The Old Madam frowned slightly. Parents always tend to believe their children are faultless while blaming others’ children for any wrongdoing.
The Old Madam’s probing of Ji Cheng was also a way to test Shen Yu. Ji Cheng’s reaction had been open and honest – her flute playing revealed as much. However, Shen Yu’s gaze seemed deliberately averted, as if he was intentionally not looking at Ji Cheng. The Old Madam, with her years of experience, had noticed how many times Shen Yu had “accidentally” glanced at Ji Cheng during the banquet. She had observed it all.
The Old Madam remained silent as Madam Huang continued, “Mother, I just remembered that there’s a promising young man from a distant branch of my maiden family. He became a xiucai at eighteen and will be taking the provincial examinations next year. If he passes, his prospects would be limitless. His family is a bit poor, and he was raised by a widowed mother. If Ji’s family’s niece were to marry him, it could help support them.”
The Old Madam replied coolly, “With Ah Cheng’s beauty and the Ji family’s wealth, marrying your distant nephew might not provide her adequate protection.” If it weren’t for this, why would Ji Cheng have traveled to the capital? Surely there were promising xiucai in the Jin region as well?
Sensing the Old Madam’s displeasure, Madam Huang quickly changed tack, “Then how about the youngest son of the Duke of Jin?”
Though the Duke of Jin’s title sounded similar to the Shen family’s Duke of Qi on the surface, the substance was vastly different. The Jin Duke’s Feng family had long since fallen from grace, with generations of wastrel sons. They had sold off nearly all their ancestral lands. That youngest Feng son was known for indulging in every vice – eating, drinking, visiting brothels, and gambling. His previous wife had even died from his beatings.
The Old Madam was very displeased with Madam Huang’s attitude that her child was precious while others’ children were worthless. “Second daughter-in-law, if we truly wish to act as matchmakers, we should find a reliable match. If we’re not sincere about it, why bring harm to the girl and add to our sins?”
The Old Madam’s words were quite harsh, and Madam Huang’s face immediately showed her embarrassment. “Mother is right,” she conceded.
The Old Madam sighed again, “I understand your concerns, but I don’t believe Ah Cheng is that kind of frivolous person. If you’re truly worried, you should encourage Ah Yu to choose someone.”
Madam Huang’s intentions had been seen through by the Old Madam in an instant, leaving her flustered and able only to cover her discomfort with a forced smile. She had indeed been worried that Ji Cheng might ensnare Shen Yu, which is why she was so eager to arrange a marriage for Ji Cheng. However, she looked down on Ji Cheng and deliberately suggested two unsuitable matches, especially the latter one which was ill-intentioned.
While Ji Cheng harbored no designs on Shen Yu, Lu Yuan had taken an interest in him. The Old Madam was Lu Yuan’s maternal grandmother and had always doted on her, so Lu Yuan acted with fewer reservations than Ji Cheng.
The next day at the school, Lu Yuan pulled Ji Cheng aside and asked, “Sister Cheng, why does young master Hong like you so much? I’ve tried to play with him several times, but he doesn’t pay me any attention.”
This question caught Ji Cheng off guard. She could hardly explain that she had met young Hong late one night when she couldn’t sleep and had tricked him by pretending to be a spirit!
Ji Cheng looked at Lu Yuan with a knowing smile.
Lu Yuan blushed but didn’t back down. Perhaps due to her time spent in the borderlands, this young lady from a noble family had a straightforward manner without much coyness. Lu Yuan nudged Ji Cheng, “Sister Cheng, just tell me.”
Ji Cheng wasn’t sure what kind of woman Madam Huang wanted to find as Shen Yu’s second wife, but she felt Lu Yuan would be a good match for him. Shen Yu always wore a cold expression, while Lu Yuan had a warm and lively personality. She was also frank – even if she had her son in the future, she likely wouldn’t mistreat young Hong.
Ji Cheng got along well with Lu Yuan and would be happy to see her marry Shen Yu. It would make their future interactions as relatives more pleasant.
So Ji Cheng decided not to keep secrets, though she couldn’t reveal her late-night wanderings. She could, however, give Lu Yuan some hints. “Young master Hong lost his mother when he was very young and can’t remember what she looked like, so he especially misses her. Once on his mother’s death anniversary, I encountered him crying alone in a tree in the garden. I played some tunes on a leaf to comfort him. I think that’s why he’s closer to me.”
Lu Yuan nodded and said, “Oh, I see.”
Ji Cheng held Lu Yuan’s hand and continued, “I feel that young Master Hong cares deeply about his birth mother and is afraid of anyone replacing her position.” That’s why he was so cold to any young lady who might become his stepmother.
Lu Yuan gently squeezed Ji Cheng’s hand and winked at her, “Thank you, dear sister.”
Ji Cheng felt a bit envious that Lu Yuan could pursue her interest so openly and directly, unlike herself who was constantly suspected of trying to marry above her station. Though in truth, she was indeed hoping to do just that.
Over the past few days, Ji Cheng has given much thought to her situation and come to some realizations. She had left the Jin region so decisively that there was no possibility – or face – to return now. As for marriage, she no longer harbored hopes for the highest noble families, knowing the waters there ran too deep and might not guarantee lifelong security. A more ordinary match would be better, as long as she could prove her indispensable value and avoid being sacrificed.
After careful consideration, Ji Cheng felt that among the people she knew, the Qi family was most suitable. Qi Zheng was talented and ambitious, with good prospects.
