The Flower Festival draws ever closer, with only three months remaining. The Prime Minister's residence is already immersed in a frenzy of preparations. The entire residence is like a precision machine, each one busy at their respective posts, like a pot of boiling soup, bustling with activity yet constantly experiencing unexpected events. A unique sense of bustle and energy permeates the air.
Su Jinli sat steadily in the main courtyard, like a general planning a strategic plan, exuding a reassuring aura of authority. Her left hand expertly manipulated the abacus, the beads dancing joyfully beneath her nimble fingertips, creating a crisp, melodious melody that echoed the bustling rhythm of wedding preparations. Her right hand tightly grasped the marriage certificate, her gaze focused and resolute, scrutinizing every detail word by word. Her meticulous demeanor evoked the spirit of a soldier inspecting troops on the battlefield, swearing to ensure every aspect of this wedding was flawless.
Nian Li led a group of maids, devoting themselves to the task of counting the dowry. Inside the storeroom, boxes and crates were opened one by one. In an instant, silks and satins shone brightly, and gold, silver and jade shone brilliantly. Under the sunlight shining through the windows, they reflected a dreamy light, as if a treasure house had been opened in an instant. The maids hurried to and fro, sorting and organizing the various types of dowry in an orderly manner. The storeroom, which had been orderly, now seemed to have experienced a small-scale "war". All kinds of items were turned over and became chaotic, but everyone's face was filled with seriousness and concentration, because they knew the importance of these dowries to Jiang Xiaohuang.
Su Qingyao's actions were even more eye-catching. She devoted almost all of her time to the Rouge Shop, as if it had become her exclusive battlefield. She vowed to create a unique and stunning "bridal makeup" for Jiang Xiaohuang, making her the center of attention and the most dazzling radiance on her wedding day.
On a seemingly ordinary morning, soft sunlight cautiously filtered through the cracks in the window, gently shimmering across the courtyard of the prime minister's residence, draping the bustling mansion in a golden veil. However, the tranquility was instantly shattered by the sound of hurried footsteps and anxious shouts. Jiang Xiaocai, clutching his account book, rushed into the main hall in a panic, his voice etched with evident panic and urgency: "Oh no! The shop supplying candy for the wedding is on fire!"
"What?" Su Jinli heard the sudden news. The abacus she was fiddling with dropped to the ground with a clatter. The sharp, abrupt sound was like a boulder dropped into a quiet lake, instantly shattering the tranquility of the main hall and seeming to exclaim in amazement at this shocking turn of events. Her eyes instantly became as sharp as an eagle's, and she eagerly asked, "What's going on?"
"I heard there was a fire in the kitchen," Jiang Xiaocai said, hastily wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead. The beads shimmered in the sunlight like tiny pearls, reflecting his inner anxiety. "Now, the only place in Beijing that can produce 100,000 kilograms of wedding candy in three months is 'Sweetheart Candy Shop'..."
As soon as the words fell, everyone's eyes turned to Wang Chengyi. The newly appointed owner of "Sweetheart Candy Shop" was sitting leisurely, sipping his tea, enjoying this rare moment of peace. However, upon hearing what everyone said, he was startled and almost choked on his tea. He quickly put down his teacup, waved his hand helplessly, and said, "Don't look at me! Our candy shop has recently received a lot of official candy orders, and we're extremely short on staff. We really can't spare any extra staff to supply wedding candy..."
"Then pay more!" Young Marquis Su slammed the table, the force causing the teacup to vibrate violently and splash everywhere, as if his anxiety was also released with the slam. "I'll pay! No matter the cost, Xiao Huang must marry in style! We can't let this wedding have any flaws because of the candy!"
Su Jinli frowned slightly, tapped the cane in her hand, and said calmly and steadily, "Don't worry. Xiaocai, you and Chengyi go see if you can mix in other sugar sources. There may be other solutions. Don't give up so easily." After that, she turned her head and looked at Nianli, admonishing, "Don't delay the dowry. I remember the jade headdress your grandmother left behind. Take it out and examine it carefully. Don't make any mistakes. This is an important dowry for Xiaohuang, and we can't afford to be careless."
As they spoke, a sudden, loud "bang" erupted from outside. The sound was like a bolt from the blue, instantly shattering the tense atmosphere in the main hall. Everyone was startled, and without a moment's hesitation, they rushed in the direction of the sound. Su Qingyao emerged from the Rouge Shop, dusty and grimy. Her hair was a mess, like a bird's nest, and her once elegant clothes were now stained with dust, looking disheveled. Wisps of black smoke lingered behind her, as if she had just retreated from a fierce, smoky battlefield.
"Sister! What are you doing now?" Su Jinli looked at her angrily and amusedly, her eyes full of helplessness, as if she had already become accustomed to her "feats".
Su Qingyao raised her hands, stained with purple paste, and said with a sad face, feeling a bit wronged and a little annoyed, "I wanted to mix a rouge that would change color, but... I made an error and put too much cinnabar..."
Jiang Yan pinched his nose and walked past carefully, muttering, "This smell is even worse than the ink that has been sitting in my study for a long time."
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