion and his entourage asked him what to do with the things.
At this moment, my impression of Sheng Yunyou improved a little.
Of course, this is a story for later. After seeing off Uncle Zhao, Bo Jingyao brought Sheng Yunyou back to Hongbin Tower in the name of reminiscing about the past.
Bo Luojin and Sheng Boyong were also tactful and said they were not able to drink much and went back home first.
Back in the backyard of Hongbin Building, the three continued to discuss business. After they were done, Liu Binglun repeated his plan.
Bo Jingyao said he supported it. He glanced at Sheng Yunyou and said, "My third uncle has official business in the imperial capital, so we can't delay him for too long.
Now that we are in Anping City, it is reasonable for us to visit the capital city. If you are interested in studying in the capital city, you might as well go with us this time."
Liu Binglun also glanced at Sheng Yunyou, "I have no problem with this, and I am not worried about this restaurant, but Yunlan, if I go to the capital, is it appropriate for her to stay in Anping City alone?"
Sheng Yunyou smiled and said they thought too much, "I'm just a first-level orphan girl. I don't know anyone and I haven't had any conflicts with anyone. Why should you worry?
Besides, I am staying in Anping City to observe mourning, and I will stay at home from now on, so you don’t have to worry about me.”
Bo Jingyao also nodded, "Sister Yunyou is my fiancée. I will leave someone to take care of her. I would also like to trouble Brother Liu to take care of your mother when he comes back to visit her."
Liu Binglun agreed solemnly, "Yun Lan and I are also friends. I will take care of her even if you don't tell me. But you, you are going back to the border this time. I don't know when we will meet again after we part."
Bo Jingyao glanced at Sheng Yunyou again before smiling and saying, "I won't be back for at least two or three years. The next time I come back may be when I invite you to my and sister Yunyou's wedding.
I also hope to see a different Brother Liu by then."
Liu Binglun sighed and raised the teacup in his hand, "Let me use tea instead of wine. I wish us all peace and success!"
"All is well!" Bo Jingyao raised his teacup and clinked it with his.
It is still the season of mourning and the old lady hasn't even passed her 37th day of mourning yet, so Sheng Yunyou can't stay out for too long.
After making an appointment to go to the provincial capital the day after tomorrow, Bo Jingyao took Sheng Yunyou back.
"Miss!"
Zi Luo and her friends encountered some accidents on the way, and they only arrived at Anping City half an hour ago after rushing. Fortunately, the Bo family arranged someone to pick them up outside the city, otherwise she would not even be able to find her home.
Upon learning that the old lady had passed away, the only relative in the world who loved her was gone, Zi Luo only felt pity for her master.
As for the Bo family, after all, they haven't gotten married yet, and there are too many variables in the future. She doesn't regard the Bo family as relatives of her master.
Sheng Yunyou didn't understand Zi Luo's thoughts. Seeing her tearful eyes, she thought she was wronged on the road. She raised her hand and patted Zi Luo's shoulder, comforting her: "Be good, it's okay, let the kitchen make you something delicious, and have a good sleep, and everything will be fine!
If you still feel wronged after waking up, tell me who bullied you and I will let Brother Yao deal with him!"
Zi Luo couldn't say that she felt sorry for her master, so she wiped her tears and said, "Miss, I miss you, and I didn't suffer any injustice on the way."
Sheng Yunyou nodded in response, "If you've really been wronged, don't hide it. Go and have a good rest. Qingdai is enough for now!"
After sending Ziluo away, she asked Qingdai to go out and do the work.
The uncle and nephew of the Bo family will take care of the gifts for the Zhao Mansion this time, but she needs to prepare some things for the Bo family in the imperial capital.
Bo Jingyao was actually worried about Sheng Yunyou being alone here, but for now it was indeed the best choice for her to stay in Anping.
It was time to say goodbye. Bo Jingyao sighed as he looked at Sheng Yunyou, who still looked unwell. "Take good care of yourself. I have already written a letter to the capital asking my grandmother to send a nanny to you. When the time comes, most people will not make things difficult for you for the sake of the Bo family."
Sheng Yunyou nodded, “Yunyou knows, Brother Yao doesn’t have to worry.
Time is in a hurry, Yun You only has time to prepare some dry food for you and your third cousin. As for the rest, I will prepare it and have someone send it to the imperial capital before the New Year."