Chapter 282: Mutual Benefit

Chapter 282: Mutual Gains

Great Scholar Yan Ji risked widespread criticism to defend Shu Yuan.

"A disciple of Yan Ji is exceptionally gifted and virtuous, with remarkable poise."

"If Le Rong could be wed to Yan Ji's disciple, for decades to come, I wouldn't have to worry about her future."

Lu Mingchao's mouth twitched, hesitating to speak.

From Yongming Grand Princess’s eager tone, she sensed that she meant business.

But power might not break the pride of Great Scholar Yan Ji's disciple.

"What is that expression on your face?"

"Le Rong is stunningly beautiful, genuine by nature, never means harm, and comes from noble lineage. She is more than worthy of any man in this world." Yongming Grand Princess arched her slender brows protectively.

Lu Mingchao blinked. "In theory, yes."

But in this world, marriage isn’t always about compatibility.

Yongming Grand Princess narrowed her eyes. "We won't know until we try."

Lu Mingchao pressed her lips together, deciding to bite back her retort.

"To think that the twin sister of Yan Ji's disciple works as your maid—pretty shocking." Yongming Grand Princess teased, as if finally realizing the absurdity.

Lu Mingchao replied, "Perhaps it was fate, an instant connection."

"Indeed, fate," Yongming Grand Princess said with gravity.

A girl raised in Yongning Marquis's household, sent away to the countryside, only to marry a scion of the Xie clan of all things.

If one day the truth is restored, wrongs made right, and vengeance exacted, Lu Mingchao would ascend to tremendous power, revered by all.

Adoptive mother to the Crown Prince of Daqian, matriarch of the Xie clan.

It seems destiny truly exists.

Lu Mingchao was destined for greatness.

Who knows how deeply the true heiress of Yongning Marquis would regret it then?

She believed that day would come.

The current Emperor has no heir!

And as long as the Xie clan has sons, they can lead the northern forces.

"It is said that in Changhe County, your business is booming. The name 'Chaofu' has practically become the face of Changhe itself."

"Grain stores, exotic treasures, cloth shops, medical halls..."

"Making money hand over fist."

"Now, pushed to come to the capital by Gu Huai's coercion, do you have plans for bringing your business here?"

Lu Mingchao was straightforward, saying, "The capital, under the emperor's feet, is prosperous and affluent, home to many nobles. I wish to open the Treasure Pavilion, selling some rare curios."

"Rare curios won't loosen the purse strings of the capital's elite," Yongming Grand Princess chuckled.

"Please take a look at the gift I have prepared for you." Lu Mingchao rose and stepped forward, personally opening the ornate box.

Sunlight spilled onto the cup's surface, scattering light like stardust.

It was as if it were inlaid with exquisitely cut gemstones.

Crystal clear and smooth to the touch.

Yongming Grand Princess stood up, her fingers tracing the finely crafted glass cup. After a long pause, she remarked, "It is in no way inferior to the crystalware in my collection—in some aspects, it even surpasses them."

"This item will surely catch the eye of the capital's elite."

"No wonder you remain so composed—you came prepared."

"It seems I ought to address you as Mr. Lu, rather than Madame Xie."

"Aside from this, does the Treasure Pavilion have any other attractions?"

Lu Mingchao paused thoughtfully. "A bronze mirror that shows a flawless reflection."

"Pearls, round and lustrous, perfectly matched in size."

"Fragrances that linger, each with its own unique charm."

"Your Highness, please look."

Lu Mingchao made a show of unfastening the sachet at her waist, though in truth, she retrieved several exceptionally fine pearls from her magical storage and presented them before Yongming Grand Princess.

In her palm lay four pearls—white, gold, purple, and pink.

At a glance, they were nearly identical in size, glowing softly and captivating the eye.

Yongming Grand Princess was drawn to the golden pearl.

"This pearl—I shall take it."

"Would five hundred taels be enough?"

Lu Mingchao smiled warmly. "How could I burden you with such a cost?"

"Originally, I intended to offer these pearls as a small token for my first visit to Your Highness. However, these few pearls are far too humble, and I felt they could hardly convey my respect. Thus, I thought to wait a few days until the rest of the pearls arrive in the capital, carefully select and string them into a necklace or bracelet, and then present them to Your Highness."

"If Your Highness likes it, please accept it."

"For this pearl to earn Your Highness's favor is its good fortune."

"Your Highness might as well keep the other three as well."

"Your Highness's grace is majestic, the Princess's dignity is stately, and Princess Lerong County's charm is delicate—each would suit them perfectly."

"When the Treasure Pavilion acquires other novelties, I will bring them to you."

Yongming Grand Princess remarked with meaning, "Mr. Lu, you need not humble yourself so before me, flattering."

"Your Highness, you address me as Mr. Lu," Lu Mingchao replied calmly. "Business is about profit—how could I not wish to rely on Your Highness's influence to make a name for the Treasure Pavilion in the capital? If I could also gain Your Highness's protection, I'd be eternally grateful."

"Someone told me that in the capital, people often play favorites based on social standing."

"More of County Princess Le Rong's outspoken remarks?" Yongming Grand Princess immediately found it familiar.

After a pause, she continued, "Even if you didn’t try to please me, I would still keep my word to those who asked."

Lu Mingchao shook her head. "This is different."

"I am bold enough to want Your Highness to recognize my value."

"Mutual gain makes for lasting ties."

The smile at the corners of Yongming Grand Princess’s eyes deepened.

"What strikes me most today wasn’t the crystal goblets or the perfectly round pearls—it was you."

"Lu Mingchao."

"You’ve grown so much since leaving the House of Yongning Marquis."

"A delicate flower has transformed into a pine tree standing firm against wind and rain."

"The House of Yongning Marquis picked up sesame seeds but lost the watermelon."

"Penny wise, pound foolish."

"Rest assured, I’ll take Chaofu Treasure Pavilion under my wing."

"For now, most of it is out of deference to Empress Dowager Xie. As for whether you can truly earn my admiration in the future, that depends on your ability."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Lu Mingchao curtsied.

Empress Dowager Xie.

Lu Mingchao thought to herself.

It had been over three years since the current emperor murdered his nephew for the throne, yet Yongming Grand Princess was still willing to extend her protection due to Empress Dowager Xie’s request.

What kind of extraordinary woman was Empress Dowager Xie?

First, the Xus of Runan.

Now, Yongming Grand Princess.

How many embers did Empress Dowager Xie—or rather, the Xie family—still keep hidden?

Those inconspicuous embers would one day burst into flames when Huaiqian gave the signal.

"There’s one more thing I’m not sure if I should say."

"Speak your mind."

"I know of the Empress Dowager's deep longing for her nephew. However, rumors about the bloodline of Xie Sanlang’s posthumous child are everywhere but unverified. Moreover, though he is still young now, time will pass, and he will grow up. Palace life would be restrictive."

"Thus, I venture to suggest it might be better for him to stay outside palace walls—both for his future growth and to avoid the many constraints and dangers within."

Yongming Grand Princess’s gaze once again turned inscrutable.

"Do you know what you’re saying?"

"Indeed I do." Lu Mingchao nodded.

She would save Xie Sanlang’s posthumous child.

"Super seniority."