Chapter 269 - 162: Putting an End to It (Part 4)

Wei Chengchao’s shop has been such a grand success, who knows how much silver it will earn; it might even be richer than his private treasury.

He pondered how he could get involved in Wei Chengchao’s business and take a share of the profit.

Mr. Wei stared at the shop’s crowded entrance, forgetting to stroke his beard.

"Chengchao, these clothes..."

"Don’t worry, Father." Wei Chengchao lowered his voice. "Every garment secretly holds triple the profit. Let them fight for it! It’s called hunger marketing."

Hunger marketing?

Mr. Wei was unaware that his son had learned this term from Da Jiu, but it sounded reasonable, so he nodded silently.

The father and son were chatting when suddenly Emperor Jing waved them over. Wei Chengchao hurried over, only to hear Emperor Jing speak with a half-smile.

"Wei, your business skills outshine those learned scholars in the Ministry of Revenue. Wei, I think your business..."

Emperor Jing was getting to the point when the voices of several women buying goods interrupted him.

"Mr. Wei, I want that set in water blue, quickly note it for me."

"Mr. Wei, do you think I can wear a qipao?"

"I was here first, I was here first."

A group of women surged forward, surrounding Wei Chengchao, chattering non-stop. Overwhelmed, Wei Chengchao had to apologize to Emperor Jing.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, as you can see..."

"No worries, you go ahead and take care of your business!" Emperor Jing chuckled lightly and said.

Wei Chengchao felt as if pardoned and quickly led those women away, going to find Yang Haibo and Tang Xiaotong.

He wasn’t a fool; he had already realized that Emperor Jing was tempted by the profitable scene at the Brocade Workshop.

If he didn’t hurry and escape, Emperor Jing would seize the opportunity, which was virtually the same as outright stealing.

The opening ceremony and fashion show at the Brocade Workshop were unprecedentedly grand. Besides the invited nobles, many commoners gathered to witness the spectacle, almost blocking the wide streets.

The Turkic envoy’s convoy slowly entered the city gates, the leading Akhal-Teke horse impatiently snorting, while the Turkic warriors on horseback vigilantly scanned the surroundings.

Wheels rolled over the bluestone road, producing a muffled sound.

The convoy reached the Brocade Workshop, and cheerful music suddenly came from the street.

The crowd blocked the road like a tide, forcing the convoy to stop.

Princess Yujia was resting on the fur, hearing cheers from outside the carriage. She lifted the gold-embroidered curtain, and the bustling Capital City’s streets unfolded before her like a scroll.

The shops on both sides of the street lined up closely, red lacquer signboards gently swaying in the wind.

Far off, on a high platform, models dressed in silks and satins walked gracefully.

The thin veils like cicada wings, the dazzling embroidery, seemed to be gilded in the sunlight.

Below the stage, noblewomen shook their round fans, their hairpins shimmering gently with the voices of admiration.

Princess Yujia subconsciously tightened her grip on the curtain. The street’s prosperity and the beautiful clothes on the distant T-stage, along with the lively atmosphere, deeply attracted her.

It was her first time stepping out of the Turkic Grasslands, and she couldn’t help but feel thousands of emotions.

No wonder the Turkic people have always wanted to attack and plunder Da Jing. Look at the people gathered around, each looking wealthy and dressed elegantly.

Da Jing seemed so prosperous, with the people’s lives leisurely and comfortable. Unlike the Turkic Grassland, where resources were scarce, and life was harsh.

She looked at her own princess robe, couldn’t help but sigh.

Because she was a princess, she was dressed quite elegantly, but her kinsfolk weren’t the same; some had never worn anything decent other than animal skins.

The sorrow of being sent away for marriage gradually faded from Princess Yujia’s heart, replaced by anticipation.

Now, she rather hoped to stay in Da Jing, hoping that her marriage could bring her people some looms, fabrics, and food.

As she thought about the marriage, for some reason, Zhao Zun’s name flashed across her mind.

She wished to see Zhao Zun once before entering the Imperial Palace, to resolve the feelings she secretly cherished.

However, she didn’t know that she had already met Zhao Zun in Beiguan, but fate did not allow the recognition; she passed him by.

The fashion show on the T-stage ended, and the guests and passersby began flocking into the Brocade Workshop for a tour and purchase.

The crowd in the street gradually shifted into the Brocade Workshop, freeing up some space, allowing the Turkic envoy’s convoy to move slowly forward.

Emperor Jing glanced at the overcrowded Brocade Workshop and couldn’t help but furrow his brow.

The Brocade Workshop was already packed with richly dressed guests, and attendants carrying trays full of pastries were shuttling among them.

Yang Haibo and Tang Xiaotong were overwhelmed behind the counter, with silver notes and shiny silver ingots piling up half the counter.

Emperor Jing wanted to go in for a stroll, but it seemed there wasn’t even space to step foot.

Furthermore, he worried his Hidden Guard couldn’t ensure his safety among so many people.

After thinking for a while, he decided to return to the palace directly, accompanied by Mr. Wei.

In the elegant private room on the second floor of the teahouse across the street, Han Lei dressed as a wealthy jester leaned by the window, lightly shaking a folding fan.

Da Jiu poured her a cup of fine dragon well tea: "Miss, the Turkic convoy has left."

Han Lei squinted her eyes, following her gaze upon the ornate convoy.

"The Turkic twenty-thousand army was forced to retreat; if I’m not mistaken, it must be the envoy sent by the Turkic for peace talks."

Han Lei said, then suddenly pointed outside with the tip of her fan, "See? Zhao Qiao’er’s face is about to hit the ground."

Da Jiu looked as directed and saw Zhao Qiao’er clutching her embroidered handkerchief tightly, her knuckles turning white. Her husband spoke softly beside her but was silenced by her glare.

"Those nobles have gone inside. Da Jiu, it’s our turn to get busy."

Han Lei adjusted her neckline, downed the tea in her cup, and stood up to head down the stairs, the jade pendant at her waist jingling as she moved.

"Alright!"

Da Jiu responded cheerfully, excitedly following in Han Lei’s footsteps.