I was chased by my sickly junior brother who had two lives

, Daqing State, where the government is stable and the people are harmonious, is full of merchants. Duke Chen Jue holds a high position in the court and is also well-known in the business world. His wife Chen Jia, who comes from a prominent family, is gentle and intelligent. She and Chen Jue have a harmonious relationship, and in this prosperous and noisy world, they work together to manage the glory and splendor of the Duke's Mansion.

On a sunny day, Chen Jue and Chen Jia carefully dressed up and prepared to visit the residences of several familiar officials. Chen Jue wore a black brocade robe, with an upright posture and a majestic demeanor; Chen Jia wore a lavender cloud-patterned silk skirt, with her hair tied high and her hairpins trembling lightly, showing a gentle and dignified demeanor.

The two boarded the ornately decorated carriage and headed for the officials' residences. Along the way, Chen Jia leaned on Chen Jue's shoulder and said softly, "Husband, during today's visit, I'm sure everyone will ask about our overseas business again."

Chen Jue smiled slightly and held her hand: "Madam, what you said is very true. Overseas trade is very hot now, and everyone is naturally curious. However, we can also take this opportunity to see if there is a suitable opportunity for cooperation."

The carriage stopped in front of the Minister of Rites' residence, and Chen Jue and Chen Jia walked into the residence hand in hand. The Minister's wife came out with a smile on her face, took Chen Jia's hand, and said warmly: "Madam, I've been waiting for you to come. Come in and sit down."

Everyone sat down in the flower hall, and the maids served them fragrant tea and exquisite snacks. The wife of the Minister could not wait to speak: "Madam, I heard that you and the Duke made a lot of money in the overseas business. It's really enviable. Tell us what it is like."

Chen Jia smiled and sipped her tea elegantly. "Sister, you are too kind. I just caught up with some opportunities. Our overseas business mainly deals in silk, tea, and porcelain. These are all specialties of our Daqing country and are very popular overseas."

"Oh? Is that true?" The censor's wife's eyes lit up, "Then is there any difficulty in doing this business?"

Chen Jue took over the conversation: "Of course there were some twists and turns. The sea is unpredictable, and there are pirates. But fortunately we were well prepared and hired experienced sailors and guards, so we were able to overcome the danger."

Chen Jia continued, "Let's talk about silk, for example. We have found the best weaving workshops in Jiangnan. The silk produced here is fine in texture and beautiful in color. The tea is also carefully selected, such as Longjing and Biluochun, which are top-grade varieties with rich fragrance. There are also porcelains, which come from the official kilns in Jingdezhen. They are exquisitely crafted and unique in shape. These goods are often sold out when they are shipped overseas."

"It sounds really tempting." The wife of the Minister of the Court had longing in her eyes. "My husband always said that in today's world, salary alone is not enough and we have to find other ways to make a living. Madam, can we also participate in this business?"

Chen Jia looked at Chen Jue, who nodded slightly. Chen Jia smiled and said, "If you are interested, we welcome you. But although this business is profitable, it is also risky. You need to consider it carefully."

The censor's wife also said quickly: "I am thinking the same thing. Madam, can you tell us what is needed to join the group?"

Chen Jue looked calm and said slowly, "This business requires a lot of capital and a long period of time. If you want to join, you need to have sufficient capital investment and be able to bear possible losses. In addition, we also need your support in the court, so that we can take care of you in case of policy changes."

"Of course." The Minister's wife responded quickly, "My master is in the Ministry of Rites and can help a little. As long as we can make money, we will find a way to get the funds."

The wife of the censor also echoed: "My husband is in the Censorate, he is well-informed, if there is any disturbance, he will be able to inform me in time."

At this time, the wife of the Minister of War, who had been silent, spoke up: "Madam, this business does sound good, but how will the profits be distributed?"

Chen Jia was well prepared and said calmly: "We will naturally distribute according to the investment ratio. Every account will be recorded clearly and reported to you regularly. Moreover, during the operation of the business, if someone can provide key help and make the business more profitable, we will also give corresponding rewards."

The wife of the Minister of War nodded slightly: "That's fair. However, I heard that overseas trade often involves dealing with merchants from other countries, and there are many people with bad intentions among them. How can you ensure the safety of the transaction?"

