Gu Yaoniang sat in the study, looking at the warm and smooth jade pendant on the table in front of her, feeling somewhat puzzled.
When did she become so close to Prince Qing?
After hearing the shop assistant's report, she thought it was just some insignificant thing.
Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a jade pendant of extraordinary quality.
The news that Zhao Yang had been enfeoffed as the Prince of Qing had spread, and the court officials had many different opinions about this unexpected outcome, but it would not affect the lives of ordinary people in the slightest.
Gu Yaoniang stared at the jade pendant, her delicate eyebrows furrowed tightly together.
At this moment, someone knocked on the door and entered. Gu Yaoniang looked up and saw that it was Lu Zhaoan. Her expression softened slightly, and she gestured for him to sit down.
Lu Zhaoan immediately noticed the jade pendant on the table, and seeing Gu Yaoniang's uncertain expression, as if she had encountered a great difficulty, he couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? What's going on?"
He gestured with his lips, his gaze falling on the jade pendant. The jade pendant was smooth and lustrous, clearly an old object that had been around for many years and should be very precious, but the tassel was brand new.
He was an extremely perceptive person. Seeing Gu Yaoniang's worried and distressed expression, he instantly understood that Gu Yaoniang's troubles must be related to this untimely jade pendant.
Gu Yaoniang sighed. Before she could finish her sigh, she realized she was being a little funny and quickly stopped herself from uttering another sigh.
It was already a difficult situation, but then he thought that Lu Zhaoan and Prince Qing were quite familiar with each other and had interacted many times, so he could be considered a trustworthy person.
Instead of worrying to yourself, you might as well ask Lu Zhaoan for advice.
“Prince Qing has been visiting Jin Yu Lou frequently lately. This morning, when I wasn’t there, he asked the shop assistants and, upon hearing that my younger brother was coming to Shuojing, he gave me this jade pendant as a congratulatory gift for my brother’s arrival in the capital.”
But I have never had any connection with His Highness Prince Qing, and my brother's trip to the capital isn't a big deal. This jade pendant, on the other hand, seems to be a priceless treasure. I was somewhat flattered.
Lu Zhaoan hadn't expected the jade pendant to have such an origin. Gu Yaoniang explained the matter clearly in a few words, using extremely refined language.
What do you mean by being flattered? Judging from her expression, she must be feeling bewildered, as if the jade pendant is too hot to handle.
Lu Zhaoan chuckled inwardly.
"It's alright. His Highness Prince Qing is known for his wealth and generosity. Since he's giving it to you, just accept it."
Gu Yaoniang couldn't help but think that this man was really... Was she worried that the jade pendant was too valuable for her to accept?
She was puzzled as to why Prince Qing had suddenly become so friendly towards her. What she cared about was, "Why!"
Lu Zhaoan looked at Gu Yaoniang's eyes, which held a hint of resentment and barely perceptible disdain, and felt somewhat puzzled.
Gu Yaoniang took a deep breath and tried her best to smile kindly: "Is Your Highness Prince Qing always this generous?"
Lu Zhaoan then understood. He pondered for a moment before carefully saying, "Perhaps he felt comfortable at Jin Yu Lou."
Seeing that Gu Yaoniang seemed somewhat uneasy, he repeated, "Don't worry. His Highness Prince Qing shouldn't..."
Prince Qing has always been arrogant and self-important; he would never stoop to making things difficult for others, let alone scheme against them. Giving him this jade pendant is unlikely to be bait with malicious intent.
Gu Yaoniang calmed herself down a little, but she was still a little uneasy.
But she quickly changed her mind and started discussing the day's business with Lu Zhaoan.
The Gu family and the Lu family have been doing more and more business together, and the amount spent on snacks alone each month is quite substantial.
Today, Lu Zhaoan has come to settle last month's expenses with Gu Yaoniang.
Yao Niang compared the account books from Jin Yu Lou, which she had prepared beforehand, with his. Since there was nothing amiss, they confirmed the money, and a special person would deliver it in a few days.
Although there have been some exchanges between the two sides recently, with both making purchases from each other's businesses, the Lu family has ultimately bought more from the Gu family.
Lu Zhaoan sighed, "I'm practically begging to give you money."
Yao Niang pushed the honey-glazed gourd that had just been delivered from the kitchen forward, and said reproachfully, "Then you can choose not to send me money, and don't covet our Jin Yu Lou's pastries."
The small cup for holding the honey-smoked gourd was also custom-made by Lu Zhaoan. Actually, saying it holds it isn't quite accurate. It's more like a small, custom-made cup resembling a lotus seedpod, into which the honey-smoked gourd skewered with bamboo sticks is inserted.
Lu Zhaoan quickly pulled Xiaozhan closer to him and said with a smile, "That won't do! Let's make money together, Boss Gu."
Gu Yaoniang glared at him with amusement, while Lu Zhaoan stared at her, somewhat lost in thought.
"Yao Niang, could we settle our accounts monthly at Jin Yu Lou from now on?"
"Wouldn't the fifteenth be the best day?"
"What a wonderful day! It's the day Jin Yu Lou launches its new products. Lu Zhao'an's already here, I can't just leave without doing something!" Gu Yaoniang asked casually.
Lu Zhaoan showed no embarrassment at having his little scheme exposed and nodded frankly.
The more Gu Yaoniang interacted with Lu Zhaoan and the more she understood him, the more she realized how utterly ignorant she had been of judging people, mistaking him for someone as cold and aloof as autumn frost when they first met.
As we've gotten to know each other better, this person has become more lively. Although not an extremely warm person, he has nothing to do with being as cold and aloof as autumn frost.
He also enjoys good food, can joke around, and has the emotions that everyone has.
"Okay. How about we settle twice a month? That way you can come on the first and fifteenth of the month."
Gu Yaoniang kindly reminded him.
Lu Zhaoan's eyes lit up, and he nodded sharply: "Young Master Gu is so thoughtful!"
Gu Yaoniang smiled and shook her head.
That unscrupulous businessman!
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