The Princess Who Married The Crown Prince(GL) - Chapter 24

Chapter 23: The Ever-Changing Wife

When Lu Fangting (disguised as Qingli) boarded the carriage, Su Qiuqiu was already seated inside.

Lu Fangting had washed away all traces of medicinal scent, applied Qingli’s light plum blossom-scented powder, and altered her facial features. She drooped her eyelids slightly, obscuring her natural double creases, and padded the sides of her nose to flatten it.

“Sister Qingli, it’s been so long! Come over here…” Su Qiuqiu greeted her warmly, urging her closer.

“Mmm…” As Lu Fangting settled beside Su Qiuqiu, she caught a milky scent. Su Qiuqiu had been drinking goat’s milk daily, claiming it was good for her health and would help her grow taller.

In Great Chu, no one drank cow’s milk, nor were dairy cows raised. When Su Qiuqiu inquired about it, she was told that only northern barbarians consumed bovine milk. Goat’s milk was more common, used occasionally in cooking but not a daily staple.

Determined to have a constant supply, Su Qiuqiu had instructed the household staff to purchase several goats. Each time she drank, she insisted Lu Fangting to drink some as well.

“Sister Qingli, something wonderful happened recently… I’m dying to share it with someone, but it’s a secret. Even though you’re my best friend, I can’t tell you yet… Don’t be sad! I’ll treat you to a delicious meal at Qingfeng Tower later,” Su Qiuqiu said with a radiant smile as Qingli approached. Her expression clearly showed she was bursting to say something, yet holding back.

“…Alright…” Lu Fangting managed, then fell silent. Others might not notice, but Lu Fangting instinctively sensed that Su Qiuqiu was referring to her secret as a woman. *It’s infuriating enough that she’s so nonchalant about it, but to be this excited? What kind of twisted logic is that…?*

Lu Fangting couldn’t help but marvel inwardly at how truly unique this young madam was.

“Elder Sister, why do you still have so many freckles? Didn’t the cream I gave you work? Hmm… I guess I need to add something more… No worries! I’ve been researching concealers lately. When applied to the face, they cover up even the tiniest imperfections. I’ll give you a proper makeover soon—you’ll look absolutely stunning!” Su Qiuqiu said, tapping her finger as she gazed at the freckles on Lu Fangting’s face.

“Uh…” Lu Fangting remained silent. *Dress up? She’s already dressed up. Any more and she’ll give herself away. Madam is being too enthusiastic…*

*Why didn’t she mention doing my makeup as Lu Fangting?*

Lu Fangting couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. Su Qiuqiu, who rarely bothered with her own appearance, was so attentive to Qingli’s needs.

Lu Fangting kept her expression neutral as Su Qiuqiu continued speaking, oblivious to her thoughts.

Today, Su Qiuqiu was visiting the Princess Manor of the Grand Princess, a potential collaborator recommended by the Princess Consort of Zhen’nan. The Grand Princess, the Emperor’s elder sister, held an extraordinary position in court. Su Qiuqiu wasn’t visiting the Grand Princess herself, but rather the Principal Wife of her second son. This woman, Mo Shulan, also ran a shop and was the daughter of the former Vice Censor-in-Chief. Her maternal ancestors had been merchants, leaving her with a substantial fortune. Known for her refined tastes and generally decent character, she had been recommended to Su Qiuqiu by the Princess Consort of Zhen’nan.

Su Qiuqiu presented her visiting card at the Princess Manor and was led to the inner courtyard by a servant.

Mo Shulan, the Principal Wife of the Grand Princess’s second son, was also newly married. Her name, Shulan (Elegant Orchid), perfectly suited her appearance: she exuded the dignified elegance of a noble lady, speaking in a soft, refined voice. Naturally, Su Qiuqiu maintained her composure. Her rigorously trained posture and bearing effortlessly conveyed aristocratic grace.

“I’ve made a few things for you to try, Elder Sister,” Su Qiuqiu said, presenting a small box. “This is my Hydrating Toner, and it pairs perfectly with this Moisturizing Lotion. In the dry winter air, skin tends to flake, but these products will keep your skin smooth and hydrated all day. Plus, they have a lovely orchid scent…” Su Qiuqiu delivered her sales pitch with practiced ease, maintaining the poise of a refined young lady. She felt quite pleased with her performance.

