After the favored concubine remarried, the aloof and powerful minister forcibly took her away.

Chapter 155: Picking Stars with Your Hands

Before Xiang Ning could reply to Pei Yanzhi's words, he continued, "I'll take you to see the shop while I'm at it."

With that in mind, Xiang Ning nodded: "I want to go out and have a look."

Having received Xiang Ning's affirmative answer, Pei Yanzhi reached out and ruffled her hair.

Before long, Bitao helped Xiangning get up and change her clothes.

As the two left the Pei residence, they happened to brush past Mama Kang, who had come to Mosong Garden to invite Pei Yanzhi.

Today is the beginning of the year, and Madam Pei has prepared a reunion dinner. However, Pei Yanzhi would rather go to see the lanterns and boats with Xiang Ning than eat with the Pei family.

Sitting with the people from the Pei family, he was like a puppet, spouting insincere words.

Moreover, Pei Yanzhi did not want to see Pei Feng and Qin Bijun.

The streets of Shangjing were even more bustling and crowded than last night.

Pei Yanzhi held Xiang Ning's hand tightly, creating a small haven for her.

She only needed to turn her head to see Pei Yanzhi's gaze directed at her.

In that instant, Xiang Ning felt her heart beating faster and faster, and she was a little afraid to look into his eyes.

"what happened?"

Seeing Xiang Ning put down what she was holding, Pei Yanzhi sensed her distress and asked her a question.

Xiang Ning shook her head: "It's nothing, let's go take a look ahead."

After saying that, she pulled Pei Yanzhi forward, and the man's gaze fell on the things she had just put down.

Cheng Hua understood, stepped forward to pay, took the items, and followed the two.

The street was long, and crowds surged forward, all heading to the outskirts of the city to see the lanterns and boats.

Pei Yanzhi glanced at the time; it was still early, and the shop happened to be on this street, so he pulled Xiang Ning and changed direction.

He had given them advance notice, and the managers of the three shops were waiting for them.

"I've met my boss."

Upon seeing Pei Yanzhi bring Xiang Ning over, the three of them quickly bowed in greeting.

"From now on, she will be your employer."

Pei Yanzhi and Xiang Ning sat down, and he said this to the three of them in a deep voice. The three of them then addressed Xiang Ning as "Master".

The three knew Pei Yanzhi's identity, but they were unaware of Xiang Ning's identity.

However, being competent subordinates, the three of them didn't ask any further questions.

Xiang Ning nodded slightly in acknowledgment as the three men bowed to her.

"take it easy."

Seeing her serious and earnest expression, Pei Yanzhi couldn't help but smile.

"My surname is Xu, and I am the manager of the cloth shop on the east side. This is Manager Li, who works at the dye shop, and this is Manager Wang, who manages the clothing shop."

"The owner had already informed us earlier. The lady wants to open an embroidery shop, and it just so happens that we all know a little about it."

Manager Xu, who was in charge, spoke with a smile and seemed more worldly and sophisticated.

The three shops have been merged into one, and it seems that this Manager Xu will be the head manager from now on.

"Then I'll have to trouble Manager Xu."

Xiang Ning stood up and said something, and Manager Xu immediately stepped aside to make way for her: "Shall I take Madam upstairs to take a look?"

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ning turned to look at Pei Yanzhi.

"Go."

After receiving his answer, Xiang Ning went up the stairs.

These three shops are connected and originally had a hidden door that allowed them to link together.

They'll be combined into one business. Manager Xu said they can connect the two spaces; the backyard can be used for dyeing, and the front will house both a fabric shop and a clothing store.

As for the second floor, it will be used for custom-made items. The wealthy ladies in Beijing are not short of money, and they can also cooperate with jewelry stores. It's a sure-fire way to make money.

Xiang Ning stood by the window on the second floor, looking at the scenery outside.

"Then let's do as Manager Xu says."

She said softly, and Manager Xu smiled and said, "Thank you for your appreciation, sir."

