Dispute

Fu Yunlang said, "Jiangnan is prosperous and rich in resources. I recently met with local silk merchants and have decided to open a few silk shops back in the capital."

"Have you discussed this matter with the Fifth Prince?"

"I mentioned it to him briefly. The Fifth Prince said it was a good idea. However, he also said that many powerful families are involved in this business, so the competition is quite fierce. If the silks we buy don't have any unique features, it will probably be difficult to make a profit."

What do you think?

"I think the Fifth Prince makes sense. That's why I specifically chose to cooperate with several merchants whose fabrics have unique patterns and different weaving techniques. Although these silks are more expensive, people in the capital are not short of money and like to compete. As long as a few noble ladies wear them and make the silks famous, we won't have to worry about not having customers."

Fu Yunkai looked at his younger brother as if he didn't recognize him.

"Did you think these words yourself, or did the Fifth Prince say them?"

Fu Yunlang scratched his head awkwardly.

He knew what his elder brother meant. He wanted to say that it was his own idea, but he dared not lie to his elder brother, much less steal the Fifth Prince's credit.

He said sheepishly, "It was the Fifth Prince who said it; I had the same idea."

Fu Yunkai nodded. "It's an honor for you to go out with Fifth Master, broaden your horizons, and even receive personal guidance from him. But I don't think you've made much progress. What were you doing tonight? Did you hear the Fifth Prince's conversation?"

Fu Yunlang was annoyed and asked Gao Xing, "What did you say?" His mind was filled with Zhao Ruyu's tearful eyes all night, and he hadn't paid any attention to what everyone was talking about.

Upon seeing this, Fu Yunkai could only sigh, "Speaking of Wei Qiu Qiu's estates, shops, and houses."

When Wei Qiu was mentioned, Fu Yunlang only wanted to know about the obstacles and troubles that Wei Qiu's actions had brought to his marriage with Zhao Ruyu, and had no idea that Wei Qiu's shops and land had anything to do with him.

Seeing Fu Yunlang's blank expression, clearly not understanding what he meant, Fu Yunkai finally couldn't help but sigh heavily.

"Second brother, after my wedding, I will soon be going to the frontier, and I don't know when I will be able to return. Mother is getting old, and my two younger brothers are still young and born out of wedlock. This family will have to be supported by you."

Fu Yunlang nodded. "I know, don't worry, brother."

"Know? What do you know?" Fu Yunkai wished he could crack open Fu Yunlang's head to see what was inside.

"Didn't you understand what I just said? There's a reason our family is called newly rich. It's because we have a weak foundation and no real roots. Even though Father won many battles on the frontier and received many rewards from the court, our family's land and shops are still far inferior to those of true aristocratic families. Didn't you say you wanted to learn how to manage household affairs? I was quite Gao Xing to see you partner with someone to open a silver shop. But now that there's a huge profit right in front of you, you're completely oblivious, only thinking about that Miss Zhao. You truly disappoint me."

Fu Yunlang had never heard his elder brother speak so harshly before, and his face flushed red instantly. Not out of shame, but out of anger.

Speaking of which, Fu Yunlang was only fifteen years old. Because her husband and eldest son were both on the frontier, the Wife of the Marquis of Pingnan doted on her youngest son, who was always by her side. As a result, Fu Yunlang developed a carefree and untroubled temperament.

If he hadn't met Zhao Ruyu, and with Zhao Ruyu guidance, wanted to gain more influence with his father, brothers, and mother and make their marriage go more smoothly, he would never have thought of worrying about these things, learning administrative duties, or running a jewelry store.

He jumped up and yelled at Fu Yunkai, "Yes, I've always been inferior to you in our parents' eyes since we were little. I know they look down on me, and you look down on me too. In front of relatives and friends, they always see you and never me. I'm inferior to you my whole life, okay? You're the heir, isn't it your duty to shoulder the responsibilities of the family? I'm not the heir, what use would I be if I were so capable? If I were capable, could you sleep peacefully?"

Fu Yunkai clenched his fist tightly. If the person in front of him wasn't his younger brother, he would have already punched him.

He was angry and heartbroken.

As the eldest son of a military general, he began practicing martial arts at the age of four and never had a childhood. At a young age, he followed his father to the battlefield. After killing people, he couldn't eat or sleep, and every time he closed his eyes, he saw the heads he had cut off and the blood splattered on his face.

But his own younger brother couldn't see his efforts and hardships; he only saw the glory in front of others. Fu Yunlang grew up comfortably nestled in his mother's arms, living a life of luxury, yet he resented his elder brother, who fought on the battlefield and held the position of heir.

Fu Yunkai felt a tightness in his chest, and his eyes stung. He clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly, trying his best to suppress his emotions.

When Fu Yunlang heard his brother's rapid breathing and strange expression, he realized that his words and actions had been too extreme.

He quickly apologized, "Brother, I'm sorry. I was just talking nonsense, please don't take it to heart. I didn't mean it that way, I..." He bit his lip and didn't finish his sentence.

Fu Yunkai stared at Fu Yunlang without saying a word.

For a military general, the most common way to die is on the battlefield. Since he has chosen to follow the same path as his father, he will definitely be stationed at the border for a long time and may never return.

His mother, his future wife and children, all depend on Fu Yunlang's care. No matter how immature his younger brother is, he has no choice but to entrust the family to him.

Fu Yunkai took a deep breath and softened his tone, saying, "Do you know that your trip to Jiangnan this time was a favor I specifically asked His Highness the Second Prince for? I wanted to take this opportunity to let you get closer to the Fifth Prince. With this relationship and the Second Prince's protection, if anything were to happen to my father and me on the frontier, you would be able to stand up for yourself and have someone to rely on in the court."

Upon hearing this, Fu Yunlang's expression changed. "Brother, what are you saying? How can you curse yourself like that? Let me tell you, the family's affairs still depend on you and Father. Don't even think about dumping the family on me and enjoying yourselves on the frontier."

He was somewhat jealous of his elder brother, but he did not wish for his brother to die.

Seeing his younger brother's reaction and the concern and anxiety revealed in his words, Fu Yunkai felt much better. "Fine, if you don't want to hear it, I won't say it." Saying too much would hurt feelings.

Fu Yunlang's tone softened. "Brother, I know you mean well. But if I can't marry Ruyu, I won't be able to settle down, and I won't feel right doing anything. Please talk to Mother for me. Anyway, you're the eldest son, the heir, and you should marry a girl of equal social standing. As the youngest son, I can just marry whoever I like. I don't need to inherit the title, so why would I marry someone from such a high-ranking family? I won't be competing with my sister-in-law, right?" His tone was very sincere.