Chapter 50: An Appearance

Chapter 50

An Appearance

"Lady Boss, I apologize for not being able to resolve the situation for you. I had to trouble someone to go and fetch you,"

Wang Dongpo said regretfully. He had encountered many lowlifes like Ding Tao before, but this time the man had shown up unexpectedly with no time to prepare. The guards from the protection agency, stationed at the tea house, couldn’t resort to violence, so they hurried to get Nie Shuang as instructed.

"Never mind. Don’t worry about it."

Nie Shuang waved her hand dismissively. The crowd on the street began to disperse, with some approaching her to offer comfort and curse Ding Tao. However, she could still sense lingering doubt in many people’s eyes—after all, there had to be some truth to what Ding Tao had said, right?

Her background was indeed mysterious...

Nie Shuang knew that eventually, the fact that she didn’t have a husband would raise questions, opening her up to public scrutiny. But she hadn’t expected it to happen so soon or through such a vile method.

She returned home feeling frustrated, remembering her appointment with Kang Wang. He had probably left by now, and she hoped he wouldn’t take offense at her breach of etiquette.

However, as soon as she entered, a servant quickly informed her,

"Your Highness is still waiting in the pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Nie Shuang hurried to the pavilion by the pond. Kang Wang was still sitting there, leisurely admiring the view while sipping tea. She approached him, feeling apologetic for suddenly abandoning their meeting, especially when he was helping her with the Qixi Festival arrangements.

"Your Highness, I apologize. Something came up at the tea house, and I..."

Kang Wang waved it off, not minding. They then continued discussing the details of the upcoming Qixi Festival event. She asked permission to host the festivities in the main square of Huangjing Government Office. Kang Wang raised his eyebrows in interest.

"During Qixi, most young girls compete in needle-threading contests, don’t they? Why not hold it in the town square? Xiangyun Tea House could offer prizes for the top three winners, and all the girls who participate could receive keepsakes. We could also have a painting of the Weaver Goddess Zhinü on display for people to worship, and invite the monks from Tian Fo Si Temple to sell various lucky charms. The Weaver Goddess Zhinü is a deity of weaving and sewing, and God Niuqian is symbolic of scholarly pursuits. I was also thinking of inviting shopkeepers from embroidery supply and stationery stores to sell discounted goods at the event. If we spread the word well, I’m sure the townspeople will be very interested. We might even attract visitors from nearby cities, which could increase revenue for Huangjing."

Kang Wang watched as her eyes sparkled with excitement and couldn’t help but feel energized by her enthusiasm. She had so many clever ways to generate revenue. The event would require cooperation from several parties, but in the end, it would benefit the businesses of Huangjing City. If she were hired as the city governor, he believed that Huangjing would quickly become the most prosperous city in the region.

"Permission granted."

Nie Shuang mouth agape—just like that? She had expected to have to make a lot of persuasion and go through multiple approvals and paperwork.

Seeing her confused expression, Kang Wang smiled.

"What you’re planning is good, so why wouldn’t I grant you permission?"

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Seeing that the plans she had prepared had been approved, Nie Shuang’s mood improved. She continued chatting with Kang Wang for a while longer before he finally took his leave. Just as he was about to depart, he paused as if something had come to mind and spoke to her with a slightly hesitant expression.

"Lady Boss...A friend of mine has traveled a long way. He intended to meet you today, but due to unforeseen circumstances, he had to leave early. He seeks your assistance regarding the purchase of Lü Cui tea. I understand this might be inconvenient for you, but if you’re able to help..."

"Is this tea transaction related to the ’Tea for Horses’ plan?"

Kang Wang raised his eyebrows, surprised that she had guessed so easily. He had heard about the conflict between her and Ding Tao, especially how Ding Tao had suffered a humiliating defeat and was mocked for sending his tea to be traded for horses. Now, asking Nie Shuang to send her tea instead of Ding Tao’s, and at a discounted price, was a difficult proposition—he wasn’t sure if she would agree.

In truth, Nie Shuang had anticipated problems with the government buying tea from Chun Shui Shop. The ’Tea for Horses’ plan involved long-distance transportation, coupled with other merchants’ goods, which would cause the tea to degrade by the time it reached its destination. Possibly, the tea they sent might not even get horses in return.

Her eyes lit up. It was time to settle the score with that vile Ding Tao.

"Rest assured, Your Highness. This matter concerns the stability of the nation. How could I sit idly by?"

Kang Wang felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing her words. A woman with such foresight, who also cared about the greater good, was truly admirable. Though she likely had her own interests at play, in the end, it was for the benefit of the country. Both parties would gain from this. He couldn’t quite explain why, but the moment she agreed, he felt confident everything would work out.

After Kang Wang left, Nie Shuang headed back to her residence. Xiao San followed behind, her voice filled with concern as she asked,

"Will this Tea for Horses deal affect the reputation of our tea?"

Nie Shuang smiled and reassured her,

"Don’t worry. I have a plan. Not only will Lü Cui bring in immense profits, but Xiangyun Tea House will also be renowned as a key contributor to the region."

Xiao San looked at her mistress in admiration. When had her mistress become so capable? Growing up together, she had never realized Nie Shuang would soar like a phoenix, outshining even men. All her previous worries about Nie Shuang divorcing the General and living independently had completely vanished. Xiao San now held her Young Furen in the highest esteem.

As they crossed through the moon gate into the inner courtyard, Nie Shuang suddenly stopped. Xiao San peeked over her shoulder curiously and saw someone standing before them.

General!Xiao San’s eyes widened. Not just her Young Furen, but now she, too, stood frozen like a wooden statue.