Ninth Master now spends his free time going to the entrance of his shop to enjoy the view.

Looking at the long queue in front of the shop, the smile on his lips was harder to suppress than an AK47.

This happens every day.

In just a few months, his business has become so booming that even he finds it unbelievable.

The shopkeeper and his staff were so busy they barely had time to breathe, and fine beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads.

"Ninth Master, the gimmick of these blind boxes is absolutely amazing!" The shopkeeper wiped his sweat and whispered to Yuntang, "This morning alone, we sold more than 300 boxes, and many ladies and young ladies bought more than a dozen boxes at a time in order to collect all 24 colors."

Yuntang nodded slightly, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes. He casually picked up a newly printed magazine and flipped through it.

This magazine was specially commissioned by the Emperor and written by editors from the Hanlin Academy. It was bound into a book using the finest mulberry bark paper, about the size of two palms and half a finger thick. It was not heavy to hold and was just the right size for reading and handling.

The items were also printed with elegant verses, such as "A touch of cherry lips against the backdrop of the evening glow" and "Whether heavily made up or lightly adorned, they are always beautiful," which were both refined and suited the tastes of noble ladies.

"How are the magazines selling?" Yuntang asked.

The shopkeeper quickly replied, "Reporting to Ninth Master, the magazines are also in short supply. The ladies and young misses love them so much that everyone who can afford them has bought them, even if they can't understand them. They just take them home to pretend they're there."

Yuntang chuckled softly, thinking to himself: Consort Shu truly understands people's hearts. This little lipstick and magazine have managed to create such a sensation.

---

After a busy day, Yuntang returned to his residence and had just sat down to rest when the steward rushed in to report: "My lord, the managers from all over Zhili have sent invitations, requesting your review of the branch locations and accounts."

Yuntang rubbed his temples, took the thick stack of invitations, and began to carefully peruse them.

The business is expanding much faster than he expected. Now, not only in the capital, but also in Zhili, wealthy merchants are sending people to discuss cooperation, hoping to open branches of Yunxiang Pavilion in their territories.

"It seems we need to finalize the rules as soon as possible," Yuntang muttered to himself.

He picked up his pen and wrote several letters, instructing the steward to send them to all the branches early the next morning, and to summon the managers to the mansion at the end of the month for a meeting.

In the days that followed, Yuntang was extremely busy. He not only had to handle the opening of the branch, but also had to keep an eye on the magazine's distribution and sales.

The Emperor attached great importance to the content of the magazine, personally reviewing each issue and even occasionally adding a few lines of poetry.

With the emperor's endorsement, the magazine's reputation soared, and even some scholars bought it to read.

---

At the end of the month, Yuntang brought his account books to the palace to meet the emperor. Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Emperor Yongzheng was reviewing memorials. Seeing him enter, he put down his vermilion brush and smiled, "Ninth Prince, what brings you here today?"

After bowing, Yuntang presented the account book: "Your Majesty, this is the income and expenditure account of Yunxiang Pavilion and Magazine for the past three months. Please take a look."

Emperor Yongzheng opened the account book, his gaze sweeping over the strings of numbers, a hint of shock flashing in his eyes: "These little lipsticks and magazines can actually sell for such an astronomical price?"

Yuntang smiled and said, "Thanks to the Emperor and Consort Yun's brilliant plan, business is booming and branches in various parts of Zhili will be opening one after another."

Yongzheng nodded, his tone approving: "You've done well. However, even if business is good, you must be careful not to let the court officials think that you're only concerned with money."

Yuntang quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Majesty, I understand and will certainly keep Your Majesty's teachings in mind."

After a moment of contemplation, Yongzheng said, "The decision to lift the sea ban has been made, and the Ministry of Works is preparing for shipbuilding. If you are interested, you can participate in it and do some business with the Westerners."

Yuntang's eyes lit up, and he was secretly delighted: "Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens!"

---

After leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Yuntang did not return directly to his residence, but instead went to the Imperial Clan Court. Ever since the Eighth Prince, Yunsi, was placed under house arrest, he had been constantly making arrangements to try and make things more comfortable for the prince.

Upon seeing that it was the Ninth Prince, the guards of the Imperial Clan Court quickly bowed and let him pass. Yuntang walked through the deep corridor and came to a secluded courtyard. Pushing open the door, he saw the Eighth Prince, Yunsi, sitting alone by the window, holding a book in his hand, looking forlorn.

"Eighth Brother," Yuntang called softly.

Yinzhi turned around and saw that it was Yintang. A hint of emotion flashed in his eyes. He put down his book and said with a wry smile, "Ninth Brother, you've come."

Yuntang sat down beside him and took out a packet of pastries from his pocket: "These are newly made pastries from Daoxiangcun. I brought them for you to try."

Yun Si took the pastries, his fingertips trembling slightly.

Since being imprisoned, his wife, concubines, and children have all been exiled, and his staff and subordinates have all been imprisoned. No one visits him regularly, except for his ninth brother who still remembers him as his elder brother.

Overwhelmed with regret, his eyes even welled up with tears.

"Ninth Brother, I..." Yun Si said in a low voice, "If I hadn't been so stubborn back then, I wouldn't have ended up like this."

Yuntang shook his head: "Eighth Brother, let bygones be bygones. Fourth Brother has treated us well. You should rest here and recuperate. There may be a turning point in the future."

Yun Si sighed deeply, his eyes dimming: "A turning point? I'm afraid I'll have to spend the rest of my life here."

Yuntang grasped his hand, his tone firm: "Eighth Brother, as long as you're alive, there's hope. I'll come to see you often, and please let me know if you need anything."

After a long silence, Yun Si finally nodded: "Thank you, Ninth Brother."

---

It was already late when he left the Imperial Clan Court. Walking on the quiet street, Yuntang felt both sad and fortunate. His brother's experience made him cherish the peace and stability he had now, and it also strengthened his resolve to expand his business.

Upon returning to the mansion, the steward greeted him and reported, "Sir, all the managers from Zhili have arrived and are waiting in the flower hall."

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