Chapter 229 - 228: Going to Dingzhou Again
Chen Afu had seen before at the Jade Kirin Silver Tower that the set of jewellery Chen Shiying gave her would likely be worth between three hundred and five hundred taels of silver. But that was its purchasing price. The selling price would definitely be lower, probably falling by a hundred or more taels.
When you add everything up, it comes out to over a thousand taels. Add to that the six hundred taels she had previously given to Zeng Shuang, and the six hundred taels given by the Tang Garden, that totals more than two thousand taels of silver. After setting aside two hundred taels as floating money, the rest of the silver would be enough to buy and renovate a shop.
The next day, Chen Afu discussed with Manager Luo about going to Dingzhou. She would definitely bring Dabao with her; she didn’t feel comfortable with Dabao out of her sight. Dingzhou was about fifty miles away. It should be relatively safe to bring Dabao given its proximity. However, she planned to avoid public appearances with him as much as possible.
So what about Chu Hanyan?
Manager Luo said that his master should be able to return to Dingzhou in a few days, and he could take Hanyan with him to spend some time with her father.
The two of them concluded that they would set out on the 15th of April, four days from today. Chen would stay in Dingzhou for four to five days and aim to return by the 20th of April as Dabao couldn’t take too many days off school.
Upon hearing this plan, Mrs. Wang was a bit worried for Chen Afu and wanted to accompany her. But she was also concerned about Chen Ming and Chen Alu at home. Chen Afu comforted her, saying, "You don’t need to worry about me, mother. I have Uncle Three and his family in Dingzhou, as well as the Chus’ Mansion and Manager Luo. We’ll be safe."
On the morning of the 14th of April, Yang Chao and his younger siblings had to return home, crying inconsolably. Chen Afu repeatedly assured them that they would be invited back to Fu Garden soon. After all, their grandmother must be lonely with them staying elsewhere for such a long time. Left with no choice, wiping their tears, the siblings were lifted onto the carriage. They also took with them a lot of food and two sets of clothes made by Chen Afu’s team.