Chapter 96

"Am I not beautiful?"

The next morning, Xue Lingyu felt extremely sore in his back as soon as he got up. Jiang He had kept him up until midnight the night before he finally fell asleep from exhaustion.

Even though they both have a child, Jiang He still doesn't feel any joy.

According to custom, the new emperor must get up early to serve tea to his mother-in-law and father-in-law. Xue Lingyu had been keeping this in mind all night, and he had to make sure he behaved well today. Even if he couldn't please his mother-in-law and father-in-law, he had to at least save face.

Just as he finished washing up and was about to go to the main courtyard to pay his respects, Jiang He suddenly grabbed his hand and said, "I'll go with you."

"Aren't you going to the shop today? Or should I go alone?" Xue Lingyu asked, though she couldn't help but be a little worried, as could be seen from his nervous expression.

“You are my husband, the young master of the Jiang family, and it is my duty to protect you.” Jiang He pulled him into her arms and couldn’t help but pinch his cheek. “Don’t worry, your mother and father will not make things difficult for you.”

I don't know who was talking incessantly in my dream, worried that they would be bullied if she wasn't there, and they kept clinging to her arm.

With Jiang He around, Xue Lingyu felt much more at ease.

Mian'er slept in Xue's father's courtyard last night. He dotes on this granddaughter, and as a result, he doesn't have as many complaints about Xue Lingyu anymore. When serving tea, he didn't point out his mistakes, but instead gave him a red envelope and instructed him to remember to continue the Jiang family's lineage, and preferably give Mian'er a younger brother next year to keep her company.

Xue Lingyu blushed and whispered that she had remembered it.

Jiang Shangyi drank the new emperor's tea expressionlessly and gave Xue Lingyu a thick stack of land deeds. This was her only remaining savings. If it weren't for raising Jiang He, this spendthrift son, how could she be so strapped for cash that she couldn't even afford Longjing tea?

When Mr. Xue talked about his grandson, she couldn't help but nod in agreement.

Xue Lingyu was surprised that Jiang Shangyi would give him a land deed. The betrothal gifts from the Jiang family were already more than enough, and he was at a loss for words when they gave him so much more.

He knew nothing about business, and all the shops and land deeds that fell into his hands were things he could only maintain.

“Since it’s from your mother, you should take it. When Mian’er’s younger brother is born next year, your mother will definitely give you more than this,” Jiang He said, a smile involuntarily spreading across her face.

Jiang Shangyi glared at the spendthrift woman; she really didn't have a single penny left.

Since Jiang He had already spoken, Xue Lingyu had no choice but to accept, saying, "Thank you, Mother-in-law."

The tea ceremony ended smoothly. The Jiang family was small and didn't have many relatives. Unlike other mansions, the household affairs were not complicated and tedious. Father Jiang directly gave the storeroom key to Xue Lingyu and asked him to try managing the affairs of the backyard.

Young masters from prominent families are taught these skills from a young age. Given the Xue family's social standing, Father Jiang believed that Xue Lingyu was capable of doing it well. If she didn't, he would hand it over to Jiang He to clean up the mess, since nothing would go wrong anyway.

As Mr. Jiang grew old, all he wanted to do was enjoy the company of his grandchildren.

"Mian'er must be hungry. Take her back and feed her." There was a dark spot under Xue's eyes, probably because Mian'er was very restless last night and he didn't get much sleep. He needed to catch up on his sleep during the day.

"Yes, I will bring Mian'er to your courtyard tonight," Xue Lingyu said respectfully.

The little guy returned to his father's side and suddenly became quiet.

As they left the main courtyard, Jiang He, worried that Xue Lingyu might get tired, took Mian'er into her arms. She wondered what the little one had eaten to grow so fast and heavy.

Jiang He teased her, and the little one waved her fists incessantly in response, looking extremely energetic.

This is quite the night owl; she can be so lively even without sleeping, just like Jiang He when she was young.

Jiang He said to Xue Lingyu, "Mian'er hasn't had her full moon celebration yet. Why don't you choose a date and hold it later?"

