The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1697 - 1691: Struck by a Windfall

After discussing Gu Zikai’s business, the conversation turned to Ninth Young Master Lee.

Song Chongjin always thought of giving him a hand, after all, they had years of friendship.

Back then, even though Ninth Young Master Lee had feelings for Wang Yongzhu, he never crossed the line. Especially after knowing the two got married, he behaved properly and never showed any interest again.

Not to mention, back then he also offered a lot of convenience to both him and Wang Yongzhu.

In recent years, he partnered with Wang Yongzhu in business, linking their interests even further.

It used to be that Ninth Young Master Lee, due to family reasons, had a personality that was hard to tolerate. But ever since he left the Lee Family, he has become a competent businessman.

Song Chongjin’s previous plan was to think that merchants are profit-driven, and it would be enough to provide Ninth Young Master Lee with sufficient benefits in the future as long as he became a competent merchant.

Just now, however, it seemed that Ninth Young Master Lee’s nature had not changed. He still had a sincere heart toward his friends.

This prompted Song Chongjin to think a bit more on behalf of him.

After being in business for so long, reaching the top would mean becoming an Imperial Merchant, perhaps reconstructing another Lee Family.

But back when Grand Ancestor was establishing the kingdom, the Lee Family dedicated their entire fortune to him. Thus, they had the privilege of his promise, so while the Lee Family was in business, they held a decent status.

Despite this, in recent years, successive emperors have subtly ostracized them, and they are not as prominent as they once were.

Even if Ninth Young Master Lee could surpass the Lee Family in the future, he might just become another Lee Family, or perhaps not even as good as the current Lee Family.

If it were anyone else, Song Chongjin wouldn’t be this concerned. But at that moment, seeing the situation, he couldn’t help but have a thought.

Previously, he intended for Ninth Young Master Lee to change his identity, to follow him as an attendant and observe, which was already very rare.

But today, he had another plan.

He thought he should ask for the person’s opinion.

He asked Ninth Young Master Lee if he ever considered taking this opportunity to go as a formal member of the negotiating team to negotiate with the people from the grassland.

If he could make great achievements, Song Chongjin could further recommend him and possibly secure a reward from the Emperor.

Regardless, if he could secure some idle position or title, his status would significantly rise.

This way, even if Ninth Young Master Lee were to seek marriage proposals in the future, it wouldn’t be as difficult because he left the Lee Family.

Back when he was still Ninth Young Master Lee, even though he was born of a concubine, with the Lee Family’s backing, he had the freedom to choose among daughters of middle-ranking officials, if not from noble families.

But after leaving the Lee Family, even though he later aligned with the Empress, those seeking marriage proposals were mostly daughters of merchant families. Even if there were daughters from official families, they were often fallen aristocrats looking to sell their daughters for a large dowry.

As a result, his marriage was delayed. Over the years, those his age have grown up, except Gu Zikai, who cannot marry early due to a master’s prophecy. Other family children have been able to run errands for quite some time.

The primary reason why Ninth Young Master Lee hasn’t married yet is that in the past, daughters from the families proposing to him weren’t even qualified to become his concubines.

Not to mention that his first emotional stir was for someone as extraordinary as Wang Yongzhu. With his narcissistic and proud nature, how could he settle for less?

So he’s been dragging it out; after all, having left the Lee Family, he has the peace of being unrestrained by others.

It’s not that he doesn’t want to improve his status, otherwise why would he have aligned with the Empress?

Though the Lee Family isn’t what it once was, their connections remain, especially with the Old Master of the Lee Family still there. If he secretly declared Ninth Young Master Lee a traitor, forbidding anyone to engage with him, those people wouldn’t want to offend the Old Master for his sake.

Moreover, even though he left the Lee Family, he still bears traces of the family’s mark, especially since the Old Master of the Lee Family is his father. A father has many ways to deal with his son. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

So even if the Empress harbored intentions, at that time she was merely the Imperial Noble Consort, without secure footing, and couldn’t interfere.

But if, as Song Chongjin suggested, he were to achieve merit, and Song Chongjin petitioned to the Emperor, he really might obtain an idle position.

No matter how idle or low the rank, having that status would completely change his future path.

Moreover, this path is honorable, without grounds for reproach.

Compared to previously trying to leverage the Empress’s power to seize a status, this comes across as much more dignified.

Ninth Young Master Lee didn’t expect that after envying Gu Zikai for having such a lucky break, he would also find himself unexpectedly blessed with such an opportunity.

Upon hearing Song Chongjin’s inquiry of willingness, he eagerly agreed. Such an opportunity, only a fool would refuse!

He nodded enthusiastically!

He too experienced the overwhelming emotion Gu Zikai must have felt, where words were insufficient to express gratitude and excitement.

It was Wang Yongzhu who noticed their excitement and gently led Song Chongjin out, leaving them to settle their emotions.

The two returned to the backyard, strolling leisurely in the courtyard.

Wang Yongzhu gazed at Song Chongjin with a complex expression: "After your words today, I dare say that Ninth Young Master Lee will be utterly devoted to you from now on!"

It serves mutual benefits, as Ninth Young Master Lee obtained what he desired, and Song Chongjin achieved his own goals.

Yet, joy was not apparent on Song Chongjin’s face, rather a hint of melancholy: "Back then, I was in a situation similar to Brother Li, besieged on all sides, having to rely solely on my own strength. I once thought, if only someone had extended a helping hand..."

He paused briefly before continuing: "Looking at him now, being able to lend Brother Li a hand is certainly my own strategic, selfish plan, but if back then someone had done so for selfish reasons, it would have been better than struggling alone. It shows at least there’s value in being used, that you can endure—"

Hearing this, Wang Yongzhu couldn’t help but grasp Song Chongjin’s hand, sincerely saying: "It’s all in the past! In the future, with me by your side, supporting you, guiding you—"

Song Chongjin’s expression softened, and he reciprocated Wang Yongzhu’s grasp. They walked slowly in the courtyard, holding hands, not speaking for a long while.

Inside, Gu Zikai and Ninth Young Master Lee took quite some time to calm down.

They exchanged a glance and congratulated each other with a smile.

In their exchanged glances, an understanding emerged. Regardless of Song Chongjin’s motives, his genuine sincerity today warranted their future alliance, following his lead.

This understanding was something only they needed to know, not for others.

As the two calmed down, they felt it would be inappropriate to stay in the study and headed out to find someone. Upon reaching the courtyard, they saw Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu, hand in hand, faces with gentle smiles, slowly strolling. Though no words were exchanged.

Yet the atmosphere between them was one outsiders couldn’t intrude upon.

Ninth Young Master Lee’s gaze shifted, he lowered his head, then looked up again with clear eyes, burying his final emotions deep within.