CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36: MARQUIS?

"No, it was because I didn’t realize the problem earlier," Fu Mingzhu said. "Next month I’ll carefully calculate the silver coins I have on hand. If necessary, I’ll ask Aunt for a bit more."

Aunt Cheng has many shops and dividends from the Cheng family business, and she surely has plenty of silver coins at her disposal.

Fu Shinian: "..."

He was careless and forgot that Aunt Cheng is even wealthier.

Fu Shinian thought for a moment and said, "Aunt has more money because she gets dividends from the Cheng family business."

"Why don’t you also see if there’s a promising business and invest some silver coins in it?" Fu Shinian proposed, "That way, money makes money, and you won’t have to ask Aunt for it. Furthermore, investing in business is like saving money."

"That sounds good, but if I suggest it, Uncle definitely won’t take my money," Fu Mingzhu said.

Fu Shinian then suggested, "Then let’s run a business ourselves."

"Run our own business?" Fu Mingzhu hesitated, "Is that feasible? I’ve never done business before, nor have I understood it."

"There’s nothing impossible about it. We can ask Uncle Cheng for advice," Fu Shinian said. "I can make fragrances and scented balls, and even the Old Madam praises me for making good scents."

"Why don’t we start a fragrance shop together?" Fu Shinian proposed, "We can consult with Uncle Cheng about the specifics."

"Instead of monthly allowances from Aunt, we could earn for ourselves. The more we earn, the more we can spend." Fu Shinian said enthusiastically, "What do you think, sister?"

"Great!" Fu Mingzhu excitedly stood up, "Even though I know nothing about business, I have faith in your fragrances."

Fu Mingzhu might lack confidence in herself, but she trusted Fu Shinian completely.

Qiu Li silently praised from the side, "Brilliant!"

She believed that even if Miss lost all the money in business, it would be better than giving it to that shameless Xiao Fengxing.

In this way, even if Xiao Fengxing asks Fu Mingzhu for money again next month, she still wouldn’t have any.

Fu Shinian also felt satisfied.

She now shared the same sentiment as Qiu Li; even if they lost everything, they wouldn’t give a penny to Xiao Fengxing.

On the Mid-Autumn Festival night, after finishing the banquet at home, Madam Fu casually said with a smile, "Alright, you three monkeys can’t sit still here, so go out and have some fun."

"Thank you, Mother!" Fu Shinian was the first to jump up.

Madam Fu instructed Fu Changqin, "There are many people tonight, so keep an eye on your sisters and don’t let them wander off and encounter bad people."

"Mother, rest assured!" Fu Changqin assured, "I’ll make sure to stick with them and never let them leave my sight."

The three siblings, accompanied by servants and maids, went out.

The lantern festival at night was crowded, shoulder to shoulder.

"Osmanthus wine, homemade osmanthus wine!"

"Miss, would you like to take a look at this osmanthus hairpin?"

"Ring toss, ring toss! Miss ten shots and get a free wooden carving!"

"Young Master, would you like to guess a lantern riddle?"

"Buy a Kongming lantern and write down your wish! The higher the lantern flies, the more likely your wish will come true!"

"You can make your own lantern now! Make your favorite style!"

The streets were packed with vendors excitedly advertising their goods to every passing customer.

All the shopfronts had hung lanterns, lighting up the entire street.

"Little General Gu!" Fu Changqin spotted Gu Yunze, who was with his sister at the lantern stall, and called out in surprise.

"Mr. Fu." Gu Yunze smiled, "What a coincidence."

"Miss Fu, Second Miss." Gu Yunze introduced his sister.

"This is my younger sister."

Gu Lingyi knew that their mother intended to consider Fu Shinian for Gu Yunze and was notably affectionate, "Brother has reserved a room for moon-gazing at Taste Building. If you three have no plans, why not join us?"

Fu Shinian glanced at Fu Mingzhu.

Since Fu Mingzhu booked late, all the rooms at Taste Building were taken.

Fu Changqin had no objection, and when Fu Mingzhu saw that Fu Shinian wanted to go, she agreed.

Gu Lingyi warmly took Fu Shinian’s hand, "At previous banquets, I’ve only seen you all from a distance, never properly got to know you."

Fu Shinian was slightly baffled by Gu Lingyi’s enthusiasm.

In her memory, Gu Lingyi didn’t seem to be this affable.

While chatting, Gu Lingyi subtly moved Fu Shinian closer to Gu Yunze.

However, Gu Yunze was busy chatting with Fu Mingzhu and didn’t notice.

"How have you been, Miss Fu? After the hunt, I’ve wondered how you’ve recovered," Gu Yunze asked.

"I wasn’t injured, so I’m fine, and I’ve been sleeping soundly at night." Fu Mingzhu casually replied.

Gu Yunze chuckled at her response.

As they walked, Xiao Chengyu and Xiao Yingyue approached them.

"Shinian!" Xiao Yingyue called out to Fu Shinian from afar, running over to her while calling and leaving Xiao Chengyu behind.

Fu Shinian quickly stepped forward to catch Xiao Yingyue’s hand, and before she could speak, Xiao Yingyue complained, "You haven’t visited the mansion to play with me in days!"

"Well... I’ve been a bit busy, haven’t I?" Fu Shinian hastily explained, "Are you free tomorrow? I’ll visit the mansion to see you."

Xiao Yingyue said quietly, "You’re just waiting for my brother’s incense to run low so you can make more, right?"

Xiao Chengyu approached and heard Xiao Yingyue’s remark, giving her a glance.

This sister of his had suddenly become quite sharp.

"No such thing!" Fu Shinian protested, "It’s not that further visits might provoke gossip, right?"

"Even if we have a close relationship, I fear some might accuse me of leveraging our friendship to cozy up to the mansion," Fu Shinian whispered.

Indeed, there had been some rumors, prompting Fu Shinian to reduce her visits.

"Who dares speak? Point them out, and I’ll confront them!" Xiao Yingyue said, displeased.

"Alright, alright." Fu Shinian grabbed Xiao Yingyue’s hand, "I understand your intention; let’s not worry about others’ words."

"I’ll visit you at the mansion tomorrow—are you willing to see me?" Fu Shinian teasingly asked as she shook Xiao Yingyue’s hand.

Xiao Yingyue quickly cheered up. "If you visit tomorrow, the day after, or the day after that, I might reluctantly meet you."

"Deal." Fu Shinian readily agreed, "I won’t mind what others say; I’ll go visit you at the mansion."

Xiao Chengyu faintly smiled, then glanced at Gu Yunze.

When they approached earlier, he hadn’t overlooked that Gu Yunze was walking right beside Fu Shinian.

He cast a chilly look at Fu Changqin.

How does this brother behave?

How can he let an outside man walk so closely with his sister?

Fu Changqin startled, "Lord?"

While studying at the mansion, Fu Changqin was often subjected to Xiao Chengyu’s scrutinizing gaze and criticisms.

Even minor distractions while reviewing notes were apparent to Xiao Chengyu.

No ruler needed; Xiao Chengyu merely had to knock on the desk to refocus Fu Changqin’s attention.

Thus, whenever Xiao Chengyu looked over, Fu Changqin instinctively felt nervous.

Had he done something wrong?