"The household expenses have been quite high lately. Next month is your birthday, and we also have to hold a first birthday banquet for Mian'er. There are also regular social obligations that add up to a considerable sum, and many other things..."

Xue Lingyu counted on her fingers.

He had only been married into the Jiang family for a short time, but he was already feeling the pinch when it came to Jiang He's money. It wasn't that they couldn't hold a make-up ceremony, but a grand ceremony would be another huge expense.

Jiang He smiled and moved closer to him, her eyes shining. "You still remember my birthday?"

"How could I not remember?" Xue Lingyu blurted out. After seeing Jiang He's expression, he finally realized that Jiang He was trying to trick him into revealing information.

Jiang He had never told him her birthday, and the reason he knew was because he had actively inquired about it, and it was something he had remembered for a long time.

Putting that topic aside for now, Xue Lingyu began to reason with Jiang He.

“Our wedding was already quite extravagant, and Mian’er was even granted the title of Princess. Even if the Jiang family has a steady stream of money, we can’t show it off to outsiders at this time.”

"After all, the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow. I don't want you to be targeted by anyone." Xue Lingyu spoke from the heart. Jiang He's current status is too eye-catching. Once Princess Xile is named Crown Princess, the Jiang family will be the most prominent maternal relatives, and every move they make will be closely related to the Crown Princess.

We all prosper together, and we all suffer together.

Jiang He understood Xue Lingyu's good intentions, which proved that he was wholeheartedly considering and planning for her.

The baby in her arms had no objection to not holding a full-moon celebration.

"Come to think of it, I've never had a full moon celebration before," Jiang He suddenly said.

"After I was born, my mother had someone tell my fortune and said that I was the reincarnation of the God of Literature. My mother was very happy and planned to hold a big first birthday banquet so that everyone could see me do the first birthday ceremony and announce that the Jiang family had produced a scholar."

Jiang He deliberately kept Xue Lingyu in suspense for a moment before slowly saying, "In the end, I took a liking to the abacus at first sight, and I would smile at whoever gave me a silver note, which nearly drove my mother crazy."

Xue Lingyu burst out laughing.

"It seems you really have a knack for business."

Xue Lingyu followed up by saying, "So, if I give you a silver note now, will you smile at me?"

Jiang He leaned close to his ear and whispered, "No need for my husband to give it to me, I'll offer to pay him myself."

She would give him whatever he wanted.

Xue Lingyu lowered his head, covering his chest with his hands, feeling embarrassed and annoyed by Jiang He, who always said such things, making his heart beat faster.

“Those shops are all managed by people below. You just need to check the accounts regularly and put away those land deeds. Land prices in the capital won’t fluctuate too much in the next few years. If you have any other questions, just ask me.” Jiang He held his hand and said gently.

Jiang He had made all the arrangements for him beforehand, so that someone who didn't know anything about business wouldn't have to worry about these things.

"I just need to take care of things in the manor?" Xue Lingyu blinked.

Jiang He lowered her voice and stared at his lips suggestively, saying, "And you must serve me obediently."

Everyone in the capital knew that the eldest daughter of the Jiang family had married the adopted son of the Prince of Feng, who was also the eldest son of Prime Minister Xue. In addition, the dowry that stretched for ten miles along the wedding street was a spectacle that even a prince's wedding could not match. It was probably impossible to find another family in the capital with such wealth.

Not everyone is like Jiang He.

On the day of her return visit to her parents' home, someone saw Jiang He riding a Ferghana horse to lead the way, with her newlywed husband sitting in the carriage behind her. She personally helped her husband down from the carriage, and the two looked perfectly matched.

Xue's parents were already waiting at the door for Xue Lingyu to return home. Xue's father was so excited that he burst into tears the moment he saw Xue Lingyu. Xue Lingyu was very different from before. The fabric she wore was extremely precious chiffon, the hairpin in her hair was gorgeous but not gaudy, and her face had become fuller, giving her a more gentle and graceful appearance that belonged to the young master.

Prince Feng was also at the Xue family residence, and Xue Lingyu greeted him.

