After Zhou Ning'an married Zhihua, the young master Zhou realized that money could be made in this way. Some people only need to use their brains, without having to put in any effort, and a lot of money will come to them.
"Madam Zhou, to be honest, I don't think much of Xiaoyi's business. It might be suitable for a barbarian place like the border town, but there are so many young ladies from wealthy families in the capital who all aspire to marry into good families. How could they wear such uncouth items?"
The woman opposite Zhihua wore a light blue cotton-padded jacket, adorned with jewels, and spoke with her chin slightly raised.
This was a connection made by Ning An's relatives, who wanted to do plum blossom ointment business with them in the capital. It just so happened that Cen's mother also wanted to go to the capital, so once the connection was established, it wouldn't be too difficult.
So Zhihua took the opportunity to recommend the little clothes that Long'er had made to her. They were convenient and easy to wear, especially during menstruation. Although they couldn't be afforded by every household, she tried her best to keep the price down.
But the old woman's words were really unpleasant to hear. The scholarly woman was a bit stunned, not because she was frightened, but because she didn't understand what she was saying.
Having lived in Pingyang County for so long, I've forgotten what life was like in the capital.
A young lady from the capital? Who isn't a young lady at heart?
I really want to take Ruyi out for a spin.
“If that’s how it is, then let’s call it quits this time,” Zhihua said.
The young lady was quite polite. Although they couldn't do business together, they were related to the Zhou family, so there was no need to make things so awkward.
Hearing this, the old woman became somewhat unhappy. She was also an old woman who had come from the Prince's Mansion. She had condescended to come to this small county town because she heard that the owners of the plum blossom ointment were all women.
What do you mean?
"My sister means that she doesn't care about your pittance. This is Pingyang. No matter who you are, you have to behave yourself."
Huo Xiaolong came to Zhihua today to deliver silver, but he heard a loud voice like a matchmaker making a racket for a long time right at the door.
Whether the business goes through or not is irrelevant, but what this old woman said is so upsetting.
"Sis, I've come to deliver your dividends."
Zhihua nodded, then beckoned Long'er over.
"Why run around in this freezing weather? I can just pick it up myself tomorrow."
"I miss my sister, come and see her."
Zhihua smiled, nodded, and said...
"I just saw you yesterday, and I only got home this morning. You're the most glib-tongued of all."
The woman then turned to look at the old woman and said...
“Granny, if I may be so bold, we really can’t do this business. Partnerships require both parties to be able to get along, and you and I don’t get along very well.”
"Is this Mrs. Zhou's sister?"
The old woman was getting anxious as Zhihua repeatedly refused. This time, the master was determined to do business with the plum blossom ointment. If they lost it to her, they would not be happy when they returned.
Although there won't be any punishment, he'll probably be sidelined.
So she spoke up and asked Huo Xiaolong.
“She’s my sister,” Zhihua replied.
"Just think, if you could run a plum blossom ointment business with my master in the capital, then you could bring your little sister to live with you in the future. Look at that pretty little face, she's sure to charm countless young masters from wealthy families."
Huo Xiaolong usually dresses comfortably and cleanly. Her family rarely buys her jewelry, except when He Yi and Cen Ang dress her up, at which point the girl will make herself look a little wronged to please her mother.
"Ten years ago, the saying in Great Yan was, 'There is a beautiful woman in the capital, and Chunying in the border town.' But the border town is too far away, and not many people have seen Chunying's face. Now, the most beautiful and talented woman in the capital is the Fan family's daughter. If your sister went there, and she was also good at the four arts, then the second most beautiful woman would definitely be our sister. Don't you think so?"
Huo Xiaolong gave a cold laugh.
"Oh."
But he didn't say anything, just stared blankly at the old woman, making the woman's hair stand on end.
Zhihua stood up and said
"Granny, Zhihua appreciates your kindness, but my Long'er has no interest in this."
“It’s not the path my sister should take if a man asks for her hand in marriage.”
"Please leave."
The woman's voice was cold and deep. Her upbringing prevented her from swearing or cursing, but Zhihua was actually furious inside.
Why would my sister need those bastards to beg for her hand in marriage? My sister will never get married! Never in her life!
"Isn't Madam Zhou afraid of her mother-in-law's disapproval of such hospitality?"
Zhihua narrowed her eyes and smiled.
"My mother doesn't have time to come home."
Old Madam Zhou never had time to go home; she was always running to brothels. It was only because the Zhou family had some resources a few years ago that they could afford to support her.
Watching the old woman walk out the door, Huo Xiaolong asked...
"Sis, where's my brother-in-law?"
"Your brother-in-law has gone to the grasslands to do business; he'll be back in a few days."
The girl sat down and took a sip of tea.
"My brother-in-law works hard all day long, rain or shine, but he doesn't earn much money. Wouldn't it be better for him to just work as your assistant?"
Zhihua smiled, poured her a cup of tea, and replied.
"Your brother-in-law is just trying to maintain what little male pride he has left. Let him go, otherwise he'll be bored at home."
Zhou Ning'an was the only man Huo Xiaolong was willing to call "brother-in-law." Well, back then, the little dumpling had only been at the brothel for a few days, running around the place trying to familiarize himself with the layout.
When people had nothing to do, they liked to tease her, but Huo Xiaolong felt a little uncomfortable because he had never had so many people staring at him at the same time.
But that day, also a snowy night, a drunken lecher grabbed Sister Zhihua's wrist and insisted that she paint a lewd portrait of her to take away.
Ink stained the girl's clothes, leaving black spots on her pristine white garments.
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