Yueyao placed the book on her lap, smiling as she nodded and said, "Ah, I never knew those flowers and herbs could actually be used in medicine. Only after reading these books did I realize, and I couldn’t help wanting to know more. Understanding more always has its benefits."
Bai Yi glanced at Yueyao and laughed, "Miss Lian’s interests really are broad." Apart from practicing martial arts, Yueyao spent all her time on painting and calligraphy, and she read during her spare moments. Her diligence was so remarkable that it impressed Bai Yi. However, the only thing that puzzled Bai Yi was the variety of books Yueyao read; she had them of every kind.
Yueyao chuckled lightly, "The master said I have superficial knowledge, little experience, and limited insights. I cannot go out, so I can only learn about the outside world through books to broaden my perspective," she really wished she could go out and explore!
Bai Yi laughed softly. This young lady actually thought about learning from Mr. Yu Shan. Mr. Yu Shan was someone who often went out to wander and frequently gathered friends for dinners. Her goals were indeed unique. A thought crossed Bai Yi’s mind—Yueyao’s current martial arts training might be preparation for that day. Bai Yi felt he was overthinking and shook his head on his own.
After her nap, Yueyao went to the main house.
Ruo Lan noticed Yueyao’s complexion had darkened; Yueyao’s daily practice under the Apricot Tree, constantly exposed to the sun, had definitely made her tan.
Ruo Lan said, "Yueyao, someone is willing to take over your shop on East Street. As for me, I plan to open another fabric shop. I think the location of your shop is just right for selling fabrics, what do you think?" The location for the second shop wasn’t as good as the first one, but it was surrounded by rouge and jewelry shops, typically women’s goods, making it an ideal spot for a fabric shop.
Yueyao laughed, "That would be fine."
Seeing that Yueyao did not even ask about the rent, Ruo Lan immediately shook her head and laughed, "You child, if you deal with outsiders without caring or asking, you wouldn’t even know if you were being cheated."
Yueyao chuckled lightly, "Cousin-in-law is hardly an outsider."
Zhuang Ruo Lan laughed and said, "The other party wants to rent it first for five years, paying the rent once a year, with an annual rent of three thousand six hundred taels. If you decide on it, I will reply to them. We might need to sign the contract soon."
Yueyao pondered for a moment, "Three hundred taels a month, does that seem a bit cheap?" That shop was in the best location and the shopfront was not small either; it should be at least four thousand taels a year.
Zhuang Ruo Lan smiled, "Renting for five years is considered a long lease, so there definitely has to be some discount. If you think it’s too low, let’s ask for a higher price. But I suspect they might only go up to about four thousand taels at most, what do you think?"
Yueyao nodded, "That would be fine."
Zhuang Ruo Lan continued, "For the other shop, I’ve also made inquiries. The monthly rent for your shop is about two hundred seventy to eighty taels of silver, but I can offer you two hundred sixty taels each month. It’s not that cousin-in-law wants to take advantage of you, but since you are also a part of the fabric shop, you deserve some discounts."
Yueyao said with a smile, "How about two hundred taels a month?"
Zhuang Ruo Lan burst out laughing, "I was just teasing you, and you took it seriously! When the time comes, I’ll have someone sign the contract with you, initially for three years, how does that sound?" In fact, Zhuang Ruo Lan was not taking advantage of Yueyao; she planned to include a discount for a long-term lease of about ten to fifteen percent, which is quite normal. Zhuang Ruo Lan would never quibble with Yueyao over just a dozen or so taels of silver.
Yueyao felt this was quite fair, as in business, not provoking disputes would prevent issues in the future, saving from a lot of potential conflicts.
The shop matters were quickly settled.
Yueyao looked at Zhuang Ruo Lan, frowning, "Cousin-in-law, you don’t look very well, have you been too tired recently?" Actually, Zhuang Ruo Lan’s complexion was not too bad, just not as good as before. Yueyao had once read in ancient books that having children could affect a woman’s beauty, which she hadn’t believed at the time. Now, seeing her cousin-in-law after childbirth, she indeed found her not as pretty as before.
Ruo Lan shook her head, smiling, "Not very busy." Zhuang Ruo Lan had indeed been quite busy recently; the clothing workshop was already dyeing fabrics, and if it wasn’t for her effective management, those colored fabrics would have been sold long ago.
Yueyao could tell Zhuang Ruo Lan was just comforting her, and immediately said, "Cousin-in-law, I read a beauty recipe in the ancient books. The recipe says to peel almonds and take talc and light powder, grind them into a fine powder, steam the mixture, add a little musk, and mix with egg white. Apply it after washing your face in the morning and evening, and within about ten days, the complexion will be as glowing as a red jade. I got a bit tanned recently, and the backyard garden just bore fruit, so I have fresh apricots available, and I want to try it."
Ruo Lan chuckled, "You child, how could there be almonds when the fruit has just set? I’ll have someone gather them tomorrow, buy the things needed, and have them sent to you." Ruo Lan felt relieved knowing Yueyao intended to try it first, then show her the effects, naturally leading her to use it herself. This girl, truly meticulous in her thoughts.