When Chen Afu returned to the Rose Courtyard, a servant came to report that Mr. Zeng, the head of Fuyunlai Trading Company, had arrived.
Chen Afu had sent Auntie Zeng home the day before, and had Guard Wang deliver the presents for the family of Chen Shi, including Chen Ming and Chen Ye, to Chen Shi's house.
In actuality, Chen Afu very much wanted to visit the Fuyunlai Trading Company, but she didn't voice this to Mrs. Jiang, knowing that she wouldn't agree. After the debacle with the Seventh Prince, not only was Mrs. Jiang unnerved, but Chen Afu herself was frightened too. Chen Afu had Xia Yue bring Zeng Jiang in.
Zeng Jiang reported to Chen Afu the business situation of the trading company, and they discussed the arrangements for the next step. At midday, Chen Afu had Xia Yue accompany him for lunch.