“If it’s truly as wonderful as you say, Sister Qiuqiu, this must be quite a treasure,” Mo Shulan remarked, accepting the small box with curiosity.

“Please try it first, Elder Sister,” Su Qiuqiu offered. “If you like it, I’ll make more for you. We can even discuss any specific scents or needs you might have.”

“Very well…” Mo Shulan dabbed a small amount on her hand and tested it. Her eyes lit up with delight.

“Such wonderful products shouldn’t be kept to ourselves! We must share them with our sisters. What do you think about stocking them in the shop, Elder Sister?” Su Qiuqiu suggested.

“That’s exactly what I had in mind,” Mo Shulan said with a gentle smile. “Sister, could you make a few extra samples? I’d like to give them to our other sisters to try. If they like them, they can purchase them from our shop.”

“Of course,” Su Qiuqiu replied with an elegant smile. “I’ll have my maids make some more over the next few days and send them to you, Elder Sister.” *Mo Shulan is quite astute,* Su Qiuqiu thought. *She anticipated my idea for sample sizes before I even mentioned it. Truly, her family’s history in business shines through.*

“These boxes are rather crude,” Mo Shulan continued. “We should use fine jade or delicate porcelain jars instead, decorated with patterns that reflect the fragrance inside.”

“I had the same thought, Sister, but I haven’t found any suitable containers yet,” Su Qiuqiu confessed. *I didn’t expect Mo Shulan to understand the importance of packaging. One mustn’t underestimate the wisdom of the ancients!*

“Not to worry,” Mo Shulan said softly, a faint smile playing on her lips. “My dowry includes a porcelain shop. We can have any designs you desire custom-made.”

“Wonderful!” Su Qiuqiu clapped her hands lightly. “Let’s discuss some designs and see how they turn out.”

Maintaining their dignified, ladylike composure, the two women discussed their plans to jointly open and manage a shop, agreeing on profit-sharing arrangements and leaving the finer details to their trusted shopkeepers.

Su Qiuqiu had few people she truly trusted. The man she had brought with her, recommended by Lu Fangting, was someone Su Qiuqiu felt favorably toward. She trusted those she liked, so she naturally didn’t question Lu Fangting’s recommendation. She entrusted him with everything—from choosing the shop location to managing the accounts.

Originally, Su Qiuqiu had assumed she would need to micromanage every detail, but now everything was surprisingly simple. All she had to do was come up with ideas and focus on “research and development.”

Lu Fangting watched Su Qiuqiu and Mo Shulan converse from the sidelines. At that moment, Su Qiuqiu’s ladylike composure was no less refined than Mo Shulan’s. Every smile and gesture was gentle, elegant, and pleasing to the eye—quite different from her usual childish demeanor. Lu Fangting found this fascinating; his little Madam truly had many faces.

The shop Su Qiuqiu and Mo Shulan were opening was merely a small venture, but it was certain to turn a profit. Their current plan involved high-end products aimed at the children of officials and other wealthy families—those who could afford luxury goods. The prices would be high, and the profits would ensure Su Qiuqiu a more comfortable life.

Initially, Su Qiuqiu had envisioned opening one or two shops, content with a few hundred taels in annual income. Now, however, she harbored far grander ambitions.

Su Qiuqiu needed to “treat” Lu Fangting and buy her the finest tonics, but her current funds were woefully inadequate. She had learned from Lanxiu and the others that Lu Fangting had been frail since childhood, suffering from congenital weakness and an imbalance of yin and yang. She required constant medication to maintain her health, and her condition had worsened in recent years. Only top-grade ginseng, at least five centuries old, could sustain her life—a rarity even in ancient times, worth more in gold. Whenever such a specimen surfaced, the imperial family would inevitably seize it.

Even if Lu Fangting recovered, Su Qiuqiu would still need to amass a fortune. Due to the imperial family’s suspicion and suppression, she had to fortify their position with wealth.

As Su Qiuqiu and Mo Shulan were discussing this, a maid announced the arrival of Su Ruofeng, the Secondary Consort of Third Prince Gong Xichao.

