Chapter 213 3/3

Qian Fugui seemed to ponder for a while before responding, “Rest assured, Your Highness, I will definitely handle this matter well for you!”

Prince Yan continued to speak with Qian Fugui and even provided him with some money to open a shop. As for what kind of shop, that decision was left to Qian Fugui.

Qian Fugui suggested, “Your Highness, to make quick profits, we could sell jewelry and cosmetics. Next year is the provincial examination, and many scholars will come to the capital. Many families will take this opportunity to find suitors for their daughters… The young ladies in the capital will surely want to dress up.”

First, there would be the New Year celebrations, followed by the provincial examinations, leading to a series of banquets in the capital. The demand for cosmetics would certainly be high.

The key point is that there are many tricks in this trade. Cosmetics bought cheaply from the south for one tael of silver per large jar could be repackaged in beautiful boxes and sold for two taels of silver per small box, making it highly profitable.

Prince Yan found this reasoning very sensible and immediately instructed Qian Fugui to open a shop selling jewelry and cosmetics.

Qian Fugui agreed with a smile.

He had no intention of helping Prince Yan make money with this idea.

Jin Xiaoye had brought many soaps and pieces of jewelry to the capital. Qian Fugui planned to make these items the favorites of the young ladies in the capital, causing Prince Yan to suffer significant financial losses.

Qian Fugui was already contemplating how to outsmart Prince Yan.

Given Jin Xiaoye’s lack of background, she might face challenges. Therefore, it would be best for her shop to partner with someone like Lü Qingxi. That capable Shopkeeper Mu would be an excellent collaborator.

After Qian Fugui left, Prince Yan discussed the situation with his advisor.

While they were talking, someone arrived with news: “Your Highness, there’s news from the palace.”

Although Prince Yan’s mother had passed away, she had left him some loyal followers, some of whom remained in the palace.

Prince Yan wasn’t fully informed about everything in the palace, but he knew the general situation.

Upon hearing that there was news from the palace, Prince Yan had it brought to him immediately. After reading it, his expression changed.

“What happened?” his advisor asked.

Prince Yan replied, “Advisor, that sickly one plans to officially adopt that little bastard living in the palace during the New Year!”

In mid-last year, Lü Qingxi had brought a child back to the palace to be raised by Concubine Liu.

Concubine Liu adored the child, treating him like her own, and he had grown up healthy and happy.

Now a year and a half old, the child was lively, eating and laughing well, already walking and talking, and reportedly calling Concubine Liu “mother.”

Previously, the Emperor had only been raising the child without formally adopting him. Now, the Emperor intended to give the child the status of a prince.

If the Emperor truly had a prince, what would become of Prince Yan and Prince Jin? Prince Yan couldn’t accept this, hence his harsh words.

The advisor shared his concerns, “If this happens, all our efforts will be in vain!”

Currently, apart from the Emperor, there were three factions in the capital.

Because of Prince Jin’s poor conduct, his support was dwindling. Prince Yan believed that if things dragged on, Prince Jin would eventually be worn down, leaving only him and Lü Qingxi.

Without the child in the palace, Lü Qingxi, being a mere eunuch, wouldn’t pose much of a threat. But now, with the Emperor having a prince…

People would increasingly place their bets on Lü Qingxi.

“Advisor, we must take action,” Prince Yan said.

The advisor didn’t hesitate, “Let’s act.”

They had long considered taking action against that child. Now… it was time.

Li Qingzhi and his companions were unaware of the machinations of these powerful figures.

Li Zhu followed Li Qingzhi to his residence, planning to spend the night with Madam Qian to catch up.

But first, they needed to have dinner.

Li Zhu wasn’t hungry and couldn’t eat much, but Li Qingzhi was different; he ate a lot.

With time to spare after dinner, Li Qingzhi, Jin Xiaoye, and Li Zhu had a conversation.

Li Zhu, with her connections and capabilities, could help Jin Xiaoye open Jincui Pavilion.

The popularity of Jinye Embroidery’s products in the capital was thanks to Li Zhu. Now, their glass jewelry and soaps could also become the craze among the capital’s residents.

This was her brother’s business, so Li Zhu was naturally willing to help. The three quickly discussed their plans.

They even decided to find an auspicious date to open Jincui Pavilion as soon as possible.

“Before the opening, I’ll present the items to Eunuch Lü, so he can give them to Concubine Liu. The Emperor has no Empress, and Concubine Liu manages the harem. Before the New Year, she’ll meet many people. If she wears glass jewelry, the noblewomen in the capital will surely follow suit,” Li Zhu said.

The glass made by Qian Fugui wasn’t of the best quality and was fragile, making it unsuitable for bracelets. However, it was perfect for inlays.

At this time, many gemstones weren’t as beautiful as glass… Glass would undoubtedly be popular.