“Have you heard? This time, it was the Second Lady of the Jiang Family who left on her own accord, taking some of the Jiang Family members with her to establish the new South Jiang Manor. She aims to create a brand-new Martial Dao family!”
“That sounds difficult. I heard the Second Lady left with nothing, not even a single asset from the Jiang Family.”
“A family led by a woman trying to establish itself in Clear River City, where families are everywhere, is too challenging!”
“I heard that the Second Lady was often oppressed and excluded in the Jiang Family. Now that she’s finally split off, no matter what you say, I support her.”
On a bustling street in the southern part of the city, a large plaque with the words “South Jiang Manor” gleamed above two grand doors. Servants were bustling in and out, moving items into the residence.
Sophia Xu stood by the gate, looking up at the plaque with a hint of worry in her eyes.
Just renting this residence and hiring servants and guards had already forced her to sell off most of her personal assets. But this was just the beginning; where would the future expenses come from?
“Auntie.”
At some point, Terra Su had already appeared by her side.
“Little Terra, you’re here.”
Sophia Xu snapped out of her thoughts and smiled gently. “Last night’s events were so tumultuous, I haven’t properly thanked you yet.”
Last night’s events had been a blessing in disguise for Sophia Xu. She had thought she would be imprisoned by Otto Jiang and Robert Jiang, but in the end, she managed to split from the family and start a new life.
For Sophia Xu, as long as she didn’t have to deal with Otto Jiang and Robert Jiang anymore, she didn’t mind enduring hardships.
“It was mainly thanks to Master Mo.”
Terra Su smiled faintly. If he hadn’t sent Qingping to invite Master Mo last night, things wouldn’t have ended so easily.
“Oh, right, Auntie, this is for you.”
Terra Su casually took out a brocade pouch and handed it to Sophia Xu.
Sophia Xu took it and opened it curiously, only to find a thick stack of silver notes inside.
“Little Terra, where did you get so many silver notes?” Sophia Xu’s eyes widened. Roughly estimating, there were at least twenty thousand taels. How did a fifteen-year-old boy get so much money?
“Ten thousand taels are yours, and the rest I earned,” Terra Su said. “You’re in dire need of money to establish South Jiang Manor. With this silver, everything will be easier.”
“This… Little Terra, I don’t want to use your money…” Sophia Xu was about to refuse, but Terra Su interrupted her.
“Auntie, didn’t you say we’re family? Why hesitate to use family money?”
Sophia Xu knew she needed this money. Terra Su’s silver notes were undoubtedly a timely help.
However, as an elder relying on a younger relative in such times, she felt a mix of emotions.
She accepted the silver notes and repeatedly told Terra Su to let her know if he ever needed money.
But in fact, Terra Su wouldn’t lack money. Earning over ten thousand taels was no difficulty for him.
Terra Su glanced around and asked, “Today is the day South Jiang Manor is established. Why are there no guests here to congratulate you?”
Sophia Xu smiled. “It’s normal. People probably don’t know the details of the Jiang Family split and are afraid to come, fearing they might offend North Jiang Manor.”
The Jiang Family split, and Sophia Xu established South Jiang Manor. Naturally, the previous Jiang Family was now called North Jiang Manor.
Terra Su noticed that although Sophia Xu was smiling, there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. Clearly, the lack of visitors made her feel somewhat uncomfortable.
At this moment, Master Mo, accompanied by several alchemists, approached with a spirited demeanor. From afar, he laughed and said, “Second Lady Jiang, oh no, I should call you Patriarch Jiang now. Today is the day South Jiang Manor is established. I came to congratulate you. Congratulations!”
As he spoke, Master Mo took out a small bottle from his sleeve and handed it to Sophia Xu. “Some Spirit Gathering Elixirs I made casually. Consider it a gift. I hope you won’t mind.”
Sophia Xu repeatedly thanked him. “I haven’t properly thanked you for the Dragon-Tiger Blood Pill you gave me last time. Now you’re giving me another gift. How can I accept this?”
At this moment, a servant came out of the residence. “Patriarch, the banquet is ready!”
Sophia Xu invited Master Mo. “Please, Master Mo, join us inside for the banquet.”
Master Mo laughed. “Sure, but I’ll go in myself. Patriarch Jiang, you should stay at the entrance to greet other guests.”
Sophia Xu’s face darkened. “Master Mo, you’re joking. There won’t be any other guests today.”
Master Mo frowned. “Really? That’s impossible. It’s the establishment of a new family. How could there be no guests at all?”
Sophia Xu forced a smile. “The families and forces in the city probably think South Jiang Manor split from North Jiang Manor due to conflicts and are afraid to come, fearing they might offend North Jiang Manor.”
“Even so, it’s impossible for there to be no guests at all,” Master Mo still found it strange. Although North Jiang Manor was powerful, it didn’t control everything. Besides, Clear River City had so many families and forces. Not all of them would bow to North Jiang Manor, right?
Sophia Xu just smiled bitterly. “It’s normal for no one to come. Please, Master Mo, come inside with me.”
Despite Sophia Xu’s words, Master Mo insisted on waiting outside the gate of South Jiang Manor. He didn’t believe there would be no guests at all.
Seeing Master Mo’s insistence, Sophia Xu had no choice but to wait with him at the gate.
As for Terra Su, he had already found a shady spot nearby and started meditating.
However, Terra Su’s meditation was soon interrupted by a loud voice:
“The Lu Family envoy is here to congratulate South Jiang Manor on its establishment!”
With this shout, an elderly man with a beaming smile, accompanied by two attendants, walked over from a distance. The elder carried a large red tray filled with various festive gifts.
Seeing this, Sophia Xu finally showed a genuine smile.
Although the Lu Family was only a third-rate family in Clear River City and not particularly prominent, the arrival of their envoy meant that South Jiang Manor was not entirely isolated. At least they had some connections.
Sophia Xu smiled and stepped forward. “Thank you, Lu Family envoy, for gracing us with your presence.”
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