Chapter 520 The soft and bullying sister-in-law VS the sinister brother-in-law who was borrowed 70
"Where did you get so much money to buy a house in the county?"
Yu Yao thought so, so she asked.
Chen Mufeng didn't hide anything, he told Li Mingxuan about borrowing money, and the other party generously gave him five thousand taels.
He didn't plan to borrow so much, but Li Mingxuan gave him so much, so he borrowed it.
"That's it."
Yu Yao nodded clearly, she just said, he definitely didn't have that much money.
Now that he is the number one scholar and an official of the imperial court, selling calligraphy and paintings would be a bit pricey and inappropriate.
However, in this way, he owed Li Mingxuan a favor. Although he and Li Mingxuan had a very good relationship, as good as brothers, the money still had to be repaid as soon as possible.
She wanted to take 5,000 taels from the space and give it to him to pay back the money, but she had no reason to explain the source of the money, so she had no choice but to give up.
We'll wait until the shop opens. Then we can find a reason why business is booming and return the money.
"I will repay this money as soon as possible."
Chen Mufeng said seriously that he didn't want Yao'er to feel pressured or look down on him because of this matter.
Yu Yao smiled faintly, "If you are thinking about paying back the money, maybe Li Mingxuan has secretly tore up the IOU. Don't worry, it won't be too late to pay back when we have more money."
She was indeed right. After Chen Mufeng left, Li Mingxuan tore up the IOU.
Chen Mufeng knew that she was trying to comfort him and didn't want him to be stressed, so he felt warm in his heart. He didn't want her to be stressed because of this.
He did not continue this topic.
He looked at the shop with his eyes and asked: "Yao'er, your ready-to-wear shop looks good. It's a commercial street in the East District where land is at a premium. The rent isn't cheap. And the Jiangnan style decoration will cost a lot of money." Less money? ”
There are also fabrics for clothes, as well as needlework maids hired, and many slaves and attendants have been added to the house. I also bought a carriage, but these all cost money. Without a few thousand taels, I couldn't do it at all.
He was really curious about where Yaoer got so much money.
This was what he wanted to ask most.
Yu Yao had already thought of her words and smiled lightly, "I earned all this money during this period. I thought it would be boring to confine myself in the house, so I drew a lot of clothing drawings. I kept some to open my own shop." I used some and sold some to a big shop. The other party was very optimistic about it and gave me a lot of money.”
As she said that, she showed him the picture album in the shop, "It's similar to this, but not exactly the same. Although I got a lot of money, it was not enough because I wanted to open a clothing store in the capital. So I designed some looks. Selling all the beautiful and unique jewelry to them is enough to open a shop.”
Chen Mufeng took the album and flipped through it in his hand, his eyes flashing with surprise.
There were many different styles of clothing painted inside, all of which he had never seen before, but they were ingenious, unique and eye-catching.
Although he doesn't understand women's clothes and jewelry, he still has a basic sense of aesthetics.
It is certain that once these clothes are produced and sold, they will be very popular and may even become a trend in the capital.
"No wonder you can earn so much money. These styles are very beautiful and unique."
He was full of admiration. Although he had never seen the jewelry styles painted by Yao'er, he thought they were very unique. Otherwise, people would not buy them and earn such a large sum of money.
In the past, Chen Mufeng only knew that Yao Ernvhong was very good, but he didn't expect that she had such talent. He just felt that he was lucky to marry her.
Yao'er originally followed the third brother, but was completely buried, and her light was also covered.
"Just keep the money you earn, and don't use it for household use. Now that I have become a scholar, when I officially enter the Hanlin Academy, I will have a salary, which will be enough for our family's expenses."
Chen Mufeng closed the picture album, put it on the table aside, and said softly.
Yu Yao smiled faintly, "Since I married you, we are one body. What's mine is yours, and there is no distinction between you and me."
Chen Mufeng looked at her gentle and gentle profile, and his heart was full of tenderness. He held her in his arms with his bare hands and said softly: "Yao'er, I am so lucky to marry you."
He was suddenly glad that his mother had forced the third brother to divorce Yaoer, otherwise such a good wife would have to be the third brother's woman.
