"Sister, Bai Zhi Fang has been a bit chaotic these past couple of days, but it should settle down after this period.
Didn't Grandfather say that the missing staff will be replaced soon?
When that time comes, we can think about how to collaborate.
Eldest Sister, do you have any suggestions?"
Ye Xiushu spoke as she walked.
By her side were Ye Cishu and Ye Wanshu.
The weather was nice today, and Old Master Ye had sent word that the contracts for Bai Zhi Fang and the rouge shop in Guazhou had been renewed.
Ye Cishu then took Ye Wanshu to see her new business, Bai Zhi Fang.
They also wanted to check the clothes Bai Zhi Fang had prepared for Ye Wanshu's wedding next year.
Coincidentally, Ye Xiushu also came to find Ye Cishu, so they brought her along.
After touring Bai Zhi Fang, Ye Cishu gained a better understanding of the business under her name.
The current shopkeeper of Bai Zhi Fang was temporarily transferred from another shop by Grandfather.
Due to issues with Bai Zhi Fang's accounts, Old Master Ye had taken strict measures to handle the matter.
It was said that the manager and several workers from the dyeing and weaving workshop had disappeared.
Additionally, the previous shopkeeper of Bai Zhi Fang had been transferred elsewhere by Old Master Ye.
However, Second Master Ye also conveyed Old Master Ye's message, assuring that they would help ensure the staffing was fully arranged.
They definitely wouldn't hand over an empty shell of a silk and satin shop to Ye Cishu.
Ye Cishu also stated that she didn't know how to manage a shop; she only knew how to review accounts.
As long as Bai Zhi Fang submitted its accounts on time each month, she wouldn't interfere with other matters.
"Eldest Sister, didn't Mother say that Bai Zhi Fang had received a lot of new fabrics when we left?
They came from Hang Zhou.
Let's go take a look. If there are any good ones, we can each have two sets made.
We always have the shopkeeper bring the fabrics to the mansion for us to see; we've never chosen fabrics outside before!
Sister, we'll pay according to the accounts." Ye Xiushu said, pulling the two of them into Bai Zhi Fang's shop.
Ye Cishu laughed upon hearing this.
"No problem at all! I'll definitely have the shopkeeper give you sisters a discount."
And so, the three sisters entered Bai Zhi Fang.
However, at the entrance of Bai Zhi Fang, an old man was selling two baskets of pears.
Seeing three well-dressed young ladies stop, the old man hurriedly moved his baskets aside.
Ye Cishu looked down and saw a wooden board in the basket with the words "three wen each" scrawled on it.
The old man looked embarrassed, wiping his hands for a while before saying, "I'll leave in a moment. I'm just tired and resting here."
Ye Cishu was about to call the shopkeeper out to buy all the pears and distribute them among the shop's staff.
Ye Xiushu tilted her head in thought, then lifted her skirt and entered the shop.
When she came out again, she was holding a newly written sign.
Ten wen for three!
"Sell them right here! If you're thirsty, ask the shopkeeper for a cup of tea."
With that, Ye Xiushu stuck the sign into the basket and pulled Ye Wanshu and Ye Cishu into the shop.
The pear seller…
The fabrics at Bai Zhi Fang were the latest and most fashionable in Jiangnan. As the weather grew colder, winter clothing like heavy wool garments were about to hit the market.
The three Ye sisters each selected fine fabrics and furs to have two sets made.
Just after they finished choosing and instructed the shopkeeper to make and deliver them to the Ye Family as soon as possible, they unexpectedly ran into a group of Provincial Graduates as soon as they stepped out of Bai Zhi Fang.
Leading them was Su Xiaosheng.
When the Ye Family's three sisters came into view, the provincial graduates instinctively turned their gaze toward Su Xiaosheng.
"It seems Fourth Miss is here to inspect the shops! Brother Su, what a coincidence!"
"Indeed, Brother Su is truly fortunate. Bai Zhi Fang is one of the largest silk and satin shops in Gusu City. It belongs to Fourth Miss now, but won't it be Brother Su's in the future? Brother Su, if we ever need formal attire for meeting guests, we hope you'll take good care of us!"
"Brother Su is still too reserved. With Fourth Miss owning such a large shop, you could easily change into three or four outfits a day in the future. Why live so frugally now?"
…
Their words were far from pleasant.
Su Xiaosheng owed his entry into the academy and his ability to focus solely on his studies to the Ye Family. Among all the students residing at the academy, why was Su Xiaosheng so uniquely fortunate?
Su Xiaosheng’s expression darkened. He felt that Ye Cishu had caused him to lose face.
Ye Cishu had no intention of engaging with him and only wanted to follow her two sisters home quickly. Unexpectedly, Su Xiaosheng stepped in front of her.
"Women of the inner chambers should not venture out so freely. Such mundane matters should be left to servants. Why must you expose yourself to the public? It’s best to avoid the taint of commerce, lest it corrupt your nature," Su Xiaosheng said coolly.
The three Ye sisters…
Ye Wanshu was immediately angered and prepared to retort. Ye Xiushu narrowed her eyes, scanning the surroundings for something handy, considering whether she could strike unexpectedly.
Ye Cishu, however, smiled and gently held back her two sisters.
"How can Jieyuan Su speak like this? It is said that Jieyuan Su is well-versed in ancient and modern knowledge, omniscient, and full of wisdom. How could he utter such disloyal, unfilial, and heartless words?" Ye Cishu said with a faint smile.
Su Xiaosheng and the other provincial graduates were taken aback. Su Xiaosheng flushed red, unable to hold back his anger.
"Nonsense! What do you know? A merchant’s daughter, what could you possibly understand of loyalty, filial piety, or righteousness?"
"Is that so, Jieyuan Su? You repeatedly claim that women should not appear in public, as it tarnishes their dignity. When Madam Su worked as an embroiderer to earn money for your early education, did you ever consider that disgraceful? Was Madam Su not appearing in public back then?" Ye Cishu asked solemnly.
Su Xiaosheng opened his mouth, about to say, "How dare you compare yourself to my mother?" but suddenly remembered something. Everyone around him was from the academy, and with distinguished guests in Gusu City these days, a careless word could easily spread.
"Sophistry! Utter nonsense…"
"Jieyuan Su, you should not belittle yourself either. After all, your food, clothing, daily necessities, and all expenses at the academy are supported by the Ye Family. When you look down on the Ye Family, how do you reconcile that with the fact that you rely on them for your education?" Ye Cishu continued.
Su Xiaosheng…
After saying this, Ye Cishu paid no attention to Su Xiaosheng’s purpling face and led Ye Wanshu and Ye Xiushu away. Su Xiaosheng and the group of provincial graduates flushed red and pale in turns.
Not far away, on the upper floor of Zui Xiang Lou, Twelfth Master and Xiao Ruolin witnessed everything.
"Are those the young ladies of the Ye Family? The one in the middle—is she the one you mentioned, who would drag the entire Ye Family into trouble at the first sign of trouble?" Xiao Ruolin asked with a smile.
Twelfth Master nodded.
"What do you think?"
"Beautiful, very interesting. That Su Datou doesn't deserve such a girl…
Huh, that girl is one of the Ye Family's young ladies who was just with them!
Why has she turned back…
Wait, why is she heading toward the back of the street? Sneaking around, looks like she's up to no good.
Someone, go see what's going on!" Xiao Ruolin said, pulling Twelfth Master to look outside.
Twelfth Master leaned over to look and recognized her as the Ye Family's third young lady…