Chapter 32: Developing a New Ally
Although the Qin family were the current Imperial Merchants, they were not the wealthiest in Great Ye.
However, for a merchant family capable of securing the Imperial Merchant status in the capital, their foundation was naturally substantial.
When Xiao Ning'an was fighting for the position of Crown Prince back then, who would dare say that such 'yellow and white things' (gold and silver) were not vital?
If they weren't vital, why would the Qin family's adopted son insist on clinging to Xiao Ning'an?
Yu Lingzhao thought as she walked, it seemed that the Qin family's adopted son did indeed eventually receive an Earldom from Xiao Ning'an.
Upon arriving at the Chaoyang Residence, Yu Lingzhao had Feiyu attend to her sister-in-law first to change clothes, while she sat down to chat with Shopkeeper Qin.
Xiuluo Manor was famous throughout the capital, and this wasn't Shopkeeper Qin's first time visiting these noble households, yet she felt that the Zhennan Prince's Mansion was different.
It was unlike the various Duke and Prince mansions that enjoyed great Imperial favor, it was ancient and steady, without the chilling gloom of a deep courtyard or the false facade of superficial wealth.
The little County Princess was young and possessed extraordinary looks, it was no exaggeration to say she was unsurpassed in the capital.
Yet, the little County Princess was composed. Shopkeeper Qin couldn't quite put her finger on that temperament, in her twenty-odd years, she had never seen such a beautiful, fairy-like young girl.
When Shopkeeper Qin thought about bringing up the matter of the floral patterns with the little County Princess later, she felt that mentioning money would only stain her mouth.
But being a businesswoman after all, that thought only flashed through her mind and she did not actually give up on persuading the little County Princess.
If she weren't so hardworking and capable, how could she have become the shopkeeper of Xiuluo Manor in her twenties?
Yu Lingzhao could see that Shopkeeper Qin had something to say.
With her eyes darting toward the brocade box containing the clothes, she was most likely here for the patterns.
Yu Lingzhao sipped her tea unhurriedly, waiting for Shopkeeper Qin to speak.
Shopkeeper Qin also picked up her teacup and took a sip, immediately feeling the fragrance linger in her mouth. She smiled and said, "The County Princess's tea is so fragrant, it's as if one's very words carry a scent after drinking it."
Yu Lingzhao smiled. "My maid is clever, the tea she brews is indeed quite good."
"So it is the credit of Miss Huayue, truly, clever hands produce clever work." Shopkeeper Qin followed the little County Princess's lead and praised Huayue first.
After setting down her teacup, she began to talk to the little County Princess about the dressmaking.
"This commoner has truly never seen floral patterns like those sent by the County Princess. The brushwork is superb, the colors are appropriate, and they look beautiful. Once put on the clothes, everyone says they are wonderful."
Shopkeeper Qin smiled like a blooming flower: "The embroiderers worked day and night just to finish the clothes first, they are truly so beautiful that they leave one speechless. It is truly thanks to the County Princess that this commoner has had her eyes opened, I fear even the clothes of the heavenly fairies are nothing more than this."
Hearing Shopkeeper Qin pour out basketfuls of free compliments, Yu Lingzhao was indeed pleased.
Who doesn't like to be praised?
Shopkeeper Qin didn't immediately mention the patterns to the little County Princess, instead, she asked something else, "Actually, this commoner has a presumptuous request and would like to ask the County Princess for advice."
Yu Lingzhao nodded, her exquisite and beautiful eyes revealing a smile: "Ask away, Shopkeeper."
Seeing that the little County Princess was so easy to talk to, Shopkeeper Qin gained a bit more confidence. She said, "The patterns sent by the County Princess appear to be complete flower branches when viewed individually. But once two or more are finished and placed on the rack, they look like twins. They aren't identical, yet one can tell at a glance that they belong together. This commoner wonders what ingenious thought the County Princess had, I would also like to seek a bit of that good fortune."
