Yueyao smiled, "Very well." The Marquis Jingning’s Residence had quite a few clan members in the military, wielding considerable power. It was said the Heir of Marquis Jingning was also skilled in martial arts. Besides, the Heir of Marquis Jingning’s maternal aunt was the current Empress Dowager. Having his wife invest was akin to having the backing of the Marquis Jingning’s Residence and the Empress Dowager; if anyone coveted their business in the future, they’d have to weigh the power behind them.
With Yueyao’s approval, Ruo Lan sent out her invitations the same day. The next day, she visited the Duke Mansion first and spoke to the Wife of the Duke’s Heir about investing. Ruo Lan did not specify it was a fabric workshop; she simply mentioned preparations to open a workshop for producing cloth. The Wife of the Duke’s Heir considered it and agreed to invest only a ten percent share. That Clothes Workshop was losing money, and if not for the sake of Ruo Lan’s face, she wouldn’t have invested even that ten percent.
Madam Ping, the Wife of the Heir of Marquis Jingning, had been friends with Ruo Lan for many years. Understanding Ruo Lan well, she knew that Ruo Lan wouldn’t involve her unless the business venture was guaranteed to be profitable, so she didn’t even ask what it was specifically and immediately agreed, "How much silver is needed for the investment?"
After thinking for a moment, Ruo Lan said, "If we are to do this, let’s go big. I plan to invest fifty thousand taels of silver." It was up to the individuals to decide how much they wanted to invest—less was acceptable, but not more.
Madam Ping said with a laugh, "Such a grand gesture! In that case, I’ll put in five thousand taels. What do you think?" Having a ten percent share would limit the loss if it indeed incurred any, keeping it within an acceptable range. Naturally, Madam Ping believed that Ruo Lan wouldn’t let her lose everything.
Ruo Lan said with a smile, "The business I’m doing guarantees a profit; you won’t lose. Don’t you want to invest a bit more? If you regret it later, there won’t be another chance."
Knowing that Ruo Lan wasn’t one to speak without consideration, Madam Ping thought for a moment and then said, "Then I’ll invest a twenty percent share. That’s about all the ready silver I have on hand." Although Madam Ping’s dowry was substantial, it was all in fixed assets. The liquid silver she had amounted to just over ten thousand taels.
Ruo Lan then chatted with Madam Ping about other matters, during which she also mentioned Yueyao’s intention to sell the shop on East Street, planning to lease it out.
Madam Ping, with a chuckle, said, "I have a distant relative who’s looking for a suitable shop face in Capital City to start a business. I’ll have someone inquire about it later to see if he’s willing to rent that shop." She had heard the rumors about Yueyao, and she knew such a proud and talented lady would be unwilling to manage a business.
Ruo Lan was a bit surprised. She had intentionally mentioned the news to Madam Ping, hoping Madam Ping would keep an eye out and help recommend someone suitable, "The location is perfect, and it’s only because my cousin is young and unwilling to bother that she’s selling it. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have thought of doing so."
Madam Ping nodded. "That’s true. She’s fortunate to have a cousin-in-law like you looking out for her."
Ruo Lan said with a smile, "It’s not entirely like that; you don’t know how lovable that child is. I’ll give you an opportunity to meet her, and I’m sure you’ll like her too. She’s intelligent, sensible, and behaves with propriety. She’s so endearing that it tugs at your heartstrings."
Madam Ping laughed. "Is this child really as wonderful as you say?" She knew that Ruo Lan had high standards, and there were very few people who could earn her praise.
Ruo Lan joked, "No matter how wonderful, it’s too late; she’s already betrothed." Zhuang Ruo Lan knew that Madam Ping often played matchmaker, hence the jest.
Madam Ping chuckled. "I was just curious to know what kind of girl could merit such praise from you!"
Ruo Lan nodded with a smile. "That’s easy. I’m planning to have the child stay at my residence for a while in the next few days. You can come and see her when you have the time."
After more conversation, the two parted ways. On the way back, Cai Yun expressed her confusion, "My lady, why did you encourage the Wife of the Heir of Marquis Jingning to invest more, but you didn’t persuade Madam to do the same?"
Ruo Lan answered with a smile, "The remaining ten percent share is reserved for others in the Duke Mansion." Once her diverse fabrics came out, surely someone from the Duke Mansion would step forward to invest. To talk about investment was actually to enjoy the fruits without any effort. However, having grown up in the Duke Mansion, she knew how these people would make a huge fuss over a small profit. When the time came to avoid trouble, she would offer another ten percent share for them to distribute amongst themselves.
Cai Yi said, "My lady, why do you think the Wife of the Heir of Marquis Jingning is so interested in Cousin Miss?"
Ruo Lan thought for a long while but couldn’t figure it out, "Anyway, I’ve already told her that Yueyao is betrothed. Whatever she wants to do, she’ll find out when she meets Yueyao." Although it was definitely not curiosity that motivated Madam Ping to meet Yueyao, there must be some other reason. But as long as she wasn’t trying to matchmake, anything else was manageable.