Don't Provoke the Black Lotus O [Transmigration Novel] - Chapter 26

26: Huang Runfa

Half an hour ago, Xi Lingxue and Jin Yu left the Marquis’s residence. Instead of taking a carriage, they chose to walk to their destination.

Xi Lingxue wore a veil hat, concealing her stunning beauty.

Upon arrival, Huang Fu directly led the two upstairs and into the room on the left, locking the door behind them.

The layout of the rooms on both sides was roughly the same, with no goods stored inside. In fact, they were specifically used for discussions.

Their shop served a dual purpose: to make a profit and to gather various pieces of information.

Xi Lingxue and Huang Fu briefly discussed the shop’s affairs, preliminarily selecting the locations for several branch stores, before moving on to the main topic.

“Any results on those two individuals?”

The topic was quite abrupt, but Huang Fu was already accustomed to the princess’s way of speaking. After a moment of thought, she replied, “There is no one named Zhou Yilun in the capital, but there are two Huang Rongs…”

Xi Lingxue listened attentively. One of them was a matchmaker in her fifties. The other was still studying at a private school, just seven years old this year. Both came from ordinary families, seemingly nothing special.

Xi Lingxue felt a headache coming on.

Was this name just Gao Yi’s ramblings, or had she been looking in the wrong direction? Perhaps the two were not in the capital?

After a moment of silence, Xi Lingxue said, “Gao Yi will come here after court.”

“Ah?” Huang Fu suddenly felt a bit scared. “The Marquis is—”

Could it be that she’s coming for her again…

It really sends shivers down one’s spine.

“I asked her to come.” Xi Lingxue said. “Because of those prescriptions, she must have some misunderstanding about you.”

So that’s how it is. Huang Fu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

She was the shop’s ostensible owner, so the Marquis might not have any personal interest in her.

What she cared about was actually the prescriptions, or rather, the person who wrote them?

Understanding this, Huang Fu felt much more at ease.

“What does Your Highness need me to do?”

“If she comes, bring her to the next room.” Xi Lingxue said, lowering her eyes in thought. “Gao Yi might know that person…”

Huang Fu understood; she was to extract information.

According to her, the princess had been searching for a female knight-errant for many years, seemingly a figure from the martial world. The prescriptions were given by this knight-errant, indicating her significant place in the princess’s heart.

Apart from her, Huang Fu had never seen the princess so concerned about anyone else.

Huang Fu was quite curious about what kind of person this knight-errant was, to have left such a lasting impression on the usually indifferent princess.

After all the instructions were given, Huang Fu went downstairs to continue her work, while Xi Lingxue waited upstairs.

Not long after, Gao Yi appeared.

…

“I’ve been looking for her for a long time. If the Marquis knows anything, could you tell—”

“I don’t know her.”

Jiang Ci wasn’t lying; she had never met that person before, though it was possible they were from the same world.

Since Huang Fu wasn’t a time traveler, there was no need to reveal too much to her.

Instead, Jiang Ci tried to extract some information from Huang Fu.

This mysterious person… Huang Fu referred to her as a knight-errant.

This person truly did good deeds without leaving a name!

A few years ago, the knight-errant encountered Huang Fu and, seeing her family’s poverty, generously gave her these prescriptions… Later, Huang Fu saved some money and opened this general store in the capital.

Huang Fu was also searching for this benefactor, but unfortunately, the other party seemed to have disappeared without a trace after their parting. Huang Fu had never seen her face, only knowing she was a female Qianjun.

“…Alright.” Jiang Ci stroked her chin in thought, then smiled. “Then you keep looking. I haven’t seen her either, I’m just quite interested in this person, so I asked a few more questions.”

Huang Fu felt bitter inside, forcing a smile.

…It’s over, nothing was extracted.

In the next room, Xi Lingxue, who was eavesdropping, held her forehead, and she and Jin Yu fell into silence.

After a while, Jin Yu spoke up, “…This, it’s not really Sister Huang Fu’s fault, the Marquis is just too cunning.”

Xi Lingxue narrowed her eyes, “Indeed.”

It was really a careless oversight; the current Gao Yi was vastly different from before. Even if she went herself, she might not be able to extract anything, let alone Huang Fu.