Yu Lingzhao smiled. "So it was about that. In that case, you might as well let my Eldest Sister-in-law explain."
Just then, He Xuan emerged after changing her clothes. Shopkeeper Qin hurriedly stood up and stepped forward, but after just one look, she seemed to be frozen in place.
She blinked hard to snap back to her senses, clapped her hands, and said excitedly, "Simply wonderful! This outfit on the Heir's Consort is incredibly beautiful. What the books describe as 'opulence that dazzles the eyes' is exactly this!"
Shopkeeper Qin was not very well-read, so her praise wasn't necessarily sophisticated.
However, the genuine awe in her tone and expression made people feel her compliments came from the heart, filled with true emotion. He Xuan was indeed amused and said to Yu Lingzhao, "She is a capital shopkeeper after all, her words are truly pleasant to the ear."
Yu Lingzhao also rose and walked a circle around He Xuan, expressing great satisfaction with the craftsmanship of Xiuluo Manor.
"Eldest Sister-in-law looks beautiful in this. I'll change into mine in a moment so we can look at them together."
He Xuan knew exactly what the young girl was thinking. She nodded with a smile and told her to hurry up and change.
Shopkeeper Qin stepped forward and said with a smile, "Heir's Consort, please stay still for a moment and let this commoner tidy it up for you."
He Xuan nodded with a smile. Looking at her slender, shapely figure in the bronze mirror, she was also extremely satisfied.
The embroidery on this dress was particularly beautiful and the skill was superb; it looked as if it had grown right out of the fabric, which was truly delightful.
No woman can refuse a dress custom-made for her, not even the most heroic of women.
Shopkeeper Qin carefully arranged the hem of the Heir's Consort's skirt, making her look even more beautiful while continuing her stream of compliments.
He Xuan was ultimately a straightforward woman. Having heard Shopkeeper Qin’s previous question and being in a good mood, she took the initiative to say, "My sister and I have known each other since childhood. Though we are sisters-in-law, we are no different from biological sisters. This time, she said she wanted to wear 'sister outfits' with me—a pair of twin flowers with different shapes falling across two skirts. They are both different and similar. Shopkeeper Qin, you have a sharp eye."
After hearing He Xuan's words, Shopkeeper Qin marveled even more at the little County Princess's ingenious idea.
"The County Princess's ingenuity is truly remarkable, it has opened this commoner's eyes. I can only imagine what a peerless sight it will be when the County Princess and the Heir's Consort stand together. Seeing you two, who would know you are sisters-in-law? People will truly take you for biological sisters!"
He Xuan adored Yu Lingzhao, and Shopkeeper Qin’s words hit home perfectly, her smile never faded.
Shopkeeper Qin then asked He Xuan to walk a few steps. The flowers on the skirt’s hem looked lifelike and stunningly beautiful!
He Xuan couldn't help but marvel at her sister's cleverness. The little girl had truly grown up, she was so knowledgeable about dressing up. She wondered which lucky brat would eventually get to marry her!
At the thought of her sister's marriage, He Xuan felt a surge of irritation again. It was all because Emperor Jianyuan insisted on meddling. Could one really find a truly ideal husband by coming to the capital to select a groom?
None of those princes were easy to deal with.
When Yu Lingzhao came out after changing her clothes, both He Xuan and Shopkeeper Qin were stunned.
This was a true little beauty capable of toppling cities, the magnificent robes were merely a backdrop for her features.
"Sister, this look has truly captured my heart!" He Xuan’s smile deepened as she walked quickly to Yu Lingzhao.
Shopkeeper Qin looked at the clothes made by her own Xiuluo Manor. On these two noble ladies, the garments appeared even more magnificent and ethereal.
Especially the twin flowers on the skirts—they were so vivid they looked real and were incredibly eye-catching.
She could hardly hide her secret excitement!
She absolutely had to negotiate this business deal with the little County Princess!
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