Looking around, everything in the courtyard seemed particularly friendly, but the only thing missing was that familiar figure - my master.

Thinking of this, An Yu couldn't help but feel a little anxious. You know, in this family, being ready to serve the master at any time is his most important responsibility.

So he quickly walked towards Qiuju who was sweeping the floor with her head down. Qiuju's clothes fluttered gently with the swing of the broom, and the sweat beads on her face were crystal clear in the sunlight.

"Qiuju, have you seen where the adults have gone?"

There was a hint of anxiety in An Yu's voice.

Qiu Ju stopped what she was doing, wiped her forehead with her sleeve, and said with a smile, "The masters went into the study early in the morning and haven't come out yet."

Upon hearing the news, An Yu hurried towards the study.

Outside the study, a newly transplanted willow tree is sprouting tender green branches. Its light posture is like a shy girl, swaying gently in the breeze.

The sunlight shines through the carved wooden windows and onto the floor, creating mottled light and shadows, filling the entire room with a warm and peaceful atmosphere.

Pushing open the door, the scene inside comes into view.

Everyone gathered behind Fan Yunfu, who was standing at his desk with full concentration. The brush in his hand was moving like a flying dragon and a dancing phoenix, and his profound skills in calligraphy and painting were revealed in every stroke.

On the canvas, the ink has not yet dried, but vivid pictures have been outlined. Every line reveals his unique understanding and pursuit of beauty. He is completely immersed in the joy of creation, and nothing in the outside world seems to disturb him.

Zhang Wuya sat near the window, and a beam of sunlight happened to shine on her, making her already gentle temperament even more ethereal.

She was holding a half-opened book, and her focused look on reading was like a lotus quietly blooming in the pond, spotless and extremely elegant.

"Master Zhang, your painting skills are truly amazing. The Wu Ya in the painting is lifelike and simply magnificent!"

Xiao Youniang's praise interrupted the silence in the room, and her tone was full of sincere admiration.

Upon hearing this, Fan Yunfu gently put down his brush and smiled modestly: "Miss Youniang, thank you for your praise. Painting is just a hobby of mine. If you like it, I will definitely draw one for you two ladies after this painting is finished."

Ling Wen, who was standing aside, had mixed feelings. Looking at the young girl in front of him, an idea quietly sprouted in his mind.

He smiled knowingly and offered to paint for Xiao Youniang. He secretly decided in his heart that even if it was a field he was not good at, he would go all out for the one he loved.

As the midday sun grew brighter, a harmonious and warm atmosphere filled the yard.

Time passed quietly, and when the two paintings were finally completed, everyone couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

Xiao Youniang walked quickly forward, her eyes wandering over Ling Wen's painting. She was alone in the painting, and the background was simple but unique. Although the style was very different from Fan Yunfu's works, it was also ingenious and eye-catching.

Looking at Fan Yunfu's masterpiece again, the delicate brushstrokes seem to give life to the picture, not only depicting the charm of the characters vividly, but also making the surrounding scenery come alive, making people feel as if they are there and admire it again and again.

“It’s absolutely wonderful!”

Zhang Wuya's cheeks were slightly red, her eyes sparkling with admiration and emotion, while Fan Yunfu's eyes were full of affection. The emotions flowing between the two of them could be felt without words, the tacit understanding and deep affection.

"Hey, isn't this the best interpretation of the relationship between talented men and beautiful women throughout history?"

Xiao Youniang was teasing on the side, and her words were full of envy and sincere blessings for the perfect couple.

Just as everyone was immersed in the warmth and joy brought by art, Qiuju's voice came from outside the door, reminding everyone that it was time for lunch. So, led by Xiaoyou Niang, the group walked into the cafeteria with a cheerful mood, where a fish feast was being prepared, with a variety of fish dishes, a dazzling array of aromas, and a mouth-watering aroma.

At the dinner table, the Zhang family's laughter and chattering intertwined, forming a beautiful picture of a happy life. Fan Yunfu was secretly thinking in his heart, full of curiosity about the Zhang family's future plans, and at the same time felt lucky and looking forward to being a part of their lives.

"Tianyuan County, located on the border of Pingzhou?"

Fan Yunfu's brows showed a hint of worry. If he was in Chengguan County, he could still lend a helping hand with his status and position, but if he was involved in other counties, if any trouble occurred, he would only be able to sigh and be powerless to save the situation.

"That's right. Mr. Zhang has done a lot of research on the geographical distribution of our country."

Zhang Laoer secretly praised in his heart, thinking that Fan Yunfu was not only knowledgeable, but also knew the country's territory very well.

"Uncle Zhang, actually, opening a restaurant in Chengguan County is also a good choice."

Fan Yunfu still tried to persuade him. He spent his childhood in Beijing and was well aware of the importance of power struggles in the court.

His mother once shared a story with him about the family of Aunt Liu's distant cousin. Their family was coveted by the powerful because of their prosperous business, which eventually led to their home being occupied. They had no way to appeal and their family was almost broken up.

Until the end, the cousin turned to Aunt Liu and begged her father for help, and the storm was finally calmed down.

In this era where agriculture is emphasized and commerce is suppressed, without solid backing, any business success is precarious and fleeting.

Money may not solve everything. Real power comes from authority.

His father's countless teachings made him understand this truth, and it was also for this reason that he was forced to come to this remote small county to escape from the world amid family strife.

Although the court laws are strict, stipulating that businessmen cannot get involved in politics and officials cannot engage in business, the gray area behind them is complicated. Otherwise, how do those high-ranking nobles maintain their extravagant lives?

"We have already purchased the land and plan to start construction in two months. I firmly believe that the land is in a prime location and will bring rich returns."

Zhang Laoer's words were full of confidence.

Fan Yunfu knew that it was futile to dissuade him, so he said, "Then I will buy a piece of land nearby and open a teahouse in the near future. It will be too conspicuous if you are the only one running the business there. Uncle Zhang, if you have friends you trust, you might as well invite them to invest here together and open up a few more businesses to avoid..."

Zhang Wuya listened to the general idea and seemed to understand, "You mean, if our business is too good, it will make people jealous, right?"

"Miss Wu Ya is smart and hit the nail on the head."

Xu Liyun was touched by these words, and recalled that when Meiyi Pavilion was first built, its business was booming due to its novel design, but this angered its competitor Ningshang Pavilion. If it were not for Mrs. Hu's help, they might still be trapped in the countryside, farming for a living.

Ling Wen leisurely scooped up a bowl of delicious fish soup and said, "Then I will arrange for Hu Ling to buy land around Niu Shangpo and open a martial arts school. Let's see who dares to cause trouble to your family."

Xiao Youniang excitedly gave Ling Wen a thumbs up, her eyes full of admiration.

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