Chapter 42: The Deal is Done
In the short time it took to finish a single cup of tea, Qin Baiwan’s attitude shifted repeatedly, finally ending with him willingly begging Yu Lingzhao to save his life.
Even Yu Qizhi, a man naturally gifted with a "heart of seven apertures" (to be quick witted), couldn't help but marvel that Zhaozhao’s methods were becoming increasingly formidable.
He had come along today for two reasons: first, to verify the contents of that dream, and second, to protect Zhaozhao.
He hadn't expected Zhaozhao to grow and progress so rapidly. In dealing with an old business fox like Qin Baiwan, she was not only his equal but perhaps even his superior.
For a girl of Zhaozhao’s age to suppress such a cunning and stingy man, to call her both talented and beautiful would be an understatement.
Qin Baiwan’s final stance was within Yu Lingzhao's expectations, though the price he offered was higher than she had anticipated.
The Qin family was, after all, the wealthiest in the land and held the status of Imperial Merchants.
Although it was "only" thirty percent of their annual net profit, the sum was bound to be staggering.
Yu Lingzhao didn't know the exact figures, but the Qin family’s wealth was said to rival that of the nation. Even by the standards of the Imperial family, that thirty percent would likely cover the palace's expenses for five years.
At this point, Yu Lingzhao was no longer in a hurry to leave. Since Qin Baiwan had shown his sincerity, there was room for negotiation. She turned back and sat down, tapping her finger on the table.
Huayue understood the gesture and stepped forward to replace the tea set and brew fresh tea for the County Princess.
Qin Baiwan and the others remained kneeling. Yu Lingzhao sat quietly, watching Huayue brew the tea, her expression remaining indifferent throughout.
Qin Baiwan was no fool. The information revealed to him made him realize that the disaster of his entire family being executed rested on another person's whim. He didn't dare gamble on that possibility.
Having reached the position of the wealthiest man, Qin Baiwan had no intention of being slaughtered like a lamb.
However, a commoner does not fight with officials.
No matter how much he plotted, it was as the County Princess said: what did the life or death of the Qin family have to do with the Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion?
Huayue’s tea-making skills were expert and her movements graceful, watching her, Yu Lingzhao actually became quite entranced.
Listening to the sounds of the maid brewing tea, Qin Baiwan felt a mix of complex emotions. Though the County Princess was young, her character far surpassed her peers.
Even at his age, he had to praise the County Princess for her incredible composure.
Qin Baiwan even began to doubt his status as the wealthiest man. Thirty percent of the Qin family’s annual net profit—thirty percent!
Could even that not move the County Princess? Not only were her character and composure extraordinary, but her ability to remain unfazed in the face of such massive wealth was truly humbling.
If Yu Lingzhao had known what Qin Baiwan was thinking, she would have told him quite sincerely: Master Qin, she was just mesmerized by the tea-making; she didn't actually mean to treat money like dirt.
However, this accidental stroke of luck—causing Qin Baiwan to develop a sense of genuine admiration for her, made the negotiations much smoother.
At the very least, Qin Baiwan would no longer think of ways to manipulate the County Princess.
As the saying goes, "The bold feast while the timid starve." His previous attempt to test her with half his fortune had already been seen through; she had struck his Achilles' heel by making it clear that the only party trapped in this mess was the Qin family.
*Literally fullness for the bold, famine for the timid.
She was truly a County Princess raised by the Prince’s Mansion!
Huayue delivered the tea into Yu Lingzhao’s hand and retreated behind her. Yu Lingzhao took a small sip; it was indeed a fine tea that left a lingering fragrance on the palate.
"Master Qin, Miss Qin, you should also try the tea brewed by Huayue. Even my Royal Mother is very fond of her skill." Only after Yu Lingzhao gave the word did Qin Baiwan and Qin Fangdai dare to stand up.
This time, when Huayue poured tea for Qin Baiwan, she even received a "Thank you, Miss" from him. Huayue gave a slight nod and retreated once the tea was served.
At this moment, Qin Baiwan found everything around the County Princess pleasing to the eye—take Huayue, for instance; he couldn't help but think she was exactly what one would expect from the Prince of Zhennan’s Mansion: poised and knowing exactly when to advance or retreat.
