Transmigrated as the Villainess, She Made the General Blush - Chapter 22

After more than half an hour, today’s training ended early.

Because Chen Chu had matters to attend to today, and General Lu Xuyang, who also taught Xiao Fuguang and the others martial arts and horsemanship, was busy as well, so Xiao Fuguang and his group had a much easier time today.

After training, Xiao Fuguang bid farewell to Xiao Zhenxi, then accompanied Xiao Wangshu out of the Chancellor’s Mansion to visit the two shops Fang Qin’er had given her.

—

Both of Fang Qin’er’s shops were in good locations, situated on bustling streets in the Capital, with crowds coming and going, lively and busy-but they couldn’t seem to retain any customers.

Moreover, as Xiao Wangshu sat in the shop for a while, she noticed that those who came in to spend money were all wives and young ladies from official and merchant families.

These people didn’t look like they were here to buy anything; rather, they seemed to be spending money to curry favor, hoping to climb up the Xiao Family tree.

It was truly amusing.

“Elder Sister, what are you laughing at?”

Xiao Fuguang asked, holding a Swaying Hairpin and trying it on Xiao Wangshu’s head for quite a while before shaking his head, “No matter how I look at it, it just doesn’t suit you.”

This Swaying Hairpin really wasn’t very attractive-it couldn’t possibly complement his sister’s looks.

Shopkeeper Xiao stood nearby, bowing and smiling obsequiously, “The shop only sells ordinary jewelry. Young Master has seen all sorts of precious things; how could these vulgar items ever catch the eyes of Young Master and Miss?”

Xiao Fuguang said nothing, simply putting down the Swaying Hairpin in his hand.

Although he didn’t like Shopkeeper Xiao’s habit of flattering the high and stepping on the low, this person had at least been assigned by his grandmother to help his mother, and had managed the shop for years. He couldn’t say much.

Xiao Wangshu smiled and said, “Shopkeeper Xiao, you really know how to talk. No wonder Mother said I needn’t worry about anything, just leave everything to you.”

Shopkeeper Xiao’s face wrinkled with laughter, and he quickly bowed again, “Miss flatters me. It’s all thanks to Old Madam and Madam’s support that this humble servant has such good days now.”

“Shopkeeper Xiao, no need to be modest. We all see the effort you put into the shop. We’ll still be relying on you in the future.”

Xiao Wangshu’s lips curled up as she tapped the shop’s account book lightly, then continued, “Now that Mother has handed the shop over to me, she doesn’t expect me to achieve anything great. She just hopes I’ll have a place to pass the time, to tinker around in the shop, and not cause trouble elsewhere.”

At this, Xiao Wangshu’s smile deepened, her words carrying a hint of meaning.

Shopkeeper Xiao’s eyes flickered, and he replied, “Since the shop is now under Miss’s name, whatever you wish to do, just instruct this old servant.”

After all, even if this young lady managed to ruin the shop, her mother had more than enough money to patch up this little hole-his wages would never be short.

Xiao Wangshu patted the account book and praised, “Shopkeeper Xiao, you really know the ropes!”

Shopkeeper Xiao hurriedly replied, “Miss overpraises me, I dare not accept it. From now on, everything in the shop will be at your command.”

Anyway, his wages wouldn’t be cut, and the perks wouldn’t be less.

No matter what this Ancestor wanted to do, there would always be those eager to climb up the Xiao Family who would foot the bill.

“Very well, then let’s close the shop for a few days. First, let’s change the shop’s decor, and then swap out the merchandise.” Xiao Wangshu spoke lightly.

Both Xiao Fuguang and Shopkeeper Xiao were startled for a moment.

“Miss, changing all the merchandise in the shop is time-consuming and labor-intensive, not to mention the decor. If everything is replaced, the expenses will be huge-without three to five hundred taels of silver, it won’t be enough,” Shopkeeper Xiao advised.

He hadn’t thought there was any problem with Xiao Wangshu taking over the shop just now, but now he saw a big issue.

