After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

As the hustle and bustle of the banquet gradually subsided, Lin Qin was still immersed in the joy of success, her smile lingering on her lips.

A cute little system suddenly popped up: "Host, host, a new mission is coming! High-energy warning ahead, the public opinion storm after the banquet may affect business!" Lin Qin's smile froze instantly, like a webpage that was loading slowly.

The bustling palace and festive atmosphere, at this moment, revealed a hidden unease in her eyes, like a turbulent undercurrent concealed beneath a magnificent curtain.

As expected, just as the little system predicted, all sorts of rumors began to spread in the palace.

Some say she used some improper means to gain the emperor's favor; others say she was just a country bumpkin who got lucky; still others fabricate stories about her romantic affair with the prince, making it sound very convincing.

As Lin Qin walked along the palace corridors, the gazes cast upon her by the surrounding palace maids and eunuchs were no longer filled with envy and flattery, but rather with doubt and suspicion.

She felt like she was being roasted over a fire, and she was extremely uncomfortable.

"Tch, these people are just sour grapes!" Lin Qin thought to herself, but remained outwardly calm. She took a deep breath, trying to stay composed, and a confident smile appeared on her lips.

Upon returning to her residence, Lin Qin immediately summoned the shopkeeper and employees to discuss countermeasures.

She knew that these rumors would not only affect her image in the palace, but also the business of her shop.

She must find a way to turn the situation around as soon as possible.

"Your Highness, there are rumors circulating outside..." The shopkeeper hesitated, looking troubled.

Lin Qin waved her hand, indicating that he didn't need to continue.

"I know, we should meet force with force and water with water. Rather than being passively attacked, we should take the initiative." A glint of light flashed in her eyes. "Little one, do you have any good ideas?"

"Hehe, host, you'll have to rely on me in this crucial moment!" A sweet, childlike voice laced with a hint of smugness. "Based on my analysis, the most important thing right now is..."

"Based on my analysis, the most important thing now is—to launch a promotion! A huge sale! Buy one get one free! A clearance sale at a loss!" Milky shouted excitedly. "Host, do you understand the concept of low profit margins and high sales volume? It's time to boost sales!"

Lin Qin's lips twitched. This little system was a real sales maniac.

However, this is not a bad idea.

She immediately instructed the shopkeeper to launch a series of promotional activities, following the little girl's suggestion.

The news immediately caused a sensation throughout the city.

Customers who were initially observing were instantly drawn in by the "buy one get one free" slogan.

The area in front of the shop was packed with people, creating a lively atmosphere.

Those rumors and gossips seem pale and powerless in the face of real benefits.

"The princess is truly a business genius!"

"That's right, this business is booming!"

Those in the palace who had been waiting to see Lin Qin make a fool of herself were now dumbfounded.

They never expected that Lin Qin would not be defeated by the rumors, but instead take this opportunity to take her business to the next level.

The voices of admiration gradually drowned out the previous rumors.

The emperor also heard about this and became even more curious about Lin Qin.

What surprises does this woman hold that he doesn't know about?

Meanwhile, Zhu Ling also protected Lin Qin in every way within the palace.

His cold gaze swept over those spreading rumors, his tone icy: "I know the Princess's character best. Anyone who dares to spout nonsense again, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Zhu Ling's firm attitude warmed Lin Qin's heart.

She knew that no matter what happened, he would stand by her side.

Those around them watched their interaction and smiled knowingly, an ambiguous atmosphere filling the air.

Lin Qin's shop business is getting better and better, and she is extremely busy every day.

That evening, she dragged her weary body back to her residence, only to find the Empress's maidservant waiting for her...

"Her Majesty the Empress requests your presence." The palace maid bowed her head, her tone respectful, yet she couldn't hide the chill in her voice.

Lin Qin followed the palace maid to the Empress's palace. The air was filled with a faint sandalwood scent, but it couldn't mask the oppressive atmosphere.

The Empress sat on the phoenix throne, a gentle smile on her face, yet it conveyed no warmth whatsoever.

"Your Highness has been enjoying great success lately," the Empress said, her tone seemingly gentle but with a hidden edge. "I've heard that your shop is doing very well. Congratulations!"

Lin Qin smiled slightly, neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Majesty flatters me. I only know a little bit about it and it is all thanks to the protection of the Emperor and Your Majesty."

"Your Highness is too modest," the Empress said meaningfully. "However, there are many people and gossips in the palace, so Your Highness should be careful to avoid ruining your reputation."

Lin Qin sneered inwardly. The Empress was pretending to care about her, but in reality, she was putting her down and secretly spreading rumors to ruin her reputation.

She's all too familiar with the tropes of palace dramas.

"Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered," Lin Qin replied calmly.

As Lin Qin left the Empress's palace, she felt a chill run down her spine. This palace was indeed a place that would devour people without spitting out their bones.

She took a deep breath,

Instead of rushing to defend herself like most people would, Lin Qin organized a commercial exhibition and invited the ladies of the palace and noble ladies to participate.

The news caused an immediate sensation.

On the day of the exhibition, the courtiers came to Lin Qin's shop out of curiosity.

The venue was decorated in an exquisite and elegant style, and the dazzling array of goods was overwhelming.

Lin Qin stood on the stage, a confident smile on her face, and began to introduce her novel products...

"What is this?" a lady asked curiously, pointing to a strangely shaped object.

Lin Qin smiled mysteriously: "This thing is called..." She paused deliberately, whetting everyone's appetite, "...Fat宅快乐水 (Fat宅 Happy Water)!" Lin Qin smiled mysteriously: "This thing is called...Fat宅快乐水 (Fat宅 Happy Water)!" She paused, deliberately whetting everyone's appetite, and then lifted the lid, revealing a brown liquid with bubbling bubbles in front of everyone.

"This is a summer heat relief wonder! It's refreshing, delicious, and leaves you wanting more!"

The ladies and young women present had never seen such a novel drink before, and they all tried it out of curiosity.

"Wow! What an amazing drink! It's so delicious!" "It's icy cold and sweet, so refreshing!" "This is an absolute must-have for summer!" In an instant, exclamations of praise rose and fell, and Lin Qin's "fat house happy water" became the focus of the entire room.

Even the emperor couldn't resist taking a sip, and was overjoyed: "This is wonderful! I have never tasted such a delicious drink! Reward her!" The empress, however, looked rather unpleasant. She had originally intended to use this opportunity to humiliate Lin Qin, but unexpectedly, she had made Lin Qin the center of attention.

She said with a forced smile, "Your Highness is indeed a business genius; even I am ashamed of my own inferiority."

Lin Qin smiled modestly, "Your Majesty flatters me. I only have a superficial understanding." But inwardly she was secretly delighted; the Empress's scheme had failed once again—it was truly gratifying!

In the palace, the rumors about Lin Qin vanished instantly, replaced by admiration and respect for her business acumen.

Lin Qin's name once again resounded throughout the palace and beyond.

However, Lin Qin's success also aroused the jealousy of other businessmen.

They gathered together and plotted against Lin Qin.

"This woman has stolen so much of our business, we can't let her keep being so arrogant!" "That's right, we must unite and teach her a lesson!" "Hmph, a mere country bumpkin dares to act so tough in front of us, she really doesn't know her place!"

A new storm seems to be brewing in the palace.

That day, Lin Qin was busy in her shop when a shop assistant rushed in, flustered: "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Outside..." Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a sudden voice: "Princess Lin, it's been a long time." A richly dressed, elegant man walked in; it was none other than Young Master Sima.

A meaningful smile played on his lips.