When I saw her, I could only call out "Sister-in-law" respectfully, which made me feel very uncomfortable just thinking about it.
"No matter what nonsense you say, I am lucky to be able to marry you."
Yu Yao leaned in his arms, listening to his strong heartbeat, and slightly raised her lips.
The two hugged each other for a while and then separated.
Then he continued to work, and Chen Mufeng was also helping to organize it.
The two of them tidied up the things in the shop and took the carriage back.
Now everything is ready for the shop, just waiting to pick a good and auspicious day to open it.
The next day, Chen Mufeng officially entered the Hanlin Academy as an errand, became a sixth-grade editor, and began his official career.
All the Jinshi who passed the examination were successively awarded by the imperial court, and each moved to a new position.
Three people in the first class, Chen Mufeng, the number one scholar, Zhang Shuhan, the second best scholar, and Xie Yunze, the top scholar, all stayed in the capital and entered the Hanlin Academy.
The second, third and third graders are sent out to serve as local officials.
Of course, those with connections in the court can also stay in the capital. As for where to go, it all depends on each family's connections.
This kind of thing is not absolute, it depends on which position is lacking people.
Therefore, during this period of time, there was an undercurrent in the capital, and there were people everywhere who wanted to please people and give gifts based on connections.
Li Mingxuan is the fourth in the second class. According to the convention, he will be sent to local officials as an official, but after the third prince's dealings, he successfully stayed in the capital.
He also joined the Household Department and was the head of the seventh rank. To put it bluntly, he was a handyman in the Household Department.
Although he is a handyman, the household department is a well-placed job, responsible for managing the finances of the imperial court. No matter how many people squeeze their heads, they still can't get in.
Li Mingxuan was very happy even if he was doing odd jobs in the household department.
On the night when he entered the Ministry of Household Affairs, Li Mingxuan booked the entire sixth floor of the Star-Zhaing Building as a special thank you to the third prince, Xiao Jingyan.
Of course, I also invited my friends Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan over.
Xiao Jingyan knew that Li Mingxuan's family was a tea merchant and a wealthy family, so he was not surprised that he rented out an entire floor of the Zhaixing Building.
But in my heart, I was very satisfied with Li Mingxuan's generosity.
He originally took Li Mingxuan under his command because he was interested in the Li family's money. Only with enough money could he be able to bribe more officials.
After Xiao Jingyan received the invitation, he came to the Star Reaching Tower at night. He did not come alone, there were several staff behind him.
He brought these people over and formally introduced them to Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan and Li Mingxuan.
As Xiao Jingyan was a prince and wanted to seize the heir, it was naturally impossible for him to have only three of his disciples.
He secretly gathered many retainers and staff.
In addition, he also secretly cultivated a force called Ange, which specialized in collecting all kinds of secret information and doing shady tasks for him.
Including assassinations.
Unfortunately, An Ge consumes too much money. Even if he has a lot of property privately, he can hardly afford it.
Li Mingxuan's money bag came at the right time.
However, you have to think carefully about how to ask someone for money to support someone.
After greeting each other, several people took their seats one by one.
Li Mingxuan generously ordered many of Zhaixinglou's signature dishes and expensive drinks. It would not be an exaggeration to say that one ounce of gold or one ounce of wine was worth it.
He is now an official of the Ministry of Household Affairs. Although he is only the seventh-rank official, he can be regarded as officially entering the officialdom.
After a while, he will find someone to work with him and he will be promoted.
He picked up the wine glass and toasted to Xiao Jingyan who was sitting on the throne, "This time I was able to stay in the capital and work as an errand in the Ministry of Household Affairs, all thanks to your highness. Mingxuan is grateful. I will do my best first."
Xiao Jamyan picked up the wine glass in front of him and smiled faintly, "Mingxuan is too polite. Since you have joined our disciples, we will do our best to help you. As long as you act loyally in the future."
"Your Highness, don't worry. Li will do his best to assist His Highness."
Li Mingxuan assured with a serious expression that he had already boarded the Third Prince's ship and would naturally do his best to assist him.
Jamel Xiao was very satisfied with his answer and raised his head to drink the wine in his glass.
