Autumn is deepening in Jiangnan. Although the summer heat has not completely subsided, the mornings and evenings are already carrying a refreshing coolness. Under the joint management of the siblings Shen Yuewei and Shen Wenbai, the businesses of "Shuyue Tea House" and "Chenji Silk Shop" are thriving and have become two well-known brands in Suzhou and Hangzhou.
Inside the riverside private room "Tingyuxuan" of the tea house, Shen Yuewei was negotiating with several merchants from Quanzhou. She wore an elegant autumn-colored Hangzhou silk dress with a matching half-sleeved outer garment, and her hair was adorned with only a white magnolia hairpin. Her expression was calm and composed, and her demeanor was dignified, showing no trace of the arrogance of the Princess Consort of Jing, but only the shrewdness and composure of a businesswoman.
“Mr. Wang, Mr. Zhang,” Shen Yuewei said, her slender fingers lightly tapping on several newly arrived samples of Southeast Asian spices spread out on the table, her voice clear and melodious, “these nutmegs and cloves are of superior quality, but the price is nearly 20% higher than the market price. My ‘Shuyue’ and ‘Shenji’ need a considerable amount, and at this price, I fear we will find it difficult to continue.” She paused, her gaze sweeping over the two shrewd merchants opposite her, a perfectly timed smile playing on her lips, “How about this, you two can set up a special counter in my newly established ‘Haifeng Pavilion’ in my tea shop to sell these Southeast Asian spices and jewelry on consignment. My ‘Shuyue’ will only take a 10% commission for a period of one year. This will offset part of the cost of the spices. What do you two think?”
This suggestion of "using shop space to offset payment for goods, a win-win situation" caught the eyes of the two merchants. They exchanged a glance, and their faces immediately lit up with smiles: "Master Shen is indeed straightforward! This is a good idea! It's settled then!"
The negotiations went smoothly, and the atmosphere was harmonious. Shen Yuewei personally poured freshly brewed "Autumn Dew White" tea for the guests. As the aroma of tea wafted through the air, the door to the private room was gently pushed open a crack. Xiao Chengjing appeared in the doorway. Today, he was dressed in a dark brocade robe with cloud patterns. He stood tall and straight, but his handsome face was expressionless. His gaze calmly fell on Shen Yuewei, carrying an invisible pressure.
Shen Yuewei sighed inwardly, but remained outwardly calm. She stood up and introduced him with a smile: "Gentlemen, this is my husband." She did not reveal Prince Jing's identity, only referring to him as "my husband."
Upon seeing the newcomer's imposing presence, the two merchants, though unaware of his identity, quickly rose and exchanged pleasantries. Xiao Chengjing merely nodded slightly in response, his gaze still fixed on Shen Yuewei, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger: "Madam, it's getting late." The implication was clear: it was time to end this.
Shen Yuewei smiled apologetically at the two merchants: "I still have some trivial matters at home, so let's stop here for today. Manager Chen will discuss the specific details with you two." She gestured for Uncle Chen, who was waiting nearby, to take over.
After seeing off the guests, only the couple remained in the private room. Xiao Chengjing walked to the window, looking at the ships coming and going on the canal below. With his back to her, he remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, his voice low and tinged with a barely perceptible bitterness: "Weiqing is becoming more and more composed when discussing business these days. She chats and laughs with those maritime merchants, even more familiar with them than I am."
Shen Yuewei walked to his side and gently tugged at his sleeve, her tone both comforting and helpless: "Your Highness is talking childishly again. It's just a business transaction, each getting what they need. Otherwise, how could the tea and silk shops have imported these rare Southeast Asian spices and novel fabrics? And isn't An'an's new cloak adorned with Southeast Asian pearls also thanks to them?"
Xiao Chengjing turned around, his gaze fixed on her, scrutinizing her with a hint of barely perceptible grievance: "I know it's important business. But Weiqing smiles at them more often than she smiles at me." He reached out, his calloused fingertips gently stroking her delicate cheek, the movement carrying a possessive force. "Seeing this makes me uncomfortable."
Shen Yuewei was both amused and exasperated by his straightforward and childish jealousy, yet she knew he wasn't being unreasonable; he was simply channeling all his affection into this almost obsessive possessiveness. She nestled into his arms, wrapping her arms around his lean waist, looking up at his taut jawline, and softened her voice: "Is Your Highness a reincarnation of a jealous man? My whole heart belongs to Your Highness and An'an; how can anyone else compare? I only said a few extra words today, and Your Highness reacts like this?"
The faint scent of tea mingled with her feminine fragrance lingered in his nostrils, and the soft touch of her skin eased Xiao Chengjing's tense nerves slightly, but the displeasure of being "ignored" did not completely dissipate. He tightened his arms, holding her firmly in his embrace, lowered his head, his nose brushing against the top of her head, and said in a muffled voice with a hint of punishment: "Weiqing neglected her husband today, tonight... I will definitely 'make it up' to her."
The deliberately emphasized word "compensation," carrying an ambiguous and suggestive tone, instantly flushed Shen Yuewei's ears crimson. She lightly punched him, playfully scolding, "Your Highness is becoming more and more unserious!"
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