Chapter 16: Goodwill from the Pawnshop

Because of Princess Ning’an, the Duchess of Dingguo sent an invitation to the Fu residence as well.

In the past, at this time, Princess Ning’an would have already visited the Fu residence to brief Lady Fu and her daughter on various matters: what to pay attention to at the banquet, what kind of clothing to wear, what gifts to prepare, and how many maidservants to bring.

She would also inform them about any taboos or customs of the hosting family. For example, in the Dingguo Duke’s household, there was a clear distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.

The Duchess of Dingguo and Princess Ning’an were friends of different generations and had considerable influence in her own household. After Princess Ning’an had repeatedly acted coy, she had agreed to include the illegitimate daughter.

Originally, this should have been addressed after the imperial decree for Li Ning’an and Fu Minglang’s marriage was issued. Princess Ning’an’s request for the marriage had led to the Fu family’s acceptance.

Even if she were to marry into the Fu family, Li Ning’an worried that Lady Fu might harbor resentment, feeling that the daughter-in-law was forced upon them.

Li Ning’an had learned from that lady that making enemies with one’s mother-in-law could make things difficult for the husband.

Naturally, Li Ning’an did not want Fu Minglang to be caught between the two.

Now, Li Ning’an harbored only hatred for Fu Minglang and had no intention of offering any advice.

Meanwhile, Fu Minglang still cared about his reputation. Upon hearing his mother and sister discussing what to wear to the Duke of Dingguo’s residence, he couldn’t help but suggest:

“Mother, perhaps it would be better if you didn’t go.”

Such deeply rooted noble families would not have sent an invitation to the Fu residence if it weren’t for Princess Ning’an’s influence.

Since Princess Ning’an showed no interest in him and continued to take advantage, it seemed a bit inappropriate.

Lady Fu understood what her son was thinking. “My son, you lack confidence in yourself.”

“Who says the Duchess of Dingguo’s invitation is solely for Princess Ning’an’s sake? It could be for you as well.”

Since Princess Ning’an wasn’t causing trouble, Lady Fu wanted to make sure her son found a good wife.

This flower viewing party was essentially a subtle way for everyone to get to know each other.

“If you’re free that day, you should go and have a look too.”

Fu Mingyi, eager to make an impression, chimed in, “Elder Brother’s talents are exceptional. Perhaps the Duke of Dingguo’s household recognizes that.”

Although Fu Minglang felt uneasy, he thought his mother and Mingyi had a point.

After the incident with his second cousin, his reputation had been somewhat damaged. He needed an opportunity to clarify things.

“Then perhaps Mother should inquire…” Fu Minglang started to suggest asking Princess Ning’an but hesitated, recalling how she had been distant with him.

Distant?

Why had he thought of such a word?

“Mother, perhaps you should find someone to inquire about any taboos at the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.”

Lady Fu nodded.

At this moment, she didn’t know whom to ask.

The official ladies she interacted with were not qualified to go to the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.

It was just a matter of speaking cautiously and preparing a couple of extra outfits.

Lady Fu was still quite confident.

She had attended several high-society banquets due to Princess Ning’an before.

She planned to prepare some small gifts for the Duke of Dingguo’s children—gold, jade, and silver.

Additionally, she would have a maid carry a purse with a few pieces of silver to offer as a token of respect.

Lady Fu and Mingyi discussed how to make more connections with influential people at the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.

Meanwhile, Li Ning’an had visited the Xiangguo Duke’s residence and found nothing worthwhile.

Chapter 16: Goodwill from the Pawnshop

Due to Princess Ning’an, the Duchess of Dingguo had also sent an invitation to the Fu residence.

At this time, Princess Ning’an would usually have visited the Fu residence to inform Lady Fu and her daughter about the details: what to pay attention to at the banquet, what clothes to wear, what gifts to prepare, and how many maidservants to bring. She would also provide information on any taboos or customs of the hosting family. For example, in the Duke of Dingguo’s household, there was a clear distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.

The Duchess of Dingguo and Princess Ning’an had a friendship spanning different generations, and the Duchess had considerable influence in her own household. After Princess Ning’an had acted sweetly, she had agreed to include the illegitimate daughter in the social circle.

Originally, this should have been addressed after the imperial decree for Li Ning’an and Fu Minglang’s marriage was issued. Because Princess Ning’an had requested the marriage, the Fu family could not refuse.

Even if Li Ning’an were to marry into the Fu family, she worried that Lady Fu might harbor resentment, feeling that the daughter-in-law was imposed upon them.

Li Ning’an had learned from past experience that antagonizing one’s mother-in-law could make things difficult for the husband. She certainly didn’t want Fu Minglang to be caught in such a situation.

Currently, Li Ning’an only harbored resentment toward Fu Minglang and had no intention of offering any guidance.

On the other hand, Fu Minglang still cared about his reputation. Hearing his mother and sister discussing what to wear to the Duke of Dingguo’s residence, he couldn’t help but suggest:

“Mother, maybe it would be better if you didn’t go.”

Such deeply rooted noble families would not have sent an invitation to the Fu residence if not for Princess Ning’an’s influence.

Since Princess Ning’an showed no interest in him and continued to take advantage, it seemed inappropriate.

Lady Fu understood her son’s concern. “My son, you are too lacking in confidence.”

“Who says the Duchess of Dingguo’s invitation is only for Princess Ning’an? It might be for you as well.”

Since Princess Ning’an wasn’t causing trouble, Lady Fu wanted to ensure her son found a good wife.

The flower viewing banquet was essentially a subtle way for everyone to get to know each other.

“If you’re free that day, you should go and take a look too.”

