Chapter 93: Each to Their Own (1)

After returning from Qixia Mountain, Shen Xiling began to feel that something between her and Qi Ying… was a bit off.

She wasn’t sure if she was overthinking it. After all, he still treated her kindly, sharing meals with her daily and chatting with her when he had time—just as he always had.

Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were different.

She couldn’t pinpoint exactly what had changed. The atmosphere felt different; the subtle expressions he had shown her in recent days stirred an indescribable flutter in her heart. Now, that feeling had suddenly faded, as though he had subtly taken a step back.

This left Shen Xiling feeling a faint sense of loss, and she chided herself for being too greedy.

Three years ago, she had only intended to quietly admire him from afar. However, their daily interactions over the past three years had gradually made her more demanding. She began to think that her affection might be reciprocated, and his recent behavior toward her had unknowingly fueled her fantasies.

She shouldn’t be so impatient. She had already received so much, and even if he stepped back, she shouldn’t feel disappointed.

Perhaps it wasn’t that bad. Perhaps he was just too busy. After all, he faced countless troubles every day, and it was natural for him to neglect her occasionally. This was quite common.

Shen Xiling consoled herself this way, and her heart settled somewhat. Soon, business troubles began to occupy her, making her even busier. And busyness seemed to be a panacea for most emotional ailments. Once she was busy, she temporarily set aside the melancholy that had lingered in her heart these past few days.

The trouble stemmed from the complications with the Weaving Guild.

Ever since the incident where Feng’s fabric shop was vandalized, Shen Xiling had started paying attention to the guild. Previously shielded by Qi Ying, she had never dealt directly with the guild. Now, determined to handle the matter herself, she first needed to understand its inner workings.

Song Haotang, who had extensive connections, had a close friend working within the guild. From him, Song gathered some information.

Behind the Weaving Guild stood Fu Hong, the third uncle of Fu Bi, the current head of the Fu family, and also the half-brother of Madam Qi. Interestingly, he bore some resemblance to his sister—both were strong-willed individuals. Having grown up during the peak of the Fu family’s power, they developed a certain arrogance that persisted into old age.

Now advanced in years, Fu Hong rarely managed the guild personally. He had three overseers handling the weaving affairs across Jiangnan for him.

The most trusted among them was Yang Dong.

Yang Dong’s identity was rather obscure, and he rarely met people in person these days. According to Song Haotang’s friend, Yang Dong had once changed his name and likely carried some legal baggage. However, Fu Hong had personally intervened back then, cleaning everything up thoroughly, leaving no traces of Yang Dong’s past.

All that was known was Yang Dong’s unwavering loyalty to Fu Hong and his reliability in handling matters, tightly controlling the entire weaving industry of Jiangnan for the Fu family. As a reward, Fu Hong had entrusted him with the most lucrative weaving operations in Jiankang.

After listening to Song Haotang, Shen Xiling pondered for a moment and then asked, “So, the incident with Master Feng’s shop was mostly this Mr. Yang’s doing?”

Song Haotang nodded, replying, “White cotton weaving is currently the biggest variable in this trade. There’s no way Yang Dong wouldn’t handle it personally. This matter is undoubtedly connected to him.”

Shen Xiling thought similarly.

The Weaving Guild’s establishment surely involved underhanded tactics. Nevertheless, Shen Xiling was willing to sit down and have a proper conversation with this overseer. Having never interacted with the guild before, mutual misunderstandings naturally arose, leading to conflicts. She was willing to be the first to extend an olive branch. If they could resolve the issue amicably, that would be ideal.

Shen Xiling thus set a date, hosting a meeting, and instructed Song Haotang to personally invite Yang Dong for discussions. Mr. Yang rarely saw people these days, and his side declined twice. However, Shen Xiling persisted, and eventually, the meeting was confirmed.

The venue was a newly acquired restaurant by Shen Xiling.

The restaurant had been open for less than two years, located in a prime spot on the left bank of the Qinhuai River. Due to financial difficulties, the original owner had ceased operations, and it eventually came into Shen Xiling’s hands.

Originally named “Today’s Drunkenness,” Shen Xiling found the name somewhat unlucky—”drink while you can today” sounded transient, which explained why it barely lasted two years before failing.

She was somewhat superstitious but lacked particular talent in naming. Changing it proved challenging. Eventually, she took the easy route, thinking that a three-character name was difficult, so she shortened it to two characters for simplicity. Considering the essence of the restaurant business was to cater to customers’ preferences, aiming to please in every way, she simply renamed it “Yi Lou.”

Though the name was somewhat hastily chosen, she painstakingly inscribed a plaque herself, somewhat compensating for the oversight.

Her calligraphy closely resembled Qi Ying’s—sharing its structure but appearing softer, not as imposing as his, making it perfectly suitable for inscriptions. The beautifully inscribed plaque reportedly drew inquiries about its authorship, giving Shen Xiling a small sense of pride.

She was diligent in her work, excelling in whatever she undertook. Though her focus remained primarily on the weaving business and estates, she did not neglect managing Yi Lou.

