"Hmph.. nothing much really. If you want your son and grandkids to live happy and healthy lives then you must not cause any problems with my family. The only reason why I helped you back then was because my son was softhearted, I know you won't change your ways and your husband isn't much better but do not cause any further problems which could affect my family and it's interests or else I will have no choice but to cut ties with you and your family completely." Agnes stared coldly at her sister.
Celene bowed her head in shame. "I'm sorry sister, I best be leaving now. Thank you for inviting me."
Celene got up from her seat and dragged her daughter in law out of the room before returning to her carriage.
Ki looked towards her grandmother and began to praise her. "Wow grandmother is so powerful."
Agnes scratched her nose out of embarrassment. "Of course child. Back in the day I had the nickname 'the iron wall' when it came to the business circles. Any deal that was made by me never let others take advantage of me and our families business. No matter who came my way and what tactics they used I would not cower or back down until the deal was done. I was a tough woman back then, maybe some forgot since I got old but it is best to let them know that even if my son is now family head that I still exist within the family so I will accept no sneaky actions within my territory."
Ki smiled upon hearing her grandmothers words and asked. "So why did you tell me and mother to not be overly arrogant or humble yet you just scolded a lot of people all at once?"
"Little Ki don't speak to your grandmother like that." Elizabeth scolded Ki immediately.
"Heh… this was just me establishing my firm stance within the family when it comes to business matters so that other families can catch a glimpse of their misdeeds and why they were dismissed from their position. If I had scolded and dismissed them for no reason then public opinion would interpret the story as we are rude, unruly or mean people who fired their employees but I stated the reasons clearly in front of many influential people. Soon the truth will come to light and our image won't be harmed but those families will be the ones to face the public backlash if they had done something wrong."
"Mmm…" Ki nodded then stretched her body while yawning. "I need to go out and exercise, all this sitting around and restraining myself in front of so many ladies does not suit me."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes as soon as she heard those words. "Go… you have done your part so just leave the rest to us. Sigh."
Soon after within the noble circles and within the cities nearby rumours spread about the Lenox families business ventures that Agnes had rejected and the reasons why, some expectant partners who invested began to remove their investments because they felt that they would lose all of their money if they continued to work with the Lenox family head.
The Lenox family head became confused how quickly things spiralled out of control, he lost many business partners and the business he invested in was a scam.
The other party disappeared with his money and left the Lenox family in a critical situation since the business was supposed to be their big break to break away from the Bombyx family.
The White families rumours quickly spread about their acts, soon an investigation into their actions was brought forward and the Bombyx family fully cooperated to bring them to justice.
The Bombyx family put aside some money to compensate those harmed by their foolish choices and began to promote their image further as fair and just.
The family needed to be trustworthy to be able to employ many people and make deals with others, if they lost the people's trust then who would work with or for them in the future?
Their swift actions of not covering up the actions of the White family who had been connected to them for a long time and dealing with the issue immediately lead others to believe that so long as the rules are not broken within the families business then people of all backgrounds and walks of life could be treated as equals.
The noble retainer family was punished and brought to justice.
The Bombyx family lowered its head to the common people and the nobles to apologise for putting such untrustworthy people in charge of such work.
The commoners who used the traded goods got their compensation and an apology even after learning how quickly the issue was resolved, they couldn't be any happier at how fast it had been resolved because most noble families would simply get rid of the evidence or anything that may cause a stain to their name.
The Bombyx family admitted their faults which showed that they were sorry for what had happened, anyone with a heart could tell that the family had supported those families because they had long been retainer families so it would have been hard to cut ties with them for the greater good.
Other pieces of news spread among the villages and cities, Celene's family was merely being helped to maintain their current life and was not officially part of the Bombyx families main line or connected to the family inheritance at all so had no rights to fight for power so those who had initially thought they would be of some use ended up dropping their support or began cutting ties with the family.
The news of Agnes display was told to the public in a positive light, she was previously known as a strong woman and she showed that she was still tough even in her own age. She was benevolent and kind to her allies but once someone touches her bottom line then she would show no mercy to that person no matter their previous relationships.
The news of various businesses including the restaurants in the cities began to spread which some knew about, now they became a hot spot for travellers and those of common or even decent backgrounds.
The tea pavilion was almost finished being built, the location was perfect within Wolfden city and those that could see inside would see a small lake along with many beautiful trees.
Many with an interest in tea and taking in different sceneries began to look forward to the opening of the tea pavilion.
The clothing business had already been launched ahead of time so many in the area began to take notice, it quickly became popular among commoners, mercenary groups, family guards and those who liked to buy a set for when they work or train.
Finally the spread of the named successor of the Bombyx family who had been part of the many recent rumours had been announced and it was a young girl at the age of 7.
The young successor was shrouded in mystery, all that was known was a brief description mentioning her cute and pretty looks and her being well mannered.
The new businesses that were represented by a mulberry tree logo design were directly under her name which were the restaurants and tea pavilion so many families began to take more interest in the girl since she already had ownership of so many properties at a young age and was believed to be someone with potential.
Some believed the rumours and began to try to make connections with those businesses while others did not believe that a 7 year old little girl would be able be of much help to them as they believed the rumours were somewhat exaggerated.