Fu Mingyi, eager to make a name for herself, added, “Elder Brother’s talents are exceptional. Perhaps the Duke of Dingguo’s household recognizes that.”

Although Fu Minglang felt uneasy, he thought his mother and Mingyi were right.

After the incident with his second cousin, his reputation had suffered. He needed an opportunity to clarify things.

“Then perhaps Mother should inquire…” Fu Minglang began to suggest asking Princess Ning’an, but then remembered her previous indifference.

Indifference?

Why had he thought of such a word?

“Mother, perhaps you should find someone to ask about any taboos at the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.”

Lady Fu nodded.

At this moment, she didn’t know whom to ask.

The official ladies she was familiar with didn’t have the standing to visit the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.

It was just a matter of being cautious with what they said and preparing a few extra outfits.

Lady Fu was still quite confident.

She had attended several high-society banquets due to Princess Ning’an before.

She planned to prepare some small gifts for the Duke of Dingguo’s children—gold, jade, and silver.

Additionally, she would have a maid carry a purse with a few pieces of silver to offer as a token of respect.

Lady Fu and Mingyi discussed how to make more connections with influential people at the Duke of Dingguo’s residence.

Meanwhile, Li Ning’an had visited the Xiangguo Duke’s residence and found nothing of interest.

She didn’t care to deal with Yan Ziqi and took Hongxiu to a separate courtyard to retrieve Nie Rou.

The three of them sat in the carriage, and Li Ning’an spoke first: “I want to buy you a restaurant.”

A restaurant?

Nie Rou, who had been living comfortably for a few days, felt some color return to her face. The princess was indeed generous. A former slave like her was actually getting a restaurant.

“Your slave contract has been exchanged for a proper one with the Ministry of Household, and the contracts of the others will be held here for now.”

Li Ning’an knew to keep a backup plan. She was aware of some people and events from her previous life but couldn’t rely on them entirely. It was essential to hold onto something to feel secure.

Li Ning’an took out a thousand taels in silver and gave it to Nie Rou. “Although you now have a proper status, you still need to work for me.”

Nie Rou took the silver note, surprised and confused about the princess’s intentions.

“Under your name, find a profitable restaurant to acquire. The amount of silver doesn’t matter; if it’s not enough, I have more.”

Li Ning’an explained in detail what she wanted Nie Rou to do.

Nie Rou’s understanding gradually became clearer.

The princess wanted to accumulate some personal assets without others knowing.

Nie Rou said, “I was bought from the Penal Slaves Department, so it might be hard to keep this a secret.”

“It’s better to find someone who isn’t associated with the princess to purchase the restaurant.”

“I can help with the arrangements, but please allow my grandfather to accompany me.”

Nie Rou’s purchase from the Penal Slaves Department would be on record, even if Li Ning’an had not known about it. Especially since Fu Minglang was aware, it was hard to guarantee he wouldn’t guess.

To avoid making it too risky to turn it into a personal asset, it was better to follow Nie Rou’s suggestion of using someone else to acquire the place.

Outwardly, it would be said that Nie Rou’s grandfather requested her slave contract, and Princess Ning’an would appear more generous.

Li Ning’an considered this and agreed, giving the silver back to Nie Rou. She then saw the princess following her down from the carriage.

“No need to worry about me; you go ahead and handle your business.” She had originally planned to visit the Penal Slaves Department again later but changed her mind upon hearing Nie Rou.

Li Ning’an changed into clothes from Linglongfang, which were still luxurious but more understated compared to the palace-made ones.

She took Hongxiu to the pawnshop to secretly buy a few servants.

Hongxiu noticed the princess’s focus on purchasing and saw her buy whatever she liked, attracting envious and murmuring onlookers around them.

“Which family’s mistress is this, or is she a spendthrift wife?”

“She seems somewhat familiar, but I can’t recall who she is.”

“Could it be someone newly arrived in the capital? Why would she need so many people?”

This behavior was completely contrary to being discreet.

Hongxiu tugged at the princess’s sleeve. “Princess, if you keep buying like this, you’ll be noticed.”

At this point, Li Ning’an had already bought twenty young servants and fifteen maidservants.

Li Ning’an held fifty taels of silver and was about to buy another horse servant when she withdrew the money at the last moment.

Someone nearby recognized her, saying, “It’s Princess Ning’an. She wouldn’t be buying these for the Fu residence, would she?”

After all, the Fu residence didn’t need so many servants.

Those who wanted to break into the elite circles but lacked the financial means were envious.

Since she had been recognized, Li Ning’an no longer hid.

“Who said these are for the Fu residence? They’re for…”

Li Ning’an quickly improvised, “They’re for the Xiangguo Duke’s residence. I thought since Duke Xiangguo works hard for the country and people, it’s disheartening that his residence lacks proper servants. So, I’m personally buying some and sending them there.”

Li Ning’an handed over the fifty taels and bought the horse servant as well.

Not giving the money might make her seem stingy later.

When Yan Ziqi returned late at night, he was surprised to find not the steward but twenty young servants, fifteen maidservants, and a horse servant waiting for him.

“This… is this the Xiangguo Duke’s residence?”

Yan Ziqi was about to leave and check the plaque, thinking he had come to the wrong place.

When had the Xiangguo Duke’s residence acquired so many servants?

The steward’s voice came from behind.

“Master, these are from Princess Ning’an.”

The steward conveyed what Princess Ning’an had said at the pawnshop.

There were still people in the world who remembered the efforts of the master.

Yan Ziqi ground his teeth and said harshly, “Do I have eighteen legs like a centipede? Do I need so many people to serve me!”

He had just managed to clear out the spies.