After Rebirth, She Becomes the Revenge Queen
Chapter 108 - 107: How come you fancy a merchant’s daughter?

Chapter 108: Chapter 107: How come you fancy a merchant’s daughter?

After saying farewell to Pei Zhan, Fu Zhen returned directly to the mansion.

Mrs. Ning had surprisingly already returned and was sitting in the room, fuming. As soon as she saw Fu Zhen walk in, she said, "This Third Madam Du is really unreliable. We had already agreed on the matter, but she went back on her word!"

Fu Zhen was taken aback: "She refuses to reconcile?"

"Not that," Mrs. Ning replied, "Contrary to my expectations, the Du Family was very easy to deal with on this matter. I stated our intention, your father apologized, made amends, and brought Mrs. Liu inside, and they did not make things difficult for us. Since they didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, they didn’t send Mrs. Liu to prison. After reprimanding Mrs. Liu, they discussed compensation with your father."

"If not that, then what is it?"

"The annulment of the engagement!"

Mrs. Ning straightened up, "After the compensation was settled, I brought up the annulment. Who would’ve thought that Third Madam Du would dodge the issue, alternatively asking what you like to eat or what you like to wear and play with. I hinted several times for her to handle the matter, but she kept saying there’s no rush, no rush. What could she mean by that?"

Fu Zhen was also puzzled upon hearing this; it didn’t make sense!

The Third Madam Du initially didn’t want to marry into this engagement. After innocently getting embroiled in the incident yesterday, she was determined to sever this marriage agreement. Now that they have proactively proposed this matter, they should readily agree!

What is the purpose of this stalling?

She asked, "So what was the final outcome?"

"In the end, I just stated it clearly, suggesting that we might as well get a witness to resolve this matter. Yet, Third Madam Du said she had to carefully consider whom to invite as a witness and would speak of it once she thought it through."

"How can this be acceptable?"

Fu Zhen slapped the table in frustration. After such effort to reach this point, how could there be a hiccup on the Du Family’s end?

"Zhang Cheng, help me send an invitation to the Du Family! I invite Third Madam Du to tea at the West Lake Building!"

...

Zhang Cheng quickly delivered the invitation to the Du Family. Third Madam Du gleefully told Du Su, "See, didn’t I say so? I knew once Mrs. Ning returned, Miss Fu would definitely reach out to me."

Du Su, full of confusion, asked, "But this Fu Jun parted ways with his wife, and Miss Fu is following her mother. In the future, it’s unclear whether she’ll bear the surname Fu or Ning. If it’s Ning, then she’s entirely a merchant’s daughter. Why are you suddenly interested in her?"

"You wouldn’t understand!" Third Madam Du shot him a glance, "Women understand other women in a way that’s only comprehensible and can’t be expressed clearly in words. Even if I explain it to you, you wouldn’t get it!"

Du Su stood up with a laugh, "Alright then, whether you’re against the engagement or want it, it’s your decision. Just don’t make things awkward by fawning over them and end up embarrassing yourself with another stunt!"

"Just keep your worries to yourself!"

Third Madam Du dismissively sent him off. After a moment of contemplation, she joyfully called a maidservant over and said, "Go give a reply to Miss Fu that I’m still feeling unwell these couple of days and must rest first. I will answer her invitation the day after tomorrow."

The maidservant was puzzled: "Didn’t Madam eagerly await Miss Fu’s approach? Why delay until the day after tomorrow now?"

"You don’t get it either!" Third Madam Du rolled her eyes, "Miss Fu is meticulous. If everything went according to her steps, I would just be led by the nose. I have to stall for two days, and when she’s impatient, I’ll be in a better position to negotiate with her!"

Third Madam Du’s head wasn’t just for show; she could see that Fu Zhen was headstrong. All the actions she took yesterday were just to bid for some level of discourse.

The truth is, this marriage agreement couldn’t be easily struck or broken at will, but her actions did show sincerity. When she mentioned the annulment upon leaving, it was merely to express her intentions.

Though Third Madam Du wouldn’t admit her family’s shortcomings, she believed deep down that a girl like Fu Zhen wouldn’t schemingly cling to a marriage agreement.

If she responded to the invitation now, Fu Zhen was sure to swiftly annul the marriage. Third Madam Du had no doubt about her competence and determination.

Upon receiving Third Madam Du’s response, Fu Zhen found her exceedingly troublesome. If not for the overly significant consequences of directly approaching their residence, she wouldn’t tolerate this behavior!

Fortunately, there were numerous affairs at home that urgently needed attention, so she let it go for now.

That afternoon, she efficiently handled the relocation of Fu Jun and his mother’s household, then gathered all the servants in the house alongside Mrs. Ning, scrutinizing them thoroughly. She brought the last time’s human teeth merchant, selling off some and buying in others, equivalent to a thorough overhaul.

The following day, Mrs. Ning summoned Manager Su and several key sub-managers who managed the Ning Family’s businesses within and outside the capital city to formally introduce them to Fu Zhen, the young head of the family.

Fu Zhen didn’t say much else, merely asking them to help keep an eye on Fu Jun and to monitor the capital’s political climate. The Ning Family’s contacts were old and reputable big shops, with many interactions with the city’s nobility, serving as a hub of information.

Manager Su, perceptive and composed, immediately sensed Fu Zhen’s intent to gather intelligence and suggested opening an eatery in the capital, making information gathering easier and more efficient.

Mrs. Ning readily agreed: "This idea matches mine precisely. I’ve had this thought for years but never got around to it.

"Although we have many shops in the capital, most are involved with trade and goods, lacking a fixed location as a base. When people from the south enter the capital for reporting, they have nowhere to stay.

"It’s best to open a restaurant that also runs an inn. In the future, when we conduct audits or business talks, this place will be the venue."

Both employer and employees reached an immediate accord and began planning without delay.

By the morning of the third day, Fu Zhen received a large stack of potential new shop locations delivered by Manager Su.

After reviewing twice, she directed Zhang Cheng to send another invitation to the Du Family.

This time, Third Madam Du did not dare to delay further and responded immediately, agreeing to meet at the West Lake Building in two hours.

Fu Zhen had Yang Tong reserve a private room and then tidied herself up to head out.

As she stepped into the main entrance of the West Lake Building, over at the Liang Family, Liang Chen was already dressed and seated in the carriage, dispatching someone for the third time to urge Liang Zhi.

"The appointed time has already arrived, how much longer will he dilly-dally?! Such a fuss over everything for a man!"

"Here he comes!"

As Liang Chen’s complaints ceased, a tall and slender young man with a long sword at his waist strode out briskly.

His bright eyes were full of smiles, dimples on his cheeks brimming with mischief: "Can you blame me? It’s not like your son’s too clingy, only until I coaxed him into going bird nest hunting did I manage to get away!"