Two drops of blood slowly drew closer in the water, then merged together.
"Madam!" Nanzhi exclaimed excitedly.
They actually merged!!
Shen Qingqing's heart raced as she looked at Lvyun with even more eagerness and compassion.
Lvyun was somewhat bewildered, but seeing how happy the madam and Nanzhi were, she knew it must be good news, so she smiled gently.
Although she appeared sallow and emaciated, her smile was still beautiful, with naturally fine facial features.
"Madam, should we also test it with the young miss?" Nanzhi felt it would be more reliable to test both children.
"Yes."
After breakfast, Shen Qingqing said to Mama Zhao, "Nanzhi and I will be going out later. Take good care of Lvyun and don't let anyone take her away. If anything happens, send someone to find me at the shop."
"Understood, Madam."
Mama Zhao was getting on in years, and Shen Qingqing didn't want to burden her with too much information. Fortunately, Mama Zhao wasn't the type to ask many questions and generally followed instructions without hesitation.
Shen Qingqing and Nanzhi took the carriage to the shop.
They went to the rouge shop first. It was still early, so there weren't many customers. Shen Qingqing wandered around the shop, looking for areas that could be improved.
Revenge required money—she needed to make these two shops more profitable.
In her previous life, she had devoted herself entirely to the Marquis Manor and to raising the three children properly. The shops had made money, but only modestly. In this life, free from the worries of the Marquis Manor, she planned to become a successful businesswoman—the wealthiest matriarch!
The shop had two floors: the first floor sold relatively common rouge, while the second floor featured private rooms where customers could leisurely select premium cosmetics.
"Xijin, what do you think about selling some jewelry on the second floor? We could also offer makeup services to help certain customers achieve a beautiful look. Do you think that would attract more customers?"
"Is this targeted at customers who can access the second floor?"
Shen Qingqing nodded.
"Madam, there are several jewelry stores on this street. I've visited them, and the attractive jewelry designs are limited. If we also sell jewelry, we wouldn't have much of an advantage." Xijin had done her homework thoroughly—she was familiar not just with this street but with the entire area.
"Who said we'd be selling others' jewelry? We'll design our own jewelry, then have it crafted by artisans. We'll release limited editions, so the noble ladies in the city will take pride in owning our pieces."
Xijin was utterly astonished and nodded repeatedly. "Madam, your drawing skills have always been exceptional—you certainly can design jewelry." Before marriage, the young lady had often sketched jewelry and ready-to-wear clothing, and her designs were always well-received. However, she had rarely drawn back then, and after marrying, she had even less time.
"Also, find skilled makeup artists who can create different looks tailored to each customer's face shape and temperament."
"Understood, I'll make note of that."
Customers gradually began arriving at the shop. Shen Qingqing wore a veil, so no one could see her face.
As more and more customers came in, business was indeed thriving.
Afterward, she went to the ready-to-wear clothing shop. Business here was relatively quieter, managed by a different shopkeeper. The shop primarily sold pre-made garments but also offered custom tailoring.
She glanced at the ready-to-wear clothes in the shop—the styles were rather plain and not particularly fashionable. The positioning was somewhat ambiguous, neither here nor there. No wonder business was mediocre. It seemed both shops needed some revamping.
Just then, noisy sounds erupted from outside.
"Hurry, hurry, they're here!"
"So dashing!"
"Hurry over, or we won't get a good spot."
Shen Qingqing grew curious and asked the shopkeeper, "What is everyone watching?"
"It's Prince Huai returning victorious from battle!" the shopkeeper replied.
"Madam, shall we go take a look too?" Nanzhi wanted to join the excitement. Everyone said Prince Huai was both brave in battle and exceptionally handsome, and people were eager to catch a glimpse of him.
The mistress and maid made their way to the roadside, but the crowd was so dense they couldn't push through.
Nanzhi took out a few copper coins. "Could you let us through?"
The people in front, seeing the coins, immediately accepted them and squeezed aside, making room for Shen Qingqing. She managed to squeeze her way to the very front.
Prince Huai approached slowly on horseback, his heavy armor reflecting a cold, sharp light. The tall steed was also clad in battle armor, exuding an intimidating presence. Those standing close enough could almost smell the blood-soaked aura of the battlefield.
His gaze fixed straight ahead, the soldiers behind him marched in neat, powerful formation—clearly a formidable army.
"Madam, Prince Huai is truly handsome," Nanzhi whispered.
As the distance closed, Shen Qingqing got a clear view of Prince Huai's features: sharp eyebrows and piercing star-like eyes that carried immense pressure when they glanced her way. Though his complexion was sun-darkened, it did nothing to diminish his striking handsomeness—rare for a burly general to possess such refined looks.
Yet no one would dare underestimate him; some couldn't even meet his eyes directly.
A gust of wind lifted Shen Qingqing's veil. Just as she reached to secure it, her eyes accidentally met Prince Huai's. A flicker of surprise passed through his gaze before he averted his eyes, riding past them until only his straight, heroic back remained visible.
"Let's go," Shen Qingqing said, pulling Nanzhi away.
"This servant used to think the Marquis was handsome, but after seeing Prince Huai, I realize I hadn't seen the world before."
Shen Qingqing didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Song Lingxiao's appearance was indeed pleasing—refined and scholarly, which perfectly concealed his wolfish ambition.
"Aren't my eldest and second brothers handsome too?"
"No, I meant men outside the family! The young masters are like noble orchids and jade trees, outstanding and virtuous—how could that scoundrel compare?" Just mentioning Song Lingxiao made Nanzhi gnash her teeth in anger.
"My, you've learned quite a few elegant phrases. It seems you haven't forgotten what I taught you."
Nanzhi replied proudly, "This is all what you taught me, Madam. How could I forget?"
Working as a servant in the Shen family was a true blessing—good pay, light duties, kind masters who even taught them to read and write.
"Let's fetch Xijin and go eat at Second Brother's restaurant." Since they were already out, she didn't want to return too early to that devouring den known as the Marquis Manor.
Shen Jingshuo's restaurant, Jin Yu Fang, was particularly famous in Shangcheng, especially at night when spectacular song and dance performances enticed guests to spend extravagantly.
"Laifu, a private room," Shen Qingqing said as she entered the restaurant and lifted her veil.
"Young Miss!" Laifu's face lit up with joy as he immediately escorted them to a private room.
The old retainers of the Shen family still preferred calling her "Young Miss," finding it more affectionate.
"Shall I bring your usual favorite dishes?" Laifu asked.
"Any new dishes? If so, bring those, plus two of my regular favorites."
"Yes! The Owner makes the chefs create a new dish every two months. Please wait a moment, I'll inform the kitchen." Shortly after Laifu left, Shen Jingshuo arrived.
"What brings you out today? Are you feeling better? You mustn't catch a chill."
Shen Qingqing smiled and nodded, "Much better, just an occasional cough."
Seeing that her complexion was indeed good, Shen Jingshuo felt relieved.
"Second Brother, I came here this time because I need your help with something."
"Just say it, don't stand on ceremony with your second brother." With only one sister in the family, she was naturally cherished by everyone.
"I want you to find a senior monk—whether he's truly accomplished or not doesn't matter. When I go to offer incense, have him adopt a young maid by my side as his goddaughter, claiming that this child can enhance the fortune of the Marquis Manor and help Song Yu pass the imperial examinations with high honors."