Chapter 164: If You Ask, I Might Be Able to Make an Exception

Wen Xiuyi observed the expressions of his parents before turning to Wen Yao and calling out, "Yao Yao."

Wen Yao made an "OK" gesture, understood instantly, and began digging into her purse.

"Brother, here is ten taels for you." Wen Yao placed a ten-tael silver ingot directly in front of Wen Nong.

Wen Nong looked at Wen Yao and Wen Xiuyi in surprise, his eyes reddening. "Uncle."

"Oh, we’re all family. Take this money first and secure that shop. Remember, you must pick a good location. Since there aren't many people setting up shops yet, strike while the iron is hot; the success of a business often depends on its location," Wen Xiuyi advised.

"Yes, yes," Wen Nong nodded repeatedly.

Li-shi and Wen Xiuzhu exchanged a glance. Li-shi spoke up, "Wen Nong, write an IOU for your uncle. Eldest brother, let’s consider this money a loan."

"Loan? What loan? If you keep acting like this, I’m going to start settling accounts with you. Think of all the money of yours I’ve spent since I was a child." Wen Xiuyi put on an angry face. "Fine, let’s settle those accounts then."

Seeing that he was genuinely upset, Wen Xiuzhu quickly interjected, "Eldest brother, that’s not what I meant."

He truly hadn't meant it that way.

Watching his younger brother’s eyes turn red with anxiety, Wen Xiuyi sighed and looked to Old Man Wen and Mother Luo for help.

Mother Luo looked at both sides and said, "Eldest, treat this money as a loan to Wen Nong. Let him pay you back once he earns his own money. Don't refuse. Once Wen Nong secures this shop, it belongs to him alone and has nothing to do with anyone else in this family, so you must take the IOU."

The old lady’s words settled the matter. Even if Wen Xiuyi didn't mind, he had to accept it.

"Alright then. Nong, no rush, pay it back slowly," Wen Xiuyi conceded, yielding to his mother.

Wen Nong nodded repeatedly. After taking the silver, writing the IOU, and pressing his fingerprint on it, the money was his. As for whether Wen Nong would actually pay it back in the future, Wen Xiuyi didn't really care; even if he didn't, he wouldn't say a word.

With the shop matter settled, the family finished their meal and returned to their respective homes.

***

After sending the three younger ones off to study and instructing Datou to keep a close eye on his two brothers, Wen Xiuyi sat in the courtyard with his son and daughter to discuss their grand plan.

"The Magistrate is quite far-sighted. When I was running my stall at the pier, I noticed that while there were many people coming and going in Yunwu Town, the pier itself was chaotic and unsightly. It’s a good thing he’s renovating it; if done well, it will surely attract even more people," Wen Xiuyi remarked.

Wen Jun thought back to the state of the pier and nodded. Now that he was studying medicine under Dr. Jin, he was almost entirely focused on his books and felt a bit guilty for not being able to help with the family affairs.

"Father, the family is so busy now. Should I tell my master that I’ll come home for a while to help out?" Wen Jun suggested.

Wen Xiuyi immediately shot that down. "Absolutely not! You focus on your medical studies. You are the family’s greatest hope. One day, when you become a famous divine doctor, it will bring great honor to your father. Don’t worry about the house; your sister and I have it covered."

Wen Xiuyi knew what his son was thinking. He patted Wen Jun on the shoulder; between men, a single look was enough.

Wen Jun bit his lip, moved, and silently began to wonder how he could use his knowledge to help the family.

The fact that the three of them had arrived in this world together was their greatest advantage. Wen Yao, unable to stand the mushy atmosphere, interrupted, "Father, I think Wen Nong makes a good point. Why don't we also secure a few shops at the pier while there's still a chance? Think about it: who knows how Yunwu Town will develop? That pier is the only way into town by water; it might become worth its weight in gold. Strike first, Father."

No matter the era, property was the key to success. Wen Yao knew this well. With shops costing only ten taels now, they might be worth a hundred in the future.

Wen Xiuyi’s eyes lit up at the reminder. "That's right! Why didn't I think of that?"

Wen Yao smiled triumphantly. "It’s all thanks to me! Hehe, Father, go with Wen Nong tomorrow. The Magistrate knows you; perhaps he’ll give us a prime location."

Wen Xiuyi twitched his lips. The Magistrate didn't "know" him—it was all due to the influence of Shopkeeper Qiu and Dr. Jin. Still, the idea of getting a shop was definitely viable.

"Alright, I’ll go. How many should we get?" Wen Xiuyi asked.

Wen Yao pondered for a moment. "If they are large, maybe five. If they're small, I think we could manage eight or ten."

***

With money in hand, they felt no panic. Even if they didn't use the shops themselves, renting them out would provide a steady income.

Wen Xiuyi laughingly tapped her on the head. "You don't have much experience, but you certainly talk big! Eight or ten shops? The pier is being renovated, so the prices are low, and there will definitely be many people wanting them. I'll go check the situation tomorrow. If there's a rule limiting families to one, we'll start with one."

"Fine."

The next day, Wen Xiuyi took Wen Nong into town to the county office. After stating his name, it wasn't long before they were brought in to see the Magistrate.

Magistrate Chen was extremely warm upon seeing Wen Xiuyi.

"Ah, the Scholar Wen! I was just wondering who would come to see me at a time like this."

Wen Xiuyi cupped his hands in a bow, and Wen Nong quickly followed suit. Magistrate Chen nodded and invited Wen Xiuyi to sit. "Scholar Wen, what brings you here today?"

Wen Xiuyi didn't beat around the bush. "Magistrate Chen, I won't waste your time. I heard from my nephew that you intend to renovate the pier area."

Magistrate Chen was a shrewd man and immediately understood his intent. He smiled. "That is indeed the plan. While our Yunwu Town isn't huge, it’s quite prosperous with all the travelers. The pier has been filthy and disorganized for years, which ruins our image. Hence, I decided to renovate it. Why? Does Scholar Wen have some thoughts on the matter?"

Wen Xiuyi replied modestly, "I wouldn't dare suggest anything before you, sir. I only heard from my nephew that one can pay to build shops there, so I wanted to ask how the process works."

"Hahaha," Magistrate Chen laughed. "So that’s it! It’s simple—just go to the clerk’s office and register. As long as no one else has claimed a spot, you can choose whichever you like."

Wen Xiuyi nodded, leaned in slightly, and asked, "May I ask, sir, how many shops is a single family allowed to secure?"

Magistrate Chen raised an eyebrow, understanding perfectly. Everyone who had come to see him the past two days was asking the same thing. He replied honestly, "Technically, a family is limited to one. However... if Scholar Wen is asking, I suppose I could make an exception."