After seeing off Madam Song and Song Yalin, Xin He began to look at the design drafts sent over from the workshop, which were the embroidery women’s design ideas for the next quarter.
After five years of development, the Winding Pavilion’s workshop has seen a significant increase in creative activity among the embroidery women and skilled craftsmen, all driven by Ji Xinhe. Now, there are many innovative ideas and design concepts, some of which even surprised Ji Xinhe with their novelty and originality. Xin He had opened a door for them, and naturally, they would explore on their own, and their explorations weren’t necessarily inferior to Ji Xinhe’s thoughts.
Xin He was quite satisfied with the current state of the Winding Pavilion. It has now become the trendsetter of Yu State. The four annual shows of the Winding Pavilion have also become the most eye-catching events among the Yu State’s noble circle, and are practically a showcase of status for the wealthy ladies.
In fact, not only in Yu State, but many surrounding regions also held high regard for the Winding Pavilion. However, due to the distance, they could only hear of its fame. Many were eagerly waiting for the Winding Pavilion to open branches outside of Yu State, but there has been no such movement from the Pavilion in five years, other than expanding their presence within Yu State.
Of course, Ji Xinhe would never open a branch. The Winding Pavilion is now the symbol of Yu State’s largest commerce giant. What she wanted was the single-handed rapid growth of Yu State’s economy. As for other places, even if it meant making less profit herself, she wouldn’t help stimulate their economies.
There were a lot of designs to review, so much that Xin He spent an entire afternoon without finishing. It was estimated that it would take a few more days of careful assessment to get through them all.
Ah Guai had run out to play with Xiao Bei long ago, and Xin He wasn’t too worried.
However, thinking of the words spoken by Madam Song today, Xin He couldn’t help but furrow her brows slightly. For some reason, she felt there was something strange about it.
It wasn’t until the evening that Ji Xinhe finally mentioned it to Mu Houchu.
"The marriage contract between the Great Prince and Song Yalin?" Mu Houchu raised an eyebrow: "What does this have to do with you?"
Xin He rubbed her temple helplessly: "Madam Song visited me today. She has never asked me for anything over these years. Seeing her haggard, I couldn’t refuse when she mentioned this issue."
Mu Houchu squeezed her hand: "If it’s just a matter of passing a message, it’s not a big deal. I’ll mention it in my next letter to the Great Prince. But I’m worried that this issue might be fraught with thankless tasks. I’m worried about you."
What didn’t Xin He know?
She knew better than anyone what the Great Prince was thinking. He wanted to break off the engagement, didn’t wish to compromise any longer. Otherwise, why would he go to the frontier for five years?
This strong resolution was not something that could be changed so simply with just a promise. This could even trigger the Great Prince to do something even more shocking.
By then, she would have helped and exerted effort, but the situation would have become even worse. It would indeed be a fruitless labor.
Xin He took a deep breath, and then slowly said: "I know, but Madam Song is not unreasonable. When she came to me today, it was because she had no other options, and she probably didn’t have much hope."
If Madam Song was truly unreasonable, demanding reciprocation at every turn, Ji Xinhe wouldn’t have maintained such good relations with her for all these years.
Actually, Xin He didn’t mind the nature of her friends. Madam Song’s temperament and outlook were fundamentally at odds with Ji Xinhe’s. From Madam Song’s point of view, a woman should view her husband as her sky. She is a very traditional and educated woman. Although Ji Xinhe doesn’t agree, Madam Song sincerely treats her, so she reciprocates sincerely. Therefore, their relationship has remained good over the years.
Mu Houchu nodded: "That’s good, I’ll keep this matter in mind."
But Xin He was still lost in thoughts, leaning against the head of the bed, seemingly thoughtful.
"What’s wrong?" Mu Houchu noticed that she seemed to have something on her mind.
Xin He rested her head on his arm, leaning her head on his shoulder: "It’s nothing, I just feel that this Song Yalin...um, is a bit too thoughtful, isn’t she? This girl seldom speaks on normal days. She seems to be quiet and obedient, but always makes one feel that she is inscrutable. For this marriage contract, I can see that Madam Song wants to cancel it, but it’s likely that Song Yalin has been persistent, dragging it until she’s twenty. Is it really worth it just to hold onto this marriage contract?"
Mu Houchu chuckled, his lips curving in a sarcastic smile: "You don’t think it’s worth it, but she might not see it that way. No matter what, the Great Prince is still the legitimate eldest son of the Emperor. If he really is determined to contest for the throne, it’s not impossible. Perhaps Song Yalin has great ambitions and can’t let go of this obsession."
Xin He frowned: "But the Great Prince has no interest in the throne, especially now that he’s not favored by the Emperor and has even requested to go to the frontier."
Mu Houchu laughed: "Even if he was interested in the throne, I don’t think he’s cut out for it. Song Yalin’s calculations are utterly wrong."
Xin He thought about it, and indeed, the Great Prince seemed to possess all the defects an emperor should not have. He is stubborn, unwilling to compromise on matters he believes in, and can be described as rigid. His intelligence isn’t remarkable, devoid of cunning or strategy, easily fooled. More importantly, from the Great Prince’s behavior over the years, he has no desire for the throne.
On second thought, Song Yalin indeed made the wrong calculations.
Ji Xinhe felt that the matter was incredibly complicated and decided not to bother with it any longer. She simply said: "Forget it, you can handle it. I’ll just write a letter to the Great Prince. I don’t want to bother thinking about the rest. It’s troublesome!"
Mu Houchu laughed and rubbed her head: "That’s better. These are all other people’s affairs, why bother thinking so much?"
——
Since learning that Minister Duan had entered the territory of Yu State, Mu Houchu had mobilized the long-established surveillance networks in Yu State to keep a close watch on Duan Lan.
"Minister Duan’s first move once he arrived in Yu State was to investigate the real owner behind the Winding Pavilion, which was indeed a bolt from the blue. However, since the day he met the princess, he has made no further moves. He has spent his days touring around the scenic spots of Yu State, as if he has no plans to do business." Ling Feng reported.
Mu Houchu coldly threw the spy’s report onto the table: "He has revealed himself once already, now he naturally wouldn’t dare to continue his investigations. All he can do now is put up a facade to mislead others. Order them to continue watching him closely, don’t slack off."
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