Although Shen Yuewei was in postpartum confinement, her mind was not entirely elsewhere than on her "Jinwei Shop." With the experienced and prudent manager, Manager Wang, coupled with the solid foundation Shen Yuewei had laid and the intangible golden brand of being the "Crown Prince's Consort" (though not officially conferred, everyone tacitly understood), the shop's business not only remained unaffected but flourished even more. The wealthy ladies considered it an honor to use "Jinwei Shop" fabrics and hoped to use it to cultivate connections.
Manager Wang regularly reported the accounts and important matters to Shen Yuewei. Shen Yuewei leaned against the headboard, gently patting An'an in her arms as she listened to Manager Wang's reports, occasionally offering suggestions. Looking at the steadily increasing figures on the books, she felt at peace. This small silk shop was the foundation of her livelihood and a guarantee she left for her daughter.
Having completed her postpartum confinement, Shen Yuewei was like a butterfly freed from its shackles, radiating a gentle yet resilient glow. The Empress's generous rewards and her status as the Crown Prince's concubine (though not officially appointed, the unspoken understanding among the crowd) propelled "Jinwei Ji" to new heights, its doors thriving. Shen Yuewei did not become complacent; instead, she transformed this momentum into an even more solid foundation for her business.
In the early morning, An'an's clear cries are the most beautiful alarm clock in the courtyard. Shen Yuewei skillfully changes her daughter's diaper, feeds her, kisses her rosy little face, and then hands her over to her mother or Lin Qingwan, who are already waiting nearby. An'an is now chubby and fair-skinned, with big, bright eyes. She smiles at everyone she sees and has become a beloved little bundle of joy.
After seeing off her daughter who had been "taken over," Shen Yuewei arrived at the back hall of "Jinwei Ji" with renewed vigor. She had changed into a neat, light purple, narrow-sleeved ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), her hair simply tied up with an elegant jade hairpin, exuding a calm and capable demeanor. Manager Wang was already waiting with account books and samples.
"Boss, this is last month's total account. The profit is 30% higher than last month." Manager Wang smiled broadly. "The new batch of 'Heavenly Fragrance Silk' and 'Cloud Mist Silk' that arrived were snapped up by the ladies and young women of the city as soon as they hit the shelves. Several big merchants from Suzhou and Hangzhou also want to talk to us about long-term supply."
Shen Yuewei carefully reviewed the accounts, then picked up a sample fabric and stroked it meticulously, her eyes gleaming with shrewdness. "Uncle Wang, thank you for your hard work. The accounts are clear, very good. Those merchants can be contacted, but the price and delivery time must be strictly adhered to. We have no trouble selling our fabrics; we'd rather have less than accept inferior quality." She paused, then pointed to a piece of soft gauze with a novel pattern. "This 'Butterfly and Flower' pattern is excellent. Have the embroidery workshop prepare more of it. Also, design a few new patterns for thicker fabrics suitable for autumn and winter, something elegant and sophisticated, mainly targeting officials and wealthy merchants' wives."
She was no longer the little shopkeeper who needed to rely on the crown prince's name, but had truly gained the ability and confidence to control her own business. "Jinwei Ji" was not only her place of refuge, but also the cornerstone for her to realize her value and pave the way for her daughter's future.
In the afternoon, at the invitation of several local officials' wives and talented women she knew well, Shen Yuewei, along with An'an (naturally accompanied by her wet nurse and Chun Tao), attended a small poetry and painting gathering. The location was an elegant lakeside villa outside the town.
Her status was different now, and she became the center of attention as soon as she appeared. The ladies greeted her warmly but respectfully, and the conversation naturally turned to the lovely An'an, who was being held in Lin Qingwan's arms.
"Oh my, is this the little princess? She's so beautiful, like a fairy child in a painting!" The prefect's wife was the first to praise her.
“Look at those eyebrows and eyes, they look just like His Highness the Crown Prince!” the Prefect’s wife chimed in.
"Sister Shen is so lucky! Look at her, she's sure to grow up to be a stunning beauty!" The talented women surrounded An'an, their affection for her evident.
An'an wasn't shy at all, her big eyes darting around curiously, occasionally flashing a cute little smile that charmed everyone. Shen Yuewei greeted them with a smile, neither overly enthusiastic nor aloof, displaying a graceful and poised demeanor. She skillfully steered the conversation, from parenting tips to the sights and sounds of Jiangnan, then naturally transitioning to the new fabrics and patterns arriving at "Jinwei Ji." Several ladies placed orders on the spot and enthusiastically offered to introduce more customers.
Holding An'an in her arms, Lin Qingwan watched Shen Yuewei move with ease and confidence through the crowd, her eyes filled with admiration and pride. She knew that her friend had truly established herself in Jiangnan and was living a wonderful life.
After the poetry and painting gathering ended, Shen Yuewei, who had gained a lot, squeezed her daughter's little hand and joked, "Our An'an is my little lucky charm, she brings wealth as soon as she appears!" Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
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