After being jilted, the entire neighboring village was filled with deep regret.

Putting aside the entanglements between their family and the Mo family, Granny Zhang had to admit that Xiong Feng was truly a young prodigy, almost without any flaws, and that most women would not be worthy of such a young man.

Mrs. Niu frowned. "Really not a single one? Aren't there many educated people in your village? I've heard there are even girls who can read and write. I would be very happy if my grandson married a girl from a family of farmers and scholars."

After listening for a while, Shen Xi finally understood, "The old lady wants to find a wife for her brother, the county magistrate, in our village."

"Smart! But could you please not call me Madam?" While pleased, Madam Niu was also somewhat disappointed, thinking to herself that this child really didn't want to be associated with her.

Granny Zhang immediately spoke up, "Xi'er, call her Grandma."

Shen Xi glanced at Granny Zhang and obediently called her "Grandma".

Mrs. Niu instantly beamed with joy, "Good, good, good! That's a beautiful sound!"

Overjoyed, she lost another piece of her magnificent jewelry.

Granny Zhang quickly stopped her, "Madam, please don't give her anything more. She can't even fit all the things you gave her that day in her dowry! Besides, you've just returned, and you still have many expenses to make."

Not only had the Niu family investigated the Shen family, but Shen Dalang had also inquired about the Xiong family. Granny Zhang had some idea about the Xiong family's situation. Even though Xiong Feng was now an official, his roots were still there. Moreover, Xiong Feng had always been in the capital, so he certainly didn't have many opportunities to amass wealth, and his family's assets must be limited.

Madam Niu, however, did not take it seriously and casually said, "My son left us some money, and over the years my grandson has partnered with others to do some small business in the capital. We still have some savings."

She didn't say exactly what she was going to do, and Granny Zhang didn't ask either.

Shen Xi accepted the gift and thanked them politely.

As they were talking, Xiong Feng, riding a horse at full speed, appeared outside Granny Zhang's house.

"Grandma, why did you leave without saying a word?"

Mrs. Niu gave a disgruntled snort, "I told you to get married, but you wouldn't listen. I don't like being with you!"

Xiong Feng was at his wits' end, seeing Shen Xi looking at him curiously.

His gaze softened instantly, and he squatted down to ask, "Xi'er, would you like to welcome us as guests?"

Everyone turned to look at Shen Xi.

Shen Xi pursed her lips and nodded honestly, fiddling with the jewelry that Madam Niu had given her, "It was from Grandma."

Xiong Feng was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, "You're really honest!"

Granny Zhang looked surprised and gently patted Shen Xi. "This child is joking. The old lady is worried about her husband's marriage and wanted to come to our village to inquire. Unfortunately, this old woman is not knowledgeable enough to help. The only person who can help the old lady is probably Su Tai."

Upon hearing this name, the smile on Niu's face gradually froze.

Shen Xicui said crisply, "My aunt is amazing. She knows everything, can do everything, and has a lot of experience. Most importantly, she has a good eye for people! She's still in the village now, but she'll be going to the capital in a few months."

Upon hearing this, Niu couldn't help but let her mind wander.

Xiong Feng pondered for a moment and said, "Cong Rong and I are close friends, and Madam Shen is also an elder. It is indeed inappropriate that I haven't seen her since I came back. I'll go and pay my respects to Madam Shen." "Feng'er." Madam Niu looked worried.

She had no good feelings towards Su Tai, or rather, she disliked Su Tai. Initially, she looked down on Su Tai because of her simple-mindedness. Later, Su Tai recovered, but the two families fell out and the marriage was called off.

She chose Mo Chunxiang as her daughter-in-law, and Su Tai married Shen Yi. She always thought that her son's life would be prosperous and that Shen Yi would be dragged down by Su Tai. But the opposite was true. Her son and daughter-in-law's lives were a mess, while Shen Yi became rich after marrying Su Tai.

It would be a lie to say I don't regret it; this regret is mixed with some jealousy and resentment.

But she also had pride and cared about her reputation. In front of outsiders, she always praised Mo Chunxiang and told everyone that Mo Chunxiang was the best. As a result, she was slapped in the face by Mo Chunxiang and could only watch helplessly as Shen Yi and Su Tai rose to power step by step.

Even now that Xiong Feng has become a county magistrate, his family still cannot compare with Shen Yi's family.

In addition, she knew about what Xiong Kai had done out of jealousy towards Shen Yi, and she couldn't guarantee that the couple wouldn't take their anger out on Xiong Feng.

Xiong Feng gave Madam Niu a reassuring smile, "Grandmother, it's alright, I'll go by myself."

"No! I'll go with you!" Niu Shi took a deep breath and gritted her teeth.

Shen Xihuan happily pulled Granny Zhang along, "Let's go too, I want to go talk to Sister Yuezhang."

The group arrived at Su Tai's house.

In the large main room, Su Tai looked at Xiong Feng, who was bowing to her, and said calmly, "Get up. You've been in office for over a month, and you should be busy with official duties. Why did you suddenly come to the village today?"

Xiong Feng replied respectfully, "Grandmother came to see Xi'er. I only rushed over after receiving the news. I heard that Aunt has not yet set off, so I came to pay my respects."

Su Tai's smile deepened. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Are you settling in alright since you're new here?"

Xiong Feng nodded. "There haven't been many changes in the county government officials, and they've all worked with my uncle and Lord Lu for many years, so there haven't been any obstacles for Yongzhang and me taking over."

Su Tai thought for a moment and reminded her, "The officials in the county government are not the problem. What you should worry about are the local gentry and wealthy households. The relationships between the major families in the county town are very complicated. Since the relocation incident, the major families have been forming an alliance and are not very friendly to the government."

Lord Lu and my husband have supported many small merchants over the years in order to weaken the power of the big ones. If they are allowed to grow stronger, it will be very detrimental to the government.

This also involves various aspects such as grain and land. I've been organizing some things these past few days, which I originally intended to give to Yongzhang when I left. Since you're here today, take them back and let Yongzhang see them first. If there's anything unclear, you can discuss it with the officials in the county government. If there are any problems with the merchants, you can seek help from the Pu family in Dahe Town and the Ma family in Moshi Town.”

Upon hearing this, Xiong Feng's expression became even more respectful. He bowed and nodded, "Thank you, Auntie. However, I am a little puzzled as to why we should seek out the Pu and Ma families for business matters? Can these two families rival the powerful families in the county?"

Su Tai sneered, "Who asked you to resist? Which is better, standing out alone or blooming with a hundred flowers? The Pu family is the number one family in Dahe Town. If nothing unexpected happens, they will be united with the Lu family through marriage. When Lord Lu is promoted to prefect, no one will dare to offend the Pu family. Most importantly, the Pu family is honest and fair in their dealings."

Cooperating with them is like adding wings to a tiger. If we promote those merchants whose backgrounds are unknown or who have big ambitions, it is very likely that we are raising wolves and asking for trouble.

The Ma family is the largest in Moshi Town. The current manager, Ma Xingteng, has a good relationship with my husband. He is also a shrewd and perceptive person. He is cautious, flexible, not very ambitious, and knows how to adapt to changing circumstances.

There are a few more left, and I've noted them down in detail. They might be of some help to you. Also, a word of advice: don't set foot in the garrison's territory, and don't interfere in the coal mine matters. If anything involves the garrison, contact Commander Xue immediately; he will handle it. This is the most appropriate course of action. (End of Chapter)