Chapter 483: Can You Afford It?
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Sikou Ming could not sit still at the Third Prince’s palace. Zhao Chuchu, whom he was looking for, had gone over to Xia Chengxuan’s place.
After Kang Xiuwan and her mother had settled down, the former’s spirit visibly improved.
Xia Chengxuan said, “Chuchu, thank you very much for yesterday. We have troubled you again. Today, a mammy from the Kang clan came to me in secret and told me that the person was the young master from the duke’s palace. Will Da Lang get in trouble during the Imperial Examination?
“The government is not controlled single-handedly by the duke. The Imperial Examination is a serious matter tied to the country’s fate. The duke has no authority to intervene there. You do not need to worry,” said Zhao Chuchu as she comforted Xia Chengxuan. “I will go take a look at Wanwan.”
Zhao Chuc.hu discovered that Xia Chengxuan was really long-winded at times.
She did not wish to listen to Xia Chengxuan’s nagging.
Xia Chengxuan sighed behind her back.
They were actually of the same generation.
However, this matter could only remain a secret forever.
When Kang Xiuwan heard Zhao Chuchu arrive, she sat up.
“Are you feeling better?” asked Zhao Chuchu as she sat by her bedside. She then checked Kang Xiuwan’s pulse. The latter’s condition had significantly improved.
One’s emotional state honestly has a significant impact on their health.
Before this, when Kang Xiuwan was conflicted, her condition worsened daily. Now that she had drawn a line with the Kang clan, her mood, and health had improved.
Kang Xiuwan replied, “I feel much better now, but my mom insists I remain in bed.”
Zhao Chuchu advised, “You’d better rest for two more days. Your mom means well. Health is the true wealth. If your condition worsens, it will probably be too much for your mother to handle. Now, you are her motivation to continue living.”
Although Xia Chengxuan was cowardly, for her daughter’s sake, she stood up for both of them.
Otherwise, they would have been eaten alive long ago.
“I can’t quite sit still. I always find myself looking for something to do. Now, my mother and I only have each other to rely on. We can’t just rely on my mother’s dowry to get by.”
“There is no immediate rush. What do you plan to do?”
Kang Xiuwan said, “I have discussed this with my mother. The thing we are both best at is needlework. So, we plan to start a textile shop. However, we know nothing of the business side of things, so we are still figuring it out.”
“The capital already has more than 20 textile shops, and their clientele has already been established. If you open another textile shop, you will have a tough time competing with those established businesses. There is also the Kang clan.” Zhao Chuchu suggested, “I have an idea that might work. Why don’t you start a clothing store and spend time coming up with new designs? “A clothing store?
Zhao Chuc.hu explained, “Hmm, the madams and young mistresses of affluent families hate clashing outfits with other people the most. You can work on exclusive customized clothing. There is little competition in that sector. Women are also willing to spend money on clothing the most. This endeavor will be much more profitable than a textile shop.”
After giving it some thought, Kang Xiuwan found that it made a lot of sense.
“You have enlightened me. I feel much more relieved now. I will discuss it with my mother later.”
“If you open a clothing store, you and your mother can also manage it with just the two of you. Once established, you can hire a few other skilled seamstresses to help out. I guarantee that you will not fritter away your fortune.”
Kang Xiuwan replied, “I will remember this. By the way, is that man still causing trouble for you?
“He has not done anything for now. Do not worry. I can handle them.”
“I fear that he will act against you. After all, the people in Imperial City have authority and influence. We cannot afford to offend them.” Kang Xiuwan confessed, “Chuchu, sometimes I really do not know how to thank you. Many people claim that you are cruel and merciless. However, you have only shown kindness to us.”
“That is because you and your mother are different from the other members of the Xia clan. I don’t take things personally. I am a reasonable person.”
As she said this, Zhao Chuchu waved her fist and said, “Ordinary people will succumb to my reasoning.”
“Hahaha.” Kang Xiuwan could not resist laughing out loud. She said, “Chuchu, with you around, you always have ways to make people happy. Mr. Xie is truly fortunate to have married you.”
“Of course, even he has admitted that he is lucky to have me. After all, a young maiden like me is a rare find.”
“Hmm, then, can I still call you Chuchu in the future?
Kang Xiuwan knew Zhao Chuchu’s identity. Zhao Chuchu admitted she was related to them when they were in the Kang residence. Kang Xiuwan had been struggling to figure out whether she should call Zhao Chuchu her aunt or whether she could continue calling her as she did now.
“Call me Chuchu. We no longer have any connection with the Xia clan,” said
Zhao Chuchu. “I am helping you not because the blood of the Xia clan flows in our veins.”
“I know,” replied Kang Xiuwan as she nodded her head. She would let those matters remain secrets forever.
The people in the Xia clan who knew about this were all dead. She and her mother were the only remaining people who knew.
Zhao Chuchu advised, “By the way, both you and your mother have weak constitutions. In the future, when you have time in the afternoon, go visit the Ruyu Center and exercise with Jixiang. Later on, when Jixiang has gotten used to leading sessions, I will teach her a set of martial arts techniques for self-defense. It would be good for you and your mother to learn.”
Kang Liang would indeed bother them in the future.
When the Third Prince took action against him, and he was left with nothing, Kang Liang would definitely come looking for them again.
Hence, they needed to make themselves stronger.
“Can we also learn such things?” asked Kang Xiuwan, somewhat puzzled.
‘Go for it. Many of the madams in the city visit the center. Who knows, you might even come across a good marriage there.”
“Stop teasing me,” said Kang Xiuwan, embarrassed. “After seeing how my parents ended up, I don’t want to get married.”
“Not all men are like your father. You need to learn to judge with your own eyes and distinguish the good and bad of a man before making your choice. Your mother will definitely not let you simply marry any person blindly.”
“We will see when the time comes. Now is not the time to consider such things.”
Right now, Kang Xiuwan’s mind was occupied with earning money and not squandering their fortune. Other matters would need to be set to the side.
Zhao Chuchu smiled and did not continue on the topic.
Regardless of the era, coercing people to marry was never a happy affair.
Zhao Chuchu stayed for a meal before leaving.
Xia Chengxuan saw Zhao Chuchu out. She asked, “Chuchu, if the man from Imperial City…”
“I suddenly recall that I still need to buy some things for Junjun. You don’t need to send me off,” said Zhao Chuchu, interrupting Xia Chengxuan’s sentence. Zhao Chuchu was afraid that Xia Chengxuan would keep harping on.
Zhao Chuchu left immediately after she finished her sentence, not giving Xia Chengxuan another opportunity to open her mouth.
Even if Sikou Ming wanted to do anything, with Xia Chengxuan’s current situation, she could do nothing and could be of no help. Zhao Chuchu would rather the latter not worry about her and instead think about what she and her daughter would do in the future.
As she was walking, Zhao Chuchu encountered a member of the Kang clan.
This time, he politely invited Zhao Chuchu to visit the Kang residence.
“What’s the matter? Does the Kang clan plan to renovate the residence? Are you seeking my help to tear down the place? My services don’t come cheap. Can you afford it?” mocked Zhao Chuchu in a cold tone.
The person replied, “Mrs. Xie, you must be joking. Old Mr. Kang wishes to invite Mrs. Xie over for a consultation. Rest assured, Mrs. Xie, we will spare no expense for the consultation fee and other payments. If you manage to cure him, we will reward you handsomely separately.”
Zhao Chuchu looked sideways at him and asked, “How much can you afford?”
He made a gesture and asked, “How about this much?”
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