~ ENTERTAINING LI YUANYI ~
Jiangnan’s spring is very short. In early April, the weather seemed to have suddenly turned into summer. Ni Yun Fang also started selling the thin and light dresses they used to wear during the summer.
Without Cai Yue Pavilion, the business in Ni Yun Fang had become more prosperous. In respected people’s homes, the clothes that the women wore were all from New Ni Yun Fang, so in a short amount of time, they had already obtained nearly fifty thousand taels of silver for Mu Yunyao.
With the help of Ding Yuelan, Su Qing received the ladies and madams of the various families. Her understanding and bearing had changed a lot. Compared to before, she is quite different. Although there are still some shortcomings, it had already made Mu Yunyao extremely satisfied.
In the middle of April, the Emperor ordered a thorough examination of the salt tax. He appointed Li Yuanyi, the governor of Liangjiang, as his official minister, to inspect Jiangnan, verify the salt tax, and reorganize the salt tax.
Li Munian, as the Salt Transportation Envoy of Jingling City, was the first to respond to the Emperor’s imperial edict. After cleaning up the account books, he sealed them for inspection by the official minister.
Cao Yunnian was an honest and upright official, and the atmosphere in Jingling City was cleaner and more frank than that in other places. Therefore, the salt tax account books were still transparent, and it didn’t take much effort to rectify them.
Mu Yunyao made preparations in advance and asked Nan’er to find a child from Ci You Bureau and sang a ballad about Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo.
“Jiangnan is good, Jiangnan is good, and the immortals will always remember when they come. The colorful clouds around Ni Yun Fang, the immortals’ beauty of Bu Xian Luo, Si Cha is graceful as a fairy, a cup of fragrant tea forgets all worries....”
The ballads were extremely smooth going, and with the addition of the well-known Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo also mentioned, it didn’t take long for the news to spread throughout the entire Jingling City. The effect was so good. Many merchants passed by Jingling City, all came to Ni Yun Fang to buy clothes, and Bu Xian Luo to drink tea after hearing the ballad. If you don’t come there, it will feel like coming to Jiangnan is pointless.
The first destination of Li Yuanyi’s route in Jiangnan was to come to Jingling City. This year, the fame of Jingling City was incomparable to anyone else’s. Coupled with Li Munian’s presence, he naturally wanted to give the family some face. Li Munian was the Prime Minister Li’s son, the Salt Transportation Envoy of Jingling City, so the salt tax is apparent and transparent. Isn’t it just political achievements?
Li Munian brought the officials to greet him, and even Governor Zhang was alarmed. The next day, he took the initiative to visit, and they were having a pleasant conversation. Governor Zhang also mentioned Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo. Therefore, Li Yuanyi said that he would come to taste the tea.
Ming Yin sat with Mu Yunyao in the pavilion, her expression very perturbed.
Mu Yunyao noticed that the hand she used to hold the teacup was slightly trembling and couldn’t help but ask, “Ming Yin, are you afraid?”
“This servant isn’t afraid.” Ming Yin forced herself to stabilize the teacup bit by bit as the smile on her face became more and more natural. “Young Miss, I’ve waited for this day for far too long, and I feel excited in my heart. How can I be afraid? I won’t be afraid. No matter what happens, I won’t be afraid.”
“Alright, tomorrow will be the day Li Yuanyi comes to Bu Xian Luo to drink tea. At that time, I will have someone arrange the appointment under your name.”
“Thank you, Young Miss.”
On the second day, Li Munian accompanied Li Yuanyi and came to Bu Xian Luo.
Steward Qin hurriedly came out to welcome them personally and led them into the Hibiscus Courtyard.
Li Munian looked at the surrounding scenery, and a hint of amazement flashed in his eyes from time to time. “The scenery here is beautiful beyond words. May I know if Miss Mu is here?”
Li Yuanyi turned around. “Miss Mu, you’re talking about is the one who was rewarded twice by the Emperor?”
“That’s right. My wife has met Miss Mu and praised her for her brilliance and elegance. It is an uncommonly rare sight.”
Steward Qin wore a smile on his face, but his mind was full of fierceness. His purpose in mentioning Miss Mu at this time was definitely not simple. “Hibiscus Courtyard is here. Please come inside, Lords.”
Ming Yin, who was wearing a white dress, slowly walked out and bowed to the two of them. Her gentle voice was like the soft cry of a nightingale, and her voice slightly raised, causing people to feel unsatisfied: “Si Cha Ming Yin greets the two lords.”
Li Yuanyi was initially interested in Mu Yunyao. But when he saw Ming Yin, his heart immediately stuck to her. “Miss, there’s no need to be so courteous. Ming Yin is truly a good name.”
Ming Yin raised her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly. She looked like a butterfly flapping its wings. The setting sun shone with a golden light as she said, “Please come inside, my Lord.”
The awe in Li Yuanyi’s eyes deepened. “Okay.”
Li Munian carefully examined Ming Yin, a look of scrutiny flashing through his eyes.
