"Honglian, I really can’t keep you in my house. Your parents have said they’re afraid that my exposure might affect your good reputation."

Tong Huaqiong refused directly.

Gu Honglian, unwilling to give up, said: "Sister-in-law, I’m not staying for free. I can work in your shop. I heard Gu Xiaocao and Qingyou’s wife both work there; I can work too. I won’t ask for a salary, just let me stay at your place. Sister-in-law, I really don’t want to squeeze in with them at the old house."

Tong Huaqiong, with a stern face, said: "Work in my shop? You’ve always been lazy; you don’t even wash a bowl at home, and now you expect to work in my shop? Honglian, let me be honest. Your sister-in-law once nursed you, regarded you as a daughter, but that doesn’t mean I’m your mother, obligated to feed you lavishly and cater to your demands."

"That’s impossible. You have your own parents. If you want something, ask them. If they can’t provide, that’s your fate. You can’t just find another ’mom’ to ask for things because your parents can’t satisfy you. Don’t bring up these requests again. It’s easy for you to say ’living lavishly.’ How long have I really lived lavishly myself?"

Gu Honglian, with tears in her eyes, covered her face and ran out crying.

This little sister-in-law, Tong Huaqiong feels more aversion than affection for her.

It’s not that Tong Huaqiong is prejudiced against her, but under the influence of both Mr. Gu and Mrs. Gu, she simply couldn’t make a change like Gu Taohua.

Since she arrived at Qinghe Bay, Tong Huaqiong hasn’t troubled her. When sending meat to the old house, she included her share, and she always gave her a piece of fabric when sending to her in-laws.

When she gets married, I don’t mind giving her some dowry.

Anything more, I wouldn’t burden myself; I’m not a fool.

After everyone from the clan and the old house left, Tong Huaqiong sat down, holding her head.

What a commotion they caused!

But to Tong Huaqiong, they are still not competent enough.

What right does Gu Youtian, who failed in business, have to seize her business?

"Mom."

A horde of ’bad bamboo’ stood in front, seemingly wanting to comfort Tong Huaqiong.

"Mom, second uncle was too much. I’ll make him pay one day," said Gu Dashu.

Tong Huaqiong waved her hand and said, "All of you, go out. Leave Taohua and Baishuang here."

And so, only Gu Taohua and Gu Baishuang remained in the room.

"You’ve all seen your grandfather and second uncle’s real faces. Once a woman manages the family business, no matter how much she contributes, they force her to hand it over. If I wasn’t clear-headed today and believed their nonsense about enjoying blissful life at home, I’d be thoroughly drained today," said Tong Huaqiong.

Gu Baishuang, witnessing the entire process, gained some insights in her heart.

Holding the real power over business is great; there was no need for confrontation with Gu Youtian or Mr. Gu; just easily handling the situation from her own hand, today’s issue was smoothly resolved.

Gu Baishuang originally thought there would be a battle; she was even ready to defy Mr. Gu as a married woman.

Gu Baishuang said, "You have strategies to handle them. Grandpa and second uncle aren’t easy to deal with."

Tong Huaqiong coldly laughed, said, "You think it’s my clever strategy? No, there’s nothing clever about it. I can make the clan side with me because I really control the lifeline of the family business, and I can benefit them, forcing them to comply."

"That’s why I told you during the Spring Festival to take control of the family business. Only when you truly hold it will your stepchildren and their wives fear and fawn over you. Whether their intentions are genuine or fake doesn’t matter; what matters is the outcome of them being cautious around you."

Gu Baishuang nodded.

All the previous teachings now seemed practical.

As the stepmother said, not just the two stepsons, even Nie Mingyuan also began to overtly and covertly please her. It’s simply because they’re afraid of her controlling the connection with Tong Huaqiong, cutting it would jeopardize his maritime business.

"Mom, I think grandpa and second uncle won’t be satisfied. What if they try to take over the shop again?" Gu Taohua was a bit worried.

Although the shop belongs to mom, mom is a widow of the Gu family, thus part of the Gu family.

What she earns from her in-law’s family, like the shop and money, would be considered her in-law’s, and even suing might not win if it’s taken by the clan.

Otherwise, there wouldn’t be such sayings about bullying widows and orphans in this world.

County Magistrate Liu’s mother lost her family wealth to the clan while being a widow.

Tong Huaqiong said, "Of course they’re not satisfied; not this time, nor the next or the one after. Unless we hand over the business. But their dissatisfaction doesn’t matter to me. I’m not here to satisfy them. As long as I make sure our family business remains ours, their satisfaction is none of my concern."

"Taohua, you often say you won’t marry. Don’t be too quick to decide; if you meet someone you like, you should get married. I’m explaining this to let you know that whether you marry or not, as a woman controlling the family business, you might face various obstacles and difficulties. In your maiden family, from brothers, sisters-in-law, and nephews; in your husband’s family, situations like mine might arise, or your husband might persuade you to give up business for a peaceful life. If you buy into that, you’re a fool. Surrendering business and financial control means being clipped of your wings, left for others to mold without gratitude. If you insist on holding onto business and financial control, becoming stronger, they may disapprove, but they will only fear and respect you. Would you rather enjoy peaceful life or have business control and inspire fear?" asked Tong Huaqiong to Gu Taohua.

Gu Taohua replied without hesitation, "Of course, having them fear me is better."

Tong Huaqiong nodded.

Gu Taohua, with unwavering determination, said, "Mom, I understand what you mean. Don’t worry, I will firmly grasp the shop and business opportunities I have, and not easily trust anyone. Whether I marry or not, I won’t rely on nephews or in-laws. It’s only by holding what others fear that I can live comfortably."

Tong Huaqiong was very pleased with Gu Taohua’s comprehension skills.

Having such insights in this era is rare.

Gu Baishuang, deep in thought, discovered new insights and impact every time she visited Qinghe Bay.

After considering, Gu Baishuang said, "I’m older than my sister by so much. If she understands, how could I not? In the past, I was naive, thinking as long as I stayed out of the family business, they’d be grateful and respectful. But now that gratitude feels worthless. Like today, even if you handed over the business, second uncle and grandpa might express gratitude, but if they didn’t, what could you do? It’s better if they dread and fear you instead."

Tong Huaqiong told Gu Baishuang, "It’s not too late for you to take control of the family business now. The Lu Family sent word, and this batch of maritime business will surely be profitable; how much profit is up to you to decide."

Gu Baishuang smiled.

Now, keeping the maritime business’s details from Nie Mingyuan and the stepchildren came with no psychological burden whatsoever.