Beside her father, Qin Fangdai looked up slightly to observe the young County Princess opposite them. With her peerless beauty, proud aura, and a grasp of human nature that far exceeded her own, a feeling of "admiration" couldn't help but well up in Qin Fangdai's heart.
"It is indeed fine tea, with an endless aftertaste." Qin Baiwan took a sip and added, "I wonder what the County Princess thinks of what this lowly one just proposed?"
Yu Lingzhao actually laughed, her eyes shimmering with starlight. "Is Master Qin always this direct when negotiating business with others?"
Unsure of the County Princess's intent, Qin Baiwan spoke frankly, "Certainly not with others, but the County Princess is different. I shall keep the County Princess’s kindness today engraved in my heart. Earlier, I measured the heart of a superior person with the thoughts of a petty one; I beg the County Princess to be magnanimous and overlook my fault."
Qin Baiwan’s attitude toward Yu Lingzhao was now profoundly respectful.
Yu Lingzhao smiled. "While I am not a generous person, I do not hold grudges against my own people. I have seen Master Qin’s sincerity. However, thirty percent..."
Yu Lingzhao intentionally left them hanging. The hearts of both Qin Baiwan and Qin Fangdai leaped into their throats: Was it too little?!
This time, Qin Baiwan had learned his lesson. He maintained his composure, showing no other emotion on his face.
"Master Qin is even more straightforward than I imagined."
Yu Lingzhao didn't tease them for too long, stating directly, "I am not greedy; I only want twenty percent. As for how that twenty percent will be collected, I will send someone to discuss the details with you later, just wait for the right time. What we should talk about officially today is the Twin Flowers design that Shopkeeper Qin wanted."
Qin Qiuniang, suddenly called by the County Princess, was stunned, momentarily unsure of how to respond.
Yu Lingzhao smiled. Feiyu stepped forward with a design folder and handed it to Qin Qiuniang, then addressed Qin Baiwan and Qin Fangdai: "The County Princess’s meaning is that it can be done. The County Princess wants twenty percent of the profits from the sale of this Twin Flowers set. Additionally, the County Princess will provide eleven more designs to create a series of clothing; the required compensation for these will also be twenty percent of the profits."
"Whether you want it or not depends on Master Qin and Miss Qin’s decision."
Qin Qiuniang opened the sketch box, and sure enough, inside were the designs for the Twin Flowers.
Qin Baiwan, however, picked up on a business opportunity from Feiyu’s words and inquired, "What does the County Princess mean by a 'series'?"
The fish had taken the bait. Excellent.
Yu Lingzhao nodded, and Feiyu continued, "It is named after the Twelve Flower Deities, consisting of twelve sets of clothing. The first set is the Twin Flowers that Shopkeeper Qin saw that day. Other outfits can also be made as matching 'sister sets.' By selling something novel, people will naturally pay for it. Furthermore, we will only produce high-end versions. If they sell well, matching sachets and handkerchiefs can be released; even ordinary families can afford these smaller items."
Upon hearing this, Qin Baiwan’s eyes sparkled. He said repeatedly, "Good! Truly a wonderful idea! The County Princess truly has a wealth of talent under her command! This business shall be handled by Fangdai. We will certainly ensure the County Princess earns a fortune!"
Feiyu lowered her head slightly. "This was the County Princess’s own idea; I am merely relaying it."
Qin Baiwan was stunned again. He hadn't expected this to be the County Princess’s own brainchild. He felt a secret sense of relief that she didn't rely on trade for her living.
Otherwise, as a fellow merchant, if she were this outstanding at such a young age, how would the rest of them survive?!
"The County Princess is truly a young genius! This lowly one is impressed. Then let it be settled. I shall personally draft the contract and will certainly not disappoint the County Princess."
With Qin Baiwan’s words, Yu Lingzhao nodded in agreement. Everything for today had been properly settled.
"Since this matter is being handed to Miss Qin, she may use this jade pendant to enter and leave the Prince’s Mansion in the future. What do you think, Master Qin?"
Yu Lingzhao placed a jade pendant on the table. Qin Baiwan agreed instantly, placing the pendant in his daughter’s hand.
"We shall do as the County Princess says!"
Jade: Happy New Month to everyone!! And welcome to the month of Love～(^ะท^)-☆
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