Chen Jue smiled and said, "Don't worry, Madam. We also have our own connections and influence overseas, and have good cooperative relations with local government and chambers of commerce. Moreover, we will sign a detailed contract for every transaction to ensure the interests of both parties."

"That being said, it's hard to predict people's minds." The wife of the Minister of War still had some doubts. "Duke, I have another suggestion. After we join the partnership, can we send our own people to participate in the management of the business and supervise it?"

Chen Jue frowned slightly, feeling a little unhappy in his heart, but still kept smiling: "Madam, this business is complicated. If you all send people to participate in the management, there may be disagreements, which will affect the normal operation of the business. We will do our best to ensure everyone's interests. I hope Madam can trust us."

Seeing that the atmosphere was somewhat tense, the Minister's wife hurriedly tried to smooth things over: "Madam Shangshu, the Duke and his wife have always had a good reputation. Since we have decided to join them, we should trust them. Besides, we have all been friends for many years, so why should we be so distant?"

The censor's wife also said: "Yes, if we can cooperate successfully, we can all benefit in the future, so why not do it."

Seeing this, the wife of the Minister of War could not say anything else, so she could only nod and said, "Okay, then let's do as the Duke says. But I have to say this first. If there are any problems in the future, don't blame me for being rude."

Chen Jue cupped his hands and said, "Madam, rest assured, we will do our best to live up to our conscience."

After some discussion, everyone finally reached a preliminary consensus. The wife of the Minister and the wife of the Censor expressed their willingness to contribute some funds on the spot. Although the wife of the Minister of War was still a little hesitant, she also said that she would consider it again.

Chen Jia smiled and said, "It is a great honor to discuss this matter with you sisters today. If we work together in the future, we will surely be able to expand this business."

The assistant minister's wife said happily: "Yes, in the future we sisters can also make money together, just thinking about it makes me happy."

Everyone chatted about some trivial matters, and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed. Towards evening, Chen Jue and Chen Jia stood up to say goodbye. The Minister's wife and others saw them off to the gate of the mansion, repeatedly asking them to keep in touch.

After returning to the Duke's Mansion, Chen Jia breathed a sigh of relief: "My husband, although there were some twists and turns in today's discussion, we have achieved some results. But the wife of the Minister of War seems to still have concerns."

Chen Jue nodded: "She has always been cautious, so it is normal for her to have concerns. However, since she has not completely refused, there is still a chance. We just need to do our own thing and let her see our strength and sincerity, and I believe she will change her mind."

Chen Jia leaned in Chen Jue's arms: "I hope so. If this business can be carried out smoothly, we can get more help, and we will be more confident in the court and the business world in the future."

Chen Jue hugged her gently: "Madam, don't worry, everything will be fine with me here. We, husband and wife, will work together to create more glory."

As the night deepened, the lights in the Duke's Mansion were brightly lit. In this bustling and noisy place, Chen Jue and Chen Jia continued to plan their future business blueprint. The business opportunities in overseas trade were like the twinkling stars in the night sky. Although there were unknown risks, they were also full of infinite hope and possibilities.

In the following days, Chen Jue and Chen Jia began to be busy signing contracts with the wives of new officials, arranging capital investment and specific business operations. They had to deal with court affairs while taking care of the development of the business, which was too much for them.

Chen Jia checked the accounts with the accountant every day to ensure that the flow of every sum of money was clear. She also personally selected some reliable servants to help manage business affairs. Chen Jue frequently communicated with overseas partners to understand market trends and adjust business strategies.

One day, Chen Jia was checking the accounts in the study, and Chen Jue hurried in with a hint of excitement on his face: "Madam, I just received news that a batch of our goods were sold overseas at a good price, and the profit is higher than expected."

Chen Jia's eyes lit up with joy when she heard this: "Really? That's great. Now, the ladies who joined the group can rest assured."

Chen Jue nodded: "Yes, this success has also helped us to enhance our reputation in the overseas market. Next, we can consider expanding the scale and increasing the types and quantities of goods."

Chen Jia frowned slightly: "Husband, although expanding the scale is good, it will also require more funds. Can our capital chain bear it? Moreover, this market is volatile. If we expand blindly, what if problems arise..."

Chen Jue held her hand and said, "Madam, you are right. I have also considered this. Therefore, I plan to find some reliable partners to share the risks."

