Yun Tutu nodded slightly to them, acknowledging their presence.

Marquis Liu felt somewhat displeased by Yun Tutu’s attitude. After all, he was a high-ranking official, and this merchant woman, of unknown background, didn’t even offer a proper greeting. Did she not know the etiquette?

However, Lin Shan didn’t find it strange. He had heard from his sister and niece about this woman’s mysterious background, and the products she brought were highly favored by women. Just this fact alone was enough for him to try and establish a connection. His goal today was to finalize a deal, as securing this business would strengthen his position as the imperial merchant.

His sister had mentioned that the palace was very pleased with the items they had sent in. If they could secure this business, would there even be any competition left?

Yun Tutu paid no mind to their mixed reactions. After all, her real client was Liu Ziqi. As long as the transaction was completed, this trip would be worth it.

Without caring about the Marquis wife standing in her way, she smiled at Liu Ziqi and said, “The usual procedure for our deal—do you want to clear the space?”

Liu Ziqi glanced at the elders, feeling triumphant inside but keeping a neutral expression. “Father, mother, what do you think…?”

Lin Xi, holding Liu Ziqi’s hand, smiled slightly. “Of course. Everyone else who’s unrelated, please leave.”

Her reference to “unrelated” clearly referred to the illegitimate son and the few illegitimate daughters lurking near the side door.

Although Marquis Liu felt his pride had been wounded, he gave his wife some face, especially since her elder brother was standing right there. He couldn’t afford to be too harsh.

He ordered Liu Changqing, who was still standing there in a daze, “You can leave now.”

Liu Changqing hadn’t taken his eyes off Yun Tutu since she walked in, staring at her in a lecherous manner.

It was Yun Tutu’s first time being ogled like this, and it filled her with extreme disgust. Such vile people were truly revolting.

What made it worse was that she couldn’t just punch him in the face, leaving her feeling even more frustrated.

“Song Song, I feel violated,” Yun Tutu complained inwardly. Song Song had promised to protect her.

“…” Song Song, feeling sympathetic, sacrificed a small bit of energy. Liu Changqing suddenly felt a mist cloud his vision, and Yun Tutu’s figure disappeared from sight.

No matter how hard he rubbed his eyes, everything remained blurred. In horror, he looked around, but everyone around him was just as indistinct.

“My… my eyes! What’s wrong with my eyes?”

Marquis Liu was getting annoyed with his eldest son. If he didn’t want to leave, at least find a better excuse.

But, as it was still his eldest, he had to save some face. “What’s wrong with your eyes? Have you been reading too much lately? I’ll have someone help you rest.”

“Father, my eyes seem to be covered in mist. I can’t see clearly!” Liu Changqing said, panicked as sweat beaded on his forehead. No matter how hard he strained, everything remained shrouded in thick white fog.

“How could this happen? Someone, call the physician!” Marquis Lin, now worried, hurriedly grabbed his son’s arm and rushed him outside, momentarily forgetting the other matters at hand.

Seeing this, Yun Tutu smiled in satisfaction and asked Song Song in her mind, “He’s not going blind, is he?”

“No, it’ll only last seven days. Consider it a small punishment.”

Yun Tutu was content with this outcome. Next time, let’s see if he dares to look at people inappropriately again.

Lin Xi, having observed everything, smirked in disdain. He was just an illegitimate son, yet some people acted like he was a treasure. She knew his true character well: outwardly obedient but morally corrupt. He wasn’t worth dirtying her hands over. Once her legitimate sons grew older, there would be no need for such distractions.

As a bystander, she had a clearer view of the situation. It was obvious that Liu Changqing’s sudden blindness was likely related to Yun Tutu, but she had no intention of alerting the marquis. In fact, she found the whole thing rather satisfying.

“Miss Yun, this is my elder brother, Lin Shan. He’s here today to discuss a proposal with you—he wants to offer a high price for your formulas,” Lin Xi said directly, knowing Yun Tutu was a straightforward person.

Yun Tutu appreciated this no-nonsense approach. Smiling, she nodded at Lin Shan. “We’ll talk about that later. Let me take out the goods and finish this transaction first.”

“Of course,” Lin Shan agreed. “This batch is also important.” He gestured to his son, standing nearby. “This is my son, Lin Yuan. If there’s anything that requires labor, feel free to instruct him.”

Yun Tutu glanced at Lin Yuan, noticing that the tall, handsome young man had turned bright red, which surprised her. In modern times, men’s skin was usually thick as armor. It seemed that such shy boys only existed in ancient times.

She smiled warmly at him, causing him to lower his head in embarrassment. Her grin widened at his bashfulness.

Seeing his son act so meek, Lin Shan felt both amused and exasperated. As a merchant family, they couldn’t afford to be shy. He made a mental note to toughen his son up for future business dealings.

Lin Xi stepped in, “No need for Yuan to do the heavy lifting. My maids are quite experienced; they can handle it. I’ve prepared some tea and snacks. We can sit down and talk while we watch.”

With a discreet signal from Lin Xi, her head maid immediately led a group of maids to the side door to clear out the unwanted guests.

Yun Tutu walked over to open the three small carts. “You can start moving the goods out. I have an inventory list here for you to check.”

She handed over the bags on top. “Mrs. Liu, Miss Liu, I’ve brought some new items this time. Would you like to see if anything interests you?”

Hearing the mention of new items, Lin Xi and her daughter’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Anything Yun Tutu brought was bound to be extraordinary.

Liu Ziqi, eager, personally helped with the bags, flashing Yun Tutu a sweet smile. “I can’t wait to see them!”

The last batch they sent to the palace had earned both mother and daughter a good reputation. While they were now visited by fewer people seeking favors, those who did come showed more respect. Liu Ziqi had even received invitations from princesses and noblewomen.

Yun Tutu opened the bags and explained, “These are toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other items for oral hygiene… and these are for washing hair and bathing.”

She opened a sample of each item, filling the air with various pleasant scents. After hearing their uses, Liu Ziqi immediately agreed to buy the entire batch.

Then Yun Tutu opened the largest bag, revealing a collection of jewelry boxes, neatly arranged. “I’ve also brought some pearl jewelry. If you’re not interested, I can take them back.”