Chapter 325: Chapter 325: Building a Manor (4)
"I’ve long heard that the princess is unmatched in the art of winemaking. Hahaha, today, we shall not return until we are drunk," Beitang Xuan said with a smile that stretched from eye to eye upon hearing about the exquisite Pear Blossom Drunk.
"Big brother, you’re really something. Other than listening to operas and drinking wine, do you have any other hobbies?" Qinmeng, accompanied by Tinglan, had just entered the great hall when she heard her own brother’s declaration of not leaving until drunk. She sighed and shook her head in disbelief; no wonder their mother was so worried at home. Her brother was still not looking for a wife, claiming that these two pleasures were all he needed. What use did he have for a creature called ’wife’ that was neither food nor drink?
"Of course, I do. Do you really think I have such meager ambitions? You underestimate me," he said, clad in a purple robe that accentuated his fine figure, with a handsome face that bore an air of debonair charm, looking every bit the part of a profligate young master.
"Eh, what?" Qinmeng sidled up to her brother, full of suspicion as she scrutinized his face.
"Silver," he quipped at his sister before turning and striding out.
Jueqing and Zehang exchanged smiles and walked out of the hall one after the other.
Coming back to her senses, Qinmeng shot her brother a dark look, then walked over to Feng Xuxu. The three sisters chatted and laughed as they made their way to the dining room.
"Since we are in a partnership, let’s talk about the division of profits. Feel free to share any thoughts you have," they discussed, taking advantage of the moment before everyone became drunk to avoid future trouble.
When it came to the division of profits, everyone lowered their eyes and remained silent. Seeing this, Jueqing frowned and spoke, "Although you are my cousin, to speak frankly, you provide the land and the capital, while we are merely responsible for finding people...How should this be divided?"
Zongzheng Zehang and Beitang Xuan nodded in agreement with Jueqing’s words.
"The manor is a separate entity, not included in the scope of our partnership," she said as she put down her chopsticks and looked at everyone.
"So the princess means that what we are partnering on is just the flowers produced by the manor, which will then be made into various products?" Beitang Xuan pieced it together aloud to Feng Xuxu.
"Exactly, and that’s just one part. In addition, there are some revenue-generating places within the manor in which you can also invest, and the profits from that will be calculated separately."
"We of the Zongzheng Hidden Clan will follow the princess’s lead. You make the decisions," Zehang was the first to express his stance.
"The Xuanyuan Hidden Clan feels the same," said Feng Xuxu. Though she was the Holy Maiden of the Hidden Clan, she was also the enchanting princess.
"We are the same, we will follow the princess’s decisions," Beitang Xuan stated seriously, putting away his playful demeanor as he looked earnestly at Feng Xuxu.
Reassured by Feng Xuxu’s acquiescence, she waved her hand, "Here’s how we’ll divide the profits: I will take forty percent and each of you will take twenty percent."
"Princess, I..." Beitang Xuan began to speak but was immediately silenced by Feng Xuxu.
"Don’t rush to decide. Go back and discuss amongst yourselves. If it seems feasible, then come to the Prince Residence tomorrow to sign the contract. If not, then there’s no need to waste time on another trip," she said, aware that a third of the autumn had already passed. They had to get everything around the Capital City sorted out before winter arrived, so they could then gradually expand afterwards.
After the meal, the four of them left without lingering, all except for Jueqing, who stayed behind.
"Cousin, has there been any news from the Charm King?" Even though Feng Xi had already told him there was no news of Dugu Chen, he still couldn’t help asking her again.
"None." I’m sorry, I still can’t tell you, she silently spoke to her brother in her heart.
"You..."
"Why didn’t my big brother come with you today?" Feng Xuxu intentionally interrupted him mid-sentence, anticipating what he was about to say.
Jueqing sighed helplessly to himself, "The little cousin went out today, he’s not at the residence."
"Hm, next March will mark three years since our father’s mourning period ended and Brother will marry Sister Jiaojiao. Cousin, what about you? When do you plan to marry?"
When Jueqing heard his cousin bring up the subject, he laughed sheepishly, "There’s no rush. I haven’t met anyone I like yet, but when I do, I’ll be sure to introduce her to you."
"What do you think of Beitang Qinmeng? She’s beautiful, refined, free from vanity, gentle, virtuous, not to mention quite accomplished in poetry and literature. She’s well-known and also has impressive medical skills. As the legitimate daughter of her family, she’s quite a match for you, cousin," she teased, watching him squirm uncomfortably, a suspect flush spreading across his face. She thought to herself, there might actually be a chance for this.
"Cousin, don’t make fun of me anymore. I have something to attend to. I’ll leave now and come again tomorrow." He stood up swiftly, not daring to look at Feng Xuxu as he rushed out of the hall.
Feng Xuxu blinked and then burst into laughter, finding her cousin amusing. He hadn’t even done anything yet and he was already scared off.
"Miss, what’s with the young master?" Yingsu twisted her head, looking at the young master as he strode away rapidly, seemingly not hearing her greeting at all as he focused only on moving forward.
"It’s nothing." She stood up and slowly walked out of the hall, taking a stroll in the courtyard to hasten the labor process when the time came.
Lenglei carefully placed several small dishes of fruit underneath the pavilion, on top of a thickly cushioned mat, before going to invite the princess to sit.
Now that she knew Chen was safe, she took the rare opportunity to sit in the courtyard and admire the scenery, watching the various colored chrysanthemums planted in the garden blooming quietly, never vying for attention with the other flowers.
"Lenglei, if you have something to say, just say it." Noting Lenglei’s expression of deep sorrow, as she opened and closed her mouth several times in hesitation, she decided to ask herself; otherwise, she presumed Lenglei might not be able to sleep tonight.
"Princess, the manor... we could completely build it ourselves. As for the rouge and cosmetics, haven’t you already developed those? Why..."
"Why still bring them in as partners, right?" she chuckled, looking at the worried Mei Lenglei.
"Yes." Lenglei nodded enthusiastically.
"It’s simple, not every task requires me to handle it and we don’t have the manpower. My partnership with them is mutually beneficial. Although we could manage without them, it would greatly affect the progress. Regarding the rouge and cosmetics, we must leave some benefits for others. Playing dumb sometimes yields unexpected rewards."
"Aren’t you afraid they’ll betray us and go it alone?"
"Not afraid. First, I have the manor. Second, even if they take the seeds of the flowers, they won’t be able to grow them. Also, our tea-making techniques are not to be divulged. Even if they were, we could simply switch to newer teas."
Lenglei looked at her with astonishment; no wonder the princess wasn’t worried, she still had tricks up her sleeve.
"Princess, the person has been brought," Huang Yi entered frantically with a bound captive trailing behind him.
