Chapter 978: Chapter 978: Little Ya’er’s Stay or Leave

Shu Yu thought for a moment and finally made the decision, “Then let her return to the manor. The tenants around the manor are people she is familiar with, so she won’t feel uneasy.”

Indeed, uneasiness is exactly what’s bothering her right now. Little Ya’er is so tense that her whole body is stiff.

The unfamiliar environment, the uncertain future, and the recent passing of her grandfather–all of these have placed immense pressure on her heart.

Jiang Kuanyu hesitated, “How will she… survive alone?”

“Let her live at the manor. My Brother Daniu and sister-in-law are moving to the manor tomorrow. Although Little Ya’er is young, she can still do many small tasks within her ability–feeding the chickens, picking insects, occasionally lending a hand. She won’t lack meals for sure.”

Little Ya’er nodded vigorously, “I–I can do many things.” She could wash clothes and cook; her grandfather often praised her for being capable.

Although Jiang Kuanyu still felt it was not appropriate, there was no other way since Little Ya’er was unwilling to leave. The decision was made.

In the afternoon, the Office concluded the case, and Jiang Kuanyu took Uncle Cui’s body back to the manor for burial.

Little Ya’er didn’t go along; she hadn’t recovered from her illness and wasn’t fit for travel.

With Ms. Tang sentenced to death, the matter finally came to an end.

Jiang Kuanyu returned to the prefecture, while Daniu and Zhou Qiao had already packed up their belongings, eager to move to the manor and start farming.

Shu Yu gave them a mule carriage from her family, but as a result, the household was now short one carriage, which made things less convenient.

Shu Yu planned to buy another carriage, but after searching the market, she couldn’t find anything suitable.

The county town was still not prosperous enough. The horses brought here were either too old or injured, invariably flawed in some way–far from the image of the robust and majestic steed she had in mind.

After wandering around, she returned empty-handed to Yiren Pavilion.

There was no one at home. Neither the old lady nor Shuyou were there, as they had been busy working in the shop for the past few days.

Nowadays, Yiren Pavilion was entirely managed by Shuyou. She had just taken over and was still getting accustomed to her new role.

Especially with the shop reopening its doors, there had been an influx of customers after word spread, and business had picked up considerably. The old lady, worried about handling it alone, had brought Hua Xian to assist on-site.

When Shu Yu stepped inside, there were still a few guests browsing clothes in the shop.

The old lady was seated behind the counter. Seeing Shu Yu return, her expression was far from cheerful, signaling her trip had yielded little success.

“You didn’t find anything?”

Shu Yu shook her head, “None of them were suitable. I’m thinking perhaps I should go visit the prefecture in a couple of days; I’m sure I’ll find something good there.”

The old lady reassured her, “No hurry. We don’t often travel far, and one carriage is enough for now.”

After all, wasn’t it just a matter of walking a bit more? Back in the day, they used to rise at dawn to travel to the county town. Now that they were working within the town, was walking a few extra steps really such a big deal?

Shu Yu knew the old lady was worried about her overexerting herself. While her words made sense, traveling by carriage was still undeniably more efficient.

“What does Monarch Lu Xiang intend to buy?”

A slightly familiar voice suddenly came from behind her. Shu Yu paused and turned around to see a young lady smiling brightly at her.

It struck her then–wasn’t this the person who had made the first purchase when their shop initially opened?

Back then, Ding Yuehua had brought along seven or eight ladies and madams to support her business, and one of them had needed makeup. It was this lady right here–her name was Zhiyou, wasn’t it?

Shu Yu smiled, “Ah, it’s Zhiyou. A distinguished guest indeed! Are you here to buy clothes today? Please, come inside.”