Unlike Wang Youbao’s proper demeanor, Li Wuyu was almost devoid of any feminine grace as she joyfully ran toward An Jing and Xiao Changyi.
As soon as she reached An Jing and Xiao Changyi, Li Wuyu asked cheerfully, "Why did Master and Dad come?"
An Jing watched her apprentice living so happily day by day and couldn’t help but smile, "We have something to discuss with you." She paused, "Let’s talk in the study."
When An Jing said this, both Wang Youbao and Li Wuyu sensed it must be something important and quickly led the way to the study, guiding An Jing and Xiao Changyi.
After Yu Erming brought in some tea and withdrew, closing the door from the outside, An Jing spoke, "Youbao, a few days ago, Chengyu mentioned that you have been studying well with the minister from the Ministry of Revenue and that you might be recommended for an official position by the Emperor earlier than expected. However, an official cannot also be a merchant. How do you plan to handle the profitable businesses registered under your name?"
Wang Youbao replied earnestly and honestly, "Regarding the rule that an official cannot be a merchant, my father-in-law reminded me of it at the end of last year, and he has already thought of a strategy for me. An official’s family can engage in small businesses to earn some private money. My father-in-law suggested that if I still want to conduct those businesses, it should be done under Wuyu’s name, claiming it as her earning private money."
An Jing couldn’t help but chuckle, "Small business? Earning private money? That private money must be quite a substantial amount."
Wang Youbao smiled awkwardly and admitted honestly, "I also think it’s a bit much. I am afraid others might become jealous and accuse me, so I discussed it with my father-in-law and decided to close all my other businesses, keeping only the Qian Wei Tavern that I operate with Master and Dad."
"Are you plotting against your Master and Dad?" An Jing found it even more amusing. "The Qian Wei Tavern is tied to your Master and Dad. Even if people are jealous, considering your Master and Dad, they wouldn’t dare accuse you... You see, am I right? That’s what you were planning, weren’t you?"
Wang Youbao, seeing that An Jing’s words were daunting but she wasn’t actually angry, didn’t feel scared and tensed up. Instead, he laughed and said, "Master isn’t completely right. I’ve put a lot of effort into Qian Wei Tavern, and if possible, I would still like to keep it running."
He paused, then Wang Youbao spoke in a very low voice, "The money Master and Dad have earned from the tavern has almost all been used to purchase rice stores. If the business of the tavern were to stop, it would affect Master and Dad’s big plans."
An Jing smiled with her lips curled up, her eyes filled with meaning: "How do you know we’ve used almost all that money to buy rice stores?"
She had never told Wang Youbao about the several rice stores her family owned. Logically, Wang Youbao should only know about the three rice stores they owned, which wouldn’t cost that much money.
Wang Youbao’s voice became even lower, "I heard it from my father-in-law. Many officials know that Master and Dad have opened many rice stores, and they’re speculating that Dad is plotting a rebellion, but they dare not report it. The Emperor is particularly fond of Dad, and if he doesn’t believe them, their outrage could cost them their heads. However, these officials are paying more attention to this matter and as soon as they have concrete evidence to prove Dad is plotting a rebellion, they will immediately report it to make the Emperor believe."
Seeing Wang Youbao being so honest, revealing his worry for her and her husband rather than intending to harm them, An Jing finally set her mind at ease and appreciated this apprentice, son-in-law, and friend even more.