Pastoral Splendor

The carriage rumbled monotonously, leaving two long ruts on the gray-white official road. The spring breeze gently lifted the brocade curtains, letting in golden sunlight and vibrant colors from a corner—the green trees and red flowers along the roadside.

Yan Ying sat upright in the carriage, slightly tired. It had been almost five days of stopping and starting before they finally reached the outskirts of the capital. In the past, she had ridden in Xiao Laifu's mule cart to Yuzhou City every day without feeling tired at all. The difference between long and short distances was truly remarkable.

“Miss Xiao, we’re almost at the capital.” Madam Xin lifted the side curtain slightly and pointed to the faintly visible bluish-gray city wall ahead: “That’s the foot of the imperial city.”

Yan Ying curiously leaned closer and saw a tall, winding, gray-blue wall standing there, seemingly without end, solemnly and dignified. There were more carriages on the official road than a few days ago, coming and going, quite lively. There were also many more pedestrians carrying loads on their shoulders and riding horses by the roadside, and every now and then the carrying poles would brush against the carriage walls, making a soft sizzling sound.

"The city walls of this capital seem to be much higher than those of Yuzhou." Yan Ying silently gazed at the city wall, wondering if there were any prescribed dimensions for its construction.

“Of course, the place where the emperor lives is not comparable to that of ordinary prefectures and counties.” Madam Xin said with a smile, “Miss Xiao will know when she arrives at the Prince Yu’s mansion. The gate of the Prince Yu’s mansion is much wider than the gate of an ordinary family.”

It must be wider than the doors of ordinary people, otherwise how could it be called a grand and wealthy household? Yan Ying smiled and nodded: "This is the first time I've heard Mom say this."

Mother Xin puffed out her chest proudly: "Miss Xiao, you'll see her soon."

Yan Ying had assumed the carriage from Prince Yu's residence was only taking her to Bai Xiang Garden, but unexpectedly, Mama Xin said that the Princess Consort wanted her to go to Prince Yu's residence first, as she had some matters to discuss. Yan Ying knew that Princess Consort Yu was anxious to see her daughter, so she didn't refuse. In any case, if she didn't see her today, Princess Consort Yu would find a way to summon her tomorrow, so she might as well take the initiative to go and see her, and also thank her for her help.

When the carriage arrived at the city gate, the soldiers guarding the city saw the insignia of the Prince Yu's Mansion on the carriage but didn't say much. They simply sent Xin Mama out to answer a few questions before letting them pass. Yan Ying lifted the side curtain and peeked out, only to see silver armor gleaming in the sunlight at the city gate.

The streets of the capital were much wider than those of Yuzhou City; four or five carriages could easily walk side by side. Not far past the city gate, the streets were lined with shops and bustling with people. Looking through the side curtains, one could see hairpins of various colors and jet-black hair.

The carriage passed through the bustling streets and traveled for about half an hour before slowly turning onto a street with few shops. Behind the shops were rows of low walls, and from within those walls, tall battlements suddenly appeared, seemingly enclosing the street, layer upon layer like lotus petals.

“This place is full of nobles. Those who can live on this street are of extraordinary status.” Madam Xin pointed to the entrance of a small alley ahead and said, “The back gate of the Prince Yu’s mansion is through here.”

Yan Ying got out of the car and followed Mother Xin slowly through the alley. The courtyard wall was so long that they walked around it before finally reaching a dark threshold. Two old women were sitting there, chatting and holding a handful of melon seeds. When they saw Mother Xin coming over, they both stood up with smiles: "Old sister, you're back?"

Madam Xin laughed and said, "That's right! It's been almost ten days since I've been in the manor. I wonder if anything new has happened?"

The old woman's face was covered with wrinkles, like a withered flower. She squinted her eyes and said, "It's the same old story, nothing new. We're used to it."

The old woman next to her tossed a melon seed shell: "Hehe, things are quite different now than before. Ever since the Emperor and Empress summoned the Prince over, the West Wind is no longer dominating the East Wind in this mansion."

