Chapter 283 - 282: The Ability to Make a Living
Liu Xu is a businesswoman who always prioritizes the emotions of the other party when dealing with matters.
Moreover, since this involves Lan Ci’s lifelong happiness, as long as the Duke Mansion doesn’t ask her to kill or commit arson, and as long as it doesn’t involve any principles, she is willing to cooperate to the fullest extent.
She knows that the other party’s actions are for the sake of Xie Yunling’s reputation.
Thinking to carry out the act thoroughly, after obtaining Mrs. Guan’s consent, Liu Xu truly brought two cooks to the door.
Liu Xu has interacted with quite a few dignitaries while doing business in the capital.
In order to maintain relationships, she gifts her old clients during the holiday season.
But in a noble family like the Duke Mansion, the backgrounds of the matriarchs are more illustrious than one another.
The ones she can get in touch with are just a few concubines in the backyard.
Fortunately, before she transmigrated, she was also from a wealthy family and had seen much of the world, so she didn’t feel daunted.
She was guided towards the main courtyard.
Along the way, she saw rockeries, flowing water, pavilions, and terraces, each step offering a new scene, all revealing the foundation of a large family.
Liu Xu suddenly felt that Lan Ci landing in the eyes of the Lord was truly a stroke of luck.
She privately decided that if Miss Xie took a liking to him, she must give Lan Ci a good scolding.
The problems of certain lousy men, he must not have them.
As the eldest sister-in-law is like a mother, should Lan Ci dare to wrong his future wife, she would absolutely stand up for the younger sister and make sure Lan Ci leaves the house with nothing.
The boy she raised, Liu Xu is confident about him, but she can’t resist the influence of the broader environment.
There are some things she is powerless against.
But when it comes to domestic matters, she can still manage them.
The Lord did not take in concubines, nor did he indulge in flirting outside, Lan Ci must likewise achieve this!
Liu Xu did not look around casually; she paced along, contemplating matters in her mind.
Halfway through, she encountered Ji Mingzhu.
She was supported by a maid, seemingly also heading to the main courtyard.
Liu Xu had not interacted with Ji Mingzhu before.
But their love-hate entanglement with the Lord had long been written into storybooks, passed down in countless versions.
Back then, at the collision at the city gate, she was present.
At that time, Ji Mingzhu was severely injured and was quickly sent back to the Duke Mansion; she didn’t see her face.
Seeing her now, she finally understood what it meant to be naturally beautiful and charming.
A small face with snowy skin and peachy cheeks, eyebrows like crescent moons, beautifully alluring eyes as if they held a pool of autumn water, naturally embodying charm.
Her lips carried a faint pink, not too vivid, but appearing very healthy.
Three thousand strands of black hair were styled into a woman’s bun, adorned with a golden hairpin.
The jewelry was luxurious but did not overshadow her radiance.
Her figure was shapely and elegant, gracefully coming forth, instantly making the surroundings fade in comparison.
Beautiful people and things always readily attract others’ attention.
This Mrs. Ji was so beautiful she didn’t seem human and was kind-hearted, previously donating money several times to the charity.
Her actions showed individuality, not only daring to move out of the Duke Mansion to live on her own but also daring to go to the border to accompany the Lord in battles.
Liu Xu thought that if she were a man, she would probably be captivated by Mrs. Ji’s charm as well.
No wonder the Lord fought tooth and nail, reckless of his career and reputation, to go to Yangzhou to retrieve Mrs. Ji.
Composing herself, Liu Xu quickly stepped forward.
She respectfully bowed to Ji Mingzhu, "Xu-niang pays respects to the madam."
Lan Ci has no elder brother.
But Liu Xu uses the banner of a widow sister-in-law; now her dressing style is modeled after that of a married woman.
Her attire was proper, her demeanor dignified and generous; Ji Mingzhu’s first impression of her was quite good.
She supported Liu Xu’s arm, "Madam Liu, no need for such formalities. Today, we invited you to teach the girls in the mansion to make sweets, and we appreciate your efforts."
Liu Xu subtly introduced the two cooks she brought to Ji Mingzhu.
"These two are quite skillful in making desserts. When I open another Ruyi Residence, they will be the head chefs."
While saying this, a confident glow appeared on Liu Xu’s face.
She was thirty years old this year; compared to many inner-house women, she did not have a lifeless aura.
On the contrary, she was very assured and composed.
She gave off an overwhelming sense of assurance and steadiness.
As if whatever she expressed would surely be accomplished.
Opening a restaurant for a noble family is a trifling matter.
But for Liu Xu, who fought for her own wealth, the impression she left on Ji Mingzhu was very special.
If they exchanged backgrounds, Ji Mingzhu was unsure if she could achieve such success.
Capable people are worthy of appreciation.
Ji Mingzhu’s impression of Liu Xu improved even more.
She smiled, "Mother-in-law, second aunt, and the sisters are already waiting, Madam Liu, please follow me."
Liu Xu lifted her hand, "Please."
While she automatically fell a step behind as a guest, Ji Mingzhu still gave her ample respect by walking alongside her.
"Madam Liu is skilled in commerce; I have a few shops under my name that are neither thriving nor declining. When there’s time, I must learn from you, hoping for your guidance."
In the capital, Liu Xu knows which shop belongs to which owner.
Some businesses behind which there are intricate ties, the true owners are not apparent.
Ji Mingzhu’s shops, Liu Xu is aware of.
She has hired capable stewards to manage them, and they are thriving.
Modestly she said, "I am also in the process of exploring the way of commerce, far from capable of offering guidance, but we can exchange ideas, brainstorm together, and make mutual progress."
Ji Mingzhu chuckled, "Women as competent as you are rare in this world."
Liu Xu smiled at Ji Mingzhu’s compliment, "Everyone has their strengths; I only know how to earn some silver. I hope madam doesn’t find me mercenary."
"Clothing and food must be bought with silver; the ability to earn money is the foundation of livelihood. Those who call you mercenary are likely jealous of your earning skills."
It was apparent that Ji Mingzhu was unpretentious and straightforward; Liu Xu blinked.
"I’ll remember these words. Next time anyone tells me I reek of money, I’ll uphold your banner, madam, to see who dares to speak nonsense."
Ji Mingzhu was amused.
She hadn’t expected Lan Ci’s widow sister-in-law to have such a personality.
However, she appeared quite easygoing for now.
Though she wondered what Liu Xu thought of Lan Ci.
Ji Mingzhu lowered her eyes, and after a while, asked, "I’ve heard Lan Ci was raised by you?"
What should come, will come.
Liu Xu was already prepared.
This time, meeting with the Xie Family, firstly she wanted to show Lan Ci’s respect.
Secondly, she wished to clarify that although she was once Lan Ci’s child bride, she harbored no romantic intentions towards him.
She never liked the idea of a sibling romance, especially as there was a ten-year age gap; she absolutely couldn’t accept it.
Being independent and carefree was more comforting.
Unless someday she met a kindred spirit, she would then consider marriage.
Otherwise, remaining a charming widow was quite good.
With wealth.
No men.
And possessing a captivating beauty.
Who knows how many are secretly envious of her!
Liu Xu earnestly replied, "Technically he’s my younger brother, but in reality, I raise him as if he were my son."
Ji Mingzhu: "..."