The cruel little princess

Shen Youyou sat back on the stone bench, slowly picked up the teacup, blew away the heat, and took a sip. Then she pushed another cup of fruit tea in front of King Jin and said with a smile, "Try it, it tastes good."

Prince Jin looked at the teacup in front of him, his lips curled up slightly, revealing a hint of a smile. He picked up the teacup, met Shen Youyou's gaze, and said softly, "I've been busy with official business all day and really haven't had much to drink." After saying that, he savored the tea carefully.

"It's so late, why aren't you getting some rest yet?" Shen Youyou asked with concern.

Prince Jin put down his teacup, looked at Shen Youyou deeply, and replied, "Aren't I just coming to rest with you?" His voice was full of teasing and mocking.

Shen Youyou's cheeks flushed, she glared at Prince Jin coquettishly and said, "Stop joking."

Prince Jin smiled, stood up, and slowly walked to Shen Youyou's side. He put his hand on her shoulder and said softly, "I'm not kidding. I really can't sleep. I can only fall asleep by lying on the Arhat couch in your outer room."

After Shen Youyou heard this, a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She knew that Prince Jin relied on and trusted her, but she couldn't help but ask, "Why? Is it insomnia or something on your mind?"

Prince Jin sighed softly, a barely perceptible worry flashing across his eyes. "I don't know. Maybe it's because your presence makes me feel at ease."

Shen Youyou was deeply moved. She reached out and held Prince Jin's hand, saying gently, "Thank you for trusting me so much, Chu Huaijin."

Prince Jin smiled, his eyes full of affection, "Why thank me? I should be the one thanking you."

Shen Youyou turned back to the room and came to the Duobao Pavilion. She gently opened a small box, took out a packet of spices and handed it to Prince Jin, "Here, this is the calming incense I made specially for you. It can calm your mind and help you sleep. Take it home and light a little, and you will fall asleep soon."

Prince Jin took the spice, sniffed it carefully, and then said with a smile, "You are such a thoughtful person."

Shen Youyou smiled and nodded, "I hope it can help you."

Prince Jin placed the spices back into the small box and placed it back on the Treasure Pavilion, then followed Shen Youyou into the inner room. He embraced Shen Youyou from behind, gently inhaling the fragrance of her hair, "I don't want that stupid calming incense. I'm only used to this scent of yours!"

Shen Youyou burst out laughing. She had mixed this perfume based on the modern perfume "After the Rain, Sunshine", which was unique in the Golden Dragon Kingdom! This person had a sharp nose! He was always looking for the best! Although she was thinking about it, she still said insincerely, "I know. I'll mix you one someday."

Then the two of them stopped talking and lay quietly on their beds. Of course, His Royal Highness Prince Jin was lying on the Arhat couch in the outer room, giving off a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Early the next morning, Shen Youyou took the carpenter that Uncle Zeng had found for her to the shop on Xuanwu Street. Since the unlucky Minister of War had been defeated so suddenly, no one paid the wages to the shop owner, chef and waiters, so all the tables, chairs, benches, calligraphy and murals on the walls that could be sold in the shop were taken away by them, leaving only a mess on the ground.

As the carpenter pushed open the door, a gust of wind blew in, stirring up a cloud of dust. Shen Youyou waved her sleeve, brushing away the Spider-Man in front of her. Looking at the empty hall, she was speechless. She thought positively: No need to clean up, just renovate it.

Shen Youyou led his master from the first to the third floor, meticulously inspecting every nook and cranny. Overall, the second and third floors didn't require much modification, as they were originally composed of individual private rooms and could remain largely unchanged. However, Shen Youyou attached great importance to the privacy of the rooms, so the soundproofing of each room needed to be redesigned and improved. This way, even if someone was in a nearby room, they wouldn't be able to hear their conversation, let alone determine their identities.

For the second floor, Shen Youyou drew inspiration from elements such as plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, chrysanthemums, and swords, spears, and halberds, creating themed private rooms. These rooms cater not only to the refined tastes of scholars and poets, but also to the righteousness of warriors and heroes. Whether they are scholars or heroes, they can find their own space here and enjoy the unique atmosphere and service.

For the third floor, Shen Youyou drew inspiration from elements of romance, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, creating a fresh and elegant style. This style is ideal for the mistress of the house to invite friends to a leisurely gathering, while also satisfying the needs of noble ladies outings, allowing them to experience a unique cultural atmosphere and entertainment experience.

The first floor lobby required a lot of changes. First, the kitchen needed a complete overhaul. The original kitchen had to be completely cleaned out, the existing stove removed, and replaced with smaller stoves. This would become a herbal medicine shop, and since cooking wouldn't be necessary, a large stove wasn't needed. Instead, a refined and compact design was emphasized.

A medicine cabinet covering an entire wall will be built in the lobby, where all commonly used herbs will be stocked in advance. The wall opposite the cabinet will be painted white, and a skilled artist will be hired to paint the shop's main herbal dishes on the wall, with their effects noted.

The entire hall is divided into separate cubicles using wooden shelves and greenery. Each cubicle is furnished with a small, long table and two benches. This allows each cubicle to accommodate up to four people dining simultaneously, but offers less privacy than a private room, allowing people to see what's going on inside. However, this design offers a more affordable price compared to a private room.

Of course, you can also take the medicinal food home. After the chef brews it, he pours it into a special ceramic pot and seals it tightly to prevent tampering during transportation. This is done by informing the customer in advance that if the food is to be taken home, they must ask a trusted confidant to pick it up, or they must observe the food carefully. If the food is found to have been tampered with, the customer must not drink it.

As Shen Youyou spoke, the carpenter kept writing and drawing. Occasionally, if there was something he didn't understand, he would ask Shen Youyou again truthfully, and after communicating with her to confirm, he would write it down on paper. Shen Youyou liked his serious work style. Because Shen Youyou's idea was to renovate according to a modern decoration style, it was relatively novel, unique, and avant-garde. Therefore, the carpenter would communicate with Shen Youyou whenever he encountered something he didn't understand or was unsure of. The carpenter would also offer his own suggestions when appropriate, such as the carvings on the third floor and the hollow carvings on the first floor. After all, he was the most professional in carpentry. He still had a say in this area. In case the finished product did not meet the owner's satisfaction.

Shen Youyou only snapped out of her discussion when she heard the carpenter's stomach growl with hunger. It was already mid-afternoon (between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.). The discussion had broadened the carpenter's horizons, leaving him wanting more. Shen Youyou apologized profusely and asked An Er to book a private room at the nearby Deshanlou restaurant. They continued to eat and chat.

The carpenter said, "I am unworthy of this position!" He was very aware of his status. How could he have dinner at the same table with the young lady from General Shen's mansion? He stood up and said goodbye. "Since the young lady has almost finished her instructions, I, Yu, will go down and prepare early! First, draw the "design drawing" that the young lady asked for and give it to Miss Yu for her to review and confirm before we start the work. I must make sure to build a perfect shop for the young lady this time! I, Yu and my workers have done at least 800 jobs in this capital, but I have never seen such a meticulous and exquisite design as the young lady's." Master Carpenter Yu patted his chest and promised confidently.

Shen Youyou thanked him repeatedly, "Then I'll trouble you, Master Yu! I'll be waiting for you at your house anytime."