CHAPTER 518: CHAPTER 518: SORRY TO DISTURB YOU

The Shang family in Quanzhou, a wealthy merchant household, is currently led by the family head Shang Zhan, who is also known as a great philanthropist of commerce, annually donating over a hundred thousand silver taels to the Great Qing. It is said that the previous emperor even bestowed a plaque for a charitable home upon Shang Zhan.

Therefore, the Shang family enjoys great reputation in Quanzhou, and even throughout Fujian, earning the admiration of the people.

Song Ci, informed by Niu Pan’er, thought, truly a wealthy tycoon, donating a hundred thousand silver taels annually—it would take a corrupt county magistrate three years to amass such a sum.

But the Shang family, donating a hundred thousand every year, such extravagance, aren’t they reaching for the heavens!

This also hints at the tremendous means and ingenious industry of the Shang family’s wealth accumulation!

Song Ci surveyed the elegant room and confirmed the presence of wealth in every corner.

My apologies!

The expression on Niu Pan’er’s face also softened a lot, as the Shang family not only donates charitable funds, but also supplies military supplies to the soldiers in the camp, a genuine expression of goodwill.

"So, you are the family of the trade president, my apologies." Niu Pan’er offered a partial bow.

She truly respects those with benevolent intentions.

Madam dared not accept her courtesy, slightly evaded, and said with a smile, "Commandery Princess, you flatter me; it is only under the protection of my father-in-law, and I do not dare accept your courtesy."

"The Shang family donates generously every year, and I represent the soldiers to pay my respects to you."

Madam acknowledged her sentiment.

"Previously, I did not realize the Shang family had enterprises in Shangjing." Song Ci searched her mind but found no trace of the Shang family in Shangjing.

Madam replied, "The Shang family’s businesses are mainly distributed in Fujian and the Jiangnan area, there are fewer in Shangjing, but they do exist. Such as the Yipin Fresh by the Huai River and the Shangbao Pavilion, as well as a few Xingmin rice shops over in West City—all of these are industries of our Shang family."

Song Ci: "..."

Sorry for the interruption.

Things like rice shops, she did not know in which corner they are, but Yipin Fresh and Shangbao Pavilion are renowned in the noble circles, their businesses are quite prosperous, and it’s not an exaggeration to say they make money hand over fist every day.

Unexpectedly, the owner behind all these is the very family of this lady; truly, she was ignorant.

A maid brought in exquisite tea and pastries, the fragrance of the tea was refreshing, the pastries delicate, and the candied fruit carried a sweet and sour aroma.

Niu Pan’er did not touch the tea, but her mouth watered, and she could not resist reaching for the candied fruit.

A sweet and sour date entered her mouth, causing her to sigh in pleasure. She had been vomiting until her stomach turned these past days, and the candied fruit’s taste was just right, prompting her to reach again.

Song Ci hesitated for a moment, then said vaguely, "Pan’er, if this candied fruit tastes good, perhaps we could ask Madam Shang to spare some for us to take back?"

Being cautious with outside food is certainly prudent, especially since she is pregnant.

Niu Pan’er’s hand paused, she instinctively looked towards Madam.

Madam laughed and said, "If the Commandery Princess favors this candied fruit, then it is indeed the fortune of these fruits to be served as candied ones, we’ll have some wrapped and sent to you, hoping the Commandery Princess does not find it lacking."

"Then thank you." Niu Pan’er gratefully smiled.

Song Ci raised an eyebrow and said, "Madam Shang is really a wonderful person, so witty; it’s a pity I never met you earlier."

Madam’s eyes dimmed slightly, and her smile faded a little, she said, "I do not hide it from you, Grand Madam, this trading house has just opened, expanding business is one aspect, and another primary reason is my husband’s frail health, this trip to the capital is to seek renowned doctors for his treatment."

Song Ci was taken aback.

Niu Pan’er understood a bit: "Your husband, is he that merchant known as Shang Pu, who was born frail?"