Chapter 358: The Shop is Too Expensive

Chapter 358: The Shop is Too Expensive

"I'll take care of the Huaiyin King. For now, don't make any rash moves."

"The Great Jin and the Liao Kingdom have already made peace. There shouldn't be any immediate battles at the border."

"Empress Jia is determined to win you over and probably won't let you leave."

"So, just stay in the capital for now. Stay as your carefree marquis and don't get too close to the Huaiyin King, nor actively approach the court officials."

Qin Xiaoyao nodded.

"The prince also told me the same. He said that as long as I don't get close to him or form factions, Empress Jia won't make a move against me."

After all, for the Great Jin, she is a vital asset.

As long as she has no personal agenda and doesn't favor anyone, Empress Jia can actually tolerate her.

Song Que glanced at Qin Xiaoyao.

"Well, it looks like the Huaiyin King is smart to agree with my husband!" Qin Xiaoyao quickly said.

Song Que couldn't help but be amused.

He hugged her and they began chatting about other topics.

The afternoon flew by.

When the two left the room, it was already evening.

Nanny Hu was busy in the kitchen at that moment.

Hearing the noise outside, she came out to check.

Realizing they were about to leave, she hurriedly urged them to stay for dinner.

The couple looked at each other, hesitated for a moment, and then agreed.

They waited until it was pitch black before leaving the yard, one after the other.

Qin Xiaoyao left later. On her way back, she felt both elated and burdened.

She was happy because she had found her husband and confirmed that he was still on the same side as her.

The heaviness came from the fact that her husband was about to embark on something dangerous.

The two of them would face many challenges ahead.

Upon returning to the marquis's residence, as soon as Qin Xiaoyao entered the gate, a servant went to report it.

In an instant, Lady Liu and others came out to greet her.

They all asked where she had been and why she had returned so late.

"I ran into an acquaintance and had a drink together. I thought I'd be back earlier, so I didn't send anyone to inform you."

"Next time, don't wait up for me. Have dinner served on time."

"I'm an adult now; I can take care of myself out there," Qin Xiaoyao said.

Upon learning that Liu Shi and the others hadn't eaten yet and were all waiting for her, she felt a twinge of guilt.

"Why are you all just standing there? Go and bring the food," Qin Xiaoyao said, looking towards the servants nearby.

"Yes, miss!" the servants responded and quickly left.

Only then did Qin Xiaoyao support Liu Shi as they made their way to the main hall.

As they walked, Qin Xiaoyao promised that if she couldn't return on time in the future, she would definitely send a message ahead.

After spending some more time chatting with the others, Qin Xiaoyao finally returned to her own residence.

She had the servants bring hot water for her to wash up, and after doing so, Qin Xiaoyao lay down.

Ah, what a relief! My husband has been found.

For now, she needed to be cautious and focus on building her career. After all, money was the foundation of survival. If she wanted to establish herself in the capital, starting a business and acquiring property were necessary steps.

As she envisioned her future plans, Qin Xiaoyao gradually drifted off to sleep, not knowing when it happened.

The next day, Qin Xiaoyao rose very early.

In the morning, she went to the military camp, finished handling military affairs, and after instructing Huang Fei to train her elder brother well, she headed to Yunxiang Fang.

Xiangyang Princess, who always followed her around, was also there.

After spending time together, the young princess's interest in her master as a person had surpassed her interest in learning martial arts.

When she learned that her master planned to acquire property and start a business, she eagerly offered to help.

With the mindset that more people meant more strength, Qin Xiaoyao didn't refuse.

Upon arrival, Qin Xiaoyao didn’t have to wait long before Yun Niang appeared.

Upon learning that Qin Xiaoyao wanted to buy or rent a few shops, Yun Niang enthusiastically offered her assistance.

"Shops on Ronghua Street are the most expensive in the entire capital. According to your requirements, Lady Qin, a shop would probably cost more than 5,000 taels of silver," Yun Niang said after hearing Qin Xiaoyao's description.

Ronghua Street was one of the most prestigious and expensive areas in the capital, home to high-ranking officials and nobles.

There were many well-known large restaurants on the street, and the entire street had high consumption levels.

Even though the shop was small, its prime location made it expensive.

Moreover, the shops on this street weren't something you could buy just because you wanted to. In fact, there weren't many people willing to sell.

"I know a prominent merchant who happens to have a set of shops on Ronghua Street for sale."

"If you are truly interested in buying, I can help arrange a meeting, and you can discuss it in person," Yun Niang said. As for the price, she was afraid she couldn't help much.

Qin Xiaoyao’s expression shifted.

"5,000 taels is a bit over the budget. If renting is a possibility—" she began.

She currently has a total of just over eleven thousand taels as startup capital.

Opening a shop, hiring staff, purchasing materials, and so on, all require funds.

Spending over five thousand taels on a shop would leave her with very little money for other expenses.

Yun Niang smiled gently.

"Renting is also an option. If you want a long-term lease, I can help inquire about that too."

"A long-term lease is what I need," Qin Xiaoyao quickly replied.

Yun Niang nodded.

Then, she also introduced two other reliable brokerages on different streets to Qin Xiaoyao.

"The owners of these two brokerages are longtime clients of mine. If you send someone to mention my name, they will ensure everything is arranged properly."

"Thanks, Yun Niang!" Qin Xiaoyao bowed in gratitude.

"You're too kind, Marquis!" Yun Niang replied with a smile.

"I can never fully repay the Marquis of Xiaoyao for his kindness. Besides, when I help the Marquis, it's actually helping myself."

"By introducing the Marquis to other patrons, they will also look after me more favorably."

Having spent many years at Yunxiang Fang, Yun Niang's status as the top courtesan wasn't just because of her beauty and talent.

Many patrons appreciated her social skills and connections.

Not everyone had ulterior motives; many, if not most, sought her to enhance their status or to meet influential people.

And the Marquis was precisely such a valuable person.

When the Marquis asked her for help, it was less that she was helping the Marquis, and more that the Marquis was helping her.

With such a figure backing her, her status in the capital's brothels would rise even higher.

Even if someone wanted to make a move against her, they would have to consider the person behind her.

Qin Xiaoyao nodded. While she agreed with Yun Niang's words, she still felt grateful.

Being new in town, she couldn't get close to the King of Huaiyin nor could she socialize with court officials.

Even with her unique position, it was challenging to start working directly.

In any case, Yun Niang provided her with a starting point.

"In about ten days, the first batch of preserved eggs from my workshop will be ready. I'll definitely send some over for you to taste," Qin Xiaoyao quickly said.

Tasting was secondary; her main goal was to have Yun Niang and Yunxiang Fang help promote them.

The workshop produced so many preserved eggs daily, tying up a significant amount of her capital.

Once the products were ready, she needed a steady sales channel to establish a good cycle.