Chapter 201: Entertaining Relatives and Friends
Today was the day “Cloud Desires” and “Delicious and Flavorful” were entertaining relatives and friends.
No one had heard about the grand opening, but suddenly, the street in front of the shops was bustling with carriages and horses, attracting many curious onlookers. Some even wanted to enter, but Li Jiang politely stopped them and pointed to a signboard beside the door.
“Today is a day for our shop to entertain relatives and friends, and we are not open to the public. Our shop will officially open on the Dragon Boat Festival. We welcome everyone to patronize us then!”
Under Li Jiang’s loud and clear directions, the numerous carriages and horses were arranged in an orderly manner, allowing guests to disembark and enter the shops.
Wen Yu and Yan Zhu, dressed in their own shop’s creations, along with Master Qing and the other staff, stood at the entrance with smiles, welcoming the guests.
New fabrics, new styles, worn by two beautiful women, complemented by the unique style of the shops, the atmosphere immediately became lively!
Yuan Xi Jun and Wen Huan ultimately didn’t come. Old Madam Wen went out without even asking. Seeing a hint of hesitation in Wen Qian, Old Madam Wen actually glared at him fiercely. Wen Feng quickly pulled his eldest brother into the carriage.
It was actually the first time the Wen family came here. As soon as they got out of the carriage, they were dumbfounded.
They never imagined that Wen Yu had such capabilities!
Wen Yu arrived earlier than them. Seeing that Yuan Xi Jun and Wen Huan weren’t there, she felt satisfied: “You two will also experience the neglect and exclusion I endured in my past life!”
“Heavens! Ah Yu, this…” Old Madam Wen’s eyes couldn’t take it all in.
Madam Wu supported her mother-in-law. Having managed the household for many years, she had a good grasp of prices. With a quick glance, she knew that the expenses were considerable. She kept wondering in her heart, “Where did this girl Wen Yu get the silver? And who helped her accomplish all this?”
Old Madam Wen, however, had an idea: “With Madam Qi and Song Shang, and so many capable people under her command, this girl is both capable and has the support of influential people!”
Wen Qian silently observed everything. Somehow, a sense of pride arose in his heart. “This is my Wen Qian’s eldest daughter!”
If Wen Yu knew what he was thinking, she would definitely say: “This is the thickest skin in the world!”
Before the Wen family could fully comprehend the situation, Madam Song arrived with Song Chihan.
Old Madam Wen quickly asked, “Where’s Ah Shang!?”
“He came early! Didn’t you see him?”
“Not yet! Look at this lively scene!”
Wen Yu hurried to greet Madam Song, taking her arm and saying, “You have a mission today!”
“What do you need me to do?” Madam Song asked.
“Find faults!”
“You silly girl, I can’t help but praise you. How could I find faults!?”
“It’s not just you, Grandmother too. You need to see if there’s anything not done well, so that I can quickly fix it!”
Song Chihan, with a cold expression, squeezed between Wen Yu and Madam Song.
Madam Song also felt a little helpless. She took the opportunity to step aside slightly and, holding Wen Yu’s hand, observed her: “Ah Yu, are you wearing clothes from your own shop?”
“Yes!”
“Beautiful, beautiful! Old Madam, tell me, how did you raise this girl to be so outstanding?!”
“It’s all thanks to everyone’s support!” Old Madam Wen didn’t know how much Madam Song knew, so she spoke vaguely.
As for Wen Feng, as soon as he entered, his eyes fell on Yan Zhu, and he was instantly smitten!
Seizing the opportunity, he pulled Wen Jiao aside and asked, “Is that Yan Zhu?”
Wen Jiao glanced over: “Yes! She wasn’t this beautiful before… It’s all thanks to the clothes. Father, buy me two sets!”
Wen Feng stared intently at Yan Zhu and replied absentmindedly, “Didn’t Grandmother promise to buy them for you?”
Wen Jiao rolled her eyes in dissatisfaction and turned away.
Wen Feng, however, was lamenting in his heart: “When she was in Jiangzhou, she lived in our house, why didn’t I notice? Such a beauty! Compared to her, all the women I’ve been with before are like rags…”
He unconsciously moved closer to Yan Zhu.
At this moment, the Cui family arrived and disembarked at the entrance.
Wen Yu pulled Yan Zhu to greet them, and laughter filled the air instantly. “Sister Zhuzhu!” A little girl ran in, took Yan Zhu’s hand, and chattered non-stop.
Wen Feng stopped in his tracks. “That’s the Cui family’s daughter, right?” After thinking carefully for a moment, he sighed: “This Yan Zhu has even met the Crown Prince and Grandson of the Emperor, she’s even better than me…”
“What can I do if I go over there now? I’ll wait and see if there’s another chance.”
Who knows what kind of dream he was having!
Old Madam Wen, along with Madam Wu and the Wen daughters, also went to welcome the Cui family.
After Old General Cui dismounted, he stood in front of “Cloud Desires” and was overwhelmed by the fragrance inside, causing him to sneeze.
Looking again, he saw shimmering silks and a dazzling array of goods, all surrounded by women and young ladies.
He grinned: “Not bad!” and stayed put.
