The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1689 - 1683: No One Else to Blame

Wang Yongzhu’s words in the letter, though subtle, were clear in meaning.

The main idea was that she understood the Empress’s concerns and was willing to share her burden.

Just as Ninth Master Lee has arrived in Chicheng County, it’s likely he will seldom return to the Capital City, as his focus will remain in Chicheng and the grasslands.

Wang Yongzhu herself will not return to the Capital City in the coming years, and cannot attend to business there. Adding to this, her master and mistress are advanced in age. This time, when she stopped by Jing County, she saw that they were no longer able to manage effectively.

Moreover, there are already flower fields and workshops in the Capital City, and the main processes are well known there. It’s just a matter of strictly adhering to the standards.

The Hongxiu Tianxiang business, as long as it follows the established pact and rules, will encounter no issues.

Now, they all have their own affairs to attend to. Although Hongxiu Tianxiang generates a considerable profit, they are willing to transfer the business to the Duke of Chengen Mansion. First, to alleviate the Empress’s worries, and second, to free themselves to handle their own matters.

Moreover, it was stated directly that such a move would prevent future troubles. If Hongxiu Tianxiang continues successfully under the Duke of Chengen Mansion, it would be a good outcome, and the Empress could rest easy.

If Hongxiu Tianxiang faces difficulties in the future, the Duke of Chengen Mansion would have no grounds to find fault elsewhere, and the Empress would have some reasoning, wouldn’t she?

Though the words were not pleasant, it was evident that every aspect concerning the Empress had been considered.

Furthermore, the letter assured that the Empress need not worry. Since they are transferring ownership, everything will naturally be arranged properly, and Ninth Master Lee’s people will stay on to assist the Duke’s people and familiarize them before leaving.

As for the most critical formula, there is no need to worry. Old Doctor Du will have the formula transcribed and delivered.

Everything has been meticulously arranged, with nothing overlooked for the Empress.

In the end, she made a plea for one exception, hoping to leave behind one Hongxiu Tianxiang store in Qingzhou Prefecture for Old Doctor Du and his spouse.

Not for any other reason, but because, due to Hongxiu Tianxiang, most of the Jing County populace has shifted to cultivating flowers and herbs, relying on them for livelihood.

These flowers and herbs need to be freshly incorporated into cosmetics and cannot be transported over great distances to the Capital City. Otherwise, these people’s livelihoods would be affected.

Thus, she shamelessly asked the Empress to leave Qingzhou Prefecture, considering it as a small welfare for the Jing County people.

It was further explained that the Qingzhou Prefecture’s Hongxiu Tianxiang would be renamed and would definitely not compete with the Duke of Chengen Mansion.

Because everything was well-thought-out, the Empress was angrier.

Angry at her own family.

She also knew her family was quite unreliable, but since she had been bestowed the title of Empress, according to ancestral customs, her father must be granted the title of Duke of Chengen, or else it would be a disgrace to her and the Ninth Prince.

As for other family members, she not only refrained from seeking titles but also prevented the Emperor from giving her family any benefits.

Considering what she knew of her family, granting the title of Duke of Chengen had already made them arrogant.

There was no way around it; she thought of getting her family involved in business, allowing them to live a luxurious life through Hongxiu Tianxiang’s revenue, and along with the title of Duke, it seemed quite appropriate.

Yet her plans were well-conceived, and her family was too incompetent to uphold them.

Their reputation had reached the extent that Wang Yongzhu sent an urgent letter from far away to suggest transferring Hongxiu Tianxiang to her.

How afraid they were to have anything to do with the Duke of Chengen Mansion!

The Empress clearly understood that despite Wang Yongzhu’s pleasant words and thoughtful considerations, it could not change a fact.

That fact being, they looked down on the Duke of Chengen and wished not to engage with them, fearing trouble.

Therefore, they would rather forego the Silver Coin than end up entangled.

This was why the Empress was shocked and angry, losing composure.

At this moment, calming down, she could understand.

They were her own family; she herself did not hold them in high regard, so why would others put forth effort?

If truly entangled, given her family’s temper, future disputes are likely.

