Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot
Chapter 96 - 95 The Grand Commander, Consort Li is Competing with You for Someone

Chapter 96: Chapter 95 The Grand Commander, Consort Li is Competing with You for Someone

Consort Li returned to Changchun Palace.

"I’ve been waiting all morning—it’s exhausting."

Eunuch Wang helped her sit on the Imperial Concubine’s Couch and personally brought her a cup of tea. "Your Grace, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but are you truly planning to bring Meng Xiaojiu into His Majesty’s harem? She... she is Lu Yuan’s guard. Making her His Majesty’s bedmate—wouldn’t that pose a great danger to His Majesty?"

Consort Li pushed the teacup aside and lazily rubbed her temples. "Precisely because she’s one of Lu Yuan’s people, she would dare not act recklessly. Otherwise, all the blame would fall on Lu Yuan! No matter how capable Lu Yuan may be, he cannot shoulder the charge of regicide!"

Eunuch Wang suddenly realized, saying, "Your Grace is truly brilliant!"

Consort Li sighed. "It’s just that she was once married—it’s quite an injustice for my son. But if we don’t handle this matter this way, the power of the Black Armor Guards will end up in someone else’s hands. Lin Wan’er allowed the Lu Family to gain the upper hand. How much effort did I expend to win her over?"

Eunuch Wang said worriedly, "I’m afraid Meng Xiaojiu might not agree."

Recalling the time Meng Qianqian disrespected her during a banquet in Changchun Palace, Consort Li remarked, "She is indeed a stubborn one!"

Eunuch Wang sighed. "Because of what happened with Lin Wan’er, she likely harbors resentment toward Your Grace."

Consort Li frowned deeply. "Even I didn’t realize she had such skills back then... enough, there’s no use dwelling on it now. I’ve seen her type before—she yields to gentleness, not force. We must tread carefully and give her the respect she seeks. Go to the storeroom and select a few things for me to send to Fengshui Alley."

Eunuch Wang replied, "Understood, Your Grace."

As if recalling something, Consort Li added, "Wait. She’s no ordinary woman—don’t pick those gaudy gold and silver trinkets. Ah, isn’t there a box of Blood Coagulation Ointment from the Western Regions in my collection room?"

Eunuch Wang chuckled. "Yes, Your Grace. Just a few days ago, you mentioned sending it to the Duke."

Consort Li languidly replied, "My dear brother will have to sacrifice this time. Send it to Fengshui Alley instead."

Fengshui Alley.

Meng Qianqian ultimately pinned the blame for teaching her martial arts on Lu Yuan, prompting Nanny Li to curse Lu Yuan several hundred times in her heart!

After lunch, Meng Qianqian instructed Wu Ge’er to summon Liu Changsheng from the shop.

Currently, Liu Changsheng managed two shops on behalf of Meng Qianqian. One was a rouge shop on East Street, the other a teahouse on Chang’an Street—two of the most valuable properties purchased for the Zhao Family with her dowry silver under the Old Madame’s directive. However, valuable didn’t necessarily mean profitable. The rouge shop had steady earnings, but business at the teahouse fluctuated—a property valuable more for its location than its income.

Liu Changsheng no longer wore his patched-up, shabby clothes of yore. As the saying goes, fine garments inspire respect. Since he was now a shopkeeper, he had the appearance of one.

Nonetheless, even dressed in a refined merchant’s robe, he exuded not the slightest hint of vulgarity. Instead, his demeanor was refined and scholarly, akin to someone from an esteemed literary family.

Meng Qianqian complimented, "Shopkeeper Liu, your attire today suits you very well."

"Thanks to the support of our boss." Liu Changsheng smiled shyly and handed over the account books for the two shops for Meng Qianqian to review.

The ledgers Liu Changsheng prepared were clear and organized, with calligraphy displaying the finesse of a master, pleasing to both the eye and mind.

It usually took Meng Qianqian an hour to examine other accounts, but reviewing Liu Changsheng’s required less than a quarter-hour.

Liu Changsheng proactively provided additional updates beyond the numbers, reporting on matters such as procurement and staff changes.