“Milords, what tea would you like to drink? Ming Yin needs to choose the water source and tea set based on the tea.” After the two of them sat down, Ming Yin asked gently.
Li Yuanyi’s gaze deepened, “This is my first time here. I don’t know what’s so special about it, so why don’t you judge for yourself?”
“Since that’s the case, then I, Ming Yin, will make a fool of myself.” A set of tea utensils depicting blue and white flowers was carried up. After Ming Yin bowed to him, she sat down behind the table and took in a deep breath without a trace. The cold under her eyes slowly flowed through. The hatred in her heart was turbulent, just like the tide almost broken her. But even so, her face remained as calm as ever, as if she was entirely at peace. She is like a hunter who lurks in the darkness and waits for the opportunity to cut through the enemy’s throat in one fell swoop.
Li Yuanyi looked at Ming Yin’s every move and could not help but swallow his saliva. She did not do anything superfluous, but it was inexplicably attractive. He had not seen such a woman in a long time that could move his heart.
Li Munian frowned. When he first met Ming Yin, he felt that she seemed to seduce Li Yuanyi. However, after observing her movements, he realized that she did not do anything out of line. She was instead concentrating on brewing tea from the beginning to the end. Was he overly concerned?
“Milords, please have some tea.” Ming Yin closed the teacup and respectfully handed it over to the two of them.
Li Yuanyi looked at her fingers. Her slender fingers looked like they chopped from a root of an onion, and her nails were trimmed and rounded, covered with a petal-like pink color, which was particularly attractive. His heart was slightly itchy, but Li Yuanyi’s smiling face was peculiarly serious as he sipped a mouthful of tea and said, “Miss Ming Yin’s brewing tea is really extraordinary.”
“It’s good that Milord likes it. Ming Yin has made a fool of herself.”
“Miss Ming Yin is a local of Jingling City?”
“No, I’m from Linjiang City.”
“Oh?”
Li Yuanyi asked about Ming Yin’s background and then turned his attention away. He told Li Munian about the verification of the salt tax. His words repeatedly revealed that he had a prominent identity as if he was trying to show off.
When Ming Ying questioned, she replied softly. She lowered her head and sat down at the side without being asked, appearing extremely quiet.
The doubt in Li Munian’s heart gradually subsided. He finished his tea and admired the scenery in the garden. Then, they left after buying some tea.
Ming Yin kneeled on the ground as a cold sweat broke out on her forehead and back. When Steward Qin saw this scene, he immediately got someone to help her up. “Ming Yin, how was it?”
“Your servant is fine.” Ming Yin took a few deep breaths and suppressed her surging emotions. Her body also gained a bit of strength.
“Mn, that’s good. Come with me. Master and Miss Mu want to see you.”
“Yes.”
In the middle of April, the Emperor ordered a thorough examination of the salt tax. He appointed Li Yuanyi, the governor of Liangjiang, as his official minister, to inspect Jiangnan, verify the salt tax, and reorganize the salt tax.
Li Munian, as the Salt Transportation Envoy of Jingling City, was the first to respond to the Emperor’s imperial edict. After cleaning up the account books, he sealed them for inspection by the official minister.
Cao Yunnian was an honest and upright official, and the atmosphere in Jingling City was cleaner and more frank than that in other places. Therefore, the salt tax account books were still transparent, and it didn’t take much effort to rectify them.
Mu Yunyao made preparations in advance and asked Nan’er to find a child from Ci You Bureau and sang a ballad about Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo.
“Jiangnan is good, Jiangnan is good, and the immortals will always remember when they come. The colorful clouds around Ni Yun Fang, the immortals’ beauty of Bu Xian Luo, Si Cha is graceful as a fairy, a cup of fragrant tea forgets all worries....”
The ballads were extremely smooth going, and with the addition of the well-known Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo also mentioned, it didn’t take long for the news to spread throughout the entire Jingling City. The effect was so good. Many merchants passed by Jingling City, all came to Ni Yun Fang to buy clothes, and Bu Xian Luo to drink tea after hearing the ballad. If you don’t come there, it will feel like coming to Jiangnan is pointless.
The first destination of Li Yuanyi’s route in Jiangnan was to come to Jingling City. This year, the fame of Jingling City was incomparable to anyone else’s. Coupled with Li Munian’s presence, he naturally wanted to give the family some face. Li Munian was the Prime Minister Li’s son, the Salt Transportation Envoy of Jingling City, so the salt tax is apparent and transparent. Isn’t it just political achievements?
Li Munian brought the officials to greet him, and even Governor Zhang was alarmed. The next day, he took the initiative to visit, and they were having a pleasant conversation. Governor Zhang also mentioned Ni Yun Fang and Bu Xian Luo. Therefore, Li Yuanyi said that he would come to taste the tea.
Ming Yin sat with Mu Yunyao in the pavilion, her expression very perturbed.
Mu Yunyao noticed that the hand she used to hold the teacup was slightly trembling and couldn’t help but ask, “Ming Yin, are you afraid?”