Seeing that he was doing well in the Jiang family, and that Jiang He was showing his affection for him without any hesitation, Prince Feng was relieved. Seeing Xue Lingyu happy, he assumed that his Yu'er had also married and was living a life of being a good wife and mother.

Prince Feng handed a box to Xue Lingyu, saying, "I will be returning to Feng soon. These land deeds are for you to do with as you see fit."

Xue Lingyu declined, saying, "My godmother has already given me enough; I cannot accept any more."

Xue Lingyu then asked, "Won't your godmother stay a little longer? His Majesty surely hopes you can stay and live out your retirement."

There are no more of Prince Feng's family members in Fengdi. Even if she goes back, she will only feel lonely. It would be better for her to stay in the capital so that her adopted son can fulfill his filial duties. There are many clever and bright children in the royal family. If Prince Feng is willing, he can raise them by his side.

Prince Feng shook his head, revealing a hint of loneliness. "Only Fengdi is my home. Besides, I need to go back and properly arrange Yu'er's remains, and then repair her tombstone."

“These land deeds were purchased in the capital by my unfilial adopted son, who used my name to annex the Jiang family’s northern district. With these deeds, the Jiang family can take the opportunity to expand their commercial territory.” Prince Feng did not explain these things to Xue Lingyu in detail. He was a woman of the inner quarters, and knowing more would be useless and would only add to his troubles.

Without a word, Prince Feng shoved the box into Xue Lingyu's hands, saying, "You are my only son. If I don't give it to you, who else can I give it to? If you don't accept it, I will be angry."

Xue Lingyu didn't understand what Prince Feng was saying, but he knew that these land deeds would be beneficial to Jiang He if he had them, and since Prince Feng insisted on them, he had no choice but to accept them.

Everyone says that the Jiang family is the wealthiest family in the capital. Since marrying Jiang He, his assets have been increasing, and the title of wealthy merchant is almost his.

After having lunch at the Xue family's house, Xue Lingyu and Jiang He returned home.

The Xue family is not far from the Jiang family, so if Xue's father wants to visit Xue Lingyu, he can come anytime.

The next day, Princess Feng was to set off back to Fengdi. No matter how much the Emperor tried to persuade her to stay, she insisted on her own way. The Emperor could not stop her any longer, so he ordered Wu Yueling, the commander of the Imperial Guard, to be the envoy and escort Princess Feng all the way.

When it was time for bed, Xue Lingyu had just come out of the bathroom, his body still steaming and his hair dripping wet. Jiang He put down the account book in her hand and began to dry his hair.

Xue Lingyu's hair was as smooth as silk, black and shiny. It was so thick that it was hard to hold in one's hand without some force. It took Jiang He quite a while to clean it for him.

Mian'er has been sent to the main courtyard. The little guy is already full and probably won't be able to make a fuss tonight. Jiang He looked at Xue Lingyu's half-open clothes and was a little eager to try.

She made a move to kiss Xue Lingyu's neck, interlocking her fingers with his with one hand, and was about to place him on top. Xue Lingyu groaned and tried to struggle free. "I have something important to tell you."

Jiang He was interrupted, but she didn't stop. She leaned down and whispered in his ear, "Let's talk while we do it."

She doesn't even look at the account books, so what important business is she supposed to be doing?

Seeing how impatient she was, Xue Lingyu pushed her away in anger, took out the box and said, "Today, Prince Feng gave me this box. Inside are some land deeds. Take a look."

Jiang He gently moved her fingers and opened the box. She looked at it carefully and found that it contained the land that Zhou Dian had acquired, which was near the Jiang family's North Ward and the He family's Lu Ward. In the capital, where land is so valuable, Zhou Dian was really capable and went to great lengths to acquire such a large piece of land.

It's a pity he's already dead, otherwise she really wanted to meet this business genius.

“Prince Feng told me a lot, but I couldn’t understand it. I only know that it should be related to the Jiang family’s business. I have too many land deeds and shops. I’ll give these land deeds to you. You can do whatever you want with them.”

Since it was given to him by the Prince of Feng, then what belongs to him belongs to Jiang He, and there is no difference between the two.

