The Darling of Heaven Owns a Rip-off Shop

”He’s the Prime Minister.” Prince Kang looked at Concubine Qin making such a fuss and found it a bit amusing. Concubine Qin still didn’t really understand the situation at court; she thought that being a Prince meant she was just one step below the Emperor and above everyone else.

”What about the Prime Minister? You’re a Prince. He’s being way too rude! This is going too far.” Concubine Qin sat down in a huff, condemning Prime Minister Wei.

”Alright, let’s drop it.” Prince Kang cut Concubine Qin off; if they kept talking about it there’d be no point. He’d offended the Wei Family by stubbornly insisting on marrying Concubine Qin, so of course he couldn’t expect the Wei Family to treat him nicely. He switched topics, ”You went to look at shopfronts today—did you find one you liked?”

”Yes!” Concubine Qin sat down happily, scooted closer to Prince Kang, and said with a beaming smile, ”I spotted a shop in a really good location. It has great light, it’s very spacious, and there’s an empty lot next to it where people can park their carriages. It’d be so convenient.”

”Oh? Then go ahead and buy it.” Prince Kang looked at Concubine Qin’s flower-bright smile and couldn’t help being affected by her mood. Smiling, he reached out and gently pinched her cheek.

”But... it’s a bit troublesome.” Concubine Qin said, embarrassed.

”What’s troublesome about it? Do they think the money’s not enough or what? However much you need, just go to the Housekeeper and take it.” Prince Kang said boldly.

”That’s not it. I’m afraid they won’t sell even if I pay. That shop is... is part of the Princess’s dowry.” Concubine Qin spoke hesitantly.

”That really is hard to deal with. How about this—you pick another one. There are plenty of shopfronts; just choose a different one.” As soon as Prince Kang heard it was the Princess’s shop, he immediately turned her down tactfully.

Concubine Qin froze for a moment. She’d just acted hesitant and shy—not to get this kind of answer. What she’d imagined was Prince Kang unable to bear seeing her troubled, grandly saying he’d handle everything for her.

Instead, Prince Kang didn’t even add any extra words—he just said it was hard to do and told her to pick another one.

”But the location of that place is really great. If I open a shop there, the income would be fantastic.” Concubine Qin suppressed her displeasure and went on.

”That’s the Princess’s shop. She won’t agree to sell it.” Prince Kang explained patiently.

”Don’t you have shops on that same street too? Just swap one with her. If one shop’s not enough, use two to trade for it.” Concubine Qin said as if it were only natural.

”She won’t trade.” Prince Kang rejected it outright.

”You haven’t even tried, so how do you know she’s unwilling to trade?” Concubine Qin pouted in dissatisfaction.

”It’s her dowry, and that’s an old store that’s been passed down in the Wei Family for over a hundred years.” Prince Kang looked at her pout and explained with a smile, ”Stop making trouble and go find another shop instead.”

”You just don’t want to do anything for me. I only asked this little favor and you turned me down without even asking her!” Concubine Qin shoved Prince Kang, complaining angrily.

Prince Kang’s expression already showed some annoyance as he said, ”Stop being unreasonable. How am I not willing to do things for you? I already said you could pick another shop; if you need people to buy it, I’ll provide them, and if you need money, ask the Housekeeper.”

”I only want you to ask her, I’m not telling you to seize it by force. You won’t even do this tiny thing! Just go, go—you don’t love me anymore.” Concubine Qin raised her delicate fists and thumped Prince Kang’s chest, pretending to cry. ”You said you’d treat me well. Back then you said you’d make it up to me properly.”