Madam Xin's face lit up with joy: "After all, the Emperor is wise, and the Empress also protects our Princess."

Yan Ying stood to the side and listened for a while. Although she didn't know much about what the old women were talking about, she heard what Xin Mama said, which meant that the Princess Consort of Yu had benefited. She was happy for her own mother. The Princess Consort of Yu was generous and kind, and she hoped that she would live a smooth and happy life.

"Old sister, is this girl here to be a maid?" An old woman seemed to have suddenly noticed Yan Ying, looked her up and down, and clicked her tongue and said, "What a pretty girl."

Madam Xin waved her hand at the old woman: "She's a big businesswoman! The Princess invited her over this time because she wanted to partner with her in business! Next time Miss Xiao comes to see the Princess, please ask your old friend to make an exception."

Yan Ying smiled and took out two silver coins that she had prepared in advance from her purse, and handed them to the two old women affectionately: "Thank you for your hard work, madams. Take these and buy some wine."

"Oh dear, how could we accept such an honor!" The two old women just smiled, holding silver coins, and opened the door a little wider: "Miss Xiao, please come in."

The Prince Yu's mansion was truly vast. It took quite a while to walk around the lake before finally seeing a low wall, with white walls and black tiles, looking very clean and tidy. The maid at the gate saw Mama Xin leading Yan Ying over and greeted them with a smile, saying, "The Princess has been eagerly awaiting Mama's return. Now you can finally rest assured."

Passing through the front courtyard, we finally arrived at the residence of the Princess Consort of Yu. A vermilion, winding corridor led to the area, with exquisitely carved patterns on the beams under the eaves. A row of birdcages hung below the corridor, and a maid was feeding the birds with millet. Seeing Mama Xin approach, she rushed to her with bright eyes, saying, "The Princess Consort just sent me to check on things at the side gate! Mama, you've finally come!" As she spoke, she stole a glance at Yan Ying: "Is this Miss Xiao?"

Madam Xin spat at her: "You gossipy little hussy! It's fine to talk about it in the Princess's courtyard, but if you go outside and spread rumors, I'll tear your mouth apart!"

The maid twisted her body and said, "How could that be? I know perfectly well that the concubine's eyes are always glancing into our courtyard!"

"Good to know." Madam Xin glared at her, then bowed slightly to Yan Ying: "Miss Xiao, please come in."

A maid stood at the door, holding up the curtain that shimmered with golden light. Yan Ying glanced at it and saw that the curtain was made of the finest gold velvet. As expected of a royal residence, even the material of the curtain was so exquisite.

Princess Yu sat in the center of the room, with a painting of spring mountains and leisure hanging on the wall behind her. The painting was meticulously detailed and lifelike; if she weren't sitting in a chair, she would appear from a distance as if she were inside the painting. Upon seeing Yan Ying enter, Princess Yu was somewhat excited, her fingers twirling the lining of her clothes, making a soft rustling sound. Mama Li quickly gestured to the maid standing to the side, "Hurry up and get the Princess a cup of tea."

Yan Ying stepped forward and bowed to Princess Yu: "Thank you for your promotion, Your Highness."

Princess Yu's face flushed slightly as she looked at Yan Ying standing before her. She longed to pull her into her arms and hold her close, to feel the long-lost warmth of her daughter. But she could do nothing. She could only ask in a low voice, "Miss Xiao, you must be tired from your journey."

"The carriage from the Prince of Yu's residence is spacious and not tiring at all. Besides, with Mama Xin taking care of us all the way, it was really smooth." Yan Ying smiled and praised Mama Xin. "San Hua was leaving Yuzhou City for the first time and didn't know anything. Fortunately, Mama Xin was there to guide her, and she was able to understand a lot of things."

Princess Yu said happily, "Mother, go and collect the five taels of silver as a reward."

Madam Xin glanced at Yan Ying secretly, thinking to herself that this Miss Xiao was really clever, knowing how to return a favor. She had just spoken up for her at the side gate, and now she was immediately rewarded.