Jiang He put the land deed aside, pinched Xue Lingyu's waist, and listened to his whimpering sounds, her laughter growing even brighter. "If I gave the land deed to someone else, would you be willing?"

Xue Lingyu grabbed her wandering hand, glared at her, and said defiantly, "Even if it's torn up, I don't care."

"I heard that the Jiang family is cooperating with the He family recently. I see that there are a few plots of land near the He family's Lu Fang. If you want to curry favor with the He family, as long as it can help your business, you don't need to have any reservations. Just give them to them." Xue Lingyu was speaking from the heart. Those plots of land were of no use to Jiang He, but if they were given to the He family, they could help expand the scale of Lu Fang.

The Jiang family and the He family dominate the business district of the capital. It is inevitable that the Jiang family will have business dealings with the He family. Moreover, Jiang He seems to have a good relationship with He Sui. On the day of the wedding, He Sui even represented the He family to attend the ceremony.

Jiang He did indeed mean that. Back then, she sold her house on Jinghua Street to cover her losses, and the He family bought it. Later, He Sui returned it to her without taking a penny. In any case, this could be considered as her owing He Sui a favor, which she would definitely repay when she was able to.

Jiang He told Xue Lingyu all of this.

She had no secrets from Xue Lingyu.

After hearing the whole story, Xue Lingyu felt even more determined to give the land deed to the He family.

"But it's settled then, you can only do business with the He family. If you dare to marry a concubine or take a mistress, I will... I will..." Xue Lingyu wasn't worried that Jiang He would have anything to do with He Sui, the young master of the He family, but he was still afraid that such a situation might occur.

What if Jiang He brings back a beautiful concubine one day? What will happen to his old, faded wife who has already given birth to another child?

"What are you thinking about all day?" Jiang He chuckled and tapped his head. "You're enough. I'm very stingy, and I won't allow a second person to spend my money." After saying that, Jiang He placed him on the couch and stared intently at his body.

"You may be stingy, but don't drip there..." Xue Lingyu covered her face with her hands and said in a low voice, embarrassed, "I'm really scared."

“When it gets bigger, it will go where it’s meant to go.” Jiang He’s voice was hoarse as she watched Xue Lingyu’s skin gradually turn pinkish-white.

She got up and blew out the candle, silencing the spring light that filled the room.

The business that Jiang He had previously discussed with He Sui involved reorganizing the Jiang family's North Ward and the He family's Lu Ward to leverage their respective strengths and compensate for their weaknesses.

Why were Shuifang and Nanfang so successful? It was because the items they sold had unique characteristics that ordinary people couldn't buy elsewhere.

“Originally, the North Warehouse sold goods transported from the north. At first, it was able to keep going because of the novelty. However, the north has not been very peaceful in recent years, and the clothing and accessories from there are not to the liking of the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital. As a result, the profits have declined year by year. I think the same reason applies to the He family’s Lu Warehouse.”

He Sui wholeheartedly agreed with her statement. "What insightful opinion does Miss Jiang have?"

“My proposal is that the Jiang family completely monopolizes the land, while the water will be given to the He family.” As soon as Jiang He said this, even He Sui couldn’t help but show a surprised expression. He had never thought of such a thing before. If the two families monopolized one place, the profits would be even greater, but there would also be certain risks. It would definitely arouse the dissatisfaction of other small merchants.

Moreover, Jiang He has focused all her attention on the South Ward. Does that mean she's going to shut down the North Ward?

Jiang He's next words completely overturned He Sui's understanding.

"We can't let our two families take all the profits in the capital. So the Jiang family will close the North Ward and expand it by one kilometer beyond the original North Ward area to build a market town. The Jiang family won't sell anything; they will only be responsible for renting out shops and stalls to scattered merchants all over the capital."

"The Jiang family is only responsible for managing the commercial order; the rest is left to the individual merchants to decide."

After Jiang He finished speaking, she slowly took a sip of tea.

"Young Master He, this is my final plan. You still have a chance to back out. Does Lu Fang want to follow the same path as Bei Fang?"

