He Jiuniang nodded and watched the mother and her two children leave before returning to the kitchen to keep busy.
The new dish was almost ready. She was just trying it out and only made one serving. After confirming that the taste was okay, she asked the cook to make more, since there were many people in her family.
After dealing with these matters, He Jiuniang went to check Qin Jian's wounds and change his dressings. After giving him a few instructions, she took two maids with her to the clubhouse to check on things.
Construction was slow, but demolition was quick. It was all demolished in just a few days. Looking at the ruins in front of her, He Jiuniang sighed sadly. It was such a tragedy to lose so many materials.
We couldn't afford to be careless this time, since we gave the people from Qingyin Pavilion an opportunity to take advantage of us before.
Both she and Lu Baichuan have many things to do, so it's impossible for them to keep an eye on things all the time. It's even more impossible for Lu Baichuan to have the Huoyun Division's people keep an eye on them, as that would be using public office for private gain. So, they need to find a reliable person.
He Jiuniang's first thought was Lu Lao Er, but Lu Lao Er had to stay home to take care of Qin Shi, who was about to give birth, and that was the important thing.
Who else could it be?
He Jiuniang was a little annoyed. She walked around the construction site but didn't find any problems. She gave a few more instructions on what to pay attention to before leaving with her people.
However, on the way, she encountered several wives of officials who looked somewhat familiar from the banquet. He Jiu Niang hadn't really seen them and had just let them pass by. Unexpectedly, they saw her early in the morning and greeted her with smiles.
One cannot hit a smiling face, and even if He Jiuniang had no patience, she would not show it. She greeted them with a smile and asked, "Ladies, are you out shopping? What nice things have you bought?"
"Oh dear, I was just getting bored at home, so I came out for a stroll. Where's Mrs. Lu? Didn't you go to the clinic today?"
"Yes, Mrs. Lu, would you like to join us for a stroll?"
The group was very enthusiastic, and before He Jiuniang could refuse, she was taken shopping with them.
Well, I don't have anything to do when I get back, so I might as well take a stroll around.
He Jiuniang thought to herself that it was still very necessary for her to be on good terms with these ladies, since her family was all in Jingzhou, and having more friends would make things easier.
When the ladies went shopping, they mainly looked at jewelry and clothes. First, they went to a jewelry shop. He Jiu Niang browsed very carefully, thinking that the young ladies in the family should also need some jewelry. After carefully selecting some items, she prepared to pay.
As a result, Madam Zhang, with her slightly plump figure, blocked He Jiuniang's way and said with a smile, "Madam Lu, we've known each other for so long, but I've never given you any gifts. Let me buy these pieces of jewelry for you; it's just a token of my appreciation."
He Jiuniang frowned, about to refuse, when another Madam Wang squeezed in: "Let me do it, let me do it. I don't usually know what Madam likes. Now that we finally have a chance, Madam, please let me show off!"
Mrs. Chen also came over and noisily reached for her wallet.
He Jiuniang: ...
"I appreciate your kindness, ladies, but these are all things I bought for my children at home. I brought the money with me, so you don't need to spend any more money."
Knowing they meant well, He Jiuniang naturally couldn't be rude, and even when she refused, she did so with a smile.
"Mrs. Lu, please don't stand on ceremony with us. Consider this a small gift we bought for the young ladies in our family, is that alright?"
Although the ladies were vying for it, they dared not make things too ugly, because if they really displeased He Jiu Niang, it would be a loss for them.
He Jiuniang shook her head again: "I really appreciate the ladies' kindness. Besides, His Highness Prince Chen is most disgusted by such behavior. My husband is someone who goes to His Highness's side, so I can't let him down. Ladies, you can buy whatever you like."
These words carried a hint of warning, and the ladies' expressions were not very good. They suppressed their thoughts and carefully observed He Jiuniang's face.
Seeing that her expression was normal, and that she had her maidservant pay the bill, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He Jiuniang turned around and saw their worried expressions. Madam Wang licked her lips and said, "Madam, please don't be angry. We just wanted to buy some things for the young ladies in the family. We really didn't mean anything by it..."
"Yes, yes, we don't have any bad intentions!"
Seeing their frustrated yet anxious expressions, He Jiuniang smiled and said, "Of course I know the ladies' good intentions. Let's not talk about this anymore. Ladies, go and buy your own things. Let's go and browse around somewhere else."
Seeing that she wasn't going to pursue the matter, the men instantly smiled and told their maid to pay the bill.
After that, we visited a few more shops, and everything went smoothly.
As we strolled around, we arrived at the Jiayuan Pavilion branch where Lotus is located, so we definitely had to go in and have a look.
As soon as they entered, the ladies showered them with praise, saying how elegant and high-class Jiayuan Pavilion was, making people envious, and that each piece of clothing they produced was more beautiful than the last, something that was usually impossible to get their hands on.
He Jiuniang then generously had Lianhua bring them several VIP cards, giving them priority in ordering. The ladies were flattered and couldn't stop smiling.
Madam Zhang handed a hairpin she had just bought to Lotus, saying, "Miss Lotus is truly intelligent and kind-hearted. I really like it. I think this hairpin suits you very well, so you must accept it!"
Lianhua dared not accept it and was so frightened that she went to look at He Jiuniang.
Mrs. Zhang chuckled and said, "Mrs. Lu, you've given us such an expensive card, we'd be embarrassed to accept it without a proper gift. How about we consider this a return gift?"
Madam Zhang was truly adept at handling things, and He Jiu Niang couldn't refuse at all, so she said, "Lianhua, why don't you quickly thank Madam Zhang?"
Lianhua accepted it and thanked Madam Zhang.
Seeing this, the other ladies were not to be outdone and all stuffed things into Lianhua's hands. Fortunately, they knew their limits and didn't go too far. Each of them gave a piece of jewelry, not very valuable, just a small token of their appreciation, which showed that they wanted to be on good terms with the Lu family.
He Jiuniang didn't say anything. As long as they meant well, it was really nothing. But if they had ulterior motives, then it was a different story.
The ladies chatted and laughed as they went to pick out clothes. Lianhua came over with the jewelry and asked softly, "Auntie, what should we do?"
"Keep it; they mean no harm."
"Okay, then I'll go back and give a few of them to Yoyo, hehe."
Lotus put the jewelry into her bosom and said, "Then Auntie, you can look around first. I'll go and entertain the guests!"
He Jiuniang nodded and wandered around the shop to see what could be improved.
Before long, several ladies came to find He Jiu Niang in high spirits. Each of them bought two or three sets. They were very happy to have spent money, and they couldn't stop smiling.
"Madam Lu, Miss Lianhua is truly the smartest and most capable girl I've ever met. I couldn't understand why you would let your child suffer like this, but it turns out it really is a good training ground!"
"Oh dear, who can argue with that? I heard that Miss Yuan'er from Madam Li's family also works at Madam Lu's shop! Madam Li is always showing her off, and everyone is so envious!"
"Madam Lu, do you know if the shop is short-staffed? My young men and women could also benefit from some experience!"
"Yes, yes, my family is too!"
...
Seeing their excited expressions, He Jiuniang curled her lips. Good heavens, so this is what they were waiting for.
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