Ji Cheng reflected that she had been in the capital for nearly half a year, yet made no progress in finding a match. After the new year, she would turn sixteen – if she wasn’t betrothed by then, she’d be considered an old maid. Realizing this, Ji Cheng decided she could no longer passively wait for opportunities to come to her, but needed to be more proactive.
As usual, Ji Cheng went to study painting with Madam Yu but didn’t return to the Shen residence afterward. Instead, she went to Orchid Lane. Mei Changhe was now mainly responsible for business along the Western Regions route, so the duties of head shopkeeper for the Ji family’s operations in the capital had been handed over to Bai Shouchun.
Bai Shouchun looked at the Third Miss, who was flipping through the account books page by page, with some trepidation. The accounts for the two months since he had taken overlooked quite poor, even though this was all under Ji Cheng’s instructions to compete with her aunt’s shops and force them out of business. Still, the books looked far worse than he would have liked.
Ji Cheng put down the ledger and smiled at Bai Shouchun, “How are my aunt’s remaining shops faring now?”
“In response to Third Miss, we’ve been competing fiercely with them these past two months. When they sell for 5 wen, we sell for 4 wen. I’ve also found ways to cut off their supply sources. Three shops have already closed down, unable to withstand the pressure. Madam Ji has sold off four more. She only has four shops left now, which we’re keeping a close eye on. They should collapse within half a year at most,” Bai Shouchun reported.
Ji Cheng nodded, “You’ve done well. For this matter, don’t worry about profits and losses. I don’t care what methods you use, as long as you can force all her shops to close. If you need more silver, just let me know.”
Bai Shouchun nodded repeatedly, taking note of Ji Cheng’s meaning. It seemed the Third Miss felt his methods had been too “gentle” and the progress too slow. “Yes, I understand,” he replied.
Ji Cheng had chosen Bai Shouchun as head shopkeeper because she knew his capabilities. He just hadn’t quite grasped her style yet, which is why he had been more restrained these past two months. Now that he understood, things should improve. Ji Cheng then changed the subject, “It seems the Qingcang Tower’s business has increased quite a bit this month.” Qingcang Tower wasn’t very famous in the capital before, usually making only 50 to 100 taels of profit per month. This month, it had suddenly increased to 300 taels.
“Yes, many people came specifically to buy the Qing Paper, and while there, they also browsed the tower’s treasures. That’s how the profits increased,” Bai Shouchun explained.
Ji Cheng nodded. This “Qing Paper” had truly been an unexpected boon. She hadn’t intended to become famous through it, but it turned out to be a case of unintentional success. “In that case, send people to look for shops along the Grand Canal from the capital southward. Let’s try to spread Qingcang Tower’s reputation. I’ve noticed the treasures in the tower are rather ordinary, without any truly remarkable pieces. See if there’s a way to acquire some – I’ll work on it from my end as well.”
Ji Cheng had long intended to expand the reach of “Qing Paper.” She had her own ambitious goals, hoping that one day “Qing in the North and Gu in the South” would be equally renowned.
But to achieve this, Ji Cheng’s efforts alone were far from enough. She needed to put some work into her relationship with Su Qingci, and she also needed Madam Yu’s help. Earlier, while practicing painting at Madam Yu’s home, Ji Cheng had invited her to invest in Qingcang Tower. Madam Yu said she needed a few days to consider, but Ji Cheng was confident she wouldn’t refuse such an elegant yet profitable venture.
Having followed Old Master Lin for so many years, Madam Yu not only had an extensive collection but also knew many high-ranking officials and nobles. Some families that have fallen on hard times might be reluctant to sell their family heirlooms openly. With Madam Yu acting as an intermediary, Qingcang Tower should be able to acquire quite a few quality pieces. Moreover, for Ji Cheng’s “Qing Paper” to catch up with the southern Gu Paper, she would need Madam Yu’s guidance.
Ji Cheng was, after all, too young. Even if she was inclined to indulge in artistic pursuits, she didn’t have much time. Madam Yu, on the other hand, was different. With ample leisure time, she poured all her attention into the beauty of nature and seasons, developing unique insights into paper-making, printing, and painting.
After giving these instructions, Ji Cheng also ordered Bai Shouchun to gather information about the Qi family, especially Qi Zheng’s whereabouts and preferences.
Although Bai Shouchun was curious, he didn’t say a word. One of the secrets to his current position was that he listened much and spoke little.
When Ji Cheng returned to the Shen residence to pay her respects to Ji Lan, she had barely entered the room when a teacup came flying at her. Then she heard Ji Lan’s angry voice, “Kneel this instant!”
Ji Cheng lowered her eyes to look at the water stains and broken porcelain on the floor, then at Ji Lan’s expression. She immediately understood what had happened. So instead of obediently kneeling, she stepped around the wet spot and walked to Ji Lan’s side with a smile, “Aunt, what’s the matter? Why are you so angry? Let’s talk calmly. Don’t upset yourself and add more wrinkles.”
Ji Lan looked at Ji Cheng and narrowed her eyes, slowly sitting back in her chair. “So it was indeed your doing with the shops.”
Ji Cheng didn’t deny it. At this point, denial would be useless. She had never intended to hide it from Ji Lan anyway, just hadn’t expected her to discover it so late.
“When you had the Ji family’s shopkeepers withdraw from my shops, were you already planning for this day?” Ji Lan asked, pointing at Ji Cheng’s nose.
“No,” Ji Cheng, of course, wouldn’t admit to that. “When Father gave you those shops, Aunt, it wasn’t appropriate for us to interfere in their management anymore. To show our sincerity to you, I had those shopkeepers withdraw as soon as I arrived in the capital.”