Chapter 173: Chapter 173
As expected, within a few days, An Ning received a summons from the father of this body—Chu Wen Yuan.
The messenger was none other than Master Chu's trusted aide, Chu Da, a man around forty with a prominent black mole on his face. This head steward had always shown considerable respect toward An Ning as the eldest young master, eagerly leading him to the study door while inquiring about his health along the way...
An Ning merely smiled and nodded without offering much in response.
Yet Chu Da appeared completely unfazed by this, continuing to cheerfully lead the way as usual.
As one of Qizhou's wealthier families, the Chu household certainly lacked nothing in terms of financial resources. Though not every corner boasted ornate carvings and painted beams, the rockeries and flowing water throughout the estate displayed their own delicate and exquisite style.
Just as in the original body's memories—while this scumbag father was indeed a merchant, he often affected an air of refined elegance. Whether this was genuine sophistication or mere pretentiousness remained open to interpretation...
Upon reaching the study, the creaking door revealed Madam Yang, the primary wife, hurrying out. Whatever had been said inside left her heavily powdered face wearing its usual expression of humiliation—an expression that deepened considerably upon seeing her "son" approach.
There stood fifteen-year-old Chu Zi'an, clad in a moon-colored brocade robe with cloud patterns, a white jade belt around his slender waist. With his handsome features and graceful bearing, he resembled a noble scholar straight from ancient texts, despite his merchant family origins.
Yet the sight of such a "son" only intensified the shame on Madam Yang's face.
Caught off guard by this response, Madam Yang froze momentarily. Behind her, Steward Chu Da thoughtfully glanced at the now-closed study door before addressing her:
Though his tone sounded respectful, closer listening revealed scant genuine deference. In full view of the servants, Madam Yang clenched her handkerchief but ultimately departed without another word, flanked by her maids.
Meanwhile, after offering perfunctory greetings, An Ning had already taken his customary seat below the head position.
Above the sandalwood-carved huanghuali tea table, wisps of sandalwood incense curled upward into the air...
From his prominent seat in the lavishly decorated study, Chu Wen Yuan soon spoke with apparent concern:
"Ah, it's An'er. Are you feeling better? I heard from the servants about your illness upon returning—how could you remain convalescent for so long unless something was seriously amiss?"
Despite his words, being well-acquainted with his son's temperament, Chu Wen Yuan knew full well that nothing short of severe illness would have kept him "resting" for so long.
Recalling earlier business troubles, Master Chu frowned and addressed his son with unusual gravity:
"An'er, I've told you before—as the eldest son, you'll inherit both the Chu estate and all external businesses. As for your two worthless younger brothers, they'll receive just enough farmland and shops to survive. You, as their elder brother, need only ensure they don't starve!"
"An'er, these times demand pragmatism—no room for womanly compassion that might feed their ambitions..."
"Even among blood brothers, accounts must be settled clearly..."
The patriarch spoke with profound earnestness, every word ostensibly for his son's benefit. Had An Ning not learned through the system how this man had secretly given tens of thousands in silver—most of his private wealth—to the second son Chu Zixu years earlier...
In truth, the only one destined for empty pockets under this arrangement was the original body's full younger brother...
As the old man droned on with his "heartfelt advice," An Ning sipped fragrant tea without so much as a flicker in expression. These lies hadn't convinced even the original host, let alone An Ning now.
Though those tens of thousands amounted to little against the Chu family's vast enterprises—more like the difference between eggs and the hen that laid them—hardly enough to cripple their fortunes...
Observing the middle-aged man's scholarly demeanor that couldn't quite mask his calculating eyes, An Ning nearly clicked his tongue. It seemed that in this era, no matter how deep a man's love, it meant nothing against family legacy...
Sure enough, before An Ning could respond, the man continued unprompted:
"Speaking of which, the northern regions grow increasingly unstable. With winter's severity becoming apparent, I considered sending Chu San and others to stockpile more furs—what do you think?"
"Father's years of experience have established proven methods. Normally Zi'an wouldn't presume to advise, but... this son believes we should stockpile something else entirely..."
As he spoke, An Ning used a damp finger to trace two large characters on the table.
Recognizing the words, even the usually unflappable Chu patriarch's pupils contracted sharply: "An'er, are you certain...?"
"Though the Northern Yue has weakened in recent years and suffered internal strife, they remain one of the Five Great Sovereign States—their foundations shouldn't be underestimated! This... surely not!"
Most critically, their own Great Liang shared borders with Northern Yue, with Qizhou being practically frontier territory. Should disaster strike there...
Even as a merchant, Chu Wen Yuan understood the principle of "when lips are gone, teeth will be cold." Had anyone but his reliable eldest son delivered this bombshell, he might have leapt to his feet.
Ignoring the stunned reaction, An Ning serenely sipped freshly poured tea before smiling:
"Father, you above all should know—when wolves form their pack, do they hunt on empty stomachs?"
Especially when the prey is a wounded, weakened lamb.
Seeing his eldest son's certainty, Chu Wen Yuan broke out in a cold sweat despite the daytime warmth...
"By the way Father, during my recent illness, I've been unable to assist with external affairs. I hope Father can forgive this inadequacy."
Without waiting for his scumbag father to process this, An Ning deftly offloaded responsibilities before cheerfully retreating to his quarters.
Whatever chaos ensued in the main courtyard afterward was none of his concern...
Though the system in his consciousness remained somewhat perplexed.
"Host, why bother with this?"
Financially speaking, the Chu family's wealth already provided more than enough for carefree luxury, didn't it?
Especially when it belonged to that cheap old man?
An Ning didn't answer, merely toying with a white jade chess piece before murmuring as if to himself:
"Speaking of which... shouldn't the snow plums at Western Mountain Temple bloom soon?"
"Indeed!" Mistaking her master's mood, maid Chun Lan eagerly nodded. "They say Master Ku Jie there possesses profound Buddhist wisdom and excels at chess. Since his arrival, the temple's incense offerings haven't ceased!"
Pfft—the system nearly rolled its nonexistent eyes.
Incense offerings? That was up a mountain! Since when did its host exert himself unnecessarily?
Yet to the system's surprise, after hearing this, An Ning actually nodded with interest before packing for a sunny-day excursion...