Interpersonal relationships can be incredibly complex. Without finding the right person, it seems impossible to truly understand another's thoughts or to integrate smoothly into their world.
Yet, when you do find that special someone, things can feel remarkably simple. A genuine connection, a straightforward offering of one's heart, and all obstacles seem to melt away.
Just like Su Xiaoqi now. She hadn't known He Qiulei for very long, but due to their business dealings, they spent a considerable amount of time together.
Su Xiaoqi had once believed she understood his character well enough.
But only now did she realize how insufficient her understanding truly was.
His willingness at this moment to forgo easily acquired wealth for the sake of justice and integrity was something Su Xiaoqi had never anticipated.
However, she was very pleased.
Just as He Qiulei felt a degree of concern about her, she too wasn't entirely without reservations about him.
When she had first mentioned stockpiling grain before the drought arrived, her intention was also to test He Qiulei's true intentions.
That's why she deliberately paused, not revealing everything at once as she usually would.
She intentionally created suspense, leaving room for his imagination to wander.
This led to the current series of conversations, and through them, Su Xiaoqi finally saw He Qiulei's genuine heart.
It was this authentic He Qiulei who deserved her continued collaboration.
Su Xiaoqi smiled and signaled for tea to be served, slowly pouring it as she prepared to talk.
"I don't need your profit concessions. Money is a fickle thing; it can be a lot or a little," Su Xiaoqi said, her words measured and slow.
He Qiulei didn't interrupt her. He simply sipped his tea and watched her.
For some reason, he felt a sense of anticipation.
Deep down, he believed Su Xiaoqi would not disappoint him.
"When I was at Gan Quan Temple, I heard a venerable monk on the mountain say that, by observing the celestial phenomena, this year might be a year of drought.
The reason I asked you to stockpile grain was so that when the drought hit and no one had rice or grain to sell, our 'Heavenly Granary' would still have supplies.
This isn't about hoarding to drive up prices, but to ensure that people could buy grain at a reasonable price even in such desperate times.
And now is the time to make our move, before other grain stores catch on.
Otherwise, last year's grain yields are limited. If we can't secure a certain quantity of grain, we won't be able to stabilize the situation later on."
If they couldn't stabilize the market, those families with no stored food, relying on buying grain to survive, would face dire consequences.
Eventually, some grain stores would undoubtedly inflate prices.
Not only would their pockets be emptied, but they might also face starvation.
"So, by stockpiling grain in advance, we are simply alleviating their difficulties?" He Qiulei seemed almost incredulous, hearing this for the first time.
After all, for most merchants, stockpiling grain was precisely for the purpose of hoarding and inflating prices.
"That's right. Our store is called 'Heavenly Granary.' We must live up to that name," Su Xiaoqi said with a smile.
She also reminded He Qiulei that they could collect more than just rice and wheat; corn and potatoes were also viable options.
These crops had higher yields, were filling, and were truly practical during times of famine, all while being inexpensive.
He Qiulei nodded repeatedly, immediately agreeing to handle it.
"This endeavor relies on timing and seizing the initiative. You must ensure your subordinates keep their mouths shut; the information absolutely cannot be leaked."
"I understand. If word gets out, not only will we fail to collect enough grain, but the price of grain might also rise prematurely."
If that happened, the entire rice and grain market, and indeed the entire trading market, would descend into chaos.
Furthermore, Su Xiaoqi decided to start planting more grain in her dimension and stockpiling more from today onwards.
She wanted to contribute her part to the impending natural disaster.
With their conversation cleared, both felt their spirits lift.
It was only then that He Qiulei remembered the purpose of his visit.
He was there to report on the renovation progress of the hot spring estate.
The renovation crew had been found, materials purchased, and they were already working on the exterior facade.
He had hired a large crew, so the renovations should be completed in about half a month.
Half a month meant early May.
Su Xiaoqi roughly calculated the timeline and decided to schedule the banquet for May 2nd.
