Chapter Fourteen: The Flower Shop

Half a month later, the steward of Yunxiang Pavilion once again brought people to the Zhao family to harvest vegetables.

“Brother Zhao, you’ve cultivated these vegetables wonderfully! The Yunxiang Pavilion’s success today owes much to you. However, the demand for these fresh vegetables far exceeds supply. Might you consider expanding your cultivation?” The steward’s visit this time was driven by worries about the shortage of vegetables, which meant many missed opportunities for profit.

“Rest assured. If you agree, we will provide the land, and the price will remain the same as now!” Seeing Zhao Guoji hesitate, the steward raised the stakes.

“That could work, but I’m afraid the harvest won’t be until spring. By then, there might be no shortage of vegetables. Are you sure you still want to buy at the original price?” Zhao Guoji was uncertain.

“Brother Zhao, your vegetables have spoiled the palates of those noble patrons. Ordinary vegetables simply won’t satisfy them anymore. As long as you can grow them, Yunxiang Pavilion will buy them all!” the steward guaranteed.

Zhao Guoji no longer hesitated. Seeing this, the steward quickly took out the deed to a manor he had prepared and began negotiating with Zhao Guoji.

“Though this manor isn’t particularly elegant, it has plenty of arable land. We will arrange transport for you when the time comes. If you need help, just let us know. There are many skilled farmers in the manor,” the steward reminded Zhao Guoji.

“Very well. But there’s one more thing I wonder if you can assist with?” Zhao Guoji asked.

“What is it? You’re a distinguished patron of Yunxiang Pavilion now, feel free to speak,” the steward said, relieved that the matter was settled.

“Could you help keep an eye out in the capital for a suitable shop for sale?” Zhao Guoji had been unable to find a good location recently and could only turn to the steward for assistance.

“That’s easy. Once I find one, I’ll send someone to notify you,” the steward said. Knowing the Zhao family also grew many flowers, it would be impractical to order so many at once. Renting a good venue for the Zhao family to sell flowers made sense.

“Thank you very much, steward!” Zhao Guoji was relieved to have the steward’s help.

After their discussion, both parties were satisfied.

Before opening the flower shop, Zhao Guoji visited the Jia residence to discuss plans with Qin Mingyue.

“Since the people behind Yunxiang Pavilion are willing to help, we can expand the operation. The barren mountain we bought earlier can be cultivated and improved,” Qin Mingyue said. Knowing the backing of Yunxiang Pavilion, whose influence in the capital was not insignificant, she was confident no one would covet the shop.

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Fertile land near the capital was usually owned by royalty or high officials. They could only buy remote, wild mountains and hills, which were cheaper. Zhao Guoji had already purchased two such hills but hadn’t begun cultivating them yet.

“Let’s clear the land first. When we have extra money, we’ll build a farm,” Qin Mingyue thought, suddenly realizing funds were tight. Just refurbishing a manor would far exceed their current budget. Thankfully, Yunxiang Pavilion was providing the land for cultivation.

If they could build a manor, the three of them would have a place to live after coming out, and they could run a countryside inn, ensuring a livelihood.

Meanwhile, the steward of Yunxiang Pavilion went to report to Prince Sheng after completing his tasks.

“I’ve negotiated with Zhao Guoji to expand cultivation. He also asked me to help find a shop in the capital for selling flowers,” the steward reported several important matters to Xiao Junji.

“My cloth shop under my name is no longer viable. We can vacate that and rent it to them at a reduced rent,” Xiao Junji said. He had earned a lot from the vegetables supplied by the Zhao family and held them in high regard.

“Does Prince have any interest in investing in Zhao Guoji’s flower shop?” the steward asked, mentioning the proposal Zhao Guoji had made about a partnership.

“Oh? It’s a pity Zhao’s family used to be servants. They have a knack for business. I suppose we’ve benefited from them too, so we should protect their interests,” Xiao Junji said after hearing the steward’s explanation, viewing the Zhao family with new respect.

“This is indeed a clever move. But they haven’t lost out either. With the prince’s backing, who would dare to cause trouble behind their backs?” the steward flattered Xiao Junji, who was delighted but knew his fourth brother truly deserved the credit. Still, he allowed himself a bit of pride.

After successfully renting the shop, Zhao Guoji quickly arranged the interior according to the plans given by Qin Mingyue. On opening day, he made sure to inform Qin Mingyue, who, though unable to go out, could share in the joy.

He also sent invitations to Yunxiang Pavilion.

“Zhao’s flower shop? Wasn’t this place a cloth shop before?”

“That cloth shop closed long ago. It’s a pity such a big shop was taken over so quickly.”

“Zhao family? Never heard of them. Which noble family are they from?”

“Hmph, probably low-key. Only someone influential could secure such a big shop in the capital.”

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“Goodness! It’s just early spring, the river ice hasn’t yet melted! Where do so many flowers come from?”

A crowd gathered around the flower shop, chattering. The two large flower baskets brimming with bouquets at the door alone left them astonished.

“No way. If I open a shop in the future, I’ll order a few flower baskets here. They’re beautiful and festive.”

“Exactly! Why didn’t I think of that before?”

“Zhao’s Flower Shop officially opens! Dear ladies and gentlemen, the first fifty visitors will receive a free flower each. If you leave your calligraphy, the first thirty will receive a bouquet!” Zhao Guoji confidently announced. Many flower lovers and scholars were captivated.

Customers streamed steadily inside. Fortunately, the shop had a spacious backyard and a second-floor private room offering tea. The steward had arranged for several maids from Yunxiang Pavilion to assist, easily handling the crowd.

The first floor displayed a variety of vibrant flowers, while the second floor held more elegant and precious varieties, arranged tastefully.

But flowers alone were not enough. Qin Mingyue had designed delicate ornaments and tasteful landscapes using stones, moss, and withered branches—rock gardens, flowing water sounds, and swimming koi fish. A cobblestone path lined with fresh flowers led through the backyard, evoking the feeling of springtime in the wild. The large backyard was essential for such a layout; a smaller space wouldn’t have sufficed.

Visitors seemed to forget they were in a flower shop and strolled leisurely. Unfortunately, the two floors plus the backyard were soon fully explored, and they left reluctantly.

Most on the second floor were scholars, pent-up through the winter, now inspired to compose poetry. They picked up the calligraphy sets prepared in advance and began writing, drawing admiring glances and satisfying their pride.

“I truly underestimated the Zhao family. To run a flower shop like this, it’s probably the first of its kind in the capital!” Xiao Junji watched the excited scholars, full of admiration.

“I should invite my fourth brother to see this. Sitting in his study all day must be exhausting. I’ll buy a flower basket and visit him at the Prince Gong Mansion,” Xiao Junji could no longer hide his pride. He personally picked a basket of flowers and had several bouquets of various styles wrapped, content as he headed to the mansion.