Su Qiuqiu froze, her face flushing with awkwardness. *Isn’t that my elder sister? What could she possibly want with Mo Shulan?*

Though reluctant to face Su Ruofeng, Su Qiuqiu couldn’t abruptly leave. She forced herself to remain seated, continuing the conversation.

Su Ruofeng had occasional dealings with Mo Shulan, all at the Third Prince’s behest. She seemed genuinely surprised to see Su Qiuqiu there.

“Well, what a coincidence! Seventh Sister is here too…” Su Ruofeng arrived with a radiant smile, feigning sisterly affection toward Su Qiuqiu. Her animosity toward Su Qiuqiu ran deep, fueled by the Third Prince’s special interest in her, but Su Ruofeng skillfully concealed it in public.

“Sister Qiuqiu wants to open a shop to earn money for cosmetics,” Mo Shulan explained with a smile. “Since I have some spare time, I thought I’d join her.”

“Oh, I see. You certainly have plenty of leisure,” Su Ruofeng remarked lightly, completely uninterested in Mo Shulan’s business venture. “The Princess Consort is hosting a plum blossom poetry gathering in a few days. She sent an invitation for you, Elder Sister, and since Seventh Sister is here, I’ll give it to her as well.” Su Ruofeng’s “Princess Consort” referred to Gong Xichao’s Principal Consort (main wife). She casually brushed aside Mo Shulan’s shop idea, showing no interest. This was partly because Mo Shulan hadn’t explained the details clearly but also because Su Ruofeng lacked nothing, disdained business dealings, and detested any association with Su Qiuqiu. Despite the Third Prince’s urging for her to maintain good relations with Su Qiuqiu for political purposes, Su Ruofeng continued to disdain collaborating with her.

Su Qiuqiu had been worried that Su Ruofeng might try to get involved, siphoning off a share of the profits and further benefiting the Gong family. To her relief, Su Ruofeng showed no interest whatsoever.

“A plum blossom poetry gathering? That sounds lovely, Sister Qiuqiu,” Mo Shulan said with a smile, glancing at Su Qiuqiu. “It would be a wonderful opportunity to meet some new friends.”

“I’d be delighted to attend,” Su Qiuqiu replied with a nod and a smile. The timing of the gathering couldn’t have been better. Although Mo Shulan hadn’t explicitly mentioned it, Su Qiuqiu understood that the gathering was an excellent opportunity to promote their products. She planned to prepare sample kits for the noble ladies to try, confident that the event would serve as effective advertising.

Su Qiuqiu stayed at the Princess Manor longer than expected, even having lunch there. By the time she left, it was already afternoon. Too full to eat at Qingfeng Tower, she bought some of their delicacies to take with her in a food box.

When the carriage arrived at Prince Zhen’nan’s Manor, Lu Fangting disembarked first, while Su Qiuqiu hurried to the Crown Prince’s courtyard in the inner courtyard.

“How is the Crown Prince (the heir Lu, Fangting)?” Su Qiuqiu asked Lingxiang as she entered the room.

“Reporting to the County Princess, the Crown Prince took his medicine and has been resting in his chambers,” Lingxiang replied.

“Hmm… how’s Xuezhan’s team doing with the soap-making?” Su Qiuqiu asked as she changed her clothes.

“The County Princess’s creation has solidified, but it’s difficult to pick up… and it doesn’t smell very good,” Lingxiang replied with a peculiar expression.

“Haha, bring me a piece later so I can take a look. Soap-making isn’t as easy as it seems—we’ll need to run many more experiments,” Su Qiuqiu laughed. One of the projects she had assigned to Xuezhan and her team was soap-making, using natural lye and oils. In her previous life, Su Qiuqiu had bought ready-made materials online to craft handmade soaps. Back then, the ingredients and molds were readily available; all she had to do was follow the instructions to create beautiful and fragrant bars.

In Great Chu, however, neither pure ingredients nor precise ratios were readily available. This meant continuous experimentation was necessary. Su Qiuqiu focused on adjusting the ratios, while the maids handled the practical tasks.

After washing up, changing, and inspecting their “soap,” Su Qiuqiu readjusted the proportions and hurried to Lu Fangting’s residence.

She felt like a worker rushing home to see her spouse after a long day—her smile was irrepressible at the thought of seeing Lu Fangting.