Perhaps it was better to be straightforward now, tearing apart cleanly.

Except, Wang Yongzhu and Old Doctor Du could be tolerated, but Ninth Master Lee’s side, he owed his current status to her support, and she had given him a lot. Why turn against her so quickly when she only asked him to help her family a bit?

Is it that he looks down on her, or is there another reason?

The Empress pondered for a while and then issued an instruction: "Tell Huai Cai to send someone to inquire about what the Duke of Chengen Mansion did after knowing I intended to grant them a share of Hongxiu Tianxiang."

Lv Cui received the order and then left.

At night, Huai Cai returned with the report.

Originally, the Duke of Chengen was naturally aggrieved, feeling that since his family had produced the Empress, he was legitimately the State Uncle.

Yet, the Emperor only granted them a title, with no other rewards. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

To appease them, the Empress gave them a share of Hongxiu Tianxiang.

Had it been a share from any other family, the Duke of Chengen Mansion couldn’t refuse, but Hongxiu Tianxiang — who in the Capital City doesn’t know it generates money like flowing water.

Thinking that money would soon flow into their household, the Duke of Chengen Mansion no longer felt it unfair and eagerly anticipated a windfall.

The ladies of the Duke of Chengen Mansion, previously unable to afford Hongxiu Tianxiang’s sets and reliant on the Empress’s yearly gifts.

Upon hearing the business was theirs, they immediately sent people to Hongxiu Tianxiang’s store, brazenly taking multiple sets of various products home.

The freshly inaugurated State Uncle hurriedly took people to inspect their store.

Opening his mouth, he demanded the disbursement of a thousand taels of Silver.

Within just a month, the State Uncle withdrew five thousand taels from Hongxiu Tianxiang and numerous varieties of cosmetics returned to the mansion.

Now throughout the Duke of Chengen Mansion, even maids and old servants were using Hongxiu Tianxiang’s cosmetics.

...

Upon hearing this, the Empress’s face turned dark with anger.

No wonder Ninth Master Lee quickly took off for Chicheng County and then wanted out of Hongxiu Tianxiang!

Otherwise, if he stayed, he would never finish cleaning up the Duke of Chengen Mansion’s mess.

Sighing, she realized it was nobody else’s fault!

She sighed deeply, signaling Huai Cai to retreat.

Huai Cai bowed and left, returning to his hut, where Little Luzi approached: "Godfather, how are things with the Empress—"

Huai Cai crossed his legs and shielded his face with a teacup: "Our family reported everything truthfully to the Empress; now it’s up to her to decide—"

The Empress did not hesitate; the next morning, she instructed Huai Cai and Lv Cui to deliver her spoken decree to the Duke of Chengen Mansion.

The Emperor had been watching the developments on the Empress’s side.

He immediately received news that the Empress sent people to reproach the Duke of Chengen Mansion and then ordered them to reflect and not step out.

Ninth Master Lee’s people were directed to continue managing Hongxiu Tianxiang, and someone was dispatched to audit Hongxiu Tianxiang’s accounts.

Soon, the news spread throughout the Capital City that Hongxiu Tianxiang had a new owner.

Previously, it was held jointly by the Empress, Lady Dingguo, Ninth Master Lee, and Old Doctor Du. Now they have withdrawn their shares, and henceforth Hongxiu Tianxiang is the property of the Duke of Chengen Mansion.

It is said Old Doctor Du converted the formula, inventory, and possessions into Silver Coin and sold them to the Duke of Chengen Mansion.

In the future, Hongxiu Tianxiang would have no connection with them.

For a moment, the people of the Capital City were deep in discussion.

Some envied the Duke of Chengen Mansion; it was like receiving a gold mountain for free.

Who doesn’t know it is out of regard for the Empress that Hongxiu Tianxiang was transferred to the Duke’s Mansion?

Others worried whether the quality of Hongxiu Tianxiang’s products would change.

Numerous people sought to ingratiate themselves with the Duke of Chengen Mansion.

Instead, the Emperor, upon knowing, smiled knowingly, understanding what Wang Yongzhu’s letter to the Empress entailed. No wonder she felt self-assured.