The concubine, a former cannon fodder, becomes pregnant, and the childless prince spoils her rotten.

She frequently visited the shop, helping Liu Gulan with the shop's decoration.

Because Liu Gulan had many ideas and designed a beautiful storefront, Lin Zhizhi didn't have to worry too much.

But when it came time to report the expenses, the sheer volume of money was dizzying. "This place isn't like the bustling streets of the city, where shops are so exquisitely decorated and embroiderers are hired. All of this cost has to come from the sales of embroidered items, which the surrounding residents might not be able to afford."

Unexpectedly, Liu Gulan's reaction was even stronger than she had imagined: "What do you know? My designs are luxury goods, you know? They're not sold to ordinary people who can't even afford linen despite scrimping and saving."

"Only the powerful and wealthy in the city have the spare money to adorn themselves. For example, you are plain-faced and can't even bear to wear a silver hairpin."

"Would someone really spend ten taels of silver on a handkerchief?"

Ten taels of silver is enough for a family to live frugally for half a year, but it would probably take a year to earn that much. However, the location here is really inconvenient, so Lin Zhizhi thought she could work harder to deliver the goods to the customers.

As long as we can establish a relationship with the Fifth Prince's concubine and use her to promote these unique designs, we can't afford to lose money.

But when Lin Zhizhi brought it up, Liu Gulan's expression changed.

With no one around, she no longer concealed her thoughts, and her gaze toward Lin Zhizhi was full of contempt.

He exuded an indescribable air of arrogance, as if he wanted to trample this little maid into the mud.

This is what makes her appear so pure and untouched by worldly dust.

"The concubines all know women who serve the master solely with their bodies." As soon as she finished speaking, she remembered that Lin Zhizhi, the concubine, also served men with her looks.

She felt disdain and didn't even think of apologizing for her offensive words. What she despised most were these spineless, lowly people who groveled for survival.

He continued, "No young ladies from wealthy families would want to associate with them. They're all dissolute and frivolous people. How could they appreciate the elegant things I design? Good things should be used by good people."

This gave Liu Gulan the opportunity to befriend prominent and influential people, and from then on, she rose rapidly in rank.

As for those concubines who had no family background and relied solely on the favor of men, they had nothing to do with her.

Lin Zhizhi pursed her lips, looking at the self-righteous transmigrated woman in front of her who was oblivious to the hardships of life, and did not confront her directly.

Liu Gulan only cared about designing and not selling, so she naturally didn't know that the embroidery shops that she thought had the highest customer traffic in the city were selling her designs to concubines who were willing to adorn themselves but didn't know how to maintain their status and abide by the rules.

They were willing to spend the rewards on themselves, and they would also compete with each other in private, wanting to have the same novel items as the other person.

The men behind them are happy to let them dress up and go out for small gatherings, showcasing their wealth and helping each other build relationships to achieve cooperation.

Seeing that Lin Zhizhi stopped talking, Liu Gulan was smug, knowing that this silly maid couldn't argue with her.

After enjoying the joy of victory, she became alert.

Liu Gulan still remembers part of the plot: the Prince's Mansion will be overwhelmed by rumors and gossip, not only losing face but also losing the Emperor's favor.

This fifth prince is the most skilled at using such methods, and he has dealt with countless obstacles in private.

The biggest one is naturally Cen Jingyi. She has not reminded him of this because she has her own selfish reasons, but she does not know who is secretly colluding with the Fifth Prince.

Could it be this maid?

Should we give Cen Jingyi a heads-up to prevent him from being betrayed by those around him?

Looking at Lin Zhizhi now, he felt even more disgusted; this traitor who sold out her master for personal gain.

She became even more sarcastic, saying, "The prince has treated you well, so you can't be so fickle. As the prince's person, how can you think of others? Besides, although I am not married, I would never look at someone like you. Don't even think about seducing me."

Liu Gulan had previously viewed Lin Zhizhi from a woman's perspective, but now, recalling that Lin Zhizhi had disguised herself as a young man and had openly shared a room with her, she realized that Lin Zhizhi had done so without any hesitation.

Although the two were not close, she felt that Lin Zhizhi was of bad character.

It's very likely that he harbored those thoughts, which is why he associated with those shameless concubines.

In her eyes, concubines and maids were nothing more than beings that destroyed the relationship between husband and wife; they were all vixens whom she despised.

Women who never think about this world cannot endure the hardships of multiple pregnancies, and taking contraceptive soup for many years is too harmful to their health.

Most of them actively sought out concubines for their husbands in order to have more children, and each had their own hardships.

Liu Gulan, adhering to her own set of moral standards, could look down on anyone at will.

If the previous exchange was due to a clash of ideas between the two, then these words are nothing short of slander and mudslinging.

Lin Zhizhi's face darkened, and she said, "I don't know where I offended you, young master. I was just following orders, only to make this shop profitable."

A surge of anger rose in her heart. Liu Gulan hadn't even realized that she was being schemed against by the concubine, and was so arrogant as to think that she would seduce her.

Lin Zhizhi felt that Liu Gulan was completely clueless about business, daring to act without researching the market beforehand, and possessing an inexplicable confidence.

It's probably because the sense of superiority she gained from knowing the plot caused her to lose her most basic judgment.

"What kind of money can you possibly make?" Liu Gulan sneered. "I'm just giving you friendly advice. It's not too late to turn back now. If you get caught red-handed, you won't even know how you died."

Despite her intelligence and compassion, Liu Gulan, with the pity of someone in a high position who sees through everything, could not see through Cen Jingyi.

All I know is that he holds lives in his hands and is a deep and unfathomable man.

This foolish maid dared to walk on a tightrope; if Cen Jingyi found out, he would surely behead her.

Liu Gulan, who considered herself not a particularly virtuous person, would not stand idly by and watch Lin Zhizhi die. Her words of advice were already more than enough.

Unexpectedly, Lin Zhizhi looked at her coldly, as if she could see through her thoughts.

"Young master, you are having a daydream and talking nonsense."

"You're utterly ungrateful!" Liu Gulan was furious, feeling that Lin Zhizhi was biting the hand that feeds her and didn't appreciate kindness.

"No need for you to trouble yourself, young master. Otherwise, others might misunderstand that I'm neglecting the handsome and extraordinary prince to pursue a weak and feeble-looking scholar."

"You!" Liu Gulan was not expected to be mocked like this, and her face turned red. How come she hadn't noticed before that Lin Zhizhi was sharp-tongued?

At that moment, the shop door was pushed open, and Cen Jingyi stepped in, glancing at her.

Lin Zhizhi hurriedly got up and bowed, feeling completely at a loss for what to do.

I'm afraid the prince heard what I said in anger. I wonder what he thinks.

Then she realized that it was all true, so she raised her head and boldly looked directly at the prince, blushing with embarrassment.

Liu Gulan watched from the side, wondering whether Lin Zhizhi was trying to curry favor with Cen Jingyi by stepping on him, or whether she genuinely liked him.