Chapter 56: Who is the Master?

Gu Momo thought for a moment and spoke up, "Miss, should we discuss this matter with the Old Madam and the Master? Such a large amount of grain will not be a small sum."

Lin Jinyan laughed. "What? Am I no longer able to make decisions regarding my own mother's belongings?"

Gu Momo advised, "Of course you can make decisions, but it is truly a pity to lose such a large sum of silver for no reason. That is all your own money, is it not?"

Li Ru also added, "Indeed, Miss. It would be better to return to the manor and discuss this with the Old Madam and the Second Madam."

Lin Jinyan's smile faded slightly, and an aura of majesty radiated from her. Li Ru even averted his eyes when looking at her.

Lin Jinyan picked up her teacup, took a sip of water, and spoke in a calm tone, "This is my mother's dowry, originating from the Gu family; it has nothing to do with the Lin Manor. Now that I have come, it means I am taking over. In the future, there will be no need to trouble Grandmother, nor will there be any need for the people from the Second Branch to interfere. If Manager Li cannot distinguish who the owner is, I will personally inform my maternal grandfather and let him come to ask for your opinion himself."

Li Ru bowed and said in a panic, "I wouldn't dare trouble the Great General. I will simply follow your instructions, Miss. The reason I advised against it was only out of fear that you would suffer a loss, not out of disrespect."

Lin Jinyan withdrew her imposing aura and smiled. "I know you are doing this for my own good, but this money is truly a mere drop in the ocean compared to my mother's dowry. If it is lost, consider it a lesson learned; furthermore, distributing the grain to the common people at a low price can be seen as an act of charity. Let this matter remain between the three of us. Momo, do not say anything once we return to the manor."

Gu Momo complied. Li Ru frowned and said, "However, it won't be long before the monthly auditors arrive. How can I hide the purchase of so much grain?"

Lin Jinyan smiled. "You don't need to worry about that, Manager Li. Just focus on purchasing the old grain. When the auditors come next time, they will report to me."

Seeing the determined look in Lin Jinyan's eyes, Li Ru said no more.

With the matter settled, Li Ru respectfully saw them out. The master and servant then exited through the side door and returned to Xingyue Pavilion.

After asking Yu Niang to calculate the total price of the jewelry, Lin Jinyan smiled and said, "My apologies, Manager. I didn't bring enough cash with me. I will have my servant return to the manor to fetch it and bring it to you shortly."

Yu Niang smiled and said, "May I ask which manor you belong to? I can send someone to fetch it from you and then collect the money."

Lin Jinyan declined, saying, "It was my own oversight; I wouldn't want to trouble the Manager."

Having said that, she went to the carriage and instructed Lin Shun to return to the manor to get the silver. Lin Shun said with difficulty, "When my father left the house, he instructed me to look after Miss closely and not to wander off."

Lin Jinyan smiled. "There are so many servants here, not to mention Gu Momo. I am just looking around here and won't run off. What danger could there be in the peaceful capital of Taian? Just go and come back quickly."

After hesitating several times, Lin Shun agreed. He turned to instruct the attendants not to wander off and then hurried back to the Lin Manor.

Once Lin Shun was out of sight, Lin Jinyan said as if casually, "There seems to be a tea shop ahead. It's a good chance to buy some tea for Grandfather and Father. Drive the carriage to the side of the tea shop and wait for Lin Shun. Gu Momo and I will go in to buy the tea."

With that, she walked toward the shop with Gu Momo. Seeing this, the attendants quickly turned the carriage to follow closely behind.

Gu Momo said, "Miss, the tea shop will be crowded. You should just wait in the carriage; I will buy whatever kind of tea you want."

Lin Jinyan smiled. "Don't worry, Momo. The owner of the tea shop is a close friend of my second cousin. Both my grandfather and my uncle are on good terms with him, so it will be fine."

Gu Momo nodded. Upon reaching the entrance of the Buye Marquis's establishment, Lin Jinyan instructed the attendants to wait there after seeing them park the carriage, and then she led Gu Momo into the tea shop.

(End of Chapter)