Jiang Ci then said, “But if you’re determined to find her, I do have a way.”

Xi Lingxue immediately focused her attention.

Huang Fu asked, “What way?”

She knew this was what the princess cared about most.

Jiang Ci raised a sly smile, “That depends on whether Boss Huang can agree to my investment?”

“…Investment?”

“Yes. That is, I invest a certain amount of money and effort into your store, and we share the profits.”

Huang Fu roughly understood, but was somewhat troubled. She couldn’t answer this immediately; she needed to ask the princess’s opinion.

Her heart was weary, these two… why did they always coincidentally put her in the middle…

Next door, Xi Lingxue had already quietly descended the stairs from the room.

Soon, hurried footsteps were heard from outside.

A clerk ran up the stairs, “Marquis, boss, the princess has arrived.”

Hearing this, Jiang Ci stood up, and before leaving, she said, “Think it over.”

Huang Fu: “…”

What was there to think about, wasn’t the principal already here?

When Jiang Ci went downstairs, the first thing she saw was Xi Lingxue.

Dressed in a moon-white brocade long skirt, her slender waist seemingly too delicate to bear, her eyebrows carried a sense of cold aloofness, exuding an ethereal aura.

Jiang Ci’s steps paused for a moment, slightly dazed, struck again by such beauty.

Huang Fu came forward to “exchange pleasantries” with Xi Lingxue, her eyes unable to hide a sense of shame when their gazes met.

Huang Fu: Sorry princess! Your subordinate is incompetent!

Jin Yu gave her a sympathetic look: It’s really not your fault, mainly because the other party isn’t normal.

Jiang Ci was still waiting to see what the black lotus had in mind, but Xi Lingxue just wandered around the shop, picking out a few accessories as if she was simply there to shop.

…What’s going on? Could she have been mistaken?

Just as Jiang Ci thought the outing was about to end, she suddenly heard Xi Lingxue murmur, “If this general store is managed well, it might turn a considerable profit.”

Jiang Ci’s eyes immediately lit up.

Here it comes, here it comes, the black lotus indeed has an agenda!

So she also had her eyes on the general store business!

Jiang Ci seized the opportunity to pull her aside, covering the lower half of her face as she whispered, “To be honest, I have quite some insight into the ways of commerce. If we could collaborate with Boss Huang, we could definitely make a fortune in the future!”

“Oh?” Xi Lingxue glanced at her lightly, “What kind of collaboration?”

“Investment.”

Jiang Ci briefly explained to her, also painting a very big picture, detailing the benefits of having money.

Xi Lingxue was visibly tempted, but still hesitated, “The royal family of Yu cannot engage in commerce, and since you’ve married me, you can’t get involved in these matters either.”

“Silly, do you think the Crown Prince and Prince Duan are completely clean?” Jiang Ci looked around, then whispered again, “If we’re careful, we won’t be discovered. Fortune favors the bold!”

Xi Lingxue raised an eyebrow slightly, “Then…?”

Jiang Ci was delighted inside, “Since everyone’s here today, why don’t we discuss it with Boss Huang right now?”

She was confident about Huang Fu; with the prospect of profit, the other party would surely agree.

If the collaboration was successful, she and the black lotus could earn more silver. As the saying goes, the economic base determines the superstructure; with a solid foundation, it would be easier to expand later.

Moreover, if the general store’s reputation could be spread, the probability of finding another time traveler would also increase.

Killing two birds with one stone, why not!

Their eyes met, and after a few moments, both smiled meaningfully.

Jiang Ci: Done~

Xi Lingxue: Hooked.

Jin Yu, who had been following the two, felt a chill run down her spine witnessing all this.

The Marquis thought her scheme had succeeded, but in reality, she had already stepped into the princess’s trap…

Heavens, one is darker than the other!

Poor Sister Huang Fu, how much more heartache she’ll have to endure in the future!

…

Half an incense stick later, the four of them were back upstairs, still in the room on the right.

Jiang Ci, representing herself and Xi Lingxue, discussed the collaboration with Huang Fu. As expected, Huang Fu had already made up her mind and agreed to the investment. The specific work and profit-sharing details would be outlined in a contract Jiang Ci would draft later.