Afterwards, he put down his wine glass, looked at Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan, and said, "Mufeng, Shuhan, although you two have just entered the officialdom, your talents are not inferior to others. As long as you practice hard, you will definitely become the leaders of our court in the future." My dear ministers, I am very optimistic about you.”
His expression was serious, his eyes sincere, and he looked like he was sincere and valued the two of them.
When Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan saw this, they quickly stood up and saluted seriously, "Thank you for your attention, Your Highness. I will definitely live up to your expectations."
No matter what they thought in their hearts, they looked like they were valued and grateful.
Jamel Xiao nodded with satisfaction and motioned for the two of them to sit down.
Then, he looked at the staff on the side and introduced: "These are all staff of this palace. They are all talented people. You all know each other and will be easy to work with in the future."
After hearing this, several people stood up and greeted each other.
After some pleasantries, everyone sat down again.
Then, singers and dancers filed in, and the sound of silk and bamboo slowly sounded.
During the banquet, there were people drinking and drinking, talking and laughing, and the atmosphere was quite good.
After three drinks.
Xiao Jingyan looked at Li Mingxuan and asked casually: "Mingxuan, I heard that your family is the largest tea merchant in the south of the Yangtze River. The family's business is spread all over the country. I wonder if your family has encountered any difficulties? If so, feel free to tell me. , If this palace can help, we will definitely help.”
When Li Mingxuan heard this, his heart moved, and he instantly understood that the other party was trying to steal his family's money.
Although he was a little sore, his face looked filled with gratitude, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Everything is fine at home and there are no difficulties."
Xiao Jingyan frowned slightly, looked at him and said: "Mingxuan, since you have joined my family, you are a family. If you really have difficulties at home, just speak up and don't be polite to me."
He looked like he was sincere and thinking about Li Mingxuan.
Li Mingxuan sighed in his heart. He naturally knew that Jamel Xiao said this because he wanted to get some benefits from himself.
He thought for a while and said tentatively: "To be honest with Your Highness, although my family has a lot of property, after deducting various expenses and managing officials in various places, there is not much money left."
Jamel Xiao frowned. He naturally didn't believe Li Mingxuan's lies and just assumed that the other party was unwilling to bleed.
But there was a look of understanding on his face, and he said calmly: "This palace understands your difficulties, but there are also difficulties on our side. There is a secret force in this palace called Ange, which is responsible for collecting information and doing things for this palace. Unfortunately, it is too time-consuming. Money requires a large amount of money to maintain, and the cost of searching for information is also a big expense.”
He stopped at the point and did not continue, but the meaning was already very obvious.
When Chen Mufeng, Zhang Shuhan, and Li Mingxuan heard the secret grid, they each looked at each other. Although they were curious, they were not surprised.
Since the third prince is determined to seize the throne, it is not surprising that he secretly cultivates power.
Li Mingxuan lowered his eyes and instantly understood that the third prince wanted to support Ange at his own expense.
Although his family is extremely wealthy, they don't spend their money in this way.
Although he had never seen An Ge, even the third prince asked him for money. You can imagine how much it would cost.
Although his heart ached, he couldn't refuse or refuse.
Li Mingxuan thought about it and could only agree, "Your Highness, don't worry. Although Li is not talented, he is willing to share your worries. Li is willing to bear half of the hidden expenses."
God knows, when he said this, his heart was bleeding and his face was full of pain. The corners of Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan's lips twitched as they watched, silently sympathizing with him in their hearts.
Xiao Jingyan was overjoyed, as if he hadn't seen Li Mingxuan's physical pain, and suppressed a smile and said: "Mingxuan, I really did not misjudge you, don't worry, as long as I am here, I will protect your Li family. ”
He was giving Li Mingxuan a promise.
Although Li Mingxuan's body ached terribly, with Jamel Xiao's words, he felt that the money was well spent.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
He said with a grateful look on his face.
I was so grateful that I was treated as a blood bag, but it didn't show on my face.
Jamel Xiao was very satisfied with his knowledge. The two of them drank a few more drinks, and the atmosphere was not bad.
Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan looked at each other and saw a hint of helplessness in each other's eyes.