This would avoid the Dragon Boat Festival on May 5th.
As per tradition, there would undoubtedly be large-scale dragon boat races along the Yuan River then, and many people would go to watch the excitement.
Su Xiaoqi then inquired about the completion status of the upgraded amusement park at the Princess's residence.
He Qiulei's eyes lit up, and he assured her, "It will be ready by tomorrow at the latest. Madam Shen, please rest assured. That's the Princess's residence; it's usually impossible to get close to. How could I miss such an opportunity to impress when it's presented to me?"
"Once the Princess's residence's amusement park is completed, contact the Duke of Yu's mansion and design one for them as well. Regarding the specific location, first hear the opinions of the Old Madam," Su Xiaoqi said, presenting a card embossed with a golden wheat stalk.
In the capital, each mansion had its own identifying mark. Su Xiaoqi had thought of wheat when designing it – its golden color was exceptionally striking.
He Qiulei received the card with both hands, carefully tucking it inside his book. This was a valuable item; without it, not only would he likely be unable to find the Old Madam at the Duke of Yu's mansion, but he probably wouldn't even be able to enter the gate.
Thinking of this, He Qiulei looked at Su Xiaoqi with admiration. Madam Shen was truly capable; upon arriving in the capital, she had already secured connections with several top prestigious families, which allowed his business to flourish.
"By the way, when you begin construction, the guest staying in the front courtyard must not be disturbed casually."
"A guest? There's no guest in the front courtyard!" He Qiulei replied, looking bewildered. He explained that he had been patrolling the front courtyard of the hot spring estate daily for the past two days, and it was empty, with no one there.
Su Xiaoqi mused, "Then it's nothing." Perhaps he had already left.
After He Qiulei left, Su Xiaoqi called Zi Ling over. Su Xiaoqi had seen her earlier, pacing back and forth in the corridor more than ten times. She knew Zi Ling must be there to ask about Chai Zilin's whereabouts.
Su Xiaoqi beckoned her inside and said gently, "He wasn't captured. We don't know where he escaped to now, but the magistrate has agreed to send people to search for him. Don't worry. He managed to escape from such a place; he'll surely be fine later."
"My lady... my lady," Zi Ling sobbed, falling to her knees. "Madam, I saw him."
Su Xiaoqi's heart skipped a beat. "Where did you see him?"
"The… the auxiliary building in the back courtyard," Zi Ling stammered, her voice trembling. She was truly frightened and didn't know what to do. She had paced outside several times, hesitating, before finally deciding to tell her mistress. Her madam treated her well, better than anyone except her own parents. Moreover, her capabilities inspired confidence. She believed that if there was anyone in this world who could help her, it would be her madam.
"How is he? Is he injured?"
"Injured... badly injured. He can't move," Zi Ling gasped between sobs.
Su Xiaoqi sighed, thinking it was as she expected. For someone like Chai Zilin, he wouldn't come to trouble Zi Ling unless it was an absolute last resort, as it would endanger her.
Su Xiaoqi immediately produced some healing ointment, saying, "This is medicine. Take it to treat his wounds."
"Madam, thank you, Madam, thank you," Zi Ling kowtowed three times on the ground.
Zi Ling's sudden action caught Su Xiaoqi off guard, and she could only shake her head helplessly, urging her to hurry back and apply the medicine.
"Be careful with your actions. Don't let anyone find fault with you. If this gets out, it could lead to great disaster." After all, Chai Zilin was someone the Prince of Ning's residence had specifically requested to be captured, and he would be executed on the spot if caught. Even the Emperor knew his background, having once admonished him in court, calling him "bold and reckless, deserving of being sliced into a thousand pieces."
Zi Ling understood the gravity of the situation. In fact, for her madam to allow Chai Zilin to hide in her home and even send him medicine was a tremendous kindness. She dared not harbor any further expectations.