Meng Qianqian nodded approvingly. "Handing the shops to you was the right decision."

In just two months, all ties to the Zhao Family had been severed cleanly. The remaining staff, along with the new hires, consisted exclusively of capable workers.

The rouge shop’s profits had increased by 20%, and even the teahouse’s business showed signs of improvement.

"Boss, I have an idea regarding the teahouse."

"Let’s hear it," Meng Qianqian said.

Liu Changsheng explained, "There are too many teahouses on Chang’an Street. This one was up for sale back then precisely because it couldn’t operate profitably. After the Zhao Family acquired it, they used connections to bring in some business, but profits were minimal while losses mounted. This approach isn’t sustainable."

Meng Qianqian replied, "Go on."

With hands clasped, Liu Changsheng proposed, "I want to try selling rouge at the teahouse and have Spring Mama arrange a few matchmaking meetings there."

Meng Qianqian understood. Their teahouse lacked both a unique appeal and extensive social connections, making it hard to attract business.

Most teahouse revenues traditionally came from male patrons, yet Liu Changsheng proposed reversing this norm—drawing women as frequent visitors and transforming the teahouse into a matchmaking venue.

It was a bold, innovative idea worth attempting.

Meng Qianqian smiled. "Let’s do as you suggest."

A trace of surprise flickered in Liu Changsheng’s eyes—he hadn’t expected Meng Qianqian to agree so readily.

He straightened his posture and said solemnly, "Thank you for your trust, Boss. I’ll do my utmost to grow this business."

Meng Qianqian handed him a token. "If we’re doing this, let’s aim for the best. We’re not short on funds—whatever amount you need, withdraw it from the money shop."

Liu Changsheng, sensing her immense trust in him, accepted the token with great reverence. "I’ll head over immediately to rearrange the teahouse."

Meng Qianqian handed the ledgers back to him. "Off you go."

As he prepared to leave, Meng Qianqian stopped him. "Let me take a look at your leg."

Liu Changsheng hastily objected. "Boss, that’s not appropriate!"

She walked toward him and pointed to a chair nearby. "Sit."

Reluctant, he glanced at her before sitting stiffly.

Meng Qianqian knelt down, reaching for his leg. Embarrassed, he instinctively pulled back.

She persisted, lifting the hem of his trouser leg and pressing on the afflicted area. "When did this happen?" she inquired.

In a low voice, Liu Changsheng replied, "When I was three. I fell gravely ill, nearly died, and afterward, my right leg became crippled. It cannot be cured."

Meng Qianqian administered acupuncture and asked if he felt anything. He shook his head.

It had been too long—the optimal window for treatment had passed. Meng Qianqian removed the needles.

Liu Changsheng excused himself.

At the door, he hesitated before turning back. "Boss, you’re the only person besides my parents who doesn’t hold my lameness against me."

Most avoided even touching his leg as if it held bad luck, let alone considering treatment for him.

Meng Qianqian reassured him, "I’ll find a way."

Liu Changsheng didn’t believe much hope lay in healing his condition, but he valued her kindness. Solemnly, he offered a respectful bow before leaving.

Not long after Liu Changsheng departed, Eunuch Wang arrived.

Upon recognizing him as a trusted aide of Consort Li, Ban Xia’s expression changed, and Tan’er immediately raised her fist. "What’s this bastard doing here now? Are you looking to get beaten up again?"

Eunuch Wang let out a startled cry but kept smiling. "You must be Miss Tan’er. I come under orders from Her Grace, the Imperial Concubine, to thank Miss Meng. Might I trouble you to announce my arrival?"

Tan’er snorted and called out toward the drawing room, "Sister, that turtle has come!"

Eunuch Wang, despite being insulted as a ’turtle,’ remained unfazed and cheerful.

From inside, Meng Qianqian’s voice rang out. "Eunuch Wang, please come in."

At the far end of the street, a graceful figure changed direction and headed toward the Governor Mansion.

"Grand Commander."

Qing Shuang entered the study.

Lu Yuan broke the seal on the confidential letter on his desk. "Can’t you see I’m occupied?"

Qing Shuang replied, "Consort Li is competing for Miss Meng."