Fuquan acted promptly upon Ji Xinhe’s instruction, personally escorting three hundred catties of grape wine straight to Guilin House.
The proprietors of Guilin House started selling it right away.
Countless noble families in the capital had been waiting for this. On seeing the grape wine arrive at Guilin House, they immediately rushed to buy it like crazy. The price rose numerous times, leaving Master Liu of Guilin House grinning from ear to ear.
"Miss, business at Guilin House is booming. As soon as they display this grape wine, everyone rushes for it, bidding up the price. If not for Master Liu limiting each table to one catty per purchase, it would all be sold out in no time," he said enthusiastically.
Ji Xinhe smiled and replied, "Those who can’t get it from Guilin House today can rush to our Qinghe store tomorrow. They’ll surely get their hands on some."
"I’ve heard that Guilin House is very meticulous. They specifically mentioned that their wine is from Qinghe Store when selling it. Our Qinghe store has gained a reputation even before its grand opening. Business should be excellent tomorrow!" said Fuquan cheerfully.
"Mentioning Qinghe Store is clearly stated in the contract. We must seize this opportunity for production fame. Would Guilin House dare to breach the contract and not follow through? Even when the grape wine was initially delivered to the palace, the name ’Qinghe Store’ was expressly mentioned. That is our entitlement."
Fuquan, although somewhat confused, couldn’t help but laugh and reply, "My brain might be slow, and I don’t get much, but as long as you understand, Miss. I’ll just follow your lead!"
"Alright, go check on things at the workshop. Production cannot be stopped, so you have to be careful."
"Understood."
Ji Xinhe ordered the young attendants in the store to tidy up the shop properly one more time before closing up. Rest early to recharge for tomorrow’s grand opening.
Just as she was about to shut the store and head home, a horse carriage parked right in front of the door, blocking her way.
The carriage looked unfamiliar, yet exceedingly grand and lavish. Curiosity piqued, she couldn’t help but take a second look at this noble’s carriage.
That was until the person inside lifted the curtain and said, "Get in."
Upon hearing this, Ji Xinhe’s expression changed instantly. She glanced left and right, made sure no one was paying attention, and then angrily asked, "What are you doing here?!"
Marquis Mu Houchu was visibly upset. Did he look like someone who couldn’t be seen in public? Was she so afraid that others would assume she had some connection with him?
Marquis Mu said coldly, "Get in now or I’m coming out."
Frightened by his words, Ji Xinhe quickly climbed into the carriage, swiftly pulling the curtain tightly shut as if fearing others might see.
Marquis Mu’s face darkened even more, "Do I look that disgraceful to you?"
Ji Xinhe glared at him, "What else do you think you are?"
As a notorious figure in the capital, even a minor association with Marquis Mu could mean being metaphorically drowned by the barrage of gossip. The recent scandal at Ruifu Building, despite her not appearing publicly, is still being hotly discussed even now.
And since she has no connection with him now, why should her reputation be ruined because of him?
Mu Houchu pursed his lips, swallowed down whatever indignation he felt and said after a long pause, "I went to the Ministry of Works today to inspect the newly dug canal."
"So, what?" Ji Xinhe asked in confusion. What does this canal have to do with her?
With an icy stare, Marquis Mu hinted at her naivety, "I thought I might as well pick you up on my way back."
It wasn’t on his way back. He had planned to finish up early so he could fetch her. That’s why he was on a carriage.
Only one person in his mansion could use this new carriage-the mistress.
Marquis Mu sighed inwardly and then asked, "Are you planning to open the store tomorrow?"
Ji Xinhe nodded and said, "Yes, I have already started selling the grape wine at Guilin House as of today. I heard it’s been highly successful. We will see how business goes tomorrow when we officially open."
Gazing at her, Marquis Mu asked in a deep voice, "And if business goes well? Will you leave the store to others to manage and return to Lian’an Town?"
Thinking about the handkerchief full of secrets, Ji Xinhe pursed her lips and said, "Not necessarily."
the secrets of this handkerchief have not yet been revealed, so it is not yet certain.
This time she went to Le Yuanhou Mansion. If Le Yuanhou hosted a banquet, most of the influential figures in the court would be there. It would be her best opportunity. Perhaps she could discover something. If luck was on her side and she found some clues, she could return to Lian’an Town as soon as possible.
Xiao Bei is still at home waiting for her, and her big brother is getting married soon. She misses them dearly.
Seeing the look on her face, Marquis Mu could tell that she eventually wanted to go back.
"When you go back, I’ll go with you," said Marquis Mu.
Caught off guard, Ji Xinhe looked up at him and asked, "Why would you do that?"
"If my wife is going home, why wouldn’t I go?" Mu Houchu said sincerely.
Ji Xinhe glared at him, "For the last time, Marquis Mu, I..."
"We’ve arrived," interrupted Houchu abruptly. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
Indeed, the carriage soon came to a halt.
Annoyed, Ji Xinhe shot him a furious glance before jumping down from the carriage and going into the house.
Marquis Mu shook his head in frustration. There was a hint of bitterness in his heart. She was still resistant towards him. Well, if half a month didn’t work, there was always half a year. If that wasn’t enough either, then perhaps half a lifetime. After all, he had her in his heart for the rest of his life.
----
Early the next morning, as the sky was just turning light, Ji Xinhe jumped out of bed. After a simple wash, she quickly finished breakfast to rush to her store.
She posted a notice, which they had prepared the day before, as early as possible. It listed the products on offer in the store, with the words ’Grape Wine’ written in big bold characters with a brush. After all, their grape wine is the biggest selling point, right?
After lighting two strings of firecrackers at the door, the Qinghe Store officially opened for business, amid the crackling sound of fireworks.
The young attendant at the door yelled, "Step right up, folks! Qinghe Store, now officially open! We’ve got pickles, canned food, grape wine - everything you need. Special grape wine supplied to the Imperial Palace, only available at Qinghe Store!"
These words attracted many people. Nothing else, but the words ’grape wine’ were sufficient to draw a crowd.
Especially these days, when the name of Qinghe Store, on account of supplying wine to Guilin House, had been spread around. Now, the bright signboard attracted passing bystanders.
"Is this the Qinghe store? The one that supplied wine to the Imperial Palace and Guilin House?"
"Indeed! In this entire capital, the only ones who can produce grape wine are this store. The grape wines in Guilin House are all from here!"
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