The Incense Monopoly Order

Chapter 164 An Unexpected Distinguished Guest

"Why don't you try some of the new tea, Second Master?" Shang Mingshu thanked Cheng She, and seeing that Cheng She seemed hesitant to speak but had no intention of taking his leave, she took the initiative to speak, so as not to leave the two of them in silence and make Cheng She feel uncomfortable.

Cheng She smiled and shook his head, his expression both enigmatic and reluctant: "Another day, I will be leaving Huizhou Prefecture for a while. I'm setting off today...you..."

The delicate token he was holding in his fist was so tight that his palm ached. In the end, Cheng She did not hand over the token. It was an aid he had arranged for her, and he knew that she would not accept it. With her abilities, she probably wouldn't even need it.

With my older brother around, he'll lend a helping hand whenever something difficult happens.

Shang Mingshu could tell that Cheng She had something to say, but she cut him off abruptly, leaving only the words, "Third Sister, take care."

"May your journey, Second Master, be smooth and safe, no matter how many mountains and rivers you travel." Shang Mingshu said as she saw him off.

Cheng She gazed deeply at Shang Mingshu, then bowed respectfully, turned, and strode away.

Blessings are unparalleled, and misfortunes do not come singly.

Cheng She brought news that the imperial court had suspended tribute trade this year, and within two days Shang Jinliang brought back news that the court had rejected their family's application for preferential treatment under the Yunnan-Tibet Tea and Horse Bureau.

Two unfavorable events in a row left the merchants somewhat depressed. Shang Mingshu couldn't help but comfort them: "Although it's neither good news nor bad news, it just means less benefit. It won't harm Xiangmingzhai, so there's no need to worry about it. I plan to set off for the capital in a few days."

Shang Mingshu's family knew she was going to the capital. Originally, it was mainly for the tribute market, but now that the tribute market is closed, she still has to go to the capital to support her own incense monopoly order.

After Zhang Yushuang returned to the capital, she had been making arrangements for her. Before the New Year, Shang Mingshu also made some arrangements for going to the capital. Counting the opening date of the new store, Shang Mingshu set off alone with He Sui and her two siblings in a light and simple manner.

Zhang Yushuang had received the news early on and personally greeted her at the city gate, inviting her to her private courtyard, where the servants were all transferred from the Duke's mansion to serve her.

Shang Mingshu did not refuse this thoughtfulness and attentiveness. While He Sui was helping the servants of the Duke's mansion make arrangements, she pulled Zhang Yushuang aside to examine her closely: "It has only been two months since we last met, and you look even more radiant than before."

Zhang Yushuang's eyebrows shone with a light that seemed to flow like a gentle breeze, giving her a rather bright and graceful appearance.

"I should thank you." Zhang Yushuang held Shang Mingshu's hand intimately and said, "Recently, I have been engrossed in the affairs of the teahouse, putting all my energy into it, and I have put all my worries aside, which has reduced my troubles."

There's no time for idle thoughts. I've accomplished something, so how can I not shine?
He pulled Shang Mingshu inside, toward the bedroom he had personally prepared: "The tea you gave me is quite popular among the ladies of the capital. The tea shop has not yet opened for business, but its reputation is already growing."

In the past, she devoted herself to the inner quarters, learning to manage the household affairs. In her spare time, she would socialize with the ladies of various families, which mainly involved flower viewing banquets, reciting poems and songs, or appreciating each other's new possessions.

As the legitimate daughter of a duke's family, Zhang Yushuang naturally possessed considerable family property. The duke's mansion had shrewd managers to handle her affairs, and she only needed to be able to read the accounts and avoid being fooled. Too much interference would cause the servants following her to panic. These deep mansions were too intricate and interconnected, and as long as there was no wrongdoing, she would not personally intervene.

Shang Mingshu's incense-collecting order was something she had worked hard on from beginning to end. At first, it was just a legitimate excuse to avoid Prince Yu. Later, she achieved some success and gained a sense of accomplishment from it, which made her more and more interested.

"If you don't mind, I'll be happy to help you with the teahouse in the capital from now on." Shang Mingshu hadn't expected Zhang Yushuang to go to such lengths to help her.

The location for the teahouse under the Quexiang Order has been completed, and the signboard is covered with red silk. As people pass by, many well-dressed people discuss it, and servants from wealthy families inquire when it will open. "You should rest well for two days. On the opening day, I will invite a distinguished guest," Zhang Yushuang said with a mysterious smile.

She deliberately kept everyone in suspense, so Shang Mingshu didn't press for details. She had many guesses about the person Zhang Yushuang could call a distinguished guest, but she never expected that it would be the Princess Consort of Yu!

Shang Mingshu greeted this distinguished guest, who was dressed in a luxurious yet elegant manner. Princess Yu was very thin, and her exquisite makeup could not hide the sickly look between her brows. She looked like a gentle and frail beauty.

The arrival of Princess Yu made the noble ladies of the capital even more eager to come. Some of those who were invited did not come with good intentions, and some who were at odds with Zhang Yushuang may even have malicious intentions.

No one expected Zhang Yushuang to invite Princess Yu. There was a lot of gossip in the capital, and many eyes were subtly observing Princess Yu and Zhang Yushuang.

Princess Consort Yu was unwell and did not stay long; Prince Yu came to fetch her personally.

Shang Mingshu looked at Prince Yu, who stood between Zhang Yushuang and Princess Yu, with a complicated expression. Prince Yu was beaming with joy. In front of Zhang Yushuang, he spoke gently and considerately to Princess Yu, and he also made no attempt to hide his affection for Zhang Yushuang, praising her highly...

Even though she knew that it was common for men to have women on both sides, the person standing in front of her was the son of an emperor, a man of noble status.

This scene still made Shang Mingshu feel uncomfortable.

She knew why; she felt sorry for Zhang Yushuang and considered her a close friend. A woman as talented and beautiful as Zhang Yushuang should not be matched with such a man.

If Zhang Yushuang only sought wealth and status, Shang Mingshu would not have felt sorry for her. But Zhang Yushuang was born into a life of luxury, and what she sought was a devoted and faithful man.

Soon Prince Yu and his wife left. Because of the arrival of these distinguished guests, there were many people who came to support them, and the tea from the tea-selling order could not meet the demand.

Knowing that this was not entirely due to the charm of her flower tea itself, Shang Mingshu was happy as long as a qualified merchant could make a legitimate profit. Moreover, the plaque of the Imperial Incense Monopoly Order was actually handwritten by Prince Yu!

"This is my congratulatory gift to you." Zhang Yushuang did her best to plan for Shang Mingshu.

Your Majesty has few children, and only Prince Yu has achieved success. He is not only the eldest son among the surviving princes, but also the only one with outstanding abilities and a good reputation.

Everyone knows that if Prince Yu himself does not suffer any mishap or commit any heinous crime of treason, he will surely be of immeasurable nobility after His Majesty's death.

This plaque will have immeasurable value someday...

"You and Princess Yu..."

To outsiders, the relationship between Zhang Yushuang and Princess Yu appears to be a tacit understanding between the two, as if the old mistress of the royal palace is handing over the reins to the new one. Prince Yu probably thought so too.

Shang Mingshu knew that Zhang Yushuang's personality meant that if she really decided to marry Prince Yu and become his concubine, she would never be so comfortable interacting with Princess Yu. Whenever she appeared in front of Princess Yu, it was a subtle reminder for Princess Yu to tidy up and make room for her...

“I told her I would never marry into the Prince Yu’s household.” Zhang Yushuang’s lips curled into a half-mocking, half-sarcastic smile. “She was happy to cover for me…”