Chapter 217

Bali Alley, a residential area for wealthy families, was less noisy than the main streets like Dongyang Street, but it exuded an indescribable solemn luxury. Poplar trees lined both sides of the alley, and the houses, uniformly built with blue bricks and gray tiles, stretched endlessly into the distance.

Wang Yuan’er and Cui Yuan, accompanied by his servant, soon arrived at the shop under Princess Yunyang’s name. In front of the shop stood a middle-aged man who appeared to be the steward. His demeanor was haughty, and his expression showed a trace of impatience.

“We’ve arrived.” Cui Yuan stepped off the carriage using the footrest, lifted the curtain, and addressed Wang Yuan’er.

Chen Shu had already gone ahead to engage in conversation with the steward, known as Manager Wang. Although Manager Wang wore a smile, there was an undeniable hint of disdain in his eyes as he glanced over toward Wang Yuan’er and the others. He thought to himself that they were likely from some small, insignificant household without much background or fortune.

As Manager Wang’s gaze shifted to the turning figure of Cui Yuan, he was momentarily stunned.

When Cui Yuan and Wang Yuan’er approached, the previously arrogant steward quickly descended two steps from the stairs.

“Cui, Master Cui?” he stammered.

No one is unfamiliar with the Cui family of the capital. The Cui family is one of the ten hundred-year-old aristocratic families in the capital. Generations of the Cui family have produced Jinshi (successful candidates of the imperial examination), and in the past two generations alone, they have produced three Jinshi within the same household—all serving as officials in the court. Additionally, a previous generation even produced a noble consort, Consort Cui, showcasing the family’s deep heritage and reputation. However, this generation of the Cui family faces a sudden downfall, as if fate begrudges them.

In the current generation, the Cui family’s eldest branch has three sons. The eldest son, Cui Hong, was exceptional from a young age—composing poetry at age three, debating topics at age five, and mastering classical essays at age seven. He was considered the most outstanding descendant in the family’s history and received significant attention and importance from the clan.

Unfortunately, there is a saying: “The heavens envy talent.” At age eight, Cui Hong drowned while saving his younger brother, who had fallen into the water. Exhausted, he pushed his brother to the shore but sank into the lake himself. By the time the servants rescued him, his breathing was weak. The Cui family fought desperately against death to save him, and while they managed to keep him alive, he was no longer the extraordinary prodigy he had once been. He became a child with an intelligence forever fixed at the level of an eight-year-old. The fall of this once-gifted child left everyone grieving and sighing with pity. All eyes naturally turned to the second son.

The second son of the Cui family was born of a favored concubine but had been registered under the name of the legitimate mother after his birth, as his biological mother had passed away. Raised as a legitimate child, he appeared unmotivated and frivolous, unlike his brilliant elder brother, spending his days jesting and playing around with other noble youths. At age fifteen, he disregarded his family’s objections and joined the campaigns of Prince Jing, traveling across the battlefields. Mentioning the second son of the Cui family often elicited headshakes and sighs. Disappointed and helpless, the family turned their hopes toward the third son. Unfortunately, the third son lacked the intelligence of his elder brothers. However, as a member of the Cui family, though mediocre, he still surpassed others in comparison.

Thus, the Cui family’s three sons—one brilliant but fallen, one frivolous and unruly, and one average—formed a lamentable legacy.

The three sons of the Cui family—one fell from grace, one was a playboy, and one was mediocre. Despite taking concubine after concubine, Cui Hong’s father never had any more sons. However, this second son of the Cui family managed to climb high, serving Prince Jing, who eventually ascended the throne. As a result, his own status rose dramatically.

Cui Yuan, the second son, was credited with aiding the new Emperor’s rise to power. It was only natural for him to be granted noble titles and high office, but he stubbornly refused imperial appointments. He avoided the court, roaming far and wide, which greatly exasperated Old Master Cui, who even chased him with a cane, but to no avail.

Only recently did Cui Yuan finally accept a position as an official. He is now serving in the Maritime Trade Office. This Cui Yuan, the second son of the Cui family, was the man standing before them.

Living in the capital, Steward Wang, being both Princess Yunyang’s trusted attendant and a steward, had always kept a close watch on the notable figures of the city. He had only met Cui Yuan once before but remembered him clearly. After just one encounter, he could not forget the face—narrow, almond-shaped eyes, an air of arrogance tinged with defiance, and the typical demeanor of a noble family’s young master.

If the Cui Yuan of old was seen as a spoiled playboy, the man now standing with a faint smile and leisurely fanning himself was a refined gentleman. But why was he here, in a place like this, renting a shop? Was he really the one seeking to rent a property?

Even though Cui Yuan had been rewarded for his service to the Emperor, with a bounty of a thousand acres of fertile land, abundant gold, and even two prosperous estates, why would someone so wealthy need to rent a shop worth merely two or three hundred taels?

Steward Wang frowned in confusion.

“Well, do you recognize me?” Cui Yuan asked, looking at the middle-aged man who was smiling ingratiatingly.

“Previously, I had the honor of seeing the young master once while accompanying Princess Yunyang on an outing,” Manager Wang replied, bowing deeply, his posture nearly bent in half, exuding utmost humility.

Wang Yuan’er glanced at the man beside her, astonished.

Cui Yuan said softly, “Hmm,” and said, “Let’s go inside and take a look at your master’s shop. If it’s suitable, we’ll rent it.”

“Yes, yes, young master—no, Lord Cui, please follow me,” Manager Wang immediately responded, bowing and gesturing for them to proceed.

“Let’s go!” Cui Yuan called out to Wang Yuan’er with a smile, leading the way.

Wang Yuan’er followed behind, not daring to overthink.

