Tianliangyuan

Chapter 41 Jiang Ning, with a Strong Mind

recuperate?

Xu Zhaozhao was almost laughing at this ridiculous move!

Who can believe such a claim?

Sun Qian's face was disfigured, which meant she would never be able to find a good marriage again in her life. At this time, her family was celebrating the old lady's birthday in a grand manner, and the guests of honor were actually her enemies.

Given how things are developing, if Sun Qian were in the mansion, probably no one except herself would be able to sleep soundly.

At that moment, Xu Zhaozhao inexplicably felt some sympathy for Sun Qian.

Poor child!

Having been wronged my whole life, and now being abandoned, I'm truly worthless!

"Hmm, how's the information I asked you to find out?"

"Your Majesty, I have already acquired quite a few wines, which are currently stored at the Hundred Fruit Garden. Would you prefer I deliver them to your residence, or would you like to visit the Hundred Fruit Garden and try them another day when you have some free time?"

"Let's leave it for now. How's the shop I asked you to set up?"

"Everything is ready. I've found the young ladies you requested, and they're waiting outside. Would you like to see them, Master?"

"Let them in."

Xu Zhaozhao wanted to cultivate her own power, and naturally, she needed money.

The great success of Xiangpiaopiao has indeed brought her substantial profits, but there is also one problem: this kind of food is not something that ordinary people can afford. For example, farmers in the countryside would probably consider it a luxury to eat it once a month.

Therefore, while this kind of money can be earned, it is not suitable for opening stores all over Daxing.

Xu Zhaozhao wanted to find a way to make money specifically from women, particularly wealthy women.

Of the six young women that Zhu Zi found, two were married women in their early twenties. They weren't particularly beautiful, but their skin was indeed good, and they were skilled at makeup and hairstyling, which suited Xu Zhaozhao's requirements even better.

"You two come closer and raise your heads to speak."

After taking a few steps forward, Madam Wei and Madam Zhang knelt down again before looking up at their mistress.

Both of their husbands worked in the Marquis's mansion, and Zhu Zi sought them out because he felt they were more reliable.

After asking a few more questions, Xu Zhaozhao felt that Madam Wei and Madam Zhang were both quite good. The remaining four girls were a bit younger, around thirteen or fourteen years old, and looked very young.

"You two get up. I'm going to open a shop in the East Market and a shop in the West Market, specializing in cosmetics and perfumes for women. You two are good. I'll send someone to train you for a few more days, and we'll open for business on a chosen day."

"Thank you, miss."

Xu Zhaozhao then called Zhu Zi over: "These people alone are probably not enough. Are there any older women we can use?"

"I'll go find them. How many does Master want? Are there any additional requirements?"

"Find four more, preferably around thirty years old, and they should be a bit outspoken. Also, make a nice, elegant signboard to put outside the store when we open."

"Please give your instructions, Master."

The sign reads: This shop serves women only; men are not allowed to enter.

Zhu Zi was startled: "Master, if that's the case, then we'll probably need to find a few more strong old women to work with."

"Okay, I'll leave it to you to handle."

"Yes, sir. I will do it as soon as possible and not delay your important business."

Xu Zhaozhao added, "I've heard that there are some young girls in Jishantang in the capital. Go and take a look. If they are well-behaved and have good looks, sign contracts with them as well and take them to Baiguoyuan to learn manners first."

"Yes, little one understands."

Xu Zhaozhao wasn't against men, but rather that the business she was about to undertake was indeed not suitable for men to be involved in.

Moreover, matters of male-female relations are most easily misunderstood and spread through rumors, so she simply nipped the problem in the bud.

This way, the noble ladies can feel at ease.

Wang Ruolan still had to attend Madam Sun's birthday banquet, after all, she was a relative of the family. If she didn't go, her mother would probably be so angry that she would scold her for three days and three nights.

Xu Zhaozhao is a young lady and follows Wang Ruolan, so only a gift from the Marquis's mansion is needed.

When Xu Zhaozhao arrived, there were already quite a few people in the garden, which was specifically for entertaining female guests. At a glance, she recognized very few of them.

The main issue is that Xu Zhaozhao's social circle doesn't mesh well with Sun Qian's.

This is also an unwritten rule.

After all, Xu Zhaozhao is the legitimate daughter of a marquis's family. If she only associates with girls from insignificant minor official families, it would be lowering her status. It's fine to associate with one or two occasionally, but if she associates with too many, she will easily be looked down upon by the noble ladies in the upper circles.

This kind of class hierarchy applies to any era.

The Sun family also sent an invitation to the Xie family, but no one from the Xie family came; they only sent a congratulatory gift through their steward.

Xu Zhaozhao felt this was perfectly reasonable, after all, the Xie family was of such high social standing that even if Xu Zhaozhao married into it, it would be considered a step up for her.

Only the two sisters, Jiang Ning and Jiang Yuan, came from the Jiang family.

Although the elder in charge didn't come, the congratulatory gifts were still very generous.

Xu Lin didn't change her expression on the spot only because of the grand congratulatory gift.

Jiang Yuan was uneasy when she arrived, and when she got there, she felt even more restless. She felt that the way people looked at her was wrong, and when she saw people whispering, she felt that they were talking about how cruel the Jiang family was.

Perhaps it was because of this ulterior motive that Jiang Yuan's expression remained unpleasant, which also deterred some girls who wanted to curry favor with her.

As for the culprit Jiang Ning herself, she acted generously and cheerfully, showing no sign of guilt or remorse.

It must be said that Jiang Ning's inner strength is unmatched by ordinary people.

At least in Xu Zhaozhao's opinion, no one can surpass her so far.

This kind of person firmly believes that as long as I don't feel embarrassed, then it must be someone else who feels embarrassed.

Xu Zhaozhao had no intention of getting involved with the Jiang family. She simply talked to the other young ladies from the Sun family. Although they weren't close, they were at least familiar with each other's names, which was much more comfortable than dealing with complete strangers.

As Xu Zhaozhao and Sun Yifang were discussing Sun Qian's injuries, they saw a girl in a light blue dress gracefully moving among the crowd.

"Who is that girl?"

Sun Yifang is the legitimate daughter of the second wife. Her father does not hold an official position. She is overjoyed to be able to speak with Xu Zhaozhao. She always feels that without Sun Qian, she could have climbed up to the powerful and wealthy.

“That is my cousin’s niece, surnamed Jiang, named Jiang Wanwan. She comes from a merchant family, so she may be a little lacking in manners. Please forgive her, Miss Xu.”

Xu Zhaozhao immediately realized that this was Sun Yuanshan's cousin.

Hehe, Jiang Wanwan's appearance here, could it be that she came for her?

If she wasn't mistaken, someone had been observing her all along. Could it be this person?