Once again, Madam Wan was choked silent. Ever since she took back the Spice Shop, Su Shuyao had grown increasingly disobedient. She wanted to scold her, but couldn’t find a reason. Her expression darkened.
Su Mingzhu spoke up, “Sister, Mother’s only thinking for your sake. The money you earned before relied on the ancestral recipe. Mother was kind enough not to demand all of it back.”
“She only thought it’d be a shame if you lost money since that silver was earned using the ancestral recipe.”
Su Shuyao replied calmly, her eyes clear yet sharp, as if she could see through all the filth in their hearts. “All the money I earned went into covering the Marquis Residence’s deficits. I have nothing now. If you’re so afraid of losing money, why not give the shop back to me?”
Su Mingzhu got anxious, her voice rising, “I’m just worried you’ll lose money!”
Su Shuyao said, “Instead of worrying about me, you’d better worry about what to do when the Spice Shop’s inventory runs out.”
Su Mingzhu said, “What’s there to worry about? Once the incense cakes are sold out, I’ll just follow the ancestral recipe and make more.”
With a single sentence, she attempted to erase all of Su Shuyao’s past efforts. The shop’s success was due entirely to the recipe, and had nothing to do with her.
A trace of mockery flashed in Su Shuyao’s beautiful eyes. “If that’s the case, you’d better guard that recipe carefully. If an outsider gets hold of it, don’t go trying to steal someone else’s shop.”
News had come from Boss Xie’s side—Su Mingzhu had already connected with his people and even paid a deposit.
Spices were not only expensive but had specific storage requirements. Different grades varied greatly in price. Once soaked in water, high-quality spices could instantly become worthless. As a complete outsider, Su Mingzhu wouldn’t be able to tell the difference at all.
Who knew, when the time came and she lost everything, who would clean up the mess?
Despite Madam Wan talking for so long, Su Shuyao still refused to hand over the shop. Madam Wan snapped, “Shuyao, when did you become so disrespectful?!”
Su Shuyao gave a faint smile. “Madam, in what way have I been disrespectful?”
Madam Wan fumed, “I told you to give up the shop for your own good! I already said I’d give you 500 silver taels every year. What more do you want? Can your flower business even earn that much?!”
“You’re truly short-sighted and ungrateful!”
Su Shuyao replied mildly, “I believe I’ve been perfectly respectful and farsighted. It’s the one trying to snatch my shop who’s rude and narrow-minded.”
With that, she turned and left.
Madam Wan gritted her teeth in anger. “Utterly shameless!”
Seeing her furious, Su Mingzhu was secretly delighted. The more Madam Wan disliked Su Shuyao, the happier she was. “Mother, don’t be angry. Once Sister loses money, she’ll realize you truly had her best interests at heart.”
“I’m just worried she’s still secretly clinging to the spice business. That’s part of the Marquis Residence’s ancestral assets.”
Madam Wan said, “If she dares, I’ll make sure every coin she earned is returned—and the shop too.”
Su Mingzhu smiled. “Mother is wise.”
Madam Wan’s mood eased a little. “I’m almost out of incense.”
“Oh, right. Mother, I have something to report regarding the Spice Shop.”
Su Mingzhu then mentioned the need for silver to restock supplies.
Madam Wan, unfamiliar with managing business, asked, “How did Su Shuyao handle it before?”
Su Mingzhu replied, “I heard she used to get goods on credit and settled the payment after selling them. But I just took over and don’t know the suppliers well. They’re unwilling to offer credit.”
“My suggestion is to borrow some high-interest money for emergency use.”
At the mention of “high-interest money,” Madam Wan looked up. “How much?”
Such loans could easily ruin a family if mishandled.
“Twenty thousand.”
“That much?!”
Su Mingzhu quickly handed over the account book. “Mother, this shows the profits from the Spice Shop. Once the new goods arrive, we can repay it in two weeks.”
Madam Wan skimmed the ledger. “What’s the interest rate?”
