She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 664 - 662 What’s wrong?

Chapter 664: Chapter 662 What’s wrong?

The two women were so engrossed in their conversation that they had already taken seats by the window of the cloth shop.

Xiuqin had no choice but to stand guard beside Lady Zhao with Xiao Cui.

"It turns out your son is Steward Wong? Around this time last year, Steward Wong visited the capital, didn’t he? My nephew spoke highly of Steward Wong to our family, saying that such skilled craftsmanship is rare, the one known as Wong Qiao," Madam Qian exclaimed in surprise.

Lady Zhao was also taken aback, as Ah Qiao had indeed been in the capital last year, "Yes, yes, at the end of last year, Ah Qiao came to the capital to assist the Ministry of Works with a piece of equipment."

Madam Qian clapped her hands, "That’s right, it indeed was Steward Wong. Lady Zhao, you are so fortunate to have such a son, you will surely enjoy your later years."

"Not at all, he’s just a craftsman, not worth much." Looking at her Ah Qiao, with such fame—if he ran his own business, he could definitely earn large coins. Jobs that earned three thousand taels of silver within a few days—Ah Qiao would lead a few people to complete them in a few days and make a fortune.

But now, Ah Qiao had worked with the Qi family for several years and only received seven thousand taels of silver.

Thinking of this, Lady Zhao couldn’t help but purse her lips in disapproval of the approaches of Qi Younian and Ye Xinyan.

"You just mentioned you’re returning to your hometown? With Steward Wong’s fine craftsmanship, since he has already come to the capital, why would he want to go back? It would be much better to stay in the capital. The capital is bustling, and with Steward Wong’s skills, he could easily make money," Madam Qian asked.

Lady Zhao sighed and said, "The capital is bustling indeed, but it is not a place where we outsiders can establish ourselves and make money. We are from Hezhou and are planning to go back to start our own Construction Industry."

"Starting your own Construction Industry," Madam Qian repeated, looking at Lady Zhao as if she had something on her mind, but seemed undecided about whether to speak her thoughts.

Perplexed, Lady Zhao asked, "Madam Qian, you run an inn in the capital, so you must have seen much. Is there something inappropriate? Please, speak your mind."

Madam Qian smiled and asked, "From what you’re saying, Steward Wong plans to return home and run his own Construction Industry. Is your family well-established in Hezhou, or do you have relatives who are officials?"

Lady Zhao shook her head, "Not at all." Her Ah Qiao had skills, and starting a Construction Industry with unique craft skills was surely sufficient, wasn’t it?

Madam Qian’s expression grew solemn, "This is the festive season, and I don’t wish to speak out of turn. However, running an inn means I see a lot of different guests and hear many rumors. Based on what I’ve heard in the past, if a family lacks strong roots or connections, someone with skills as exceptional as Steward Wong’s may be at a disadvantage if they try to go it alone."

Lady Zhao was puzzled, "Why? With good skills, making products for one’s own business should be more profitable, not a waste, right?"

Madam Qian hesitated several times, and eventually looked around to ensure no one was close by before saying, "Ordinary folk don’t earn silver easily. A small household without a foundation that suddenly acquires great wealth—tell me, wouldn’t those powerful and influential families, you know, what...?"

It seemed like Lady Zhao was beginning to understand but still wasn’t entirely clear, thinking to herself that Madam Qian wasn’t speaking frankly enough.

Madam Qian chuckled, "Ha-ha, Lady Zhao knows, I run an inn, and the guests from all over share stories with us. Whether they’re true or not, we can’t be sure. I must attend to some matters at my place." Saying this, she prepared to stand.

Lady Zhao’s Xiuqin had become anxious behind her, and seeing that her aunt had not yet grasped the situation, she leaned close to Lady Zhao’s ear and whispered, "Is it not something similar to what the uncle went through?"

Suddenly, Lady Zhao’s mind erupted as if struck by thunder. How could she have forgotten about that? And here, Madam Qian had already made it quite clear, yet she had failed to understand.

Madam Qian, who had already risen to take her leave, noticed Lady Zhao’s pale complexion and fixed gaze, wondering what she was staring at.

"Madam Zhao, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Madam Qian asked hesitantly.

The Cloth Shopkeeper, sensing something amiss at their table, also stepped out from behind the counter.

"What’s the matter, this madam looks unwell; has something happened?" The Shopkeeper eyed Madam Qian with suspicion, as if suspecting Madam Qian might have said something upsetting, causing the customer to fall ill.

Madam Qian offered a wry smile, "My apologies, Shopkeeper. It was my loose tongue. I merely reminded Madam Zhao about something, just normal conversation, nothing excessive. If you don’t believe me, you can ask the two young ladies accompanying Madam Zhao," Madam Qian said, glancing towards Xiuqin and Xiao Cui.

The Shopkeeper internally blamed Madam Qian, thinking if this customer really took ill in his store and something untoward happened, wouldn’t that cause trouble for both his employer and himself?

Xiuqin certainly knew Madam Qian hadn’t said anything inappropriate, but she dared not jump to conclusions, dismissing any responsibility from Madam Qian.

"Auntie, Auntie. How are you feeling?"

Madam Qian appeared deeply regretful, chiding herself for why she had to bring up such matters with a stranger and implored the Shopkeeper, "Would you trouble yourself to serve a cup of hot tea? A few sips of hot tea for Madam Zhao might help her feel better."

Xiuqin helped Lady Zhao drink a few sips of tea, and gradually, Lady Zhao’s color started to return, and she no longer looked so ghastly pale.

Seeing Lady Zhao recover, Madam Qian quickly forced a smile and excused herself, "Now that Madam Zhao is well, you young ladies should hurry and take care of your mistress at home. I have matters to attend to at the inn."

Lady Zhao had yet to leave, and the Shopkeeper, unable to ease his concern, was about to ask Madam Qian to stay a bit longer, but then saw Lady Zhao grasping Madam Qian’s sleeve, pleading, "Madam Qian, could you stay a moment longer? I am fine, just got lost in my thoughts for a bit. I am truly alright. I would like to seek your advice again, could we have a few more words, please?"

Madam Qian tried to pull her sleeve away a couple of times but failed, clearly in a difficult position.

The Cloth Shopkeeper, however, didn’t dare to have them linger any longer and kept bowing his hands, "Two ladies, please allow me to host you at the teahouse across the street. I do business on behalf of my employer, and we still have trade to conduct here. Please, would you accommodate us just this once?"

Lady Zhao quickly stood, though her hand remained unloosened, "There’s no need for you to go to such expense, Shopkeeper." Then she turned to Madam Qian and continued, "Would it be alright if I treated you to tea? I really just want to ask you for some advice, nothing more."

The Shopkeeper also advised, "Madam Qian, it seems this lady is indeed in a rush. Why don’t you accompany her for a chat? I can vouch for you here. This madam is earnestly inviting you, seeking your advice on a matter."

Madam Qian, with Lady Zhao still tugging at her, reluctantly made her way across the street to a small tea house.

Xiuqin, supporting Lady Zhao, repeatedly tried to convince her to return home. At home, there was Old Master Qi, Lord Jiang, Miss Ye, each of whom was insightful and highly capable, no match for this Madam Qian.

But Lady Zhao, like a drowning person clutching at a straw, refused to let go, not giving Xiuqin any chance to speak up.