Seeing that the young emperor was subdued by the imperial tutor, Lai Xi couldn't help but secretly cover her mouth and laugh. There's truth to the saying that everything has its counter.
When acting cute didn't work, Xie Lang had no choice but to give up his intentions and obediently finish the ice cream cheese, at least not letting the sweet treat slip away.
After finishing her afternoon classes, Wen Hemian quickly packed her things and prepared to leave the palace.
Xie Lang raised an eyebrow, puzzled: "Why is the Grand Tutor in such a hurry today?"
With peace prevailing in the palace, Wen Hemian rarely stayed overnight, but she would patiently spend time with Xie Lang, leaving just before the palace gates were locked. She was always calm and composed, and Xie Lang couldn't think of anything that could make her anxious.
"Go see someone. She might be helpful to His Majesty in the future."
Wen Hemian stopped there, not wanting to say more.
Xie Lang saw through her attitude and had no choice but to let her go, but he pleaded in a low voice, "There is no court assembly tomorrow, could the Grand Tutor enter the palace earlier?"
The young boy tugged at her sleeve hesitantly, his grip light but enough to soften her heart. Wen Hemian hesitated for a moment, but ultimately couldn't bear to refuse: "Alright, I'll come to the palace early tomorrow to keep A-Lang company."
Wen Hemian was also annoyed by the rigid rules of hierarchy between ruler and subject. She had pretended to be a respectable person for a while because she thought this was a feudal society. Now that Xie Lang said there was no need to be so formal, she felt much more relaxed.
Xie Lang immediately withdrew his hand obediently and smiled, "Okay."
Wen Hemian then left the palace.
The person she wanted to see was none other than Liu Qiongyue, the female protagonist of the original book.
Liu Qiongyue came from a merchant family. Although she was a woman, she had accounting skills that were no less than her father's. She was bold, meticulous, intelligent, and clever, and was highly valued by her father.
In this era where all other professions are considered inferior and only studying is considered superior, Liu Qiongyue, as a woman, inevitably faced bullying when she went out to do business. Her father had originally intended to find her a husband, and when he later found the injured male protagonist, the matter naturally came to fruition.
As expected, with the support of the Liu family, the male protagonist passed the imperial examinations and entered the imperial court. While serving as an official, he also protected the Liu family's business. Not only did his official career flourish, but his relationship with the female protagonist also became increasingly harmonious.
This is the outcome that should have happened in the original timeline, but the problem lies in the fact that the tyrant Xie Lang suddenly went mad, killed the male and female protagonists, and caused the world to collapse.
Anyway, the male and female leads definitely can't be touched. Wen Hemian thought it over and over and concluded that nothing was more reliable than cooperation. This couple is rich and talented, it would be a pity not to recruit them and give them important positions.
At this time, Liu Qiongyue's career was just beginning, and she was worried about not having any connections in the capital. Just two days ago, she had come to inquire about the shops under Wen Hemian's name, so Wen Hemian had been wanting to find a time to have a good talk with her.
She had been busy dealing with Ning Hechu's forces, so she only had time now. Fortunately, Liu Qiongyue was easygoing and agreed to her request without hesitation.
The meeting place was arranged at Shuiyun Pavilion. In the eyes of outsiders, it was not appropriate for a man and a woman to be alone in a room, so Wen Hemian brought Qingyun along and traveled discreetly.
She thought she had arrived early, but to her surprise, Liu Qiongyue was already sitting inside waiting.
Liu Qiongyue wore a pale yellow silk dress, with an elegant and beautiful appearance. She wore very little adornment, and her hair was simply tied up with a jade hairpin. Behind her stood a tall and handsome man with a face like carved jade, who had the gentle and refined air of a scholar.
If nothing unexpected happens, he should be the male lead.
Liu Qiongyue didn't introduce them, and Wen Hemian didn't ask; the two exchanged a brief greeting.
"Mr. Wen."
"Miss Liu."
The surname Wen is rare, and there is only one family with the surname Wen in the capital. Even though she didn't know Wen Hemian's exact identity, Liu Qiongyue was cautious, fearing that she might offend her.
“Miss Liu, there’s no need to be so nervous. I’m here today just to discuss business with you.” Wen Hemian picked up the teapot to pour tea and calmly handed a cup to Liu Qiongyue, explaining his purpose. “Miss Liu wants to open up trade routes in the capital, and I happen to have the same idea, which is to expand my business.”
Money makes the world go round. No matter when, you can't do without money. The business of the shops in the mansion used to be managed by Uncle Lu alone. After Wen Hemian returned to the capital to prepare for the imperial examination, he also secretly managed a part of it.
Modern compulsory education has its advantages. Just from the soap provided by Wen Hemian, the shop made a lot of money. It is probably because of this that Liu Qiongyue approached their shop immediately.
Upon hearing this, Liu Qiongyue's eyes lit up: "That's perfect! My father traveled all over the country in his early years and has many connections in the Jiangnan region. If we can cooperate with you, young master, we might be able to reap unexpected rewards."
Cooperation is a must; Wen Hemian had already made this plan long ago.
She can't focus on this right now. It might not be the same once Xie Lang grows up. In this world, money is essential for survival. Besides, there's no point in just letting the knowledge in her head rust away.
After considering it in his mind, Wen Hemian said, "Of course. There are many nobles in the capital, but my family is not afraid. If Miss Liu wants to cooperate with me, I can do you a favor. As for the profits, we can talk about it. I am sincere in cooperating. How about a 50/50 split?"
This was higher than Liu Qiongyue had expected, and her eyebrows immediately lit up with joy: "Of course it's possible! Young master is truly a straightforward person!"
"That's good. I'm not good at this. Miss Liu can discuss the specifics with the manager later. Once the contract is signed, everything will be settled."
Wen Hemian came today mainly to see Liu Qiongyue, and found that the female lead had a good personality, so he felt relieved.
However, she also keenly noticed that after she looked at Liu Qiongyue more often, the man standing behind her frowned and seemed to be in a bad mood.
Wen Hemian saw it all but said nothing.
When she had finished talking with Liu Qiongyue, she took the initiative to say goodbye, and Liu Qiongyue quickly got up to see her off.
Just before boarding the carriage, he seemed to catch a glimpse of Liu Qiongyue pinching the man's arm, saying a few words to him in a huff, and then the man helplessly lowered his eyes and patted her head.
As expected, the male protagonist couldn't escape the henpecked husband rule.
Wen Hemian chuckled and looked away, no longer bothering with the affairs between the male and female protagonists.
If they are alright, the world will be alright; it's best if everyone lives in peace.
...
Liu Qiongyue needed special treatment, so Wen Hemian specifically instructed his subordinates not to shirk their duties or try to cheat. Sometimes, being overly attentive could arouse suspicion.
She agreed to Xie Lang's request, and the next day she really did arrive at the palace much earlier. When she arrived, Xie Lang was practicing martial arts with Changzhu.
He not only had an exceptional sensitivity to political affairs, but he also learned riding and archery very quickly, which amazed even Changzhu.
The young boy, dressed in a smart outfit, sat on horseback with his hair tied in a high ponytail, swaying as he ran. His gaze was focused and serious as he drew his bow and shot an arrow in one smooth motion, hitting the bullseye effortlessly.
It was dazzling.
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