032 Noble Assistance

In the end, Ning Qian still did not give Yu Ziqi an answer. The matter had shaken her so deeply that, for the time being, she truly could not make a decision.

After a moment of contemplation, having organized the things he needed to say, Yu Ziqi drew Ning Qian closer so she was facing him. “My lady, it’s only natural that you would hesitate. This is such a significant matter; of course you find it hard to decide. I won’t force you to help me, regardless of whether you side with me or not. You are my wife, and that is a fact that will never change.”

He paused, then continued, “Although my business has been doing well, the savings from years past have all gone into constructing the manor below us. There’s not much left now. So, in the days to come, I may be very busy, perhaps even need to travel far from home. You’d best be mentally prepared for that.”

Ning Qian inwardly scoffed. As if there could be anything left! That manor below was no ordinary residence, and together with the hill they stood on, the costs could hardly have been trivial. She still found it difficult to believe Yu Ziqi had managed to come up with such a large sum. She was convinced there must be some hidden secret behind it all.

“Yes, I understand,” she replied.

“Oh, and I should tell you as well—I am, in a sense, a rice merchant.”

“A rice merchant? How so? The Yu family is the largest rice merchant in Huizhou. They may not have a monopoly, but any other rice dealer would surely know them. Yet from what I can see, the Yu family seems unaware of your business. And besides, with the Yu family as competition, how could anyone hope to make a profit in rice?”

Though she was a woman and, as a young lady of her family, had never needed to worry about money, her father’s family, the Ning clan, dominated the salt trade. Years of exposure had given her some knowledge of commerce, and not without some keen insights.

Yu Ziqi smiled faintly, and in that smile, Ning Qian detected a hint of mockery—at least, that’s how it seemed to her. Was he looking down on the Yu family’s business? Her suspicions only deepened.

“There are no certainties in the world of commerce. Today, you might reap a fortune in this trade, only to lose it all tomorrow. To always stand unshaken, you must understand the intricacies within.”

“Intricacies? What do you mean?”

“It’s simple. As you know, your family, the Nings, are the chief salt merchants. They’ve earned a great deal over the years—do you know why?”

Turning her head, Ning Qian replied in puzzlement, “To become the chief salt merchant, one needs not only great wealth but also a strong relationship with the authorities. Otherwise, it would be impossible.”

“My lady, you are indeed a clever woman. You’re right; the salt trade is so, and so too with rice. As far as I know, my father also has close ties with the local officials. Otherwise, how could the Yu family have stood firm in Huizhou for nearly a century?”

“My lord, I think I understand what you’re implying. If I’m not mistaken, do you too have someone powerful backing you?” The words were plain enough—how could Ning Qian not see it? Thinking back to the story Yu Ziqi had told earlier, the boy in that tale had also met a benefactor. Clearly, the identity of that benefactor was not simple.

“Yes, there is indeed someone supporting me. But for now, I cannot tell you who. As you said, the rice business is almost entirely in the hands of the Yu family; achieving anything there is very difficult.”

“Then, my lord, do you have other plans?”

Yu Ziqi gazed at her deeply but did not answer directly. Instead, he turned to look at the manor below. From this height, its grandeur was even more apparent. He had spoken the truth: the estate had consumed almost all his savings over the years. But he did not regret it. Money was meant to be spent—the key was whether it was spent where it mattered. He felt it worthwhile; that was enough.

Following his gaze, Ning Qian turned her face to the manor below as well, slowly leaning closer to Yu Ziqi. She sighed, “What a grand estate this is. My lord, does this mean you no longer wish to return to the old house?”

“My lady, you always know just what’s in my heart.” Yu Ziqi was not one to keep his feelings hidden. The days spent together had shown him clearly: this woman was worth cherishing and protecting. Though he had not intended to spend his life with her—marrying her had never been part of his plans—now, he felt fortunate to have such a partner.

A woman with enviable beauty, rare intelligence, and a kind heart. Most precious of all, she considered his needs. What more could he ask for in a wife?

“My lord, if you truly don’t wish to go back… then why not stay here a few more days?” In truth, Ning Qian wanted a few days of peace herself, to ponder everything that had happened. Besides, she disliked that old house.

Scheming lurked around every corner, and everyone harbored hidden motives. Living in such an environment was exhausting. Though she had only spent a single night in the manor at the foot of the hill, she had already grown fond of it. If only she could live here long-term—how pleasant that would be. But who knew when such a wish could come true?

“No, as much as I’d rather not go back, it’s not possible for now. We’ll return today. My lady, remember: everyone in that old house is more complicated than you might imagine. Always be on your guard. And even if you feel wronged, do not act rashly. I don’t want anything to happen to you. As for my affairs, keep them in your heart for now.”

“I will remember your words, my lord.”

“As for the business, I do need your help. Your father is the chief salt merchant; you know the salt trade is immensely profitable. But to enter that line of work, we must first get your father’s approval. I’ll need you to speak to him.”

“My lord, I can’t promise anything—only that I’ll do my best. You don’t know my father’s temperament. He is strict when it comes to business, never bends the rules, and would never betray his conscience for profit.”

“I understand. If it doesn’t work, I’ll find another way.”

“Alright,” Ning Qian agreed for now. She felt that insisting on keeping herself entirely apart from these matters might not be the best course.

Yu Ziqi smiled calmly. “It’s getting late. Let’s head down the mountain. We’ve finally gotten out for a while—let’s not dwell on unhappy things. While we can, let’s enjoy ourselves.”

“Alright,” Ning Qian replied, smiling as well.