Seeing this, Wen Yu quickly said, “Old General, please come inside and take a look!”
“No need! It’s too bright, I’m getting dizzy. Aiya… Fortunately, there aren’t many women in the Cui family, I can still afford it! You girls, if you want anything, don’t hesitate, put it on my account! I’ll go have some tea next door and wait for my old comrades to arrive before we start the meal!” After saying that, he turned and headed towards “Delicious and Flavorful.”
Eldest Madam Cui smiled and walked straight inside. She was usually strict and didn’t enjoy dressing up. But seeing the appearance of the shop and Master Qing’s elegant demeanor, she couldn’t help but feel interested.
Master Qing introduced everything calmly and slowly, and in the end, the group of women wanted to buy everything they saw.
Seeing the prices, Eldest Madam Cui laughed heartily… “Second and Third Sister-in-Law, the General has spoken. It’s going on his personal account. Such opportunities are rare, hurry up and buy!”
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This caused the Second Sister-in-Law and County Princess Huiyi to laugh out loud.
Zhang Moqing accompanied Madam Qi. As soon as she arrived, she acted like half the owner, taking the initiative to introduce things to their relatives and friends.
Bao’er had already reunited with Yuanyuan and rushed towards the pile of dolls. Song Chihan stood to the side, quietly watching them play, neither joining them nor leaving. Who knows what was going through her mind!
✿✿✿
Qi Wu came with his mother. He and Wen Yu hadn’t seen each other since their “talk” last time.
For some reason, he felt extremely guilty.
He hid among the crowd, secretly glancing at Wen Yu.
Wen Yu, dressed in her finest attire, had a smile on her face as she talked with others.
She’s so beautiful…
He blushed instantly, remembering that sleepless night and what happened afterwards… His heart pounded, his palms sweated. He didn’t dare look at her, yet he couldn’t help himself.
This room was very fragrant, different from the scent on her body. However, the fragrance on her seemed to change all the time.
Women are so troublesome.
Unlike him, who never liked to scent his clothes. The faint scent of soap pods was good enough.
Her black hair, her slender neck. Her neck was so delicate, so white…
Her small hand was pointing at something… That hand, so slender and smooth. I even held it during the Lantern Festival.
Everyone else was looking around the shop, asking this and that. Only he, stood rooted to the spot, tense all over, not moving a muscle, only his eyes following Wen Yu.
Wen Yu led the people further back, her slender waist swaying slightly, making him hold his breath completely…
“What are you looking at?!” A hand clapped on his shoulder.
Qi Wu was startled and instinctively jabbed his elbow backwards…
“Ouch!” Even though the person was agile and dodged quickly, he was still bumped.
“…” After a moment of stunned silence, the person asked, “Are you crazy?!”
Qi Wu saw that it was the Grandson of the Emperor, and only then did he come to his senses: “I’m sorry, Your Highness! Why didn’t you make a sound?!” He was a little annoyed…
“Why didn’t I make a sound?! I called you as soon as I entered!” The Grandson of the Emperor was also angry!
“…I’m sorry, I didn’t hear… Your Highness, why are you here?”
The Grandson of the Emperor glared at him fiercely for a moment before snorting: “Why am I here?! Look!” He lifted his chin.
Over there, Jiang Pinting had already joined Wen Yu and the others! The group of them, not acting like proper ladies at all, were chatting and laughing, even hugging each other…
“So noisy and boisterous! What decorum!” The Grandson of the Emperor was disgusted.
The Zhang daughters and the Wen daughters also gathered around… It became even livelier. Old Madam Wen also rushed over to Jiang Pinting to fawn over her.
County Princess Huiyi was with her close friend. She said enviously, “Doesn’t this remind you of our childhood?”
The dignified lady nodded: “Indeed! Youth is truly wonderful!”
“Heh! Wen Yu’s quite ambitious!” The Grandson of the Emperor strolled around, looking at everything, while Qi Wu accompanied him.
Some ladies recognized him and quickly curtsied.
The Grandson of the Emperor said calmly, “On such an occasion today, please feel free, there’s no need for formalities!”
Qi Wu thought to himself: “The Grandson of the Emperor actually accompanied Consort Jiang here, he treats her quite differently.”
That’s right, the Grandson of the Emperor quite enjoyed visiting Consort Jiang’s courtyard lately.
He felt that she was intelligent, knowledgeable, and caused little trouble. She was capable but not pretentious. Although he would still get angry when they were together, it wouldn’t be for those inexplicable reasons. She wouldn’t cling to him or do silly things to please him…
They could talk business or simply chat idly. Their interactions were natural and enjoyable.
He knew that Consort Jiang was coming and threw a tantrum, forbidding her from going. But she ignored him and went out directly, and he followed her like a lovesick puppy.
“Hey.” The Grandson of the Emperor nudged Qi Wu. “Where did a little girl like her get so much silver? Did your mother give it to her?”
“I don’t know.” Qi Wu shook his head.
“What do you mean you don’t know! This girl is so beautiful, has a fierce temper, and is so ambitious, just wait until she has you wrapped around her little finger!”
Qi Wu actually thought: “To be wrapped around her little finger… It seems rather nice.”