“The land prices near Lu Fang are no longer what they used to be. As for acquiring land, I’m afraid…” He Sui was very tempted to tell the truth, but the cost of buying the land alone would be a huge sum. If something went wrong, the He family would not have much working capital left.

This deal is extremely risky, but it also contains the potential for huge profits.

Seeing He Sui's hesitation, Jiang He placed the land deed on the table and pushed it toward He Sui, saying, "This is a token of the Jiang family's sincerity to the He family."

He Sui asked in confusion, "What is this?"

When he opened it, he was shocked to find that it was a land deed for a plot of land near Lu Fang, which, when converted, could even buy two houses on Jinghua Street.

He remembered that these lands had fallen into the hands of the adopted son of the Prince of Feng. Now that Jiang He was married to the adopted son of the Prince of Feng, it was very likely that the Prince of Feng would give all these land deeds to her.

"This is too valuable..." He Sui said, about to return it.

The He family and the Jiang family did not have such a deep relationship; at most, they were just temporary business partners. However, Jiang He's generosity left him somewhat at a loss.

“If it weren’t for Young Master He buying my house on Jinghua Street, I would probably have had to sell Ruyi Restaurant. Moreover, at that time, Young Master He was probably also worried about Lu Fang’s affairs, yet he was still willing to lend a helping hand. Jiang He will always remember this kindness. In this way, our two families can be considered friends.”

He Sui couldn't help but exclaim, "Miss Jiang, you are a businesswoman with both integrity and compassion."

Jiang He smiled, feeling that it was a bit of an exaggeration. As a businesswoman, she was born to strive for the greatest benefit for herself, and nothing else was within her consideration.

“I will accept the land deed. From now on, the He family and the Jiang family will be friends.”

Seeing that He Sui finally accepted the money, Jiang He nodded. Although He Sui was a man and seemed gentle and easy to bully, he was very capable in business and a trustworthy business partner.

From a business perspective, she enjoys dealing with intelligent people like that.

With the cooperation with the He family finalized, a huge weight was finally lifted from Jiang He's shoulders.

The capital is a murky place, and most of the merchants who make a name for themselves here are cunning and shrewd. She's only in her early twenties, and she's supposed to support the Jiang family in the hands of these shrewd and calculating people. That's no easy task.

The Jiang family has been known as the richest merchant family for several years, but being a wealthy merchant is fine, but being an oligarch is not. If the Jiang family wants to be stable, the He family cannot fall.

This is the experience she has gained over the past few years.

She's tired now, but it will be easier for her descendants who inherit the Jiang family business in the future.

Since Jiang He got married, she felt that Su Yawan was acting strangely and was going to the palace more and more often.

The two grew up together and knew each other very well. She was well aware of what Su Yawan was doing. Since Su Yawan had scolded her while helping her when she did so many foolish things for Xue Lingyu, Jiang He would naturally not interfere with Su Yawan's absurd behavior and would even help her when necessary.

The two would also meet at Ruyi Restaurant, have a drink together, and talk about their feelings. Jiang He noticed that Su Yawan's condition had been getting better and better recently. He even walked with a swagger, just like when he was back to his days of being a top scholar and full of vigor.

No matter where Su Yawan is, as long as Xue Taifu sends someone to call her, she will rush to the palace immediately.

The frequency gradually decreased from once every two weeks to once every three days. Over time, although some court officials complained and there were even some rumors, Emperor Wei saw that Xue Taifu had finally found a court official he could talk to, so he did not want to hinder Xue Taifu's understanding of court affairs. Moreover, Su Yawan was his confidant, so he severely reprimanded these people, and after that, no one dared to say anything more.

Jiang He and Su Yawan are good friends, and Su Yawan is also Jiang Wanyi's sworn sister. Jiang Wanyi married Xue Taifu's grand-nephew, so according to seniority, Su Yawan should address Xue Taifu as an elder.

The wisteria behind Xue Taifu's neck was blooming more and more beautifully, even exuding a bit of allure. Su Yawan was young and could satisfy him in every way.

This gradually made Lady Xue more human, no longer like a soulless, aloof beauty.