“This servant isn’t afraid.” Ming Yin forced herself to stabilize the teacup bit by bit as the smile on her face became more and more natural. “Young Miss, I’ve waited for this day for far too long, and I feel excited in my heart. How can I be afraid? I won’t be afraid. No matter what happens, I won’t be afraid.”
“Alright, tomorrow will be the day Li Yuanyi comes to Bu Xian Luo to drink tea. At that time, I will have someone arrange the appointment under your name.”
“Thank you, Young Miss.”
On the second day, Li Munian accompanied Li Yuanyi and came to Bu Xian Luo.
Steward Qin hurriedly came out to welcome them personally and led them into the Hibiscus Courtyard.
Li Munian looked at the surrounding scenery, and a hint of amazement flashed in his eyes from time to time. “The scenery here is beautiful beyond words. May I know if Miss Mu is here?”
Li Yuanyi turned around. “Miss Mu, you’re talking about is the one who was rewarded twice by the Emperor?”
“That’s right. My wife has met Miss Mu and praised her for her brilliance and elegance. It is an uncommonly rare sight.”
Steward Qin wore a smile on his face, but his mind was full of fierceness. His purpose in mentioning Miss Mu at this time was definitely not simple. “Hibiscus Courtyard is here. Please come inside, Lords.”
Ming Yin, who was wearing a white dress, slowly walked out and bowed to the two of them. Her gentle voice was like the soft cry of a nightingale, and her voice slightly raised, causing people to feel unsatisfied: “Si Cha Ming Yin greets the two lords.”
Li Yuanyi was initially interested in Mu Yunyao. But when he saw Ming Yin, his heart immediately stuck to her. “Miss, there’s no need to be so courteous. Ming Yin is truly a good name.”
Ming Yin raised her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly. She looked like a butterfly flapping its wings. The setting sun shone with a golden light as she said, “Please come inside, my Lord.”
The awe in Li Yuanyi’s eyes deepened. “Okay.”
Li Munian carefully examined Ming Yin, a look of scrutiny flashing through his eyes.
“Milords, what tea would you like to drink? Ming Yin needs to choose the water source and tea set based on the tea.” After the two of them sat down, Ming Yin asked gently.
Li Yuanyi’s gaze deepened, “This is my first time here. I don’t know what’s so special about it, so why don’t you judge for yourself?”
“Since that’s the case, then I, Ming Yin, will make a fool of myself.” A set of tea utensils depicting blue and white flowers was carried up. After Ming Yin bowed to him, she sat down behind the table and took in a deep breath without a trace. The cold under her eyes slowly flowed through. The hatred in her heart was turbulent, just like the tide almost broken her. But even so, her face remained as calm as ever, as if she was entirely at peace. She is like a hunter who lurks in the darkness and waits for the opportunity to cut through the enemy’s throat in one fell swoop.
Li Yuanyi looked at Ming Yin’s every move and could not help but swallow his saliva. She did not do anything superfluous, but it was inexplicably attractive. He had not seen such a woman in a long time that could move his heart.
Li Munian frowned. When he first met Ming Yin, he felt that she seemed to seduce Li Yuanyi. However, after observing her movements, he realized that she did not do anything out of line. She was instead concentrating on brewing tea from the beginning to the end. Was he overly concerned?
“Milords, please have some tea.” Ming Yin closed the teacup and respectfully handed it over to the two of them.
Li Yuanyi looked at her fingers. Her slender fingers looked like they chopped from a root of an onion, and her nails were trimmed and rounded, covered with a petal-like pink color, which was particularly attractive. His heart was slightly itchy, but Li Yuanyi’s smiling face was peculiarly serious as he sipped a mouthful of tea and said, “Miss Ming Yin’s brewing tea is really extraordinary.”
“It’s good that Milord likes it. Ming Yin has made a fool of herself.”
“Miss Ming Yin is a local of Jingling City?”
“No, I’m from Linjiang City.”
“Oh?”
Li Yuanyi asked about Ming Yin’s background and then turned his attention away. He told Li Munian about the verification of the salt tax. His words repeatedly revealed that he had a prominent identity as if he was trying to show off.
When Ming Ying questioned, she replied softly. She lowered her head and sat down at the side without being asked, appearing extremely quiet.
The doubt in Li Munian’s heart gradually subsided. He finished his tea and admired the scenery in the garden. Then, they left after buying some tea.
Ming Yin kneeled on the ground as a cold sweat broke out on her forehead and back. When Steward Qin saw this scene, he immediately got someone to help her up. “Ming Yin, how was it?”
“Your servant is fine.” Ming Yin took a few deep breaths and suppressed her surging emotions. Her body also gained a bit of strength.
“Mn, that’s good. Come with me. Master and Miss Mu want to see you.”
“Yes.”
Should be... "Master and Mistress want to see you." Hehe!
ReplyDeleteGlad she succeeded in casting the net! Let's now wait for the big fish!
ReplyDeleteMen are such fixkle beings.🤦♀️
ReplyDeleteHi uwu
ReplyDelete