On July 30, the day after Yan Zhigao was imprisoned, Yan Wenxiu, having no choice because the Provincial Governor Yuan refused to see him, went to the Su Family and asked Su San, the Advisor, to help arrange a meeting.
Su San didn’t make any excuses and readily agreed to help.
During the conversation, Old Master Su also offered to help collect 20,000 dan of grain.
Yan Wenxiu was overjoyed to hear this, "Many thanks to Elder for the assistance. However, Governor Yuan has set a three-day deadline to collect 100,000 dan of military provisions, which is quite burdensome. This time, I seek Uncle’s help also to gain more time."
Old Master Su frowned, "The Yuan Family has become more domineering in recent years ever since they had a consort enter the Imperial Court and the Fifth Prince began taking part in court affairs."
As he spoke, he turned to Su San, "Do your best to mediate." Then, he looked at Yan Wenxiu, "Young Master Yuan, being the youngest of the Yuan Family, acts without restraint. You mustn’t place all your hopes on him, Yan Wenxiu. You still need to gather the military provisions as quickly as possible by other means."
Yan Wenxiu nodded, "Thank you for the reminder, Elder."
Soon after, Yan Wenxiu left with Su San.
After the two had departed, Madam Su emerged from behind the screen and looked at Old Master Su with concern, "Why has the Yan Family come under the Yuan Family’s scrutiny?"
Old Master Su appeared unruffled, "Don’t worry, the Yan Family will be fine. Over the years, Yan Zhigao has established some connections in Zhongzhou. Gathering 100,000 dan of military provisions is only a matter of time."
"As for the Yuan Family, they might be the ones in trouble. I really don’t understand why Old Master Yuan would let such a son hold an official post. Isn’t that asking for trouble?"
Wentao and his brother Wenkai are now thousand-household officers of the Jinling Guard. If they distinguish themselves on the Northern Frontier, their prospects will be boundless.
Targeting the Yan Family at a time , with the personality of those two young men, they will certainly set their sights on the Yuan Family in the future."
Which illustrious family, over generations, doesn’t have its dirty secrets? Just wait and see, once they attract the attention of the Jinling Guard, they’ll have their bitter fruit to eat.
Poor Fifth Prince, who knows how he might get dragged down by this mess.
Seeing her husband so confident, Madam Su also felt reassured.
Elsewhere, Yan Wenxiu and Su San were hurrying to the Governor’s Office when they encountered Feng Hao, who was still visiting the provincial office.
The mother of Han Xinran and the father of Feng Hao were first cousins. Han Xinran had Feng Hao as part of her wedding party when she married into the Yan Family and he spent some time living at the Yan Residence before, so Yan Wenxiu was fairly familiar with him.
After greeting each other, Feng Hao noticed Yan Wenxiu’s urgency and said directly, "I heard about your uncle’s troubles. While I can’t be of much help, I do know several merchant caravans. I can assist you in collecting some grain for the emergency."
Upon hearing this, Yan Wenxiu promptly expressed his thanks, "Many thanks."
Afterward, Feng Hao accompanied Yan Wenxiu and Su San to the Governor’s Office.
Upon their arrival, they saw Yan Shouhou and Butler Sun anxiously waiting there.
Seeing Yan Wenxiu, Yan Shouhou ran over excitedly, "Elder Brother, the 100,000 dan of grain that Sister has already had me transport here, let’s hurry and get Father out."
Yan Wenxiu was stunned for a few seconds, then suddenly smacked his own head.
Indeed, he had become confused in his urgency, seeking help from outsiders to gather grain, completely overlooking his own sister.
No wonder his younger brother always called him old-fashioned, his father in trouble, he instinctively disregarded the women in the household, never even considering consulting them.
Advisor Su and Feng Hao, who stood nearby, exchanged looks upon hearing this.
Well, their charity was no longer needed.
At the same time, both were impressed by the magnanimity of the Yan Family’s eldest daughter, who could provide 100,000 dan of grain at a moment’s notice.
Butler Sun didn’t forget Daohua’s instruction, and he quietly said to Yan Wenxiu, "Elder Brother, if Governor Yuan deliberately makes it difficult, you can remind him that our family already reported the potato matter to the Imperial Court last year."
Hearing this, Yan Wenxiu’s eyes sparkled as he began to understand why Governor Yuan targeted their family.
With the grain now secured and knowing the reason behind Governor Yuan’s targeting of his father, Yan Wenxiu felt bolstered as he entered the Governor’s Office with Advisor Su and Feng Hao.
Meanwhile, back at the Yan Residence,
Daohua had lunch with Old Madam Yan and Madam Li, comforting them when she saw Wang Manman signal her and promptly made an excuse to leave, "What’s the matter?"
Wang Manman, "Cao Chuan and Bald have returned."
Daohua nodded and went to the Water Pavilion near the Chuihua Gate to meet them.