Although they had just entered the officialdom, they also knew that it was not uncommon for officials to form cliques in private and cultivate forces to compete for the throne. It had happened in all dynasties.
It's just that now that they are on the Third Prince's ship, it is impossible for them to be alone. They can only go to the dark side.
Fortunately, the third prince is now gaining momentum and is quite popular with the emperor, so he is not without a chance of winning.
The two of them thought about it and felt relieved.
Afterwards, everyone drank for a while.
Seeing that it was almost time, Li Mingxuan suggested: "Your Highness, it's getting late. Why don't we ask Zhaixinglou to prepare some meals and we can use some before going back?"
Hearing this, Jamel Xiao nodded, "That's very good."
Seeing that he agreed, Li Mingxuan called the steward of Zhaixing Tower and asked him to prepare a sumptuous meal.
The food in Zhaixinglou is the best, and it didn’t take long for them to arrive one after another.
Everyone moved to the dining table aside and sat down one after another.
During the banquet, Li Mingxuan served Jamel Xiao very attentively and toasted frequently, and the atmosphere was quite good.
After finishing the meal, everyone drank tea for a while, and then Jamel Xiao left with his staff.
Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan also left afterwards.
Li Mingxuan personally walked the person to the door, watched the carriage disappear into the night, and then turned back.
He is bleeding heavily tonight and needs to think carefully about how to make up for it from other places.
……
Yu Yao's ready-made clothing store quickly chose an auspicious day to open. Because the store decoration is novel and Jiangnan style, and it is located in the bustling East District Commercial Street, it has a huge flow of people.
In addition, the clothes she designed were novel and unique, which made people's eyes brighter, so the business was booming as soon as it opened, and customers came in like clouds.
She also specially launched a membership system. As long as you spend more than 100 taels in her store, you can become a member and enjoy a 10% discount, and you will also be given some exquisite gifts.
This marketing method was very novel in this era and attracted many people to become members.
The business of the garment shop is booming, making money every day.
Li Mingxuan looked at Li Mingxuan so hotly that he sighed that his sister-in-law was a business genius and went to her specifically to learn from her.
Not to mention the relationship between Chen Mufeng and Li Mingxuan, Chen Mufeng still owed him five thousand taels, and Yu Yao would not hide it.
Yu Yao combines her business philosophy with some marketing methods from various aspects.
As well as the membership system, I explained everything to Li Mingxuan in detail.
After hearing this, Li Mingxuan was shocked and exclaimed that it was wonderful.
He had no idea that there were so many ways and means to do business. No wonder his sister-in-law's garment shop business was so booming.
He immediately decided that when he returned, he would renovate the property under his name and establish a membership system.
Li Mingxuan didn't stay long, and after saying a few words, he said goodbye and left.
It is worth mentioning that when Yu Yao returned the five thousand taels borrowed by Chen Mufeng to Li Mingxuan.
Li Mingxuan refused to accept it no matter what, saying that he would treat it as a fee for learning from her.
Naturally, she would not agree to it, and she would just talk about it. Li Mingxuan had no choice but to accept the money.
After Li Mingxuan left, Yu Yao became busy.
Nowadays, the business of the shop is booming, and she is very busy every day, but fortunately she has money to earn, so she doesn't feel tired at all.
She asked the housekeeper Chen Fu to continue recruiting needlework masters and shopkeepers.
She couldn't go to the store every day, someone had to take over the management.
Also, now that there are more than a dozen servants in the house, the house seems a bit crowded.
Yu Yao used the excuse that her business was booming and she earned money to buy a large house nearby and moved her family into it.
The new house is more than twice the size of the previous house. It has pavilions, rockeries and flowing water, and the environment is very good.
It also comes with a large garden filled with various flowers and plants.
Now is the season of spring and flowers are blooming, and the whole house is filled with a light floral fragrance, which smells very good.
I bought a new house and was going to have a nice banquet.
But Yu Yao thought that they didn't know anyone in the capital, so she only invited a few acquaintances and close friends to come over and have fun together.
Xiao Jingyan was also invited over, but he came quietly and did not attract anyone's attention.
This is also done to deceive others.
