The madam put down her teacup and stared at Chen Jingxi. "Young lady, if you have anything to say, just say it."

Chen Jingxi glanced at the madam and said, "Mrs. Xu doesn't look too good. Is there something bothering her lately?"

The madam touched her face and laughed at herself, "I'm already old and ugly, how can I compare to those young girls?"

Chen Jingxi smiled faintly and changed the subject: "I heard that the new courtesan in Zuimeng Tower is extremely beautiful, and she has made mother's Yicui Tower a lot quieter."

Upon hearing this, the madam's face darkened and she snorted coldly, "Miss, is this what you came to my Yicui Tower to say?"

Chen Jingxi shook her head and smiled, "Of course not. I came here just to help Mother Xu."

Upon hearing this, the madam leaned back and looked her up and down, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes: "Oh? Do you think you want to come to my Yicui Tower and become a prostitute?"

Han Yu, who was standing by, was furious when he heard this and raised his sword, "How dare you!"

Seeing this, the men behind the madam also stepped forward.

The madam glanced at Han Yu with disdain and said to Chen Jingxi, "Could it be that you, young lady, are trying to help me with this mouth?"

Chen Jingxi signaled Han Yu to put away the sword, and then said, "I have a rouge shop on Xuanwu Street."

The madam's eyes lit up. "Are you talking about Yipin Pavilion, young lady?"

Chen Jingxi nodded. "Exactly. Madam Xu probably knows about the rouge and powder from Yipin Pavilion."

The madam nodded repeatedly. She knew Yipin Pavilion, a century-old brand. The rouge and powder there were in short supply, and at least half of the noble ladies in the capital bought their products there.

Chen Jingxi said: "In the future, Yipin Pavilion can provide these for Yicui Tower."

Upon hearing this, the madam, though somewhat moved, still gave a wry smile and said, "Thank you for your kindness, young lady, but I'm afraid our Yicui Tower won't last much longer, and we won't be able to use the rouge from Yipin Pavilion anymore."

Chen Jingxi shook her head. "Since I'm doing business with you, I can't let Mom run the business."

Upon hearing this, a hint of curiosity flashed in the madam's eyes.

"I've heard that Zuimenglou is able to attract so many guests, not only because of the beauty of the courtesans, but also because of their exotic dances. If Yicuilou wants to share in this pie, it must find another way."

The madam frowned, obviously understanding this.

Chen Jingxi continued, "I don't think the girls here are any less attractive than those at Zuimenglou. We just need some new elements to attract customers. I have an idea. Does Mom have a pen and paper?"

The madam waved her hand, and soon someone brought pen, ink, paper and inkstone.

Chen Jingxi pondered for a moment, picked up a pen and paper, and began to draw.

After a while, a picture was drawn.

The madam took it, took a closer look, and a look of surprise immediately appeared on her face.

Chen Jingxi then started drawing one picture after another, his speed getting faster and faster. In less than an hour, he had finished ten drawings.

Chen Jingxi put down his pen and looked at his work with satisfaction.

The madam couldn't wait to ask, "Anything else?"

Chen Jingxi smiled and said, "Of course there are some."

The madam looked at Chen Jingxi and asked, "I didn't expect that young lady had such ability. May I ask your name?"

Chen Jingxi said, "I dare not. My surname is Chen and I am the second child in the family."

"What are the conditions for the second lady?"

Chen Jingxi said seriously, "I want Yicuilou to be used by me, and I want 30% of the profits every year."

The madam was startled and said unwillingly, "Miss, this condition is a bit..."

Chen Jingxi interrupted her and continued, "Mom, of course I won't let you lose money. From now on, I will provide the wine, rouge and powder for Yicuilou."

After hearing this, the madam looked a little hesitant.

Seeing this, Chen Jingxi took back the blueprint and said, "Since Mother Xu doesn't want to do this business, we'll leave now."

The madam hurriedly said, "Okay, I agree to your terms."

Chen Jingxi extended his hand: "Then, happy cooperation."

The madam looked at her outstretched hand with some confusion.

Chen Jingxi took her hand and shook it.

After leaving Yicui Tower, Han Yu asked curiously, "Princess, where did you get those makeup drawings you just drew? How come I've never seen them before?"

Chen Jingxi smiled and said, "I happened to see this in a notebook."

Han Yu nodded, "The princess is truly knowledgeable and talented. I admire her."

Chen Jingxi thought to herself that these makeup pictures were actually thanks to her best friend in modern times.

She is a fan of Hanfu and has a deep research on ancient makeup.

Every time she puts on Hanfu, she will put on exquisite makeup and ask herself to take pictures of her.

After a long time, she has some understanding of those makeup styles.

I didn't expect that it would come in handy here today.

Chen Jingxi patted Han Yu's shoulder gently and said with a smile: "Okay, let's go back home. We still have a lot of things to do next."

Han Yu responded.

After returning to the palace, Chen Jingxi called for Chief Steward Wu.

"Butler Wu, please help me find some painters and craftsmen."

Chief Steward Wu frowned. "Does the princess want to renovate the palace? Do you need to ask the prince for permission?"

Chen Jingxi looked up at him quietly for a while, a faint smile on her lips, "Just do what I say."

Manager Wu was frightened by her gaze and had no choice but to obey her orders and leave.

Han Yu looked at the departing Wu Zongguan and asked, "Princess, are you looking for craftsmen and painters for Yicui Tower?"

Chen Jingxi nodded. "If you only rely on changing your makeup to attract people, the effect won't be that good."

"The princess wants to..."

"Yicui Building needs to be redecorated. I have an idea, but I wonder if it will work."

"I believe in you, Princess."

Chen Jingxi shook her head with a faint smile on her lips.

When Chu Jinghuai returned to the palace, night had already fallen.

Chen Jingxi was reading a book under the lamp. When she heard footsteps, she looked up at him and said, "You're back."

Chu Jinghuai nodded and stared at her, "You left the house today?"

Chen Jingxi nodded gently, "Yes, let's go out and get some fresh air."

Chu Jinghuai frowned slightly, "If you want to investigate something, you can ask the secret guards in the mansion to do it. Why bother going to a place like Yicui Tower in person?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jingxi jokingly said, "Can I order your secret guards around?"

Chu Jinghuai nodded, "Of course, you are the princess, they will naturally listen to you."

Chen Jingxi remembered what he had said before and smiled even more deeply: "But I remember you said that no one can use the secret guards without your order."

A trace of embarrassment flashed across Chu Jinghuai's face, and then he said seriously: "Princess, it's naturally different. Your order is my order."

“But I don’t have the money to pay them.”

Chu Jinghuai was somewhat helpless. This woman really held a grudge. He explained, "Princess, you don't have to pay. They are from the palace, so they will naturally obey your orders."

Chen Jingxi laughed even more happily, "If something doesn't cost money, it's definitely not a good thing."

Chu Jinghuai: "..."