Su Mingzhu said, “One percent daily. For two weeks, the interest would be 3,000 silver taels.”
“Three thousand—neither too much nor too little.” Madam Wan thought for a moment. “How about this? I’ll cover the amount for now. As for the interest…”
Su Mingzhu’s eyes lit up and she quickly agreed, “The interest will, of course, go to Mother.”
A pleased expression surfaced on Madam Wan’s face. “You always know how to handle things properly.”
“It’s only right, Mother.”
After this agreement, the bond between mother and daughter grew stronger.
…
Su Mingpei had locked himself in for three days before he finally finished writing the Autumn Chrysanthemum Essay. He couldn’t remember the version from his past life, but fortunately, his knowledge hadn’t regressed, and he was even more satisfied with this new version. He reread it several times and liked it more each time.
Holding the essay, Su Mingpei went to the home of Grand Scholar Li. The scholar’s residence was located in the suburbs of the capital and kept a very low profile. Su Mingpei stepped forward and knocked on the door, handing over his calling card. “Su Mingpei, Heir of the Marquis of Weiyuan, has come to pay respects to the Grand Scholar.”
The gatekeeper gave him a look but didn’t accept the card. “My master doesn’t meet with outsiders. Please leave.”
He saw dozens of students like this every day trying to seek mentorship.
The gatekeeper didn’t even glance at it. “My master said, even top-scorers in the imperial exam, he won’t read their work.”
Su Mingpei’s lips curled slightly. He pulled out a silver ingot and passed it over. “Please do me this favor.”
The gatekeeper took the silver, his eyes darting around. “Young Master, I’ll deliver it inside, but whether my master reads it or not, that’s not up to me.”
Su Mingpei cupped his hands. “Many thanks.”
Watching the man walk away, Su Mingpei sneered. Truly blind. Just wait—once he successfully becomes a disciple, he’d make sure to have this gatekeeper sold off far away. Couldn’t even recognize gold wrapped in jade. He was the future Minister of Works, the Grand Scholar’s final disciple!
After leaving the scholar’s residence, Su Mingpei headed to Litang’s place. Ever since their engagement, Litang had redeemed herself from the Courtesan House and rented a small residence. With a new identity, she was preparing for marriage.
“Young Master, what brings you here?” Upon hearing of his arrival, Litang hurried out from the east wing. Seeing him, there was a trace of panic in her eyes. “Weren’t you going to visit the scholar today?”
Su Mingpei said, “Just returned.”
Litang smiled sweetly, pressed up against him, and led him to the west wing. “Did you succeed?”
Su Mingpei replied, “It’s almost certain.”
In his past life, it was Su Shuyao who had submitted the Autumn Chrysanthemum Essay on his behalf. This time, he personally delivered it, so the impact should be even stronger.
Litang giggled. “I heard Grand Scholar Li was the crown prince’s mentor and rarely accepts students. If you become his disciple, you’ll rise swiftly.”
“This is a great blessing. We must celebrate!”
She immediately had someone prepare a table of dishes. When everything was ready, she raised a cup of tea and said, “Though it’s just tea, I toast the Heir. May you achieve top honors and ascend step by step.”
Su Mingpei glanced at the tea. “Your body hasn’t recovered? Can’t drink alcohol?”
Sure enough, folk doctors were no match for Imperial Physicians.
Litang lowered her head and glanced at her belly, her voice shy. “Young Master, I’ve recovered. I’m pregnant.”
Su Mingpei froze for a moment.
In his past life, when Su Shuyao had her sold off, was she pregnant?
She was truly ruthless! Letting the Marquis Residence’s bloodline wander outside!
Thankfully, in this life, he saw through Su Shuyao and fought to keep Litang.
A bright smile broke across his face. “Then this is a double blessing!”
Litang blushed, “Young Master, we might need to move the wedding date earlier.”
Su Mingpei waved his hand. “No problem. I’ll tell Mother when I return.”