The shop was just as Chen Shu had described: a spacious storefront capable of accommodating a small loft. Behind the shop was a small courtyard with two rooms and a yard planted with a small phoenix tree.

Wang Yuan’er inspected it thoroughly, and her satisfaction grew with each glance. By the time she completed her tour, she had already made up her mind.

Sipping tea outside the hall, Cui Yuan looked up as she emerged and asked, “Well, what do you think?”

Wang Yuan’er blinked, her lips curving into a slight smile as she nodded faintly.

Manager Wang observed her expression closely, surprised. His gaze shifted between the two of them as he quietly speculated.

“This is the daughter of an old acquaintance of mine,” Cui Yuan explained lightly, noticing the manager’s curious glance. “She’s planning to open a shop in the capital, and upon hearing that your master owned this place, we came to take a look. It seems suitable, so we’ll rent it.” He paused and then asked, “But can the rent be lowered a bit?”

Manager Wang quickly bowed his head, wearing a deferential smile. “For others, the rent absolutely cannot be reduced. But if Lord Cui is renting, we can lower it by twenty taels.”

Since this was the Princess’s property, reducing the rent by twenty taels was a trivial matter. Spending that amount to curry favor with someone close to the Emperor was an obvious choice—even a three-year-old could understand the value of such a deal.

“We shouldn’t let Princess Yunyang suffer a loss,” Cui Yuan said with a slight smile.

“You overestimate, Lord Cui. Our Princess is not a stingy person. For such a small shop, if she knew you wanted it, she might even send over the deed directly,” Manager Wang hurriedly replied.

Cui Yuan gave a faint nod and said, “That works. I’ve heard this shop may be up for sale in the future. If your Princess really intends to sell it, let me know first.”

“Of course, of course!” Manager Wang responded repeatedly.

“Then go ahead and finalize the lease with Chen Shu. Hand the keys to him,” Cui Yuan said as he stood up, ready to leave.

“Don’t I need to go?” Wang Yuan’er asked.

“Chen Shu will handle it. You’ve had a long journey and must be tired. Let me first take you to the inn to settle in,” Cui Yuan said, glancing at the weariness on her face.

Manager Wang glanced at the two of them again.

Wang Yuan’er, feeling indeed a bit fatigued, thought for a moment and nodded, heading outside.

Cui Yuan followed behind her, and after she had exited, he turned back to Manager Wang and said, “Manager Wang, let’s make one thing clear—I was never here today. The person renting this shop is the young lady with the surname Wang. Understood?”

Manager Wang shivered slightly, his face adorned with an ingratiating smile. “Naturally, naturally. The contract will clearly state everything as such.”

It was evident Cui Yuan was warning him not to gossip. If Manager Wang didn’t understand that, he’d hardly be fit to serve on the Princess’s side. Relieved to see Manager Wang’s compliance, Cui Yuan nodded in satisfaction before turning and leaving.

Once on the carriage, Wang Yuan’er glanced at Cui Yuan. She opened her mouth as if to speak but then frowned slightly, pursing her lips and staying silent.

“Just ask whatever you want to ask!” Seeing her conflicted expression, Cui Yuan couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You…” Wang Yuan’er began, but after saying just one word, she couldn’t bring herself to continue.

What should she ask? His identity? His background? Who he was? Would it even matter if she asked?

It seemed… not. She only knew him as the person in front of her—a bit rakish, a little mischievous with his words, but kind-hearted. Who he really was suddenly felt unimportant.

Wang Yuan’er smiled, shifting the topic as she said, “With the contract signed, we’ll need to renovate the shop. It’s already May, and if everything goes smoothly, our merchant ship should return next month.”

Though her mind was full of questions, she deliberately refrained from asking about his origins or identity, which surprised Cui Yuan. Her restraint and perception impressed him even more.

“The imperial court’s ships are slower than yours. If you manage to open your shop first and launch something fresh, you could make a good profit,” he remarked. Since she didn’t ask, he didn’t feel the need to explain. One day, when the time was right, he would share everything with her.

Wang Yuan’er was indeed eager to seize that opportunity. As she imagined the possibilities, anticipation shone in her eyes, and she rubbed her hands excitedly. “Let’s hope so.” Then, thinking about the favorable price of the shop, her face lit up with joy. “Getting the shop for such a good price is all thanks to you.”

Cui Yuan snapped open his folding fan with a “pa,” leaned lazily against the carriage wall, and glanced at the fan case in his hand. “Forget the case—this time, let’s tie it with a decorative knot instead.”

Wang Yuan’er froze for a moment, then quickly understood what he meant. She shot him a playful yet bashful glance.

Cui Yuan grinned slyly, like a fox.

When they arrived at the inn, Cui Yuan said, “Tomorrow, I’ll have Chen Shu take you around the city to explore and pick up some special items for your family back home. I likely won’t have time to accompany you these next few days, but if I’m free later, and there’s still time, I’ll take you around again.”

“It’s fine. You go about your business; I can walk by myself,” Wang Yuan’er quickly waved her hand dismissively.

“The capital is vast—don’t wander aimlessly. A pretty young lady like yourself being ogled wouldn’t end well!” Cui Yuan teased.

Wang Yuan’er immediately shot him a glare before entering the inn. Cui Yuan burst into laughter and followed behind her.

The two of them entered the inn one after the other, catching the attention of a young woman dressed as a maid carrying a basket on the street corner.

“Isn’t that Master Cui?” the young woman frowned slightly, pursing her lips as if wanting to approach and investigate. Behind her, an older woman dressed as a nanny, carrying several large bags, stepped forward.

“Miss Du Juan, I’ve bought everything. Let’s head back now—our lady must be impatiently waiting!” said the nanny-like woman, her tone fawning.

The maid called Du Juan could only nod and accompany her back. Although curious, she had to set her thoughts aside for now.