After finishing their conversation and looking around the shop, Xiang Ning and Manager Xu went down from the second floor.

Pei Yanzhi sat in a chair, looking at an account book in his hand. "Pei Lang, we can go now."

Hearing Xiang Ning's voice, Pei Yanzhi looked up at her: "Are you satisfied?"

"I'm satisfied. It's such a big shop, I really don't feel like I have room for it. But it's good that there are three managers."

Xiang Ning grabbed Pei Yanzhi's arm and whispered to him, "If there's anything I don't know, Pei Lang, you'd better give me some pointers."

"There's no such thing as a free lunch. Asking for advice, sir, requires paying some tuition."

Pei Yanzhi's gaze swept across her face, knowing that she wasn't saying this to him, but to Manager Xu and the others.

He didn't call her out on it; instead, he went along with what she said and said something in return.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Ning was slightly taken aback, and then her face flushed red.

Why does he always bring up that matter in everything?
"Don't worry, boss. We will do our best. We will send the embroidery workshop's blueprints over for you to review in a couple of days."

Shopkeeper Xu said with a smile, and Xiang Ning nodded in response.

When I came out of the shop, there were hardly any people on the street.

The lantern parade is about to begin, and everyone is heading to the moat on the outskirts of the city to watch the boats.

"Are we too late?"

Xiang Ning frowned and asked a question, and Pei Yanzhi grasped her hand in return: "Although this is a folk activity, court officials will have some privileges."

"For example, you can go to the Star-Picking Tower, which has the best view, to watch the cruise ships."

Hearing this, Xiang Ning finally understood that he had planned to bring her out all along.

Whether she refuses or agrees, these are already prepared.

"Let's go."

Holding Xiang Ning's hand, he walked towards the Star-Picking Tower on the outskirts of the city.

Pei Yanzhi didn't forget to explain to her, "Zhaixing Tower is the tallest building in the capital, with a great view."

“By observing the night sky, one can pluck stars from the sky and take in the entire scenery of the capital.”

However, very few people can actually enter the Star-Picking Tower.

Only on such days could they enter the Star-Picking Tower.

Pei Yanzhi walked ahead of Xiang Ning. As she looked at his back, she realized that what he had said in Yangzhou was already taking effect.

He said he could give her everything except the freedom she wanted.

Wealth, riches, gold and silver, status and position—anything he could have.

Xiang Ning lowered her eyes, her feelings somewhat complicated. For a moment, she had suddenly felt lost.

She found herself feeling a stirring in her heart as he seemed to have eyes only for her.

But after the hustle and bustle, where will she go?
"what happened?"

Not hearing Xiang Ning's reply, Pei Yanzhi paused and asked a question.

"I was just wondering, is it really possible to pluck stars from the Star-Picking Tower?"

Xiang Ning snapped out of her daze and asked a question. Upon hearing this, Pei Yanzhi smiled and said, "Perhaps."

After saying that, the two walked to the outskirts of the city.

Although it's called the outskirts, it's actually just outside the city gate, with the Star-Picking Tower not far away.

Fireworks soared into the sky and dissipated in the distance, drums and gongs resounded along the riverbank, and the dazzling lights could be seen even through layers of crowds.

The two entered the Star-Picking Tower and walked upwards.

The Star-Picking Tower is very tall, and the staircases, one floor after another, seem to have no end in sight.

Xiang Ning got a little tired after walking up a few floors. Sure enough, there's a price to pay for seeing beautiful scenery.

Pei Yanzhi reached out his hand to her and pulled her upstairs.

"It seems I'll have to give you some serious training when we get back."

His words were pointed, and Xiang Ning avoided his gaze, not replying.

She was no match for him; he was full of energy and could climb several floors without even breaking a sweat.

Love can be spoken without hesitation, and being moved is an uncontrollable reason, but what I want even more is a vast and boundless world, and the freedom that belongs only to me.

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(End of this chapter)