When Ninth Prince Yuntang returned to his residence, he was still thinking about the business plan written by Consort Yun. He sat in his study, his fingers lightly tapping on the table, pondering how to make these ideas a resounding success.

Although he owns many shops now, business is mediocre. Teahouses and antique shops, in particular, are barely profitable, and some are even operating at a loss. This is not the fault of the shopkeepers; there are simply too many poor people who can barely afford to eat, let alone have the leisure to come out and drink tea or buy calligraphy and paintings.

If Lin Yun were here, she would tell him that this is called misalignment with the target audience.

"Someone come here!" he called to the manager and ordered, "Bring me the account books." He wanted to thoroughly examine the shop.

The steward quickly brought over a stack of account books, which Yuntang opened and examined carefully, his brows gradually furrowing.

There are too many unprofitable shops! Yunxiang Pavilion's dividends far exceed those of his shops. If he were to convert all these unprofitable shops into branches of cosmetics and face powder, wouldn't the profits increase several times over? Thinking of this, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes.

Before long, more than a dozen shops were selected. "Take stock of all these unprofitable shops and transform them into branches of Yunxiang Pavilion as soon as possible," Yuntang said to the steward. "In addition, find a few skilled embroiderers and tailors to make more new styles according to Consort Yun's designs and sell them together with rouge and face powder. The shops should be renovated to a style that women like."

The manager accepted the order and left. Yuntang leaned back in his chair, pondering his future business empire.

However, just then, a servant rushed in to report: "Master, Eighth Master has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Yuntang frowned and unconsciously closed the ledger in his hand.

Ever since he started doing business with Consort Yun, he has been intentionally or unintentionally avoiding the Eighth Prince.

Eighth Master's sudden visit today has left him somewhat annoyed; earning money is truly difficult these days.

"Please have a seat in the main hall, Eighth Prince. I'll be right there." Yuntang straightened his robes, took a deep breath, and then strode towards the main hall.

---

Inside the main hall, Eighth Prince Yinzhi stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze deep. Seeing Yuntang enter, he smiled faintly: "Ninth Prince, you've been very busy lately, it's even difficult to see you."

Yuntang cupped his hands in greeting and said with a smile, "Eighth Brother is too kind. It's just that I've been dealing with some trivial business matters lately, which has kept me from getting back to work."

Yun Si didn't expose him, but chuckled and sat down directly: "Business? You've been focusing all your attention on these money-grubbing matters these days."

Yuntang sensed the dissatisfaction in his words, but he wasn't annoyed. He simply smiled and said, "Eighth Brother, everyone has their own ambitions. Fourth Brother has treated us well, and the court is relatively stable now. Why cause any more trouble?"

Yun Si's gaze sharpened as he stared at Yun Tang and said, "Ninth Brother, what do you mean by this? Have you forgotten our original agreement?"

Yuntang paused for a moment, then slowly said, "Eighth Brother, since Fourth Brother ascended the throne, he has been magnanimous towards his brothers and enjoys high prestige among the people. If we harbor any disloyal thoughts again, I'm afraid..."

“Afraid of what?” Yun Si interrupted him, his tone sharp. “Do you think Fourth Brother will really tolerate us forever? He’s just trying to win people over!”

Yuntang shook his head: "Eighth Brother, you and I know Fourth Brother's character. If he really wanted to deal with us, why would he wait until now? Besides, the court is now completely convinced of his abilities. If we start another rebellion, we will only bring disaster upon ourselves."

Seeing Yuntang's resolute attitude, Yunsi felt a surge of resentment in his heart, but his expression softened: "Ninth Prince, you should think this through. If this succeeds, you will be second only to the emperor, enjoying endless wealth and honor."

Yuntang smiled bitterly: "Eighth Brother, these empty titles are like fleeting clouds to me. Now I just want to live a peaceful life and do things I like."

Yunsi stared at him for a long time before saying, "Alright, since you've made up your mind, I won't force you. However, I hope you'll reconsider."

Yuntang nodded: "I will."

After seeing Yunsi off, Yuntang breathed a sigh of relief, but his heart was not at ease. He knew that his eighth brother would not give up easily, but he had made up his mind not to get involved in those conflicts anymore.

Wouldn't it be better to be like Consort Yun, focused solely on making money? Even high-ranking officials do it for money; what else is there to gain? Now he's the Ninth Prince of the Qing Dynasty, second only to the Emperor—well, perhaps that's somewhat exaggerated, but outsiders don't know that, right? Who would dare offend the Ninth Prince? Plus, the money he makes doing business with Lin Yun is enough for him to live a carefree life. Why would he bother with all this trouble? I really don't know what Eighth Brother is thinking…giving up a perfectly good life…

Ninth Master has completely forgotten how much he hated Lin Yun back then.

---

Back in his study, Yuntang reopened the account books, trying to refocus his attention on business. However, Eighth Master's words were like a thorn in his heart. He couldn't help but recall the days when he and Eighth Brother plotted their great undertaking together, when they were full of vigor and ambition, but now everything had changed.

"Sir, what's wrong?" Afu asked cautiously when he noticed that his expression was off.

Yuntang snapped out of his reverie and shook his head, saying, "It's nothing. By the way, keep an eye on the renovation of the shop. Also, go to the storeroom and pick out a few rare items. I'll be going to the palace to express my gratitude tomorrow."

Afu agreed, and Yuntang added, "Prepare another generous gift for Consort Yun."

---

The next day, Yuntang went to the palace to meet the emperor. Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Yongzheng was reviewing memorials. Seeing him enter, he put down his vermilion brush and smiled, "Ninth Prince, what brings you here today?"

Yuntang bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have come to express my gratitude. Consort Yun's business plan has greatly benefited me."

Emperor Yongzheng nodded: "Yun'er is indeed intelligent. I am pleased that you have reached an agreement."

Taking the opportunity, Yuntang said, "Your Majesty, I have decided to transform my unprofitable shops into branches of Yunxiang Pavilion. I hope Your Majesty will grant me permission."

Yongzheng smiled slightly: "This is a good thing, I naturally support it. However, Ninth Prince, I heard that Eighth Brother went to your residence yesterday?"

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