The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 176

After Yan Song and Zhang Cong left, Zhou Chu called Chunlan over.

"Organize these visiting cards from the past few days, and extract those from Shaoxing Prefecture in Zhejiang, preferably Shanyin County, and bring them to me."

Chunlan had been with Zhou Chu for so long, and even through that influence, she had already learned to read, so this was not difficult for her.

Chunlan was very efficient; in less than half an hour, she found seven or eight visiting cards. She even distinguished one of them from the others. This one was from a merchant in Shanyin County. What's more, the merchant from Shanyin County was surnamed Xu.

"Have someone reply to him and tell him to come over now."

Zhou Chu handed the visiting card to Chunlan.

"Young master, I'll go. I know this person. He lives not far from our house, so there's no need to write a reply."

Chunlan took the visiting card and immediately recognized it. She remembered a merchant from a few days ago who had tried to slip her some money when he handed her the card. So Chunlan had a vague recollection of him.

Zhou Chu nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Chunlan took the visiting card and left the Zhou residence. She hadn't gone far when she arrived at a house.

"May I ask you are?"

Seeing Chunlan's extraordinary bearing, the gatekeeper naturally lowered his head and spoke humbly.

"This is your master's visiting card. Tell him to come out and see me."

Chunlan glanced at the gatekeeper, too lazy to say anything more to him, and simply handed over the visiting card in her hand.

The gatekeeper took the visiting card and glanced at it. Upon seeing that it was from the Zhou family, he was startled and hurriedly bowed.

"Please come in, esteemed guest. Master has already instructed us to treat any distinguished guests from the Zhou family with the utmost hospitality."

Chunlan glanced at the gatekeeper, said nothing, and stepped through the gate.

Not long after Chunlan went inside, Xu Yaozong, the master of the Xu family, rushed out in a hurry after receiving the report. When Xu Yaozong saw that it was Chunlan, his face immediately became full of flattery.

"Sir, if there's anything you need, you can just have someone give you instructions. Why bother coming all the way here yourself?"

Chunlan ignored Xu Yaozong's flattery; she had seen too many of these merchants' obsequious expressions these days.

"Mr. Xu, my young master requests that you come to his residence for a discussion."

Chunlan said expressionlessly.

The term "boss" has existed since ancient times, and businessmen in the south are often referred to as "boss" or "headman".

Upon hearing this, Xu Yaozong was overjoyed. He had given up hope, and the head steward of the Zhou family had refused his offer to give her some money.

"Thank you for your guidance, sir. Please accept this as a token of my appreciation."

As he spoke, Xu Yaozong took out a piece of silver, about ten taels, held it up with both hands, and handed it to Chunlan.

Chunlan was, after all, a girl. Even if Xu Yaozong wanted to give her money, he couldn't just stuff it into her hand like he would a man.

This time, Chunlan didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the silver.

She made this trip for two reasons: first, to avoid delaying the young master's business, and second, for the small kickback.

Having followed Zhou Chu for so many years, she has always been very clear about what money she should and shouldn't take.

"Don't keep my young master waiting."

After saying this, Chunlan turned and left.

"Quickly, send someone to bring over that 'skinny horse' from Yangzhou, and those two foot warmers."

After Chunlan left, Xu Yaozong said excitedly,

The Yangzhou "slender horse" was something he had bought at a high price a few days ago, specifically to cultivate relationships. Even if Zhou Chu refused to accept it, he could keep it for himself.

Xu Yaozong was just a small businessman, unlike some wealthy merchants who raised young girls themselves.

He didn't have the time, energy, or money, so he could only buy one.

Soon, Xu Yaozong arrived before Zhou Chu with a thin horse and two maids.

Zhou Chu looked at the three women in front of him, then at Xu Yaozong, as if asking him what this meant.

"My lord, the weather is cold and damp today. These two foot warmers are a special gift from me to you to keep your feet warm."