Wanjin Lady

Chapter 231 Running Around
In addition, Cheng Yunzhang had mentioned that his junior sister had just lost her husband, and judging from her appearance, she probably came to Bozhou to save her father right after giving birth.

This reminded the old lady of her own youth, when she also struggled to make a living while raising her children, enduring countless scornful looks and suspicions. The hardships she had faced were probably best known to this young woman, except perhaps to her.

Because of her resilient character, the matriarch of the elders also began to look at Wenwan with new respect.

“We are both in the winemaking business, but you are much better than me. You became the head of the winery at a young age. This year’s sensational Ruiguo syrup in Bozhou... caught my Wulang off guard.”

Wen Wan composed herself, but seeing that the old lady's face showed no anger, she was unsure what to do.

She had already heard Feng Shuigen mention on the way that the Yuan family's status as a tribute wine was in jeopardy this year, so they were busy transforming their business, and Yuan Wulang was in charge of making new wine.

Yuan Family's new wine, Jinjiangchun, is an improved version of Changchun traditional wine, with a mellow and slightly sweet taste, making it more suitable for young people. Although Ruiguo Jiang changed the way of brewing wine with yeast, she hadn't expected the Wen and Yuan families to clash again at the wine-making conference.

Could it be that the third branch of the Yuan family framed the cheap father?

Or... did the Yuan family never give up on the Wen family's winery?

Sure enough, Wen Wan noticed that Cheng Yunzhang's expression darkened slightly, clearly indicating that he had the same thought as her.

“But young people can’t have everything go smoothly. Let him suffer some losses... so he’ll know how difficult it is to do business and how to deal with it next time. If he can’t even handle the difficulties in Bozhou, how can we expect him to expand his business to more distant places in the future?”

Wen Wan smiled gently and said, "Fifth Master Yuan, you don't blame me?"

"Although that child is proud and arrogant, he will understand in time."

Wenwan seemed to be thinking about something.

The matriarch had no more doubts. "Since you and Xiuwen have something to talk about, I won't disturb you." She then smiled and took Wenwan's hand. "Since we're family, let's not be formal. There's no need to rush about your father's matter. If there's anything the Yuan family can help with, just let me know."

Wen Wan quickly added, "Once Father's matter is settled, I will definitely visit you, Madam. It's quite a coincidence that our families are both in the winemaking business, and Madam and I hit it off immediately. I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about."

These words made the matriarch beam with joy, and she no longer suspected any illicit affair between the two.

After all, one was a promising scholar, and the other was a widowed merchant's daughter who had just given birth. The two were completely different, separated by numerous social statuses and ethical barriers. Cheng Yunzhang couldn't possibly be that confused.

Just then, Cheng Yunzhang spoke up, "Mother, my junior sister and I have finished our conversation and it's time for us to go home. It's not far from here, I'll accompany you back."

After the mother and son left, Wen Wan secretly scolded herself for being careless. Judging from the old man's aggressive demeanor at the beginning, he probably thought that Cheng Yunzhang was having an affair with a woman.

Now that I think about it again, Cheng Yunzhang will be passing the imperial examination next year, and he will probably be getting married within this year. Now that the enemy is in the dark while she is in the light, if someone finds fault with her and her senior brother and pins it on them with trumped-up charges, they will both be doomed.

Moreover, the old lady's last two sentences... sounded somewhat like a warning.

The matriarch of the Yuan family said that she would ask the Yuan family for help if she needed anything, but she did not mention asking her senior brother for help.

Wen Wan made up her mind to avoid involving Cheng Yunzhang in the future.

“Young lady…” Liu Yiyi opened her mouth, clearly wanting to talk about the old lady’s affairs, but was interrupted by Wen Wan as soon as she spoke, “Mother, tomorrow we will go to see the three children left behind by Widow Wang.” Liu Yiyi frowned, “Those three children are very disgusted with our Wen family, especially her eldest son, who is already a sensible half-grown boy. As soon as he sees me, he chases me with a broom.”

Wen Wan smiled and said, "Wouldn't it be fine if we just didn't let him know I'm a member of the Wen family?"

That makes sense.

But what could those three children possibly know?

The next morning, Chen Ma went out first to find a suitable wet nurse and a house.

Feng Shuigen left Bozhou with several brothers. Before leaving, Wen Wan asked him to bring back two hundred taels of silver to Mei Qing for the winery's working capital.

Wen Wan first fed the twins, and then took Liu Yiyi and Master Tu to the east side of Qingyi Alley to look for someone.

Because of its proximity to the market, Qingyi Lane is home to a diverse mix of people, including long-term residents and short-term renters who change every few days. Widow Wang, raising three children alone, was short of money and could only afford to rent a small side room in the corner.

According to Liu Yiyi, the landlord was short of money, so he rented one of the rooms to Widow Wang and her four children.

Wen Wan found it strange, "It's been more than three months since Widow Wang died. How come this child is still living right under this family's nose?"

Liu Yiyi said, "I asked, and they said it's a one-year long-term lease, so it's still a long way off. I guess this family is a kind one and wouldn't want to bully three children."

“A widow who died a violent death left behind three hot potatoes. Anyone would find that unlucky. They’re just three children. We can find a way to kick them out.” Wen Wan was suspicious. Back when Lü Ping died, the servants didn’t even dare to enter Lü Ping’s room. Even people who were familiar with her were so cold-hearted. How much more so when Widow Wang was just renting someone’s courtyard? Where did the two families get any deep affection?
“Mother, go and ask the owner of this house. I’m going to see the three children.”

The two split up and acted separately.

Upon entering the small house, Wen Wan saw two children, one about ten years old, carrying a five- or six-year-old child on his back. Although the older child was thin and bony, he looked quite energetic. Their clothes were also clean, indicating that Widow Wang had not suffered much after her death.

The younger one, however, looked thin and pale, and sickly.

However, the eldest son of Widow Wang was nowhere to be seen.

The two children became alert as soon as they saw strangers in the house. Although the young woman in front looked fair and refined, the tall and burly Master Tu behind her looked fierce.

Widow Wang's second son quickly shielded his younger brother behind him, like a mother hen protecting her chicks, and angrily questioned her: "Who are you? Why have you broken into my house?"

Wen Wan smiled and said, "You must be Awen? This is your younger brother, Ashui?"

The little boy tilted his head, full of curiosity, and couldn't help but feel a little fondness for this pretty young woman. "You...you recognize me?"

“Your mother and I were old acquaintances. Back when we were in Jue County, she often helped me with embroidery. After your younger brother was born, she said she wanted to earn more money to support you all, so she moved to Bozhou with the three of you brothers.”

Wen Wan grabbed a handful of candied winter melon and sweet snacks from Master Tu and stuffed them into the hands of the two little boys. Then she unleashed her ultimate weapon, "I even held you when you were little!"