The Eldest Daughter Returns: Imperial Uncle, I'm Pregnant!

After Madam Li left, Xiao Jingchen emerged from behind the screen. "Is everything ready? Shall we go?"

"What's wrong, Your Highness? I heard I've expanded into a new shop. Would you like to send someone to join us so we can grow this business together?"

"Heh, who should we send?"

"For example, Mrs. Yin, the boss's wife."

"Do you still care about your shop's reputation?"

Gu Qingwan stuck out her tongue. Her shops catered to high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital. If they knew that these things were being sold to women in brothels and that they were using the same things as them, these women would feel that their status and position had been lowered. In that case, she could just wait to go bankrupt.

"No need to rush. Now that you've chosen a location, you've taken a big step closer to successfully opening your shop. Next, you can send someone to find suppliers or something. Even if Madam Li helps you, it's still a little short."

"Yes, actually I'm still a bit dissatisfied with this shop. For example, if I buy high-end goods, then I won't be able to reach ordinary people like me."

"Don't think too much about it. Doing one thing well is good enough," Xiao Jingchen comforted her. "However, you can send someone to tell Yin Ping about this. From now on, you will be responsible for providing the cosmetics and face powder for the brothel."

"No."

"how?"

"What's the point of making money off your own family?" Gu Qingwan felt that this was somewhat inappropriate, so she stopped talking.

Xiao Jingchen rubbed his fingers together behind his back, but didn't reveal anything.

Once outside, they didn't return the way they came. Instead, they took the opposite route down the corridor. Along the way, they encountered many guests, some spouting poetry and songs, others slightly tipsy from drinking. As they passed several rooms, the sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, along with lewd and suggestive music that made them blush.

Following the corridor, they turned into a staircase. This staircase was not easily noticed unless you looked closely, as it was hidden by large potted plants. The staircase was very narrow, allowing only one person to pass at a time. They walked one after the other through a private passage and left through the back door. In the blink of an eye, they arrived at the back door of the Fireworks Alley.

There were guards at the back door, and they were so impressed by Xiao Jingchen that they bowed to him.

The scenery at the back gate was also quite unique, as it was located by the river. The moonlight and candlelight were reflected on the water, creating a shimmering effect, and the reflection of the waterside pavilions was also vaguely visible.

They walked to the riverbank, admired the scenery, and the people around them tactfully withdrew.

"I never expected there to be such a scene in the brothel alley. It's like two different worlds compared to the hustle and bustle inside," Gu Qingwan exclaimed.

Xiao Jingchen said, "Don't come here alone again."

"Overbearing," Gu Qingwan muttered to herself.

"I can come with you."

Hearing this, Gu Qingwan's heart fluttered. If it weren't for the darkness, one could have seen the blush creeping up her cheeks. Before she could react, she heard someone shouting from the other side of the alley.

"Master? Is that you?"

"Siqi, I'm here. Wait for me over there, I'll be right there."

"Okay lady."

It turned out that after Xiao Jingchen left with Gu Qingwan, Xiao Yi went downstairs to take Siqi and Ningyi to wait outside.

"Your Highness, I'll be going now."

The departure came rather suddenly, but if I hadn't left, Baoqin and the others at home would probably have been worried.

"Ah."

The man grunted in response. "What a nuisance," Gu Qingwan thought, glaring at him before turning away in a huff.

"Wait a minute." Xiao Jingchen wondered why Gu Qingwan had so many expressions. He also remembered his serious business of climbing over the wall to find her. He took out a jade hairpin from his pocket and inserted it into Gu Qingwan's hair.

Gu Qingwan was about to take it down to take a look when Xiao Jingchen stopped her, saying, "Don't take it, it suits you perfectly."

Gu Qingwan touched the familiar patterns on the jade hairpin and instantly thought of her past life. The jade hairpin that ended her life was still made by him and given to her after all the twists and turns. At this moment, Gu Qingwan finally understood in her heart that Xiao Jingchen's feelings for her in this life were the same as before, and she would never betray this deep affection again in this life.

Gu Qingwan looked around and saw that no one was around. Si Qi and the others couldn't see them from the alley entrance, so she tiptoed and gently kissed his chin before turning and running away.

Unbeknownst to them, the moon had quietly peeked out from behind the clouds. In Xiao Jingchen's eyes, Gu Qingwan, bathed in moonlight, resembled a fairy descended to earth. At that moment, he felt a deep and inexplicable affection for her.

"If you look again, I'll gouge your eyes out," Xiao Jingchen threatened Xiao Yi, who was hiding in the shadows.

If Xiao Jingchen's face weren't naturally dark, you could probably tell he was blushing. How could he not blush? This was the first time in his life he'd been so close to a woman, and he even seemed to like her quite a bit.

Only Xiao Yi, hiding in the shadows, knew how excited he was. He couldn't wait to run back and tell the steward and his brothers that the Prince, this ancient iron tree, was about to bloom. He was warned by the Prince before he could even enjoy his joy, but that didn't dampen his spirits.

Miss Gu is beautiful, skilled in martial arts, and very rich. She is a perfect match for the prince and steward. Finally, the lady you've been waiting for has arrived!

As expected, if Xiao Yi knew something, it meant the steward knew it, and consequently the entire secret guard team knew it.

The next morning, the steward felt 20 years younger, light as a feather, and exceptionally energetic in everything he did. The prince's marriage was settled. Xiao Yi said the other party was excellent in every way. In fact, the steward felt that as long as the person was of good character, nothing else mattered. After all, his prince already had everything he needed, except for a woman.

It seems I should tidy up the Prince's mansion properly. In case the Prince brings people here one day, I can't let the mansion lose face. Also, I should start purchasing some things as soon as possible, otherwise I'll be in a panic.

The betrothal gifts also need to be listed in advance, and nothing can be missing. As for the crib, someone should be sent to select a good piece of nanmu wood in advance and find a skilled craftsman to design it.

Standing in the courtyard, Xiao Jingchen saw the busy steward running around and the servants looking excited, and he knew what was going on.

"Xiao Yi!"

Hearing the prince calling him, Xiao Yi immediately rushed over: "What are your orders, Master?"

"Xiao Yi, why don't you find a project to gain more experience?"

"Yes... Master." Xiao Yi was heartbroken upon hearing this devastating news; he had almost become a regular at the torture chamber.

The torture chamber was a place specially set up by the prince. It contained a secret room for interrogating prisoners, as well as a training room full of traps. Moreover, the traps inside were endless. In order to train these secret guards, the prince went to great lengths and always had the facilities inside updated from time to time.

Xiao Yi almost got skinned alive when he came out of here last time. He wondered what awaited him this time.