Invitation
“Master, over twenty snack shops have agreed to our cooperative agreement. We have arranged to settle accounts with them on a monthly basis,” Xiao Chuanzi reported to Yan Ge.
Yan Ge nodded. “That will be all. If any other shops wish to join in the future, politely decline them all.”
Xiao Chuanzi nodded in understanding. “I understand, master.”
Yan Ge turned to Wang Xiang. “How are things on your end?”
Wang Xiang replied, “Following your orders, Deng Mama and I have taken over the newly acquired tailoring shop. We have promised to increase their monthly wages to win over the tailors. However, Liao Wencai seems to have some ulterior motives. He has been loitering around the tailoring shop these past few days. I worry he might play some tricks.”
Yan Ge chuckled softly and took out a stack of white paper from the drawer. In his gentle voice, a sense of calm and composure emanated. “What qualifications does he have to play tricks? He is a compulsive gambler who lost the tailoring shop to Zhu Yunzhi. We acquired the tailoring shop through legitimate means. If this person with the surname Liao dares to cause trouble, there’s no need to be polite. We can report him directly to the authorities.”
Wang Xiang responded firmly, “Yes!” Her master had the greatest backing, so why would she fear a gambler?
Yan Ge pondered for a moment and said, “For now, the tailoring shop will continue to operate as usual. However, the previous plaque should be removed temporarily, and the new one can wait. I have other arrangements.”
“Understood.”
After giving all the necessary instructions, Yan Ge dismissed everyone to go about their tasks.
As the others bowed and left, Gao Feng and Gao Yun found their own affairs to pass the time.
Yan Ge took out a charcoal stick and began sketching on the paper. With a few strokes, a simple outline of a dress design emerged on the snow-white paper. He was drawing women’s clothing. He always believed that women and children brought the most money. His next step was to penetrate the fashion market in the capital.
Unconsciously, the sun began to set in the west.
Xiao Chuanzi knocked on the door. “Master, it’s time to return.”
Yan Ge lifted his gaze from the sketch and looked outside the window. The shadows of the pillars were stretched long on the ground.
He put away the drawing and rubbed his slightly sore shoulders. “Is the carriage ready?”
“Yes.”
The group mounted their horses and boarded the carriage, heading towards the eastern part of the city. Shortly after setting off, the horses neighed a few times, and the carriage abruptly came to a halt. Yan Ge narrowly avoided being splashed with tea.
Wang Xiang leaned out of the window. “Brother Feng, is someone causing trouble again?” Ever since the company gained fame, many businessmen sent invitations to Yan Ge in various ways. With so many tasks at hand due to the company’s recent opening, Yan Ge had no time to meet everyone and had declined some of the invitations. So these people resorted to other means.
Gao Feng and Gao Yun had already dealt with several batches of people who came to test the waters. Wang Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi also encountered provocations but they were successfully handled by Deng Mama and Zhao Cheng.
Gao Feng said, “Another fool who lacks discernment.”
A voice called out, “Is the owner of the First Company, Mr. Qin, inside the carriage? My master invites Mr. Qin for a gathering.”
Yan Ge instructed Xiao Chuanzi to lift the curtain of the carriage, and he looked at the five burly men dressed in black, towering in front of the carriage, blocking their path.
“Your master has a unique way of inviting people. Deal with them.”
“Understood.” Gao Feng stepped forward alone and effortlessly knocked all five men to the ground with just a few moves.
Yan Ge smiled slyly. “Next time, ask your master to send more people. I’m curious to see how many it would take to bring down these two capable bodyguards of mine.”
Gao Feng and Gao Yun exchanged a helpless glance.
“Xiao Shuan, let’s go.”
After returning to the palace, Yan Ge headed straight to Huangfu Yuchen’s dining hall. As a ruler of a nation, Huangfu Yuchen was indeed very busy, often retiring without having had a meal.
Upon seeing Yan Ge’s return, Deng Mande immediately ordered the palace servants to bring in the food and dismissed unrelated individuals.
“Doesn’t the Emperor feel tired staring at the memorials all the time?” Yan Ge asked.
Huangfu Yuchen closed the memorials, furrowed his brow, and glanced at the sky. “You seem later than usual today .”
Having spent a long time together, they felt more relaxed in each other’s company when there were no outsiders around. As for the kiss they shared that day, both of them tacitly forgot about it.
Yan Ge filled Huangfu Yuchen’s teacup and poured himself a cup of tea as well. He took a sip before speaking, “I encountered some trouble on my way back today, which caused the delay.”
“Oh? Who dares to be so audacious?” Huangfu Yuchen frowned.
Yan Ge replied, “Gao Feng and Gao Yun took care of it. The First Company has gained some reputation, it is inevitable to attract attention. Your Majesty, it’s best to have meals on time every day to maintain good health.”
Deng Mande quickly added, “Indeed! Your servant has been saying the same, but once Your Majesty gets busy, time slips away. Now that Yan Changzai accompanies Your Majesty for meals regularly, he can remind you as well.”