Chen Jia thought for a moment and said, "Okay, but we have to choose our partners carefully. We can't be as hesitant as before when we encounter problems."

Chen Jue smiled and nodded: "Don't worry, Madam, I know what I am doing."

Just as Chen Jue and Chen Jia were actively preparing to expand their business, several wives of officials came to them and expressed their desire to join. Among them, one was the wife of the Minister of Personnel, who held an important position in the court and had extensive connections.

Chen Jue and Chen Jia warmly received the wife of the Minister of Personnel. In the living room, the wife of the Minister of Personnel said straight to the point: "Madam, I heard that your overseas business is booming, and I also want to participate in it. I wonder if I can join in?"

Chen Jia smiled and said, "We welcome your interest, Madam. But the scale of this business has expanded and more funds are needed. I hope you can consider it carefully."

The wife of the Minister of Personnel smiled confidently: "Madam, you don't have to worry about the funds. My master works in the Ministry of Personnel and has accumulated some wealth over the years. Besides, I also believe in the ability of the Duke and his wife."

Chen Jue said, "Since Madam trusts us so much, we will definitely not let Madam down. However, we still need to discuss the specific details of this business."

In the next few days, Chen Jue and Chen Jia had many discussions with the wife of the Minister of Personnel and finally determined the specific details of joining the partnership. The wife of the Minister of Personnel not only invested a lot of money, but also promised to use her connections in the court to provide more support for the business.

However, just when everything seemed to be going smoothly, an unexpected situation occurred. The wife of the Minister of War suddenly sent someone to deliver a letter, saying that she decided to withdraw from the partnership because of a sudden change in her family and needed funds to turn around.

After reading the letter, Chen Jia frowned slightly: "My husband, the wife of the Minister of War did not withdraw earlier or later, but at this time. Will her withdrawal affect our business plan?"

Chen Jue pondered for a moment and said, "Although her funds are not the key, her influence in the court cannot be underestimated. Her withdrawal may cause anxiety among other ladies who have joined the group. We have to find a way to stabilize the situation."

Chen Jia thought for a moment and said, "Why don't we hold a party and invite all the wives who have joined the company to come and explain our business progress and future plans to them so that they can feel at ease."

Chen Jue nodded: "Madam, this is a very good idea. Let's do it this way."

A few days later, the Duke's Mansion was decorated with lanterns and a grand party was being held. Chen Jue and Chen Jia warmly entertained the ladies, and there was constant laughter in the living room.

After three rounds of drinks, Chen Jue stood up and cleared his throat: "Ladies, I invited you all here today, firstly to thank you for your support of our business, and secondly to report to you on our business progress."

Everyone quieted down and listened attentively to Chen Jue's speech.

Chen Jue introduced the profitability of the business and future development plans in detail, and finally said: "Although we will encounter some difficulties and challenges in the course of business, please rest assured, ladies, we have the confidence and ability to overcome these difficulties. We will always put the interests of the ladies first and ensure that everyone can get a generous return."

Chen Jia also continued, "Yes, sisters, we are all in the same boat now. Only by working together can we make this business better and better. We understand that the wife of the Minister of War withdrew due to family changes. But this will not affect our business plan, and we will still proceed according to the original plan."

The Minister's wife stood up and said with a smile: "The Duke and his wife are right. Since we have chosen to cooperate, we should trust each other. I believe that under the leadership of the Duke and his wife, our business will surely flourish."

The wife of the Censor and the wife of the Vice Minister of Personnel also expressed their agreement.

The party ended successfully amidst the laughter and joy of the crowd. Chen Jue and Chen Jia watched the ladies leave with satisfaction, and they finally felt relieved.

At night, Chen Jue and Chen Jia stood in the garden of the Duke's Mansion, looking at the stars in the night sky. Chen Jia leaned on Chen Jue's shoulder and said softly: "Husband, things in the business world are really unpredictable. But as long as we work together, we can definitely cope with all challenges."

Chen Jue held her hand tightly: "Madam is right. With you by my side, I am not afraid of any difficulties. Our future will definitely be better."

With the breeze blowing and the fragrance of flowers filling the air, the story of the Duke's Mansion continues to be written in this prosperous Daqing Kingdom, full of unknown challenges and infinite possibilities.