After the grand wedding of Shen Wenqing, Shen Wenbai threw himself back into the business of "Yunshang Pavilion". With his elder brother's career going smoothly and his younger sister's situation in Jiangnan delicate, he felt even more strongly that money and connections were indispensable to consolidating the foundation of the Shen family.
That afternoon, he was in a private room on the third floor of the "Yunshang Pavilion" negotiating a long-term cooperation agreement for a batch of top-quality silk with several wealthy cloth merchants from Suzhou and Hangzhou. He was dressed in a moon-white brocade robe with cloud patterns. His words and actions showed both the shrewdness and pragmatism of a businessman and the composure of a young master from a noble family. He explained the terms of the cooperation clearly and concisely, which made the cloth merchants nod in approval.
Just as they were getting to the crucial point, the waiter gently knocked on the door: "Second Young Master, Miss Qingwan from Minister Lin's residence has arrived. She says... she wants to see the newly arrived Lingnan Xiangyun yarn."
Shen Wenbai was slightly taken aback. Lin Qingwan? What's she doing here? Looking at the fabrics? A strange feeling flashed through his mind, but he remained calm on the surface, bowing to the fabric merchants and apologizing, "Please have a seat, I'll be right back."
He hurried downstairs and saw that Lin Qingwan was not alone, but was with two unfamiliar noblewomen selecting fabrics. Upon seeing Shen Wenbai, Lin Qingwan introduced them gracefully: "Second Young Master Shen, this is the wife of Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Personnel, and this is the wife of Censor Liu of the Censorate. The two ladies heard that the fabrics of 'Yunshang Pavilion' are excellent, so they came to patronize us."
Shen Wenbai immediately put on a polite smile and personally greeted them. With his keen eye and tactful words, he quickly recommended suitable fabrics and styles to the two ladies. Lin Qingwan occasionally added a few words, praising the fabrics' merits and the reputation of "Yunshang Pavilion" at just the right moment, their cooperation seamless.
After seeing off the two satisfied ladies, Shen Wenbai bowed to Lin Qingwan and said, "Thank you for the introduction, Miss Lin."
Lin Qingwan smiled faintly, "Young Master Shen, you're too kind. Your shop's fabrics are indeed excellent. I... was just accompanying my aunt (one of the ladies) on my way here." She paused, then lowered her voice, "Just now at my aunt's residence, I heard that the Imperial Concubine in the palace... summoned the Imperial Physician yesterday, seemingly... to inquire about some... ancient prescriptions for calming the mind and aiding fertility." She stopped there, her eyes carrying a deeper meaning.
Shen Wenbai's heart skipped a beat! The Imperial Concubine was inquiring about ancient remedies for fertility? Considering the Empress's poor health, the Imperial Concubine's attentive care, and the mystery surrounding the "spices" mentioned in his mother's letter... this was no coincidence! Lin Qingwan was conveying extremely important information to him!
“Qingwan…” Shen Wenbai looked into her clear and intelligent eyes, his heart filled with gratitude and an indescribable emotion. “Thank you!”
"Young Master Shen, you flatter me." Lin Qingwan's cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her eyes. "My sister Yuewei is in Jiangnan. I hope... you will take good care of her." She curtsied and left with her maid, leaving behind a faint fragrance.
She took the wrapped fabric, curtsied, and took her leave. As she turned away, a beautiful blush appeared on her ears.
The situation in Jiangnan, the undercurrents in the capital, his sister's safety, and... this intelligent, brave, and quietly supportive young lady of the Ministry of Rites—all weighed heavily on his heart. He turned and went back to the shop, his steps firm.
Inside the study, Shen Wenqing was reviewing the case files on the embezzlement of military funds, his brow furrowed. The case was becoming increasingly complex, vaguely pointing to several military nobles. He Mingshu brought in a bowl of warm ginseng tea and gently placed it on the desk.
"My husband, rest for a moment," she said gently.
Shen Wenqing rubbed his temples and took her hand: "Thank you for your trouble, my wife." He pointed to the dossier, "This pool of water is deeper than I imagined."
He Mingshu didn't ask any further questions about the case, but said gently, "My husband upholds justice and cares for the country. No matter how deep the water is, it will eventually be cleared. I only hope that my husband will take good care of himself." She picked up a pen from the table and dipped it in ink for him. "My father often said that an official should have a balanced mind and act with reason. I believe in my husband."
His wife's trust and gentleness were like a clear spring, washing away the worries in Shen Wenqing's heart. He held her hand tightly: "With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"
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