Chapter 376 - 374: Held in Someone’s Heart (Second Update)

Chapter 376: Chapter 374: Held in Someone’s Heart (Second Update)

She saw that the house was clearly the one she lived in when she was in Anping County!

After Xu Jing decided to stay in the Western Capital, she had someone terminate the lease on that house. After all, a monthly rent of one tael of silver was not cheap, and there was no need to spend that money.

This time coming back, she thought about her previous house. She left in a hurry and felt a bit regretful, but as she had terminated the lease long ago, the house should have been rented out by now. So, she didn’t have her people specifically look for that house.

She got off the carriage, somewhat surprised, and murmured, "What’s going on? After all this time, is the house still not rented out?"

At this moment, Cheng Xiao rubbed his nose, a little embarrassed, and said, "The Lord didn’t let me tell you in advance, saying he wanted to surprise you. When the Lord knew you wanted to terminate the lease on this house, he immediately sent someone to continue renting it. He said you had a special affection for Anping County and would definitely return one day. He hoped Anping County could be like a home for you, a place you could always return to."

Xu Jing looked at Cheng Xiao blankly, unable to speak for a while.

She decided to stay in the Western Capital when she agreed to a fake remarriage with Xiao Yi.

Unexpectedly, at that time, he had already done so much for her.

She pushed open the door and went inside, finding that everything and the furnishings were just as she left them. Even after all this time, the place was spotless.

Back then, after she decided to terminate the lease, she had someone come over and simply pack up and take away her belongings, leaving behind some less valuable or less used items.

She didn’t expect those items to still be there.

Every item evoked memories of when she lived here, as if it were just yesterday.

Cheng Xiao followed behind Xu Jing and said, "The Lord specially hired a woman nearby to come and clean the place every now and then."

Chunyang couldn’t help but be moved, tears brimming, "Madam, the Lord truly cares for you. Madam, look, I planted some cucumber and cabbage seeds in the vegetable garden before leaving, and now they’re growing well! And the chairs bought for preparing herbs back then are still here!

My goodness, the little rocking horse for the young lord is still here too, do you remember? You bought it for the young lord, and he cherished it as his treasure, not letting anyone else touch it."

When the young lord was to return to the Western Capital, you initially wanted him to take the little rocking horse with him, but who would’ve thought he’d get so upset, crying his heart out, and in the end, everyone forgot about this poor little horse.

Xu Jing felt her heart warm and smiled gently, "He indeed is thoughtful."

This feeling of being constantly cared for and cherished is always pleasant.

They arrived in Anping County near noon, so Xu Jing had everyone stay in the house to tidy up and rest a bit, planning to go out in the afternoon.

After lunch, Xu Jing lounged on the couch in her room, reviewing some information her people had previously gathered.

Although Manager Yang and Manager Zhu both were Lin Chengzhao’s trusted aides, the saying "two tigers cannot share one mountain" described their relationship aptly, with continual conflict according to former staff at Guangming Hall.

The most severe conflict arose over who would manage the main store of Guangming Hall in Anping County. The two engaged in petty actions against each other, and once Manager Zhu, drunk, loudly complained about Master Lin’s bias. He lamented that Yang Shao was wedded to his biological sister while he was paired with a cousin, thus everything good prioritized Yang Shao! Yang Shao’s skills and loyalty were inferior to his, apart from buttering up to Master Lin!

Yang Shao was Manager Yang’s full name, and Manager Zhu’s full name was Zhu Shunxi.

At that time, Master Lin favored Yang Shao for managing the main store of Guangming Hall, entrusting many responsibilities to him. However, after Zhu Shunxi’s public drunken lament, Master Lin began involving both men in the main store’s affairs, and surprisingly, appointed Zhu Shunxi as the main store manager.

When everyone thought Yang Shao would surely object, Master Lin summoned Yang Shao to his side as his chief steward.

This left everyone unsure of the matter’s outcome. Zhu Shunxi achieved his dream position as store manager with authority, while Yang Shao, despite not becoming manager, held significant power as Master Lin’s chief steward, possibly surpassing that of Zhu Shunxi.

Ultimately, neither Zhu Shunxi nor Yang Shao could complain about Master Lin’s thoughtful handling, earning him admiration for his benevolence and wisdom.

Though minor conflicts continued between Yang Shao and Zhu Shunxi afterward, major clashes were avoided. To accommodate Zhu Shunxi’s sensitivities, Guangming Hall’s main store affairs rarely involved Yang Shao, allowing Zhu Shunxi significant autonomy.

Reportedly, however, resentment lingered; Yang Shao felt Zhu Shunxi had robbed him of the manager position, while Zhu Shunxi presumed Master Lin still favored Yang Shao.

Xu Jing sighed while reading, lamenting the importance of choosing subordinates carefully, as dealing with such meticulous individuals could prematurely grey a boss’s hair.

Despite their discord, Lin Chengzhao showed remarkable patience, seemingly appeasing them, suggesting either their exceptional talent or Lin Chengzhao’s own vulnerability to them.

Exploiting their mutual disdain might yield some leverage, but it must be done discreetly and secretly.

Xu Jing was deep in thought when Chunyang cheerfully walked in, joyfully announcing, "Madam, Chen Hu and Wu Xiangui have come. Upon hearing of your return to Anping County, they came specifically to visit you!"

Xu Jing raised her eyebrow slightly.

How did these fellows get the news so quickly? Already aware of her return?

She tidied herself briefly and headed to the front hall where Chen Hu and Wu Xiangui awaited, greeting her eagerly, "Miss Xu! We never expected your return!"

Though both appeared excited, a heavy air prevailed more than joy.

This seemed far from a simple visit.

Xu Jing glanced at them and asked, "Has something happened?"