Su Yawan was originally summoned to the palace by the Emperor to discuss politics. After the meeting, she was summoned to the Jiaofang Palace. Xue Taifu, wearing only a light veil, was idly playing with his hair and lazily watching Su Yawan from the bed.

Because Su Yawan was wearing an official robe that was difficult to wrinkle, his time was shorter. Although he was reluctant to leave, he still came out.

Xue Taifu held onto her sleeve tightly, the allure still lingering in his eyes, and asked with a frown:

Am I not beautiful?

Su Yawan had already straightened her official robes, but her breathing was still unsteady. When she saw Xue Taifu ask her this, she immediately shook her head.

"Then why did you finally get off me?"

Upon hearing this, Su Yawan couldn't help but freeze.

Xue Taifu seemed angry and began to dress himself.

Over time, the affectionate moments gradually led to him dressing Su Yawan exactly as she had taken her clothes off.

Su Yawan put her arm around his shoulder and patiently explained, "Your Majesty, I have received a mission from you and am in a hurry to leave the palace. If possible, I would like to spend more time with Azi. Please don't be angry, Azi."

Xue Taifu stopped, and Su Yawan helped him put on his clothes. It was just a gauze robe. Xue Taifu had obviously been deliberately dawdling, wanting Su Yawan to coax him.

Su Yawan used to wonder why Jiang He could tolerate Xue Lingyu's temperament, but now that it's about herself, she understands: when facing the one she loves, she's willing to do anything.

She gave Xue Taifu's fingertips one last kiss and hurriedly left the palace.

This scene was witnessed by Doctor Jiang. She had only recently stumbled upon the affair between Doctor Xue and Su Yawan. Doctor Xue was her master, so Doctor Jiang naturally wouldn't reveal it and would even help him cover it up.

There was one thing she didn't know whether to say or not.

The ambiguous atmosphere in the room had not completely dissipated. Xue Taifu was playing with Su Yawan's personal jade pendant, and weariness gradually appeared in the corners of his eyes.

When Physician Jiang requested an audience outside, Doctor Xue simply uttered two words.

"Come in."

Doctor Xue didn't intend to avoid Doctor Jiang, after all, he was one of his old subordinates.

The divine physician Jiang dared not raise her head. After hesitating for a moment, she said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, should this old minister prepare a contraceptive decoction?"

Young women are inherently strong, and if no precautions are taken, they may easily become pregnant.

Judging from the woman's personality, she probably wouldn't make any contraceptive preparations.

It is normal for women and men to enjoy each other's company. It is also normal for Consort Xue to want to have some fun after being confined in the deep palace for many years. However, if she becomes pregnant, and the pregnancy is exposed, she may not even be able to protect her relationship with His Majesty as a father and daughter.

Empress Xue opened her beautiful eyes, her expression cold. "I don't drink this kind of stuff."

"I have my own way of dealing with this matter, you don't need to worry about it anymore."

Knowing he couldn't change Doctor Xue's decision, Doctor Jiang had no choice but to step down.

Xue Taifu still remembered Princess Ruyi's small appearance, as cute as a dumpling. He couldn't help but stroke his flat belly, wondering if the child here would be as exquisite as Princess Ruyi.

Xue Taifu lay on the bed, clutching Su Yawan's personal jade pendant tightly in his hand.

The matter between Su Yawan and others should not be known to outsiders. If it is broken off now before anything happens, it would be the perfect time.

In any case, he experienced this taste of bitterness without suffering any loss.

After making his decision, Xue Taifu couldn't help but lower his fox-like eyes. He left the jade pendant on the bed and went to the bathhouse to wash himself clean, making sure that not a single trace of Su Yawan's scent remained.

It seems that in this way, he has become the aloof and untouchable noble Taifu he once was.

A note from the author:

Thank you to all the little angels who voted for me or watered my plants with nutrient solution between 2022-03-12 22:08:10 and 2022-03-13 19:27:47!

Thank you to the little angel who threw the landmine: 1 yogurt;

Thank you to the little angels who watered the nutrient solution: 3 bottles of Platinum Dragon; 1 bottle of Egg Pudding;

Thank you so much for your support! I will continue to work hard!

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