I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Baozhuang Building had a successful grand opening, and Song Yunzhao was in high spirits. While most people were there just to show their support, she understood the psychology behind her high-end, exclusive strategy. She planned to continue this type of business, sticking to a path of "less is more." She could even borrow the "limited edition" tactic from later generations.

For the wealthy, the satisfaction of owning something no one else has is what’s most important.

The place was currently crowded, so Yun Zhao and Feng Yi were in a private room to avoid the throng. Going out now would cause a huge scene.

She said to Feng Yi, "I’m planning to buy the shop next door."

Feng Yi took a sip of tea. "Is this place not big enough?"

"No." Song Yunzhao shook her head. "I want to open another shop for ordinary people. The prices will be low, and we’ll focus on high-volume sales. That way, girls from common families can all afford the rouge and powders they want to use."

’I can still salvage my reputation,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’If not for myself, then for my son. I have to find a way to shed this title of "Evil Concubine."’

’Being a favored concubine would be fine, but "Evil Concubine"... it makes one sound like a disreputable person.’

’That just won’t do.’

’What faster way is there than winning the favor of the common people?’

Besides, in her previous life, Song Yunzhao had also worked her way up from the bottom, so she knew what life was like for ordinary people. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been so many people in later generations buying things marketed as "affordable alternatives."

Everyone longs for luxury brands, but not everyone can afford them. What young girl doesn’t want to use nice things for herself? But they simply can’t afford to.

"We can change the packaging to more affordable materials like wood or shells. That would lower the cost. The brand will still be Baozhuang Building, and the quality of the product inside won’t be compromised much. That way, more people can use the products they love."

A glint appeared in Feng Yi’s eyes. He hadn’t expected Yun Zhao to think of this.

Then he heard Yun Zhao continue, "What woman in this world doesn’t love beauty? But a girl from a common family doesn’t have much money. Who knows how long she’d have to save just to buy one box of rouge she likes. Every girl deserves to own a box of rouge that’s hers."

Feng Yi looked at Yun Zhao, an indescribable feeling washing over him. She hadn’t even started making a profit, yet she was already thinking of being a generous benefactor. Planning for the welfare of the common people... even among the courtiers who had pored over the classics, how many could genuinely claim to do so?

Feng Yi squeezed Yun Zhao’s hand, forcefully suppressing the tumultuous thoughts in his mind. "If you want to do it, then do it."

Song Yunzhao nodded firmly. ’The customer base from a high-volume, low-margin model is not to be underestimated. If this is done well, the revenue might not be any less than the luxury line.’

It was about offering a better price to the people, not about forgoing profits entirely. It was just a matter of earning less so that they could afford the products.

’Since I’ve transmigrated here, my only thought used to be my own survival. But now my life is comfortable, and I have Feng Yi’s support. I’ve been given a chance to do something more meaningful, so why not give it a try?’

’I can make money, earn a good name, and grow even closer to Feng Yi. It’s a win-win-win situation. I’d be a fool not to do it.’

"What do you think we should name it?" Song Yunzhao couldn’t think of a good name on the spot, so she looked to Feng Yi and asked.

Feng Yi recalled what Yun Zhao had just said. After a moment of thought, he said, "How about Treasure Pearl Building? As you said, every girl should be a treasure to her family, a pearl in their palm."

Song Yunzhao was taken aback for a second, then clapped her hands and laughed heartily. "That’s a wonderful name! Your Majesty can reward me with another plaque for it later."

Feng Yi smiled. "Alright."

’It was rare for Yun Zhao to show such a desire to help the common people. How could he not support her?’

’The matter itself might be small, but her sentiment was precious.’

Song Yunzhao’s enthusiasm was sparked. She took out paper and a brush from a nearby drawer, spread them on the table, and began to write out her plan.

Feng Yi watched with curiosity. But as he saw how organized Yun Zhao was, laying out her points one by one, his expression slowly grew serious.

Yun Zhao was a planner, and the proposal she wrote was clear and methodical. When it came to promotion, there were many successful examples from later generations. While many couldn’t be copied directly, she could adapt them.

For example, the "membership system" was an interesting idea. Common people pinched every penny. The offer of a free gift for spending a certain amount, or the ability to use points to redeem products, would hold a huge appeal for them.

As Feng Yi watched, his mind began to wander. ’What if this tactic were applied to the imperial court?’

’What official doesn’t make mistakes? But what if, by accumulating enough merits and political achievements, they could have one transgression pardoned? Wouldn’t the courtiers strive desperately to earn merits and accomplishments for that chance?’

’If so, a Supervision Department would have to be established to prevent anyone from falsifying their achievements.’

A whole new avenue of thought instantly opened up for Feng Yi. He thought this was an excellent idea.

He knew it. Yun Zhao was his little lucky star, always able to inspire new lines of thought.

Feng Yi grew excited. While there were some good officials at court, most were simply coasting, occupying their posts without contributing. A large portion of them were holdovers from the previous dynasty with a web of intricate connections at court, making them difficult to touch.

But with this policy of accumulating merits for a pardon, wouldn’t those who were being controlled or blackmailed by others find a way out?

’Once freed from that control, these people would surely work with everything they had...’

The more Feng Yi thought about it, the more excited he became. The way he looked at Yun Zhao grew increasingly fervent.

Factions had already formed at court, but not everyone had joined them willingly. Many officials had been coerced, forced to submit out of necessity.

’But what if he, as the Emperor, were to give them a chance for absolution?’

The freedom to escape the quagmire—even if it cost them years of accumulated merit—was a price they would surely be willing to pay, so long as they could live the rest of their lives with peace of mind.

Whether it was the Left Minister or the Right Minister, a single tree cannot make a forest. A large group of officials followed each of them, and the barriers between their factions were already established. Breaking them down would be no easy feat.

Such an opportunity was not easy to create, but he was willing to make some sacrifices to give these officials a chance. Perhaps then, the political landscape of the court would slowly shift to his liking.

The more Feng Yi thought about it, the happier he became, and he couldn’t resist sharing some of his thoughts with Yun Zhao.

Song Yunzhao was speechless for a long moment after he finished. When she finally came to her senses, she immediately began to heap praise on him.

’This must be the male lead’s halo effect,’ she thought. ’Things others couldn’t achieve no matter how hard they tried, things they lacked the courage to do—he could just break through all barriers to get what he wanted.’

’Tsk, it’s great being the male lead.’

’But I don’t think this part was in the book. Did this plotline change because I opened the shop?’

’How satisfying.’

Song Yunzhao’s effusive praise greatly boosted Feng Yi’s confidence. He knew that he and Yun Zhao were always on the same wavelength; she was sure to understand his ambitions.

"Ji Yunting’s contributions during the last military campaign were significant. What do you think about promoting him?"

Song Yunzhao’s heart skipped a beat. ’The irresistible charm of the second male lead is truly unstoppable.’

’Xie Linlang already married him. Besides, Ji Yunting no longer has any connection to the original female lead. If Feng Yi wants to promote him, I won’t stand in his way.’

Still, she had to put on a show. "If you give Ji Yunting an important position, won’t that cause issues with the Left Minister?"

’They are father and son, after all. Making a son go against his father... that sounds a bit cruel.’