Moreover, simply relying on Ji Xinhe’s designs leaves less and less room for her own thoughts. Xinhe believes that the ancients were not any less intelligent than the moderns. She has provided designs for clothing and jewelry for the past three seasons, which should have inspired them. She is sure that someone would be able to take those inspirations further, and design even more beautiful dresses.
"How about this, you instruct the embroidery women in the workshop to design clothes and jewelry for the next season. I will review the designs when they are finished, and pick out the top ten. The first place will be rewarded with five hundred silver pieces, the second place with four hundred, the third place with three hundred, and the following places with two hundred each. Those who perform exceptionally well, could even earn higher wages in the future. Let’s encourage them to give their best." Xinhe suggested.
Even Manager Jin, such a seasoned man, believed that Ji Xinhe was adept at interpersonal relationships. Very few proprietors thought highly of their workers, let alone reward them with hundreds of silver pieces!
This was something that the embroidery women would give their all to compete for!
"Yes!"
Xinhe then lowered her head to look at the account book again, her smile deepening further. When she had first started the flourishing mansion, she knew that this place would prove to be a gold mine for men, with the quickest way to make money being through top-tier courtesans. However, with the success of the Winding Pavilion, she found out that women could be just as extravagant with their spending.
In particular, in circles of nobles and celebrities, a woman’s grooming and appearance not only reflects her own image, but also that of her family. Therefore, the Winding Pavilion was perfectly tailored to their tastes.
The profits from one show alone could equate to a month’s earnings!
After giving a few more instructions, Xinhe prepared to depart.
Xiao Chaihu listened attentively from beginning to end without speaking much, seeming to be genuinely interested in learning.
Upon her return home, Xiao Bei also returned from his frolics.
Xinhe began to teach them accounting, thinking that learning how to manage finances wasn’t ignoble in the slightest. Rather, it was always beneficial to learn more, no matter what it was. Currently, they were just children who only needed to study, but when they grew up, they should understand the principles of the world beyond just studying.
"Show me the calculations for this month’s income." Xinhe gave them the abacus for them to do the calculations.
Xiao Bei was having a hard time, struggling with the beads on the abacus without making much progress.
In contrast, Xiao Chaihu had a clear thought process, despite his unskilled fingers fumbling through the beads one by one.
About an incense stick’s burning time later, Xiao Chaihu managed to complete the calculations.
Xinhe pinched Xiao Bei’s face: "Can’t even remember what I just taught you?"
Xiao Bei grumbled: "Xiao Chaihu is naturally smarter than me. The teacher said that he learns everything in one go. I can’t do that."
Xinhe laughed: "You do make sense."
With a beaming smile, Xiao Bei draped an arm over Xiao Chaihu’s shoulder: "The teacher said that Xiao Chaihu is a top scholar talent. I can’t hold a candle to him. Sister, you must not favor him just because he’s better than me!"
With a resigned smile, Xinhe felt relieved. Xiao Bei was simple-minded and didn’t harbor any jealousy. His innate good nature, coupled with her lack of comparisons between him and Xiao Chaihu, allowed him to stay that way.
"Alright then, I’ll teach you again later. You’ve been roving around all day, it’s time to buckle down. Otherwise, you’re going to start slacking off once school starts." Xinhe playfully jabbed Xiao Bei’s head.
Xiao Bei beamed: "Not likely! I’m looking forward to the examination results. Sister, what will you reward me with if I become a student scholar this time?"
"We’ll see when the time comes." Xinhe laughed: "Where did you get this confidence from, thinking that you’ll definitely pass? Even Xiao Chaihu hasn’t said anything yet."
"Xiao Chaihu is sure to pass, right?" Xiao Bei turned to Xiao Chaihu, who nodded: "Yes."
With a chin upturned towards Xinhe, Xiao Bei looked like he had everything figured out.
Xinhe sighed: "How come neither of you knows to back down?"
"Madam," Xiao Chaihu suddenly said.
"Hmm?"
"The academy is going to start classes in a few days, but I still want to learn from you. Can I join you after school?"
Xinhe thought for a moment and didn’t refuse, only saying: "If you want to learn, just follow along, but make sure school is not neglected."
"Good!" Xiao Chaihu answered excitedly.
---
Marquis Mu Houchu returned home late in the evening, travel-weary.
As he came to the door, he saw a faint light shining from their home.
Xinhe used to wait for him every night, but ever since she got pregnant, she had taken care to go to bed early. Despite this, there would be a lamp left switched on for Marquis Mu Houchu on evenings he was out late.
For Marquis Mu Houchu, the presence or absence of this light did not make much of a difference. Having a deep level of internal force, even in the darkest night, he could perceive obstacles around him and move around with ease. Yet, upon seeing this lamp each time he returned home, a warm feeling would unfailingly envelop his heart.
This lamp was left on by his wife, the only kin he had in this world.
Marquis Mu Houchu’s mouth slightly curving up, he carefully pushed the door open, his movements very light as he didn’t wish to disturb those inside. Relying on his abundant internal force, he made sure to muffle the sound of his footsteps to prevent any noise.
Lifting the veil of the bed, he saw the person on the bed was already asleep. Her usually fluttering eyelashes were settled on her eyes, presenting a tranquil and gentle image under the faint light.
Marquis Mu Houchu lightly touched her face, surprised to see Xinhe open her eyes: "You’re back?"
Taken aback, Mu Houchu asked: "Did I wake you?"
Laughing, Xinhe replied: "Me, woken up by your noises? I’ve been awake all along and didn’t even realize when you entered the room."
Mu Houchu frowned: "Why aren’t you sleeping? I told you not to wait up for me."
"I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t keep my eyes shut. I can’t rest easy without knowing you’ve returned." Xinhe crawled out from under the covers, murmuring.
Marquis Mu Houchu gently stroked her stomach: "I will deal with the matter concerning the Duan Family. Don’t worry." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺
"So, it has been confirmed to be the Duan Family?" Xinhe looked up at him.
"I had someone thoroughly investigate; it seems that young master Song was telling the truth." Houchu said in a deep voice: "I anticipated that the Duan Family would target me, but I didn’t expect it to happen so soon, and they concealed their actions so well."
If it were not for Song Xi’s reminder, he would likely have failed to realize that the seemingly unrelated conspiracy was actually aiming to scorch him next.
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