She was intelligent, understanding that this restaurant differed from her fabric shop. Her shop on Shunnan Street catered to commoners, necessitating affordability. In contrast, Yi Lou occupied a prestigious location near Jiankang’s noble residences, requiring a different approach.

Nobles drinking wine valued ambiance over aftertaste; dining emphasized refinement over flavor—such were the essentials. Following Qi Ying for three years, even the slowest learner absorbed some insights. She understood the elegance and grandeur valued by high society, sometimes favoring subtlety over extravagance.

Thus, she meticulously arranged Yi Lou following the style of Fenghe Garden, scrutinizing every detail from windows and furniture to cups and decorations. Though unfamiliar with other nobles’ tastes, she knew Qi Ying well. She mentally reviewed each item, wondering if he would approve. If even Lord Qi found it satisfactory, it should pose no significant issues.

Surprisingly, it posed no issues at all.

Since reopening, Yi Lou had been bustling with distinguished guests for two consecutive months, keeping the staff constantly busy. Many patrons were nobles who often wrote poetry, frequently composing verses during gatherings. Though most poems were mediocre, the authors insisted on formally noting the date and location, spreading the name “Yi Lou” through numerous collections, making it a renowned elegant venue in Jiankang.

Shen Xiling hadn’t expected such unexpected fortune, leaving her both bewildered and delighted, further swelling her purse.

Yi Lou had three floors: the ground floor was the main hall, the third floor housed private rooms, and the second floor featured partitioned sections separated by curtains and screens, offering privacy while allowing views of the first floor. These spots were always in high demand, even outside festive seasons, making reservations challenging.

As the proprietor, Shen Xiling conveniently reserved a section for her own use, facilitating business discussions. Recently, she generously offered Qi Ying the use of this space for hosting, provided he informed her in advance, and the bill could be charged to her account.

At that time, Qi Ying, seeing the subtle pride in the young girl’s eyes, was momentarily speechless, eventually responding with a chuckle and a simple “Alright.” However, Lord Qi’s high rank and prominent background made accepting invitations rare, let alone hosting himself. Thus, Boss Shen’s offer remained unutilized by Lord Qi.

Nevertheless, this section proved highly convenient for Shen Xiling herself. This meeting with Yang Dong was arranged here.

As the host, she naturally arrived early, attended by Shui Pei and Feng Chang on either side, with Song Haotang accompanying her.

The other party was punctual, arriving right on time.

A group of three men approached, two dressed as servants, with the leader presumably Yang Dong.

He was tall and robust, with dark skin, often frowning, creating deep wrinkles on his brow, exuding a fierce aura. A jade thumb ring adorned his right hand, consistent with rumors of his obsession with jade, worn for many years without removal.

After exchanging greetings, they took their seats.

A waiter served tea to Yang Dong, who sipped it, then looked up and smiled at Shen Xiling, “Yang has long heard that Miss is very young, but I didn’t expect you to be so youthful. Truly, the younger generation is formidable.”

Shen Xiling politely nodded, then calmly replied, “I also didn’t expect Mr. Yang to be such a cautious person.”

Yang Dong raised an eyebrow, asking, “What do you mean, Miss?”

Shen Xiling glanced at him, speaking steadily, “I invited Mr. Yang here in earnest for discussions, yet you sent someone in your stead. Are you doubting my sincerity, or do you think my youth makes me easy to deceive?”

Three years had changed Shen Xiling significantly.

She remained gentle and delicate, yet her experiences in commerce had broadened her horizons, making her speech more composed. Especially after prolonged association with Qi Ying, she subconsciously emulated his demeanor. As a person of high status, his presence naturally exuded an ineffable nobility and authority, difficult for others to imitate. Yet, she had unconsciously absorbed some of it, and her gaze now carried considerable weight.

Though devoid of anger, it exuded a noble air, making it hard to meet her eyes.

Her words left Shui Pei, Feng Chang, and Song Haotang somewhat stunned, unsure of her meaning. The burly man sitting opposite, purportedly “Yang Dong,” was visibly surprised but remained defiant, frowning and asking, “What does Miss mean by this?”

Shen Xiling turned away, her tone abruptly turning cold, “Please inform Mr. Yang that I sincerely wish to negotiate with the guild. If Mr. Yang is too busy, we can forgo today’s meeting.”

She finished speaking coolly, and the burly man’s expression changed. He lowered his head, remaining silent for a long while before bowing to Shen Xiling and saying, “…Please wait a moment, Miss.”

With that, he rose, taking the two servants with him. Shen Xiling’s expression remained unchanged, still seated, casually observing her impressive restaurant.

Shui Pei and Feng Chang exchanged glances, feeling perplexed, but Song Haotang understood, quietly asking Shen Xiling, “Is this Yang Dong a fake?”

Shen Xiling turned to Song Haotang with a faint smile, replying, “No worries, the real one will be here soon.”

Author’s Note: What should I do if my wife keeps hinting for me to take advantage of her wealth? Waiting online, quite urgent.

Also:

After going to Shangjing, Wenwen replicated many things identical to those in Jiankang, including Wang Garden and Yi Lou. Unfortunately, the one person she wanted to see cannot be replicated.