She refused to marry.

A few days later,

Su Wanwan rushed to Shu and, based on the information she had gathered, went to find the divine doctor.

However, since the journey was a bit roundabout, I decided to visit my two cousins ​​whom I had never met before.

One of them was Su Jiyuan, the chief clerk of the Ministry of Works, and the eldest son of my uncle.

He was in charge of the construction and repair of official roads, post roads, and bridges in Sichuan. I heard that he was steady, reliable, and a dependable person.

The other one is Su Qirui, the eldest son of the third uncle's family, who works under Su Jiyuan.

He was appointed as a staff member of the Ministry of Works, a seventh-rank official, responsible for verifying purchases from Shu, registering the transfer of craftsmen, and compiling project progress documents, directly assisting his elder brother Su Jiyuan in handling daily affairs.

Because Su Jiyuan had been dealing with people from the capital for many years, he always dreamed of becoming a high-ranking official in the capital.

She heard these things from her third uncle; she had never met him in person.

He then sent Qiu Shi to deliver the visiting card.

When Qiu Shi returned, he looked hesitant and did not mention that he had sent a visiting card.

A few days later, the same thing happened.

Su Wanwan had no choice but to call the person over. "Haven't you sent them out yet?"

Qiu Shi scratched his head, finding it difficult to speak.

"Qiushi, why are you so hesitant? Is there something you can't say?" Su Wanwan sat at the table, sipping her fragrant and sweet tea.

Qiu Shi's expression dampened the mood somewhat.

"Miss, we've sent out invitations several times, but the official in charge of the Ministry of Works is not here. I heard he went on an inspection tour to another region."

"Only the Second Young Master of the Bureau of Affairs, as you said, could be sent in Manager Jin's name, so it was delivered."

"This isn't good. Second Brother accepted the invitation, so he should meet with you." Su Wanwan finished her drink and poured herself another glass.

"That's the problem." Qiu Shi scratched his head. "The people inside sent someone out and said that if I wanted to see the person in charge, I had to give them some money. So I gave them a few taels, but when they saw it, they just threw the money on the ground."

Su Wanwan put down her tea in surprise. "Why?"

"Say...say...my brother-in-law is now the Fengchen Prince of the court. How can it be so easy to see him...so he asked for...fifty taels..." Qiu Shi finished speaking and tightly closed his lips.

"How could such an absurd thing happen when the emperor is so far away?" Su Wanwan stood up.

Qiu Shi stepped forward. "These past few days, I've been inquiring around. It seems that the Second Young Master, relying on his wife's marriage to Feng Chenjun and the previous help from the Heir Apparent, is almost certain to take up a post in the capital."

"Now he's currying favor everywhere and has received a lot of bribes; he dares not hide this from his wife."

She slowly walked to the door. "I've only just gotten married, and he's already acting like this. If we ever go to the capital, he'll be walking around like a madman!"

Qiu Shi bowed his head; the second young master was indeed arrogant.

"Isn't Big Brother going to do anything about it?" Su Wanwan turned around.

"I heard from them that the eldest young master had tried to dissuade him several times. Once, after the second young master got drunk, he scolded him. The second young master was easily angered and hit the eldest young master."

The two had a falling out and stopped seeing each other frequently.

The eldest son is a diligent man. He said he would finish repairing the official road in the southwest of the territory before the winter solstice, and he has not yet returned.

"Good for you, Second Brother. Go and prepare two hundred taels of silver. Tell him that Manager Jin wants to see him and begs him to come forward. If he accepts the money, just come and inform him." Su Wanwan lowered her eyes.

Su Jiyuan is a man of good character and capable; we must not let Su Qirui ruin things.

"Yes." Qiu Shi did as instructed.

At noon, Qiu Shi brought back news that the second young master had agreed to meet.

"We've arranged to meet at Juxianglou for dinner tonight," Qiu Shi said, bowing slightly.

"Okay, go and get ready."

Qiu Shi stood at the door for a while before finally speaking, "Madam, the Second Young Master also said that he will not go anywhere else but for bear paws today, and those bear paws will cost fifty gold coins."

Su Wanwan could no longer sit still.

Since we've already gone this far, let's just cut ties with Su Qirui. Even if he blames us later, it's better than being dragged down by my second brother.

"Make the arrangements." Su Wanwan took a deep breath, restraining herself from getting angry. "How were the purchases from the other day? Do you have the account books?"

Qiu Shi handed the account book to the lady.

Su Wanwan looked through it several times. "Not bad. With Cuizhu around, your accounts look much better. When are you two planning to get married?"

Qiu Shi was caught off guard by the question, and her face flushed red.

"Madam is too kind."

"I'm not joking. I can see how much Cuizhu feels for you, and you feel the same way about her. Life always moves on, so let bygones be bygones."

Qiu Shi lowered his eyes and remained silent.

Su Wanwan got up and walked up to him.

"Your older sister will be very happy to see you get married and have children, so why are you so insistent?"

Cuizhu is a good girl, and you are a fine man. You are a perfect match, understand each other, and care for one another.

"If you miss out on Cuizhu, are you going to wallow in self-pity and grieve over both women? Wouldn't that be even more painful..." Su Wanwan chuckled. "Am I right?"

"You are right, madam."

Autumn harvest is in full swing.

"Hey, be careful with this shipment from Shu. Once it arrives in the capital, make sure it's thoroughly inspected before putting it in the shops to sell. All in all, it should be enough to buy a house in the capital. Consider the profits as a wedding gift for your new home and the birth of your children."

"Yes, thank you, Madam," Qiu Shi replied.

Su Wanwan was surprised by Qiu Shi's quick agreement. After a moment of joy, she carefully checked the account book, gave some instructions, and then it was already evening.

She was dressed elegantly and arrived as promised.

Upon arriving at Juxianglou, the owner was very hospitable, serving fine tea and inviting the best qin player from Sichuan to play for them.

"Manager, we have distinguished guests today, so please don't spoil their fun. Money is not a problem, so please make the dishes plentiful," Su Wanwan instructed.

"Yes, yes, yes, please sit down, Madam. I'll give the order right away." The shopkeeper looked shrewd.

Su Wanwan sat inside the private room, and could see the guests coming in from outside when she looked up.

She wanted to see what Su Qirui looked like that made her aunt spend so much money on him.

Qiu Shi rushed in from outside. "Madam, I've found out the news."

"Tell me about it." Su Wanwan raised her eyes.

"The second young master frequents brothels in Shu and is rumored to be keeping two prostitutes as mistresses. He claims he wants to buy an official position, but in reality, he's using the money to support the women in the brothels."

"Really?" Su Wanwan frowned.

"Madam, shall we bring those two women over?" Qiu Shi asked, bowing slightly.

"Meet him first."

Not long after, a man about six feet tall came to the door, whose features were exactly the same as his third aunt's.

His clothes were extravagant, completely out of place with his status, and he casually made a few comments about the shopkeeper as he entered.

"Manager Liao, we've brought you business again today. Have you decided what your commission rate will be?"

The shopkeeper nodded repeatedly. "Sir, it's the same old way. Your guest has arrived. Please come in and have a look." He gestured for him to enter.