"Miss Xiao, the Hundred Fragrance Garden is all renovated, and the farm has been prepared as you instructed. We're just waiting for you to take charge." Princess Yu's hands, hidden in her sleeves, trembled uncontrollably as she tried her best to suppress her excitement. She asked calmly, "How much stuff did you bring this time? Should we go and pick it up again?"

Yan Ying said respectfully, "This time we loaded three trucks with goods, and it will take two more days to reach the capital. I plan to go to the capital in the next two days to see what price range I should set for my goods."

Princess Yu nodded repeatedly: "Then it will definitely be more expensive than in Yuzhou City. There are plenty of wealthy people in the capital."

“Isn’t that right?” Xiuyue, the personal maid of Princess Yu, said with a smile, “Can we double it?” She secretly glanced at the princess, thinking to herself that her mistress probably didn’t want to compete with Consort Zhu for favor, so she had turned her attention to doing business? She had to act clever, like Mama Xin, who easily earned five taels of silver.

"Double it?" Yan Ying was somewhat surprised: "Even if the people in the capital are rich, not everyone would be willing to be ripped off, right? I was thinking of just raising it a little bit."

Princess Yu seemed particularly enthusiastic, saying with great interest, "The roast duck you had Guard Jian send over last time was delicious. How much do you plan to sell it for? Five taels of silver, surely?"

"Five taels?" Yan Ying's eyes widened. "How can it sell for five taels? I thought two taels would be enough." Bai Xiang Yuan in Yuzhou sells it for one and a half taels. Selling it for two taels in the capital would make up the price difference. Five taels of silver is really too much. Who would spend five taels to buy a duck?

"Can't even sell for five taels? How much silver can you make?" Princess Yu waved her hand: "I'll help you find a seller later, five taels of silver per animal!"

The maids and servants standing nearby were all taken aback—was the princess going to personally get involved in business?

Chapter 215 Preparation

Sunlight streamed through the roof tiles, illuminating Princess Yu's face and giving it a shimmering glow. At this moment, she didn't look like a woman nearing forty at all; she had a childlike demeanor, as if she were eagerly anticipating doing business.

Yan Ying sighed inwardly. The Princess Consort of Yu was being far too eager to make amends to her daughter. This inexplicable kindness was going too far; people might become suspicious. In an ordinary family, it might be one thing, but this was the Prince Yu's residence, where every move had to be made with utmost care. How could she act so impulsively?

“Sanhua thanks Your Highness for your kindness, but doing business takes time and cannot be rushed. Sanhua should first run Baixiang Garden in her own way. If there is no improvement, then come to Your Highness again.” Yan Ying smiled and bowed to the princess, her words carrying a hidden meaning: “Sanhua knows that Your Highness wants to save more money for the young master’s wife, but there is no need to be in such a hurry.”

The maids and servants standing nearby chuckled upon hearing Yan Ying's words: "Miss Xiao, you're quite amusing. Our young master has already prepared the money for his wedding; he doesn't need you to help him earn it!"

Upon hearing Yan Ying's words, Princess Yu suddenly realized that she had been too hasty. Although everyone in this courtyard was her person, if she encountered someone who couldn't keep their mouth shut and told others about it, then Consort Zhu, who was meticulous, might find out something from it. It was better to be cautious.

“It is rare to find someone as ambitious as Miss Xiao.” Princess Yu smiled and glanced at Yan Ying, her hand tightly gripping the lid of her teacup. “I also live in this secluded mansion every day and rarely get to go out for some fresh air. I was thinking of finding some new things to do.”

Madam Li chimed in from the side, "Your Highness, you're too idle. Why don't you take your time to visit and see which noble lady in the capital is suitable to be the heir's wife in our household!"

Princess Yu said with a hint of melancholy, "That's right. Seeing that Xuan'er is getting older, it's time to leave a message for him."

The topic was finally changed, and Yan Ying smiled slightly: "Your Highness, please send a maid to take me to Bai Xiang Garden. I need to go there and have a look."