Jin Yu silently watched them act, suddenly feeling a bit sorry for Gao Yi, as she was the only one at the table kept in the dark.

Jiang Ci was still pondering the development of the general store, “As for the location of the branch stores—”

Xi Lingxue gave Huang Fu a look.

“Uh, I have some ideas.” Huang Fu took out a map of the capital, with marks made by Xi Lingxue earlier, “These are the places I’ve chosen, what do you think?”

Jiang Ci examined it closely, frowning, “Tsk, no offense Boss Huang… but you really don’t know how to pick.”

Huang Fu pursed her lips and lowered her head, not daring to speak.

Xi Lingxue narrowed her eyes, her tone somewhat displeased, “They’re all prime locations on bustling streets, what’s wrong with them?”

“Everything’s wrong!” Jiang Ci pointed out bluntly, “First, we need to understand our product positioning. Things like face masks and glass accessories are luxuries that only people with some disposable income would buy. They’re not for the common folk, so the stores should be located where the middle and upper classes gather.”

“Your choice of location is off.” Jiang Ci directly crossed out a big spot on the map.

Xi Lingxue: “…”

Huang Fu rubbed her nose, wow, the princess had spent the whole afternoon yesterday selecting these spots, and the Marquis just crossed them out with two strokes!

Jiang Ci said, “The red-light district would be perfect, it fits our product positioning. Plus, opening there, we can also gather more insider information.”

Jin Yu’s eyes widened, “…I never realized you knew so much!”

Huang Fu also clapped in admiration, “Brilliant, I never thought the Marquis could be so meticulous! Impressive, impressive!”

“Flattery, flattery.” Jiang Ci didn’t let the praise go to her head and continued, “By the way, Boss Huang, was the store’s decoration also designed by you? I mean, was it arranged according to your ideas?”

Huang Fu glanced at Xi Lingxue’s slightly cold expression, feeling guilty, “…Yes, it was all me.”

Jiang Ci shook her head and sighed, “This definitely won’t do, it needs a major overhaul!”

Huang Fu’s mouth twitched.

“Hmph.” Xi Lingxue couldn’t help but snort, smiling wryly, “The decoration is also not up to par?”

Huh???

Jiang Ci looked up at her, was it her imagination… or did the black lotus seem a bit sarcastic?

Jiang Ci continued, “Our store must have its own unique characteristics, going for a generic style won’t do, it doesn’t match our products or our clientele. When I get back, I’ll draft a few new designs for you to follow, I guarantee the profits will double.”

Jin Yu listened with shining eyes, feeling inspired without fully understanding.

Huang Fu nodded in agreement, happily saying, “The Marquis’s words have truly enlightened me.”

Xi Lingxue: “…”

Feeling a bit annoyed, she took a sip of tea to calm down.

Jiang Ci: “And the store’s name must be changed.”

Xi Lingxue choked, quickly steadied herself, and asked with a forced smile, “…What’s wrong with the store name?”

Jiang Ci was puzzled, what’s with you… why the sudden sarcasm?

The atmosphere became strangely tense, Huang Fu quickly intervened, “Ahem, the Marquis might not know, but most shops in Yu are named like this.”

“We can’t be like ‘most’” Jiang Ci said, “We must choose a striking name to attract people.”

Xi Lingxue: “Then tell us, what would be considered striking.”

Jiang Ci: “I’ve already thought of one, let’s call it ‘Huang Runfa’!”

Xi Lingxue’s temple twitched, and she rubbed her forehead.

“Huang Runfa is great!” Jin Yu slapped the table, oblivious to the tension, and said cheerfully, “The name sounds auspicious!”

Huang Fu saw the princess’s slightly darkened expression, guessing she must be feeling quite uncomfortable.

Actually, the princess’s previous ideas weren’t that bad, it’s just that the Marquis’s were too novel.

After racking her brains for so long, to have it all dismissed at once, anyone would feel upset.

“‘Huang’s General Store’ isn’t a bad name.” Jiang Ci looked at Huang Fu, “But aren’t you trying to find someone?”

Xi Lingxue was stunned.