He’d thought Xiao Wangshu would just come to the shop to amuse herself when bored, but unexpectedly, she was planning to make a big move as soon as she arrived-what a huge expense this would be!
Moreover, closing the shop means there will be no income during this period, so he won’t have any extra profits to pocket, and will have to get by on that fixed monthly wage.

“If you don’t invest in the early stage, how can you expect good results later?” Xiao Wangshu retorted, continuing before Shopkeeper Xiao could speak, “Shopkeeper Xiao, just focus on contacting the craftsmen. For the rest, let them come to the Chancellor’s Mansion to find me.”

Shopkeeper Xiao had words he dared not utter, only bowing and saying, “This old servant understands.”

—

After leaving the shop, Xiao Fuguang glanced back.

Seeing no one behind them, he finally felt free to speak, and began to advise, “Sister, you’ve just taken over the shop and are making such drastic changes-aren’t you being a bit hasty?”

Xiao Wangshu smiled, “Why would I be? If you’re going to make changes, you should do it early.”

Xiao Fuguang frowned slightly. Seeing Xiao Wangshu’s resolute attitude, he didn’t press further about the shop’s overhaul, but asked, “Then, Sister, will you continue to use the people Mother assigned to you?”

“What do you mean, Brother?” Xiao Wangshu replied with a bright smile.

Xiao Fuguang considered for a moment and said, “I just think Shopkeeper Xiao has managed the shop for many years, but it’s always been mediocre. Maybe he’s a bit lacking in ability.”

Hearing this, Xiao Wangshu raised her brows and asked, “Then, Brother, since he’s lacking in ability, how has he managed to stay in the shop until today?”

Xiao Fuguang was stumped by her question. After thinking it over, he answered-

“Grandmother, whether it’s because of her age or something else, is kind-hearted and rarely dismisses the old servants around her. Shopkeeper Xiao has followed her for many years, so it’s normal that Grandmother wouldn’t move him.

“Then Shopkeeper Xiao was transferred to Mother’s name along with the shop. Mother manages the household affairs at the Chancellor’s Mansion, and she’s always busy, so she has no time to oversee the shop outside.

“Even if she thought Shopkeeper Xiao was lacking, for Grandmother’s sake, she’d just turn a blind eye. As long as Shopkeeper Xiao doesn’t make any major mistakes, he can stay and manage things for now, helping to share the burden.”

After hearing this, Xiao Wangshu curved her brows and smiled, generously praising, “Brother, for someone so young, you’ve thought of so much. I’m truly surprised.”

“So, Sister, will you still use Shopkeeper Xiao?” Xiao Fuguang continued to ask.

Xiao Wangshu nodded, “Of course I will.”

Seeing Xiao Fuguang’s puzzled expression, Xiao Wangshu continued to explain-

“Brother, what you said just now is very true, but you’ve overlooked a few points.

“First, let’s set aside Grandmother’s kindness for now. Just the fact that Shopkeeper Xiao has served her for many years-first following Grandmother, then serving our mother. On this basis alone, we can’t dismiss him lightly, or we’ll chill the hearts of the old family servants.

“Secondly, although he’s done nothing outstanding, he hasn’t made any major mistakes either. If we replace him just because he hasn’t achieved much, then lack of achievement becomes a fault. Isn’t that too harsh? How many people would dare serve the Xiao Family in the future?

Black or white, merit or fault.

Even in the military camp, or on the battlefield, no matter how clear the rewards and punishments, no one would dare to be so ruthless.

If not making a contribution is considered a mistake, how many people would be scared away?

Doing things this way might bring extraordinary results in the short term. But if carried out long-term, how much unrest would it cause?

Xiao Fuguang thought about it, nodded slightly, and asked, “Since he can’t be dismissed, Mother still has many estates. Can’t he be assigned to work at one of them?”

“Those estates may be unoccupied now, but I have big plans for them in the future. How could I let him go there and become a parasite?” Xiao Wangshu had no intention of doing so.

Seeing Xiao Fuguang still frowning in thought, Xiao Wangshu smiled, “Brother, you really don’t need to worry too much. I only said I’d use him for now, not that I’ll use him forever.”

A sly old fox will always show its tail after stealing the bait.

If you don’t want others to know, you mustn’t do it yourself.