FDNL CH 42

Chapter 42

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One of humanity’s greatest flaws is the inability to let oneself go — just like Li Yutang at this very moment.

Because of the constant entanglement of Su Lianyi, the fat, countryside female ruffian, Li Yutang had become the subject of many jokes. The wealthy young masters in the city, in particular, sat back with crossed legs, waiting to watch his embarrassment unfold. This caused murderous thoughts to arise in him again and again.

But now that Su Lianyi had stopped pestering him, he instead grew curious about the reason why.

Ever since he had once sent people to follow Su Lianyi, Li Yutang had planted informants in Su Family Village, keeping watch over her every move at all times. Yet the news he received was more astonishing with each report.

A brief silence filled the study.

Mo Nong said nothing and stood quietly at the side, careful not to disturb his master’s thoughts.

Dressed in snow-white robes, Li Yutang’s expression was calm. His narrow eyes were slightly lowered, eyelashes casting shadows across his cheeks. The corners of his lips neither drooped nor lifted — no one could guess what he was thinking.

“Mo Nong,” he suddenly spoke.

“Yes, Young Master,” Mo Nong replied.

“Has Father recently hosted any banquets?”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Mo Nong did not understand the reason but still answered truthfully, “Reporting to Young Master, the Master has not entertained guests due to poor health. This past month, only Member Zhang was invited once.”

Li Yutang slowly nodded. A faint smile curved his thin lips, and a trace of cunning flashed through his eyes before disappearing just as quickly, returning him to his usual carefree, almost immortal-like demeanor.

“Since Father is unwell, he naturally should drink less alcohol. The Su Family Winery delivers wine every five days — four jars each time. That makes twenty-four jars a month. There must already be plenty stored in the cellar. Pass the order down: for the next three months, the Su Family Winery need not deliver any wine.”

“Yes,” Mo Nong answered, turning to leave.

“Wait.” Li Yutang called him back.

“Yes, Young Master.” Mo Nong hurried back.

Li Yutang picked up a wolf-hair brush with his slender pale fingers, dipped it in ink, and began writing on paper while speaking.

“As for the Su family, simply say that wine deliveries are temporarily unnecessary. Do not specify any time limit.”

Mo Nong immediately understood. “Yes, Young Master.”

“You may go.”

By the time he finished speaking, Li Yutang had already completed the letter and set down the brush.

After Mo Nong left, Li Yutang’s lips slowly curled into a faint smile, amusement flickering in his eyes.

He did not dare completely cut off purchases from the Su Family Winery because his father held an inexplicable attachment to their wine. Even when it could not all be consumed, he insisted on buying it. By doing this, Li Yutang was risking deceiving his own father — all to make things difficult for Su Lianyi.

Su Lianyi could heal the sick and discipline her brothers; it seemed nothing in this world could trouble her.

So he wanted to see how she would save the Su Family Winery this time.

“Kang Lai,” he called, folding the now-dried letter and placing it into an envelope.

“Yes.” A servant named Kang Lai entered and stood respectfully at one side, awaiting the Second Young Master’s orders.

“Deliver this letter by fast horse to the Tao Residence in Dongning City and hand it to my uncle, Lord Tao.”

After writing the address on the envelope, Li Yutang placed it at the corner of the table. Kang Lai respectfully picked it up and left the study.

Li Yutang’s deep and calculating nature made him inherently suspicious. After all, the Su Family Winery had supplied wine to the Li family for more than ten years, and many of his father’s subordinates were familiar with them. If his father discovered that he had privately cut off the Su family’s wine orders, it would cause trouble. That was why he wrote this letter.

Li Yutang’s uncle, Tao Zeyun, served as an official in Dongning City and had always maintained a good relationship with Li Mansion’s master, Li Fu’an. Recently, since Li Fu’an had been in poor health and most family affairs had been handed over to Li Yutang, he sent this letter requesting his uncle to invite Li Fu’an to Dongning for a visit — and to recuperate.

In Wangyue County, there was a saying: when someone living in an estate remained ill for a long time without recovery, it meant the residence had been shrouded in sickly energy. The person should leave the house to recover elsewhere, preferably visiting a household that had recently held a joyous event, borrowing its festive fortune to dispel misfortune and naturally improve their health.

Coincidentally, Li Yutang’s cousin at the Tao family had taken a concubine just last month — considered a celebratory occasion — making the Tao Residence an ideal destination.

Although having a sick person stay at another’s home could be considered unlucky and impolite, if the host extended the invitation first, the patient could hardly refuse such sincere hospitality.