Chapter 463: Chapter 464, Discuss Nicely
"Look at you, where is your mind wandering off to!" Yun Zihan glared at Liao Shijie, irritated.
"I know your plan, among these people there must be a few capable ones. In the future, you want to secure a steady footing in the imperial court. Having the support of Prince Rui alone won’t suffice. But my dear husband, we only have so much silver. The revenue from the several estates we own will still take some time, and the money from the shop isn’t enough for our regular expenses, let alone for the scholars’ ink, paper, brushes, and inkstones—all of which cost a hefty sum. We still have more than two years to go, we must think of a solution!"
As Yun Zihan spoke, she hugged Liao Shijie’s neck, "Driving people away is the most unreliable option. Nowadays, before I step out, I have to check myself several times, just to make sure I don’t tarnish your reputation and jeopardize your future!"
"I have wronged you!" Liao Shijie embraced his delicate wife tightly.
He was fortunate to have married such a flower-like beauty—a wife who always put him first and held him dear in her heart.
"Nonsense, it’s me who has cultivated lifetimes to marry a husband as perfect as you. You mustn’t belittle yourself. I’m still waiting for you to earn me a noble title!"
Speaking of the noble title, Yun Zihan thought of her grandmother at home.
Even someone like her now had the title of a venerable lady—a real twist of fate.
Looking at his coy and slightly irritated wife, Liao Shijie felt a warmth spreading through his chest, holding Yun Zihan in a tender and passionate embrace.
Afterward, as they lay close together, "My dear husband, with the return of your fourth sister soon, what do you think of me opening a rouge shop with her?"
"Fourth sister?" Liao Shijie suddenly remembered that girl with the tranquil eyes who glanced at him indifferently, causing him to sweat profusely and to be afraid of even breathing too loudly.
He had almost forgotten her, but now that Yun Zihan mentioned it, he remembered.
"Your fourth sister is a formidable one. Be sure to spend more time with her when the time comes. As for those people in your family, once your aunt leaves the house, you should cut them off if you can!"
Yun Zihan was deeply moved, "My dear husband, what you said makes perfect sense, but it’s not easy for my aunt to leave the house overnight. We need to plan this carefully over the long term!"
"Hmm, we’re spending more than we’re bringing in. I still have some silver here, let’s use it for now. The crop from the estates will be ready soon; we won’t sell it but rather keep it for our own use, and also plant crops suitable for winter. The tenants will surely agree!"
"The silver you have should be used for your own purposes. Even though we’re spending more than we’re earning, I will surely find a way. But my dear husband, since we are struggling financially, should we inform your friends from our hometown?"
"Absolutely not. The food on the table can stay the same in variety, but we can slightly reduce the portion sizes. If they’re smart, they’ll notice. Then we’ll see who suggests leaving and who pretends not to know and continues to stay for more handouts. We just need to be aware!"
"If they don’t have silver because they’re too proud to stick around, you must keep them, my dear husband. If they have money and still harbour the thought of freeloading, it’s quite depressing to think about!"
Yun Zihan was still courteous and attentive to those students, only slightly reducing the portion sizes of the food.
There were indeed those who spent their time immersed in the Sages’ Books, oblivious to the world outside.
There were also those who noticed the signs and offered to leave. Liao Shijie honestly shared the true state of their household and was even more willing for them to stay. If they could just get through this period, once the harvest from the estates was in, they could make it through.
The situation wasn’t great, but it wasn’t disastrous either.
It was certainly better than being outside with not enough clothes and food.
Someone suggested cutting back on a few dishes, and that having meat just once every few days would be fine.