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at Yan Ge and walked towards the dining table. “If it weren’t for me allowing you to return to the palace before the gates closed, wouldn’t you also frequently forget about the time?”
Yan Ge was momentarily speechless. “Then, from now on, I will return to the palace on time and remind Your Majesty to have meals promptly.”
A hint of amusement flickered in Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes as he gestured for him to sit.
“By the way, Your Majesty, there is something I want to inform you in advance,” Yan Ge said, taking a few bites and remembering his plan.
Huangfu Yuchen casually replied, “Go ahead, tell me.”
Yan Ge continued, “In a few days, I plan to visit the brothels.”
Deng Mande’s face turned pale, and his eyes widened.
“Ahem…” Huangfu Yuchen choked on his food, coldly staring at him. “Do you even realize what you’re saying?”
Unaffected by the icy atmosphere, Yan Ge stretched out his hand and patted his back with a smile, “Let me finish first.”
“Speak,” Huangfu Yuchen said, expressionless.
Yan Ge explained, “A woman’s money is the easiest to earn. I have designed some new clothing specifically targeting brothel workers, as well as garments for noble ladies and young misses. The reason I want to visit the brothels is to find an attractive woman to promote the new clothing. There will be other activities as well. If Your Majesty is available, how about joining me? Consider it a relaxing outing.”
Though Deng Mande had been trained to remain composed, he couldn’t help but sit on the ground in shock. Yan Ge was truly an extraordinary person. He dared to invite the Emperor to visit a brothel!
Huangfu Yuchen’s face remained cold, but his tone softened a bit. “I may not have the time.”
Knowing he needed to offer a compromise, Yan Ge said, “Your Majesty, balance between work and leisure is the right path. I will make all the necessary arrangements in advance and coordinate with Your Majesty’s schedule. Whenever Your Majesty is free, we can go.”
Only then did Huangfu Yuchen nod, his tone somewhat helpless. “I really don’t know how to deal with you.”
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I deeply appreciate your kindness towards me,” Yan Ge replied dismissively. He didn’t believe that Huangfu Yuchen was really surprised by his behavior. As the first emperor who allowed his consort to conduct business outside the palace, he already knew he was ab unconventional man. When Huangfu Yuchen agreed to make a deal with him, didn’t he anticipate that he might have even more unexpected actions in store?
Invitation
“Master, over twenty snack shops have agreed to our cooperative agreement. We have arranged to settle accounts with them on a monthly basis,” Xiao Chuanzi reported to Yan Ge.
Yan Ge nodded. “That will be all. If any other shops wish to join in the future, politely decline them all.”
Xiao Chuanzi nodded in understanding. “I understand, master.”
Yan Ge turned to Wang Xiang. “How are things on your end?”
Wang Xiang replied, “Following your orders, Deng Mama and I have taken over the newly acquired tailoring shop. We have promised to increase their monthly wages to win over the tailors. However, Liao Wencai seems to have some ulterior motives. He has been loitering around the tailoring shop these past few days. I worry he might play some tricks.”
Yan Ge chuckled softly and took out a stack of white paper from the drawer. In his gentle voice, a sense of calm and composure emanated. “What qualifications does he have to play tricks? He is a compulsive gambler who lost the tailoring shop to Zhu Yunzhi. We acquired the tailoring shop through legitimate means. If this person with the surname Liao dares to cause trouble, there’s no need to be polite. We can report him directly to the authorities.”
Wang Xiang responded firmly, “Yes!” Her master had the greatest backing, so why would she fear a gambler?
Yan Ge pondered for a moment and said, “For now, the tailoring shop will continue to operate as usual. However, the previous plaque should be removed temporarily, and the new one can wait. I have other arrangements.”
“Understood.”
After giving all the necessary instructions, Yan Ge dismissed everyone to go about their tasks.
As the others bowed and left, Gao Feng and Gao Yun found their own affairs to pass the time.
Yan Ge took out a charcoal stick and began sketching on the paper. With a few strokes, a simple outline of a dress design emerged on the snow-white paper. He was drawing women’s clothing. He always believed that women and children brought the most money. His next step was to penetrate the fashion market in the capital.
Unconsciously, the sun began to set in the west.
Xiao Chuanzi knocked on the door. “Master, it’s time to return.”
Yan Ge lifted his gaze from the sketch and looked outside the window. The shadows of the pillars were stretched long on the ground.
He put away the drawing and rubbed his slightly sore shoulders. “Is the carriage ready?”
“Yes.”
The group mounted their horses and boarded the carriage, heading towards the eastern part of the city. Shortly after setting off, the horses neighed a few times, and the carriage abruptly came to a halt. Yan Ge narrowly avoided being splashed with tea.
