Zhizhu seemed to understand her thoughts and nodded. "Although it's not very obvious, I can tell."
After all, she had been with Su Mingyu for so many years. Although Su Mingyu's personality had changed a lot, her subtle expressions couldn't lie.
"Miss, I actually think the Prince Ruixian's Mansion is quite nice," Zhizhu said, holding up the fruit plate in her hand. "These oranges are tributes from the south. The Prince Ruixian specially had someone bring them for us to try."
"And..." Zhizhu pursed her lips. "This courtyard... I heard it's the main courtyard of the entire Prince Ruixian's Mansion... and the prince just gave it to you, miss..."
Su Mingyu tapped Zhizhu on the head. "You little girl, are you so easily won over by the Prince Ruixian?"
Zhizhu blinked her bright and clear eyes. "I'm thinking about you, miss. The Second Lady clearly can't tolerate us. Instead of letting her sell you off cheaply, it's not a bad idea to find a reliable man to ensure your prosperity for the rest of your life."
"You really do think a lot about me!"
Since she was bored anyway, Su Mingyu went to find Mu Yi to continue learning lightness skills from him.
Maybe because she was too tired after practicing, Su Mingyu fell into a deep sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
The next day, she was woken up by Zhizhu. "Miss, miss! Are you awake?"
Su Mingyu yawned. "What are you doing?"
"Miss... Have you heard what happened to Young Master Lin?" Zhizhu's eyes were full of excitement.
Su Mingyu shook her head. "What happened to Lin Jun?"
"Someone dragged him out of the brothel last night and beat him up," Zhizhu said, unable to hold back her laughter and covering her mouth. "Then they tied him naked at the busiest crossroads in the capital and put up a sign next to him that said, 'I'm a despicable person. I shouldn't have used dirty means on other girls. I'm a worm driven by my lower body.'"
Zhizhu blushed a little as she continued. "I don't know who did it. It's so ruthless."
Even the usually calm Su Mingyu couldn't help but burst out laughing.
This Gu Ruobai was really ruthless, but she rather liked it.
"Come on, where did a young girl get so much gossip?" Su Mingyu sent Zhizhu away in a good mood. Then she changed her clothes and went to Gu Ruobai's study.
Because of his leg injury, Gu Ruobai was exempted by the emperor from attending the morning court, so he was reading in his study early in the morning.
When Su Mingyu entered the room and saw Gu Ruobai sitting there quietly, her heart skipped a beat for no reason.
Gu Ruobai didn't even lift his eyelids. "Heard about it?"
Su Mingyu nodded. "Didn't you say you were going to ruin my reputation?"
Sensing the delight in Su Mingyu's tone, Gu Ruobai put down the book in his hand. "If someone with ill intentions reveals the name of the girl he molested, wouldn't that ruin your reputation?"
Su Mingyu scoffed. "Surely the Prince Ruixian has the ability to keep people's mouths shut?"
"Are you trying to provoke me?" Gu Ruobai's long fingers intertwined. In the morning sun, his knuckles were distinct and fair as porcelain.
Su Mingyu was a bit dazed and then shifted her gaze. "Just a reasonable inquiry."
Seeing her sharp-tongued look, a smile played on Gu Ruobai's lips. "I've already sent people to prepare what you want. They'll all be delivered by tomorrow at the latest."
So soon?
This time, Su Mingyu was really surprised.
She had asked for so many different types and colors of fabrics, and some even needed custom dyeing. How could this man gather them all so quickly?
Gu Ruobai adjusted his robe and said nonchalantly, "I've assigned a small group of people to rush the production of what you need. The others are still working on our previous products."
Su Mingyu held her breath. Did this man really need to go to such lengths for her?
But she still thanked him gratefully. "Thank you for your trouble."
"It's rare to see you so polite," Gu Ruobai said, looking at her half-smilingly. "If you want to repay me, clear your schedule the day after tomorrow. I'll take you to watch a good show."
"Sure."
Just as they were chatting, Mu Yi suddenly walked in from outside. His expression clearly changed when he saw Su Mingyu.
Su Mingyu caught this subtle change but didn't ask any questions. She just excused herself and left.
Changing into men's clothes, Su Mingyu left the Prince Ruixian's Mansion through the back door and went to check on her shop.
Xia Mian reported the situation truthfully. Su Mingyu nodded in satisfaction. "You arrange to take stock of all our clothes and make a list for me. I'll come again tomorrow."
"Miss Su..." Xia Mian bit her lip. "Are we going to lower the prices again?"
You know, their current prices were already very low, and they were hardly making any profit. If they lowered the prices again, wouldn't it be a losing business?
These days, seeing that other people's clothes, which were of poor quality and more expensive than theirs, were selling better, Xia Mian had been so worried that she couldn't eat well for several days.
Su Mingyu poured her a glass of water and motioned for her not to be so nervous. "If we don't sell out all our old stuff, how can we bring in new items?"
Seeing her confident look, Xia Mian didn't say anything more.
Seeing that Xia Mian was reassured, Su Mingyu selected a few sketches from the pile in front of her. "I like these."
"Actually, these are mine," Xia Mian said, a bit embarrassed and looking away.
Su Mingyu raised her eyebrows. "You're very talented. I like them. Do you want to try designing more sketches?"
Xia Mian looked at Su Mingyu excitedly. "Can I... really?"
"What? Don't you trust my judgment?" Su Mingyu pointed at the sketches.
"Although I can see some traces of my previous clothes in them, I can tell you've put your heart into it. Given time, you'll surely do even better."
Xia Mian was so excited that her eyes turned a bit red. "I... I will surely live up to your expectations, Miss Su."
Su Mingyu patted her on the shoulder. "Don't feel pressured. Just go for it. I'll support you."
After leaving the Sinnan Pavilion, Su Mingyu found a random corner and listened to some gossip about Lin Jun's "wonderful performance" this morning before strolling back to the Prince Ruixian's Mansion.