Reborn to marry, the short-lived prince lived a hundred years

There was a hint of sarcasm in Meng Tingyue's words. "Sell it to me at a lower price? If I remember correctly, the original name of this shop was Xiao, not Jiang. How come I, who has half Xiao blood in my body, have to spend money to return my own shop?"

Mrs. Meng's face remained calm, her tone gentle yet firm, as she slowly counseled, "You understand that even close relatives must maintain a clear distinction in matters of money. Furthermore, there's no direct blood relationship between you and me. While this shop wasn't once owned by the Jiang family, it's not owned by the Xiao family today either. It belongs to the Meng family."

"Although your last name is Meng, you are a married woman after all. Taking the Meng family's shop for no reason, let alone saying I don't agree, will your father agree?"

Meng Tingyue sneered softly, knowing in her heart that these two people had secretly planned this action behind her father's back.

However, she did not intend to make a big fuss about this matter so as not to alarm her father. Otherwise, the two shops would never be taken back.

"Okay, then. In that case, how much silver would these two shops cost?"

Hearing her say this, both of them were delighted, as if they could already see the white silver waving at them.

Meng Qingjiao couldn't contain her inner anxiety and said quickly: "Two shops, a total of five thousand taels of silver."

Seeing her asking for such an exorbitant price so brazenly, Meng Tingyue was truly surprised. "Which two shops are so valuable? Could they be the ones on Jinhua Street?"

Meng Qingjiao laughed without hesitation: "If it were a shop on Jinhua Street, two of them would be worth at least 10,000 taels. How could you be so ignorant, sister?"

Meng Tingyue didn't show any sign of anger after hearing this. She remained calm and composed, saying leisurely, "Oh? Then tell me, which two shops can command such exorbitant prices?"

Meng Qingjiao gave two addresses without thinking.

Meng Tingyue nodded slightly, her tone calm but revealing an unquestionable certainty: "From what I know, those two shops are mediocre in terms of both revenue and location."

"What's more, there was a shop nearby that was desperately selling off due to poor business, and the transaction price was only a few hundred taels of silver. How could you have inflated the price to two or three thousand taels?"

Meng Qingjiao said, "No matter how valuable it is, it's still a shop in the capital. Besides, it's your mother's legacy. As her daughter, what's wrong with you paying more for it? If you don't like it, there are plenty of people who want it."

Meng Tingyue shook her head slightly, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes: "Although I want it, I'm not a fool. You should seek help from others."

After saying this, she stood up lightly, with unquestionable determination in her steps.

It was not until she had half a foot out of the door frame that Meng Qingjiao and Mrs. Meng realized she was serious and hurriedly tried to keep her.

"There's still room for maneuver regarding the price. Why leave in such a hurry?" Mrs. Meng said as she signaled Meng Qingjiao with her eyes, her words full of soothing intent.

Meng Qingjiao's expression was full of unwillingness. She opened her cherry lips slightly and stammered for a while. Finally, she succumbed to the temptation of money and forced a smile.

"I was offended by my words just now. I hope you won't take it personally. We sincerely hope that you can take over the shop. As for the price, we can naturally negotiate."

"As far as I know, no matter how expensive the shops in those two locations are, one will not exceed one thousand taels, and the total price of the two shops will not exceed two thousand taels. If the amount exceeds this, it will be a losing business, and I will not do a losing business." Meng Tingyue's words were filled with unquestionable determination.

Meng Qingjiao was naturally unwilling to accept such a low price. She was short of money and was still short of two thousand taels.

Seeing this, Madam Meng still refused to give up and gently advised, "This price is indeed a bit low. The person who contacted us said that he is willing to pay three thousand taels for these two shops."

Meng Tingyue had a faint smile on her face, and that smile contained an unshakable determination.

Mrs. Meng and Meng Qingjiao exchanged helpless yet slightly compromising looks. In the end, they could only sigh softly and choose to give in.

Meng Tingyue suppressed the excitement in her heart, and kept a calm expression on her face, still looking indifferent and calm.

As the deeds and banknotes were exchanged, her beautiful brows inadvertently frowned slightly, and that fleeting worry happened to fall into Madam Meng's sharp eyes.

When Meng Tingyue's figure gradually disappeared from her sight, Meng Qingjiao's inner emotions finally surged out like a tide and could no longer be contained.

"It's only two thousand taels. She's clearly well-off, so why wouldn't she want to add another three thousand? Do she think her mother's belongings are that cheap?" Meng Qingjiao's words were filled with unconcealed resentment and unwillingness. "I don't think she cares about her mother as much as I thought."

Mrs. Meng gently stroked the banknote in her hand, and then slowly handed it to Meng Qingjiao.

He patiently instructed, "Take these two thousand taels for emergency use first. If it's still not enough, wait patiently for a few days. Remember, the shops and land in the dowry must not be used lightly."

Madam Meng's thoughts drifted elsewhere, and she asked with concern, "Are you the one in charge of the Qing Palace now?"

Meng Qingjiao nodded slightly.

Madam Meng spoke earnestly, her words filled with deep concern: "Jiao'er, you've just entered Prince Qing's mansion. Even if you're short of money, you must not covet the wealth here. If Prince Qing finds out, I'm afraid he'll harbor resentment and cause you and your wife to drift apart."

"Since you believe that Prince Qing is a rare talent, someone you can entrust your life to, you must cultivate this friendship with all your heart and hold onto his heart tightly."

Hearing this, Meng Qingjiao smiled confidently, "Don't worry, mother. Prince Qing loves me deeply and deeply. I am the only one in his heart and eyes. How could he possibly turn away from me?"

……

After getting on the carriage, the forced calmness on Meng Tingyue's face finally faded away like the tide.

She held the two thin deeds tightly against her chest, as if they were treasures she had lost and found again, priceless and invaluable.

She originally thought that Meng Qingjiao and Jiang Qingrou would be worried about the sales revenue of that shop and might sell two more to raise enough money.

However, they never expected that they would only sell two shops and then give up.

It seems that the two of them have a lot of spare money, but I don’t know how much silver they secretly took away from the Meng family’s warehouse.

If her father knew about this, how would he feel?

A thought suddenly flashed through her mind, and she couldn't help but chuckle. Her eyes were dark and cold, like an unfathomable deep pool.

After Meng Qingjiao successfully takes over the shop, she will definitely "promote" it for them so that the shop's reputation will spread far and wide.

"Crown Princess, we have arrived at Jinwei Tower."

After Meng Tingyue safely put away the two deeds, she placed her hand on the back of Qinglan's hand, slowly got off the carriage and entered Jinweilou.