Jiang Ci said, “You don’t even know what she looks like, how are you going to find her? It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. It’s better to make the store strong and big. If this unique store name spreads, it might catch her attention. I think, the person who could write these prescriptions must be no ordinary person, maybe she’ll be interested in ‘Huang Runfa’?”

Huang Fu sneakily glanced at the princess, seeing her expression soften a lot, her gaze fixed, deep in thought.

Huang Fu said, “So that’s why you wanted to change the store name… The Marquis is truly thoughtful, I am ashamed of my own lack of foresight.”

Jiang Ci glanced at the suddenly silent person beside her, frowned slightly, “If Boss Huang thinks it’s feasible, let’s make the changes immediately. Also… could we speak privately again?”

Again? What can’t be said here?

A familiar yet strange feeling welled up in Huang Fu’s heart, she forced a smile, “…Of course, Marquis, this way please.”

As the two left, Jin Yu immediately said excitedly, “Princess! If the general store becomes big, we might really be able to attract the knight-errant! I feel the Marquis is quite capable in this aspect!”

Xi Lingxue’s gaze fell on the capital map, her fingertips lightly brushing over the area Jiang Ci had circled, her eyes deep, “Yes… she is indeed different.”

Jiang Ci specifically called Huang Fu outside to the staircase, a distance away from the room.

Huang Fu suddenly felt like a spy, smiling faintly, “What are your orders, Marquis?”

Jiang Ci crossed her arms, frowning as she scrutinized the general store owner.

Upon closer look, this Zhongjun was quite attractive, with fair skin, beautiful features, a slim waist, and long legs. If she wished, she would surely have many suitors.

Huang Fu felt a bit uncomfortable under the gaze.

Just a moment ago everything was fine, could this person be having another sudden episode…

Jiang Ci raised an eyebrow, “Did you know the princess before?”

Huang Fu’s heart skipped a beat, she quickly said, “No, no… How could someone as lowly as me know someone as noble as the princess?”

Jiang Ci smiled slightly, “Just asking, why are you so nervous?”

This made Huang Fu even more panicked, “This, your subject… why would the Marquis ask such a thing?”

Jiang Ci thought sourly, why else, she had just pointed out a few of Huang Fu’s mistakes, and look at how sarcastic the black lotus was. Plus, before, to prove Huang Fu’s innocence, Xi Lingxue had specifically invited Zhang Chengji.

At the time, Jiang Ci thought it was for her sake, but now it seemed it might have been for Huang Fu!

This character wasn’t in the original book.

Jiang Ci stepped closer, squinting, “The princess… has feelings for you?”

Pfft—

Huang Fu felt like spitting bl00d in her heart, lamenting why she always ended up in such strange misunderstandings!

No wonder she felt a familiar sensation earlier.

Last time at the Marquis’s residence, she was afraid the princess would overthink. This time at the general store, she was afraid the Marquis would overthink.

“How could that be, Marquis… The princess’s standards are so high, how could she possibly be interested in someone like me?!”

“So you have a crush on the princess then?”

“Please stop talking nonsense… I have never had any improper thoughts about the princess…”

Jiang Ci saw her looking utterly exhausted, almost on the verge of tears, and it didn’t seem like she was lying.

…Could she have been overthinking?

Jiang Ci sighed, then patted Huang Fu, “Sorry about that, I just, had a thought… Anyway, Boss Huang, since we’ve met, let’s not stand on ceremony with titles, let’s be sisters, make friends, alright?”

Huang Fu: Sisters? Haha…

“Your subject—”

“Hmm?”

“Uh… I understand.”

…

After leaving the general store, Jiang Ci went to the railing to untie the reins and lead the horse.

Xi Lingxue stood at the door, politely “saying goodbye” to Boss Huang.

Xi Lingxue: “What did you talk about when you went out earlier?”

Huang Fu pursed her lips, looking somewhat unnatural, she hesitated for a moment, then finally blurted out, “The Marquis suspects that I have an affair with the princess!”

“Ah???” Jin Yu was completely stunned, “I just thought she was smart, and now she’s acting up again?!”

Xi Lingxue let out a long sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration, “…It’s fine. If she approaches you again, no matter what she says, try to relay it to me exactly as is.”

Huang Fu smiled bitterly, “Yes…”