Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Speed Is Everything
"I thought it was something important that warrants such commotion from you." The old lady naturally didn’t see this as a big deal, just.
"You also handled this wrong; after all, Fulan is your second brother’s person. You should have first sought his approval before telling those noblewomen. How could you agree first and then remember to request someone? Isn’t this cutting before asking?"
Upon hearing her grandmother speak like this, Pei Lan felt delighted in her heart. Although her words were reproachful, she nevertheless agreed and did not take her grandmother’s words to heart.
What difference does it make whether it’s said first or later?
Just a maid being asked to help make some food; it’s still elevating her.
If it weren’t for second brother needing to go out today, he would surely agree to her request.
Pei Lan was quite presumptuous.
"Granddaughter remembers, it’s just that we were all engrossed in conversation at the time, and granddaughter didn’t think much before speaking. Next time, I’ll dare not again."
The old lady then asked Hua Hao to go to Lixiang Courtyard to see if the Princely Heir had left, and, if not, ask him to come over.
The Heir Pei certainly had not left yet; Pei Lan had calculated the timing well.
Qu Fulan was currently helping the Heir Pei change his outer clothes. Ancient people had troublesome ways; whether going out or returning, even to use the toilet, they always had to change clothes.
The Heir Pei was going out to socialize and said he would take her along too. Qu Fulan was eager to broaden her horizons.
Only, just as everything was ready, Hua Hao came from the old lady’s room.
"Princely Heir, the old lady says you should come over."
"What is it?" Pei Ji’an asked.
"The second miss is hosting a number of noblewomen today for a banquet. In conversation, she spoke of the delicious food and milk tea from the ’Flower Garden Ode.’ The second miss said Fulan knows how to make them and wanted to borrow Fulan from you, but learning you were heading out, she went to the old lady for help."
Qu Fulan looked at Hua Hao, and indeed, the bonds forged beforehand were not wasted.
If it were someone else bringing the message, they’d likely save trouble by not explaining with so many words, not even mentioning the reason.
Now Hua Hao laid out the circumstances fully, favoring Qu Fulan, hoping the Heir Pei would not agree to the second miss’s request.
The second miss, near the old lady, knew the matter was settled and thus sat down to accompany her grandmother in casual chatter, while sampling tribute grapes from the table.
Tuan played on the other side, occasionally sending forth sounds of amusement.
To someone unaware, this scene might appear as a picture of bliss and harmony.
Hua Hao soon returned, following the Heir Pei.
The Heir Pei wore a sapphire blue brocade robe, the collar and cuffs embroidered with flowing cloud patterns in silver thread trim, cinched at the waist with a light-colored brocaded band of cloud motifs, tall and upright.
He proceeded to the old lady, bowing in greeting.
The old lady looked at her tall and straight-backed grandson with great satisfaction, "Why did you come alone? Where is Fulan?"
Pei Lan also noticed early on, questioning why only her second brother was here, but not Fulan?
In her mind’s eye, Qu Fulan ought to have come along, for her to simply take away directly; now, wasn’t it bothersome to run another errand?
Pei Ji’an knowingly asked, "Didn’t the old lady seek me for something? Why inquire about Fulan?"
The old lady paused, recalling she indeed had mentioned it, but subconsciously assumed her grandson would bring Fulan along as he was going out.
"It’s like this, your second sister is hosting a banquet for some noblewomen today. She mentioned in conversation how tasty the items from ’Flower Garden Ode’ are, and said Fulan knows how to make them. Now she wants to borrow your people for a while."
The second miss felt heartily gratified, with her grandmother articulating it for her; otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to speak.
The second brother was unlike the elder brother, instinctively inspiring awe.
Upon hearing this, Pei Ji’an glanced at Pei Lan, smirking slightly, "Lan, you want my people, but had the old lady speak for you. What’s the logic in that?"
Pei Lan choked, not expecting her second brother to show no face, even before the old lady and many servants, feeling exceedingly embarrassed, then looking to the old lady in plea.
"Speak for yourself. If you’re unable to, go back and think it through before returning."
Pei Ji’an’s understated yet authoritative tone left Pei Lan flustered, her handkerchief twisting in agitation, daring not to entertain further schemes, stuttering for quite some time before clarifying her words.
After hearing, Pei Ji’an smiled knowingly, "So you knowingly requested before the old lady, though aware I have matters with Fulan, considering your matters more important than mine? Or suggesting in the future, everyone in my main household must prioritize you over me?"
Pei Lan drowned in cold sweat; the implications of his words were severe, beyond what she could bear.
The old lady felt her grandson’s words were excessively harsh, "Si."
Pei Ji’an remained unmoved, "Return to your third household and self-reflect well. In future, don’t frequent our main household without reason. Not even a plant or tree is yours to touch lightly, understand?"
Those words were indeed quite blunt. Pei Lan had to endure the grievances, salute her second brother, "Lan understands."
With that, she turned around, covering her face, and ran away.
The old lady sighed, "It’s family; must you speak so harshly?"
"Leniency now might lead to trouble later."
The old lady was dumbfounded into silence.
The second miss being reprimanded by the Heir quickly circulated to Qu Fulan’s ears, finding it surprising and amusing.
Surprising because the Heir Pei actually reprimanded openly before the old lady.
Amusing because their outing this time was not for anything urgent.
Instead, Prince An’s family had received numerous tributes of fine things, inviting them over for leisure.
The advantages of a strong state are shown in this; neighboring nations frequently send tributes to foster relations.
Prince An was very hospitable, allowing them to pick freely.
The Heir Pei, having seen everything, cared little for his items but still let Qu Fulan choose, saying take whatever she likes without reservation.
Of course, Qu Fulan wasn’t so tactless to demand things as a guest at someone else’s house.
Pei Ji’an laughed, "Feel free to take; he often takes things from me anyway."
That statement sounded somewhat like if she didn’t take, he’d suffer a loss.
Qu Fulan then felt no burden, choosing what caught her eye.
On the way back, Pei Ji’an asked, "You seem fond of collecting valuable things?"
Qu Fulan: "..." She understood what he meant; what she chose from Prince An’s home wasn’t particularly appealing but was indeed rather costly.
"I suppose I’m somewhat mundane, inherently fond of money; without money, there’s no sense of security," Qu Fulan said.
Pei Ji’an, "You hold the keys to the treasury, yet you lack money?"
It’s not just the treasury keys; her salary for working with him wasn’t low, but who dislikes having more money?
Besides, for her future path, there are plenty of places needing money.
Meanwhile, Ji Nishang, after repeated trials, finally made milk tea with authentic flavor.
"Tomorrow, guests at ’Tingya Building’ can taste them; if the response is good, we might open a few standalone milk tea shops."
Business thrives on decisiveness, Ji Nishang is not one to miss opportunities.
She doesn’t know who first made this milk tea, but to discover something good and not seize the promotional opportunity is awfully unbusinesslike.
As long as she capitalizes first, milk tea will become the Xiao Family’s signature.