There were many people watching him secretly, and it would not be good if he was seen having contact with the courtiers.
In particular, Chen Mufeng was highly valued by Emperor Yong'an.
During the dinner, Xiao Jingyan looked at Yu Yao with a flash of admiration in his eyes, "My brothers and sisters are really business wizards. They have made the business so prosperous in a short period of time. It is really admirable."
Yu Yao smiled faintly and said, "The third prince is overly praised, it's just a fluke."
"My brothers and sisters are so humble. It is not a fluke that we were able to make the business prosperous in a short period of time."
Jamel Xiao laughed softly.
Chen Mufeng on the side smiled happily and looked proud.
He was worried that Yao'er was unfamiliar with the place in the capital and would ruin the business, but he didn't expect it to be so successful.
Everyone was talking and laughing, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
Since there were no outsiders around, Li Mingxuan couldn't help but ask Jamel Xiao about the situation in the court.
Jamel Xiao did not hide anything and told him everything he knew in detail.
Chen Mufeng and Zhang Shuhan were also listening carefully.
Now that they have all boarded Xiao Jingyan's boat, they naturally want to know more about the situation in the court.
Yu Yao ate the food silently without interrupting, but she listened with her ears pricked up.
After finishing the meal, everyone drank tea for a while before Jamel Xiao took the people away.
He is currently gathering strength in secret and it is not appropriate to stay outside for a long time.
Chen Mufeng personally walked the person to the door, watched the carriage disappear into the night, and then turned back.
Back in the house, he looked at his new home under the full moon, feeling full of emotion in his heart.
During this period, his and Yao'er's lives had undergone earth-shaking changes.
From the unfamiliarity and uneasiness when I first arrived in the capital to the stability and prosperity now, every step has not been easy.
"Yaoer, thank you."
Chen Mufeng walked to Yu Yao, took her hand, and said affectionately.
If it weren't for her, he couldn't imagine where he would be now.
Yu Yao chuckled when he heard this, pretending to be unhappy and said: "You, you, why do you always like to say these things? We are husband and wife. Don't say these things about our relationship in the future. Do you understand?"
Chen Mufeng was slightly startled, then he realized that he had said the wrong thing, and he admitted his mistake simply: "What Madam said is that a husband should not say such rude words."
The two looked at each other and smiled, both seeing the smile in each other's eyes.
At this moment, Aunt Zhang and Aunt Zhao came over holding Yu'er and Yue'er.
They are already a few months old and starting to learn to smile at people.
Seeing Yu Yao and Chen Mufeng, the two children showed toothless smiles, waved their arms, and babbling, obviously wanting to be hugged by the two.
Yu Yao smiled faintly and took Yue'er from Aunt Zhang's hand.
Chen Mufeng also smiled and hugged Yu'er.
The two looked at each other and smiled, looking at the child in their arms, their hearts felt soft.
"By the way, Mu Feng, I have found the female shopkeeper of the tailor shop."
Yu Yao suddenly remembered this incident and said to Chen Mufeng.
"Oh? Who is it?"
Chen Mufeng asked curiously.
"It's a woman I met on the street before. Her name is Liu Niang. She used to be the shopkeeper of a clothing store, but for some reasons, she left there. I saw that she was very experienced, so I invited her to come to us. Be the shopkeeper of the shop.”
Yu Yao explained while teasing Yue'er.
Chen Mufeng nodded, "Since you think she is suitable, then use her. But you still have to keep an eye on her from time to time, especially in terms of money and accounts."
"I know this."
Yu Yao understood his concerns and nodded slightly.
A Loyalty Talisman solved all problems, but she couldn't tell them.
The two chatted for a while, then took the children back to the house to rest.
Liu Niang is a very capable woman. After she took over the clothing store, she quickly became familiar with the operation of the store.
Not only is she experienced, she also does things in an orderly manner, which makes Yu Yao very satisfied.
Of course, she is also very loyal. She doesn’t have to worry about anything in the shop. She can just sit at home and count money.
Under Liu Niang's management, the business of the ready-made clothing store became more prosperous, making money every day, and even created a clothing trend in the capital.
Yu Yao is naturally very happy. Who wouldn't be happy if she earns money?