The Darling of Heaven Owns a Rip-off Shop

Prince Kang looked at the draft and nodded: ”It is quite innovative. If you want to open a shop, just go ahead. If you need money, just ask the housekeeper for it. As for manpower, also inquire the housekeeper.”

”Thank you, Prince! You’re the best, the kindest to me in the world.” Concubine Qin hugged Prince Kang’s neck and planted a peck on Prince Kang’s cheek.

A smile appeared on Prince Kang’s face; Concubine Qin’s enthusiasm and boldness were part of why he liked her.

Thus, he did not mind the concubine spending a little money. It’s worth it to make the woman he likes happy with a bit of spending.

At night, Prince Kang enjoyed the spicy hot pot Qin Concubine mentioned; he ate with great satisfaction and declared it was gratifying. Naturally, he stayed at the concubine’s courtyard that night and spent a tender evening.

The gloomy mood Prince Kang had all afternoon finally brightened up at the concubine’s place.

The next morning, Prince Kang went to court.

Concubine Qin went off for ”market research.” She looked for locations, chose a shop, and selected manpower. The preparatory work must be completed to estimate approximately how much money will be needed.

When Prince Kang went to court, at the gate of the main hall, he encountered Prime Minister Wei, the Princess’s grandfather. Also present were the Minister of Revenue, the Princess’s father, and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, the Princess’s brother. Here, it must be interjected that the Wei Family is truly a lineage of talents, all being officials in the court. The Princess’s prominent family background is not exaggerated.

Prince Kang saw the three, smiling as he stepped forward to greet them.

But Prime Minister Wei started coughing, and Minister Wei quickly approached, gently patting his father’s back, asking, ”Father, what’s the matter?”

”Ah, I’m getting old, can’t handle shocks, seeing some things I don’t want to see makes me like this,” Prime Minister Wei said earnestly.

”Grandfather should take care of himself. After the court session, we can go to the pharmacy our sister opened and get grandfather some tonic medicine,” Vice Minister Wei also spoke with concern.

The three then chatted noisily, completely ignoring the smile frozen on Prince Kang’s face, and walked straight into the main hall.

Prince Kang stood behind them, looking at their backs, sighing helplessly.

It’s normal for the Wei Family not to favor him now.

To change this situation, only the Princess can. Once the Princess calms down and persuades her family, surely they won’t maintain this attitude.

Other ministers passing by glanced at Prince Kang standing awkwardly and whispered among themselves. When Prince Kang turned to look at them, they immediately fell silent, then showed Prince Kang a polite smile and greeted him distantly.

Some young and spirited officials, passing by Prince Kang, snorted with disdain and went into the main hall.

Prince Kang’s mouth twitched; he recognized this official. He’s a student of Minister Wei, appreciated and recommended by Minister Wei, now a favorite of the Emperor. Fine, Prince Kang decided not to bother with him.

...

Concubine Qin was choosing a location.

The Capital City has two intersecting streets that are the most prosperous, truly a place where money flows.

Each day, these streets are frequented by numerous dignitaries. Many diverse shops line the streets, with a dazzling array of goods. There are already five or six jewelry shops, not to mention the ones selling silk fabrics and cosmetics.

Concubine Qin set her eyes on a shop located at the intersection of these two streets. The shop has an excellent location, large space, and a vast vacant area nearby exclusively for nobility to park their carriages.