Chapter 997: Chapter 997 Distribution 1

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Then I’ll trust your arrangements,” Mrs. Qin replied with a warm smile.

“Excellent,” Zhou Ying concurred with a nod. “In two days, when Chenglin has a break, I’ll ask him to bring Xiushu over to the residence to take a look. Let’s see what they think. After all, they’re the ones who’ll be living there. The final decision is ultimately up to them.”

“Oh, thank you so much,” Mrs. Qin gushed. “We can then adjust the size of the house they’ll be using and prepare the furniture accordingly.”

Consort An chuckled. “I wouldn’t be flattering you, but your Xiushu is truly fortunate to have Zhou Ying as a sister-in-law. Her future is bright.”

“My aunt is right,” echoed a young woman sitting beside Mrs. Qin. “The Marquis’ wife has considered everything so comprehensively. It’s truly Zhu’er’s blessing.”

After a pleasant conversation and a delicious dinner at the Qin Manor, Zhou Ying and Consort An took their leave.

Three days later, Zhou Ying consulted Qin Xiushu and instructed Niu Fugui to begin renovations to the house.

As the month neared its end, Sun Hongniang and Gu Cheng rushed back to the capital. That afternoon, Zhou Ying called Gu Chengrui and Gu Chenglin into a meeting with Niu Fugui.

Niu Fugui and the other two weren’t slow on the uptake. Seeing their three superiors gathered, they sensed something significant was afoot. Consequently, they sat down obediently and waited for the meeting to begin.

Once everyone was present, Zhou Ying addressed them. “I’ve called you all here today for an important announcement. Please pay close attention.” After finishing her statement, she turned her gaze toward Gu Chengrui.

Gu Chengrui understood her cue. He retrieved an agreement he had personally drafted and distributed copies to everyone present.

Gu Chenglin was stunned upon seeing the document, particularly the part naming him the next master. His face contorted in disbelief. He quickly pushed the agreement back towards Gu Chengrui and stammered, “Cousin, I’m already incredibly grateful for your help with the betrothal gifts and the house. How could I possibly accept your property on top of that? Even if you plan to take the three children with you, wouldn’t Uncle and the others still be here? It wouldn’t fall to me.”

“They have their own businesses to manage,” Gu Chengrui explained. “Furthermore, they might not be able to adequately protect an enterprise like the Rouge Pavilion. Besides, I plan to leave a golden goose like the Rouge Pavilion to your sister and the two princes, with you managing it on their behalf.”

Gu Chenglin carefully read through the agreement. As expected, the restaurant and the manor were designated as his. The ownership of the Rouge Pavilion, however, belonged to his sister.

Sun Hongliang raised his head to address Zhou Ying and Gu Chengrui. “My Lord, Madam,” he inquired, “where are you planning to go that necessitates dividing your assets?”

“We intend to embark on a voyage,” Zhou Ying explained. “We’re unsure of our return date, hence the need to clearly distribute our holdings to prevent future internal conflicts arising from these assets.”

“My Lord,” Niu Fugui interjected after reading the agreement, “what about the dividends from the glass factory, rubber production, and steel mill?”

“I will entrust those to the Emperor’s care,” Gu Chengrui stated. “No one else can guarantee their safety.”

Niu Fugui and the other two men nodded in agreement. These ventures weren’t just crucial for the livelihood of the people and military affairs; their profitability was also exceptional. Only in the Emperor’s hands could they be genuinely safe.

“Are there any other questions? If not, everyone please sign the agreement with your fingerprints. Starting next month, responsibilities will be assigned according to the document.”

“What about Uncle and the others? What if…” Gu Chenglin began worriedly. He didn’t want these matters to create a rift within the Gu family. The potential losses would outweigh any gains.