Wang Xiang leaned out of the window. “Brother Feng, is someone causing trouble again?” Ever since the company gained fame, many businessmen sent invitations to Yan Ge in various ways. With so many tasks at hand due to the company’s recent opening, Yan Ge had no time to meet everyone and had declined some of the invitations. So these people resorted to other means.
Gao Feng and Gao Yun had already dealt with several batches of people who came to test the waters. Wang Xiang and Xiao Chuanzi also encountered provocations but they were successfully handled by Deng Mama and Zhao Cheng.
Gao Feng said, “Another fool who lacks discernment.”
A voice called out, “Is the owner of the First Company, Mr. Qin, inside the carriage? My master invites Mr. Qin for a gathering.”
Yan Ge instructed Xiao Chuanzi to lift the curtain of the carriage, and he looked at the five burly men dressed in black, towering in front of the carriage, blocking their path.
“Your master has a unique way of inviting people. Deal with them.”
“Understood.” Gao Feng stepped forward alone and effortlessly knocked all five men to the ground with just a few moves.
Yan Ge smiled slyly. “Next time, ask your master to send more people. I’m curious to see how many it would take to bring down these two capable bodyguards of mine.”
Gao Feng and Gao Yun exchanged a helpless glance.
“Xiao Shuan, let’s go.”
After returning to the palace, Yan Ge headed straight to Huangfu Yuchen’s dining hall. As a ruler of a nation, Huangfu Yuchen was indeed very busy, often retiring without having had a meal.
Upon seeing Yan Ge’s return, Deng Mande immediately ordered the palace servants to bring in the food and dismissed unrelated individuals.
“Doesn’t the Emperor feel tired staring at the memorials all the time?” Yan Ge asked.
Huangfu Yuchen closed the memorials, furrowed his brow, and glanced at the sky. “You seem later than usual today .”
Having spent a long time together, they felt more relaxed in each other’s company when there were no outsiders around. As for the kiss they shared that day, both of them tacitly forgot about it.
Yan Ge filled Huangfu Yuchen’s teacup and poured himself a cup of tea as well. He took a sip before speaking, “I encountered some trouble on my way back today, which caused the delay.”
“Oh? Who dares to be so audacious?” Huangfu Yuchen frowned.
Yan Ge replied, “Gao Feng and Gao Yun took care of it. The First Company has gained some reputation, it is inevitable to attract attention. Your Majesty, it’s best to have meals on time every day to maintain good health.”
Deng Mande quickly added, “Indeed! Your servant has been saying the same, but once Your Majesty gets busy, time slips away. Now that Yan Changzai accompanies Your Majesty for meals regularly, he can remind you as well.”
Huangfu Yuchen glanced at Yan Ge and walked towards the dining table. “If it weren’t for me allowing you to return to the palace before the gates closed, wouldn’t you also frequently forget about the time?”
Yan Ge was momentarily speechless. “Then, from now on, I will return to the palace on time and remind Your Majesty to have meals promptly.”
A hint of amusement flickered in Huangfu Yuchen’s eyes as he gestured for him to sit.
“By the way, Your Majesty, there is something I want to inform you in advance,” Yan Ge said, taking a few bites and remembering his plan.
Huangfu Yuchen casually replied, “Go ahead, tell me.”
Yan Ge continued, “In a few days, I plan to visit the brothels.”
Deng Mande’s face turned pale, and his eyes widened.
“Ahem…” Huangfu Yuchen choked on his food, coldly staring at him. “Do you even realize what you’re saying?”
Unaffected by the icy atmosphere, Yan Ge stretched out his hand and patted his back with a smile, “Let me finish first.”
“Speak,” Huangfu Yuchen said, expressionless.
Yan Ge explained, “A woman’s money is the easiest to earn. I have designed some new clothing specifically targeting brothel workers, as well as garments for noble ladies and young misses. The reason I want to visit the brothels is to find an attractive woman to promote the new clothing. There will be other activities as well. If Your Majesty is available, how about joining me? Consider it a relaxing outing.”
Though Deng Mande had been trained to remain composed, he couldn’t help but sit on the ground in shock. Yan Ge was truly an extraordinary person. He dared to invite the Emperor to visit a brothel!
Huangfu Yuchen’s face remained cold, but his tone softened a bit. “I may not have the time.”
Knowing he needed to offer a compromise, Yan Ge said, “Your Majesty, balance between work and leisure is the right path. I will make all the necessary arrangements in advance and coordinate with Your Majesty’s schedule. Whenever Your Majesty is free, we can go.”
Only then did Huangfu Yuchen nod, his tone somewhat helpless. “I really don’t know how to deal with you.”
“Don’t worry, Your Majesty. I deeply appreciate your kindness towards me,” Yan Ge replied dismissively. He didn’t believe that Huangfu Yuchen was really surprised by his behavior. As the first emperor who allowed his consort to conduct business outside the palace, he already knew he was ab unconventional man. When Huangfu Yuchen agreed to make a deal with him, didn’t he anticipate that he might have even more unexpected actions in store?
