The next morning, after breakfast, Lin Yun, along with Xiao Tao and Wang Defa, headed to the shop.
Wang Defa was ordered to stay by Lin Yun's side at all times.
Lin Yun said she had no objection; not everyone has this kind of prestige.
Inside the shop, everyone was busily preparing for the opening.
Liu Qing led the embroiderers to affix delicately patterned labels to the rouge boxes.
Chen Fugui then directed the shop assistants to wipe the counter and arrange the samples.
The air was filled with a faint floral fragrance, mixed with the scent of freshly painted wood, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Lin Yun stood at the door, feeling relaxed and happy.
Just as Lin Yun was feeling quite pleased with herself, a servant rushed over to report, "Miss, the Third Young Master is back!"
Lin Yun was taken aback, then her face lit up with joy, and she hurriedly returned to the old house.
Upon entering, one sees Lin Yan sitting in the hall, dressed in a plain long robe, with clear and bright features, holding a book in his hands.
Lin's mother held his hand, her eyes full of love: "Yan'er, why is the school suddenly closed for the holidays?"
Lin Yan smiled slightly and said gently, "The teacher told us to go home and prepare for the exam in peace, and that we could study on our own for the remaining month or so. So my son came back."
Upon hearing this, Lin's mother's eyes reddened slightly, and she said repeatedly, "It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!"
Aunt Zhang, quickly prepare the dishes that the third young master likes to eat, and also stew a pot of nourishing soup. Studying is hard work, he needs to be well nourished!
Aunt Zhang smiled and agreed, then turned around to make the arrangements.
Lin Yan looked up and saw Lin Yun, then quickly stood up: "Second sister, I'm back."
He's a little intimidated by his second sister now.
Lin Yun smiled and nodded, "It's good that you're back. Take good care of yourself at home, eat and drink well so you can do well on the exam."
My third brother has always been hardworking, but his family used to be poor, and he was so thin that he looked emaciated.
Now that conditions are better, his face has become plump. If he can pass the imperial examinations, the Lin family can also change its social standing.
Lin's father also rushed back from the clothing shop to see his son. He saw that his son had a straight back and a rosy complexion. He was nowhere near as sickly as before.
Lin Yan was taken aback and blurted out, "Why does Father look so well?"
Lin's father stroked his beard and laughed heartily: "Now that the shop is doing well and your eldest brother is doing so well, my old bones are naturally feeling much lighter!"
As they were talking, Lin Feng and his servant entered the room with a basket of newly purchased flower petals. Beads of sweat rolled down their foreheads, but they no longer had the restless air they used to have; instead, they were much more composed.
"Third brother's back? That's just in time! When the shop opens, you should come and share in the joy!"
Lin Yan looked at his transformed elder brother and was secretly amazed, assuming it was just a change brought about by the family's prosperity.
At lunchtime, Lin's mother served the food herself and put a chicken leg into Lin Yan's bowl, saying, "You just focus on your studies and don't worry about anything else."
Lin Feng spoke animatedly about Lin Yun's rouge shop: "Those embroiderers, once they put on makeup, look exactly like they stepped out of a painting! Even the owner of the silk shop next door came to inquire..."
The family was enjoying a happy and harmonious time together.
After lunch and a short rest, Lin Feng and Lin Yun went to the cosmetics shop.
Lin's father went to the clothing shop. The business of the clothing shop has now stabilized, and the money he earns every day is something he never dared to dream of before. He has to keep an eye on it every day.
———
When Xie Yu returned to the Xie residence, his face was still somewhat pale. He dismissed the servants and sat alone in his study, his mind replaying the news he had heard during the day.
The so-called "Master Zhao" whom Lin Yun knew was actually the Emperor himself, who was traveling incognito!
"No wonder so many people came... they must be from the palace." Xie Yu muttered to himself, this was the obvious one.
What about in the shadows? Everyone knows that the current emperor has a group of secret guards who operate in the shadows.
He was both shocked and terrified. He had originally hoped to use the opportunity of cooperation to get to know Lin Yun better, even...
Now, however, he dares not have even the slightest improper thought.
"Someone come here!" he called out loudly.
The butler rushed in: "What are your orders, young master?"
"From today onwards, all cooperation with the Lin family will be entirely handled by Manager Zhang. Manager Zhang will personally go to the Lin residence every month to collect the jewelry designs, and profits will be settled on time every month without fail," Xie Yu said in a deep voice.
The steward was taken aback, but seeing the young master's solemn expression, he dared not ask any more questions and quickly replied, "Yes, this old servant will arrange it right away."
Xie Yu sighed deeply, thinking to himself: The situation in Shangyang County is probably about to change.
---------
Meanwhile, Chen Yu, who had been keeping a close eye on Lin Yun, was also feeling irritable these past few days.
The people we sent to cause trouble last time were crippled, and it took us half a month to find them. They were dumped in a dilapidated temple.
She wasn't dead, just starving. He was seething with anger, but there was nothing he could do about it for the time being.
He was sitting in his study, patiently listening to his subordinates' report.
"Young Master, Lin Yun's rouge shop is opening in half a month. I heard she's got quite a few people from the palace with her. She's got a lot of momentum." A subordinate said in a low voice, clasping his hands in a fist salute.
Chen Yu snorted coldly, a sinister glint in his eyes: "Hmph, she's certainly climbed the social ladder. But gaining a foothold in Shangyang County won't be so easy!"
He tapped his fingers on the table, pondered for a moment, and then sneered, "Go, find a few thugs and cause them some trouble on opening day. Remember, don't let anyone find any fault with you."
"Yes, young master, rest assured, I will arrange it immediately." The servant bowed and withdrew.
Chen Yu gazed at the night outside the window, a cold smile playing on his lips: "Lin Yun, we'll see."
She didn't believe she could have good luck forever unless she never left the house.
...
At that moment, at the city gate of Shangyang County, several weary travelers quietly entered the city.
The leader, a lean man with sharp eyes, whispered to his companion:
"Ninth Master instructed us to find out the details of the Lin family and the rouge shop, especially the details of that Second Miss Lin."
"Yes," his companions replied in hushed tones.
The group dispersed and quickly blended into the streets and alleys of the county town. Their arrival was like a drop of ink falling into clear water—silent and unnoticed, yet it harbored hidden ripples.
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