Chapter 241: Volume 1, Chapter 241 – Hate Not Being Able to Pick Up the Consort and Spin Her Three Times

Rong Luoge is not afraid to meet Di Yue Nu; she thought for a moment and said, "Then have her come at noon tomorrow."

We'll see her sooner or later; we'll see what tricks she shows next.

Han Xinglan, knowing that Rong Luoge wanted to meet Di Yue Nu, frowned and said, "You don't need to see her. Even though she claims the title of Princess of Qingxuan Kingdom, if her emperor brother truly valued her, he wouldn't let her dictate the marriage alliance according to her whims."

Rong Luoge, hearing that, looked at Han Xinglan and asked, "Didn't they say the siblings' bond was deep?"

Han Xinglan sneered, "No matter how deep the sibling bond, time outweighs it. They've been apart for so many years; countless events have occurred in between. Moreover, the ruler of Qingxuan Kingdom suffered greatly while evading assassins in Qingxuan, and at that time Di Yue Nu was enjoying a life of luxury as a concubine for the Protector Duke. Besides, the loss of that seal back then caused the Qingxuan ruler a lot of trouble; if we hadn't provided it to him in time, how could he have ascended the throne smoothly?"

Rong Luoge, unaware of any rift between the siblings, thought for a moment and said, "Things happen like spring wind and autumn rain; Di Yue Nu is inherently selfish. She was living peacefully in Owl Kingdom then, and if she truly wanted to help her brother, she would have found a way."

But she had been a concubine of Rong Heng for so many years, she wasn't without money, and with Rong Heng's influence she could have delivered a message to her brother; yet she did nothing significant.

Perhaps Di Yue Nu also feared that if her brother failed to ascend the throne, she would be implicated.

Han Xinglan looked at Rong Luoge and said, "Actually, you don't have to see her either."

Rong Luoge smiled, "We still have to meet her. Some matters and grudges need to be settled; any previous concerns are gone now. Besides, I'm well acquainted with schemes like the fox borrowing the tiger's might."

Han Xinglan laughed loudly, "Fine, as long as you're happy. No need to be courteous to her. Since she's a princess of a defeated nation sent for a marriage alliance, she should know her own standing."

Rong Luoge counted the days and said, "The New Year is not far off; if the Liuli Kiln can produce a bit more glass before the holiday, we'll have a richer year."

Han Xinglan considered her words and replied, "I'm afraid that's not possible. Craftsmen must master skill and temperature control; it's not that easy, and not every piece succeeds. To increase output would still take at least half a year."

Rong Luoge sighed; it was unavoidable. "But first we should spread the name. With a reputation, things go smoother. Once the Liuli Kiln's fame soars, our commercial market can be properly planned and built."

Speaking, Rong Luoge looked at Rong Xin and said, "Go fetch the blueprint on the desk."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Rong Xin turned to the study, quickly returned holding a blueprint, placed it on the table, and stepped back out.

Rong Luoge took it and handed it to Han Xinglan, "This is a simple market layout I drew. Such a large commercial base needs proper planning; otherwise everything becomes chaotic. From the start we must separate manufacturing from sales, keep them undisturbed, and the road network is crucial—convenient, swift, and well connected."

Han Xinglan looked at the blueprint's streets, straight and orderly, the buildings neat, and the various workshops behind arranged tidily; it indeed looked very pleasing.

"This method is good, similar to the original Imperial Workshop layout, but the Imperial Workshop wasn't as detailed. I see you've also marked inns, taverns, and shops on it."

"Exactly. Once our market is built and gains fame, merchants from everywhere will flock here. Travelers from afar will need lodging, and after staying they'll need food, drink, and clothing—basic necessities. Though these aren't comparable to workshops, a well‑run service sector can be very profitable," Rong Luoge said with a smile.

Han Xinglan, naturally dismissive of the small profit, said, "When the time comes, all that will be your private quarters."

Rong Luoge immediately laughed, "Deal. You are the emperor, your word is golden; no backing out."

Rong Luoge hummed to herself, thinking the emperor hadn't seen the hidden profit here; once this becomes the largest industrial base in Owl Kingdom, her monopoly in the market will be hugely lucrative.

Thinking of future chain grand hotels, chain restaurants, and various carriage and horse stations, this is His Majesty's golden promise granting her exclusive monopoly.

So she must create her own brand while constructing the buildings, a distinctive flag that instantly shows it's her inn and tavern.

The more Rong Luoge thought, the more interesting it seemed, so she pulled Han Xinglan into detailed planning on the blueprint. Han Xinglan had never seen such a business model, and it was built from his private treasury, belonging to the emperor's private property; officials couldn't interfere, which was intriguing.

The Liuli Kiln is just a start; as Rong Luoge's grand scheme becomes more enticing, Han Xinglan felt that if completed, it would be a great thing—not only enriching his private treasury but also boosting the court's tax revenue.

Gradually the playful tone subsided, and his questions to Rong Luoge grew deeper. At first she had many ideas, but as the probing deepened, her answers became increasingly hesitant.

After all, she's not a professional business person; finally she simply rested her hands and said, "Your Majesty, handle it yourself. I'm tired and need to rest."

Han Xinglan, rarely seeing Rong Luoge stumped by his questions, was instantly smug; if he weren't afraid of hurting her belly, he'd want to pick her up and spin her three times.

After a good night's sleep, the next day Han Xinglan took away the messy sketch they had drawn together the night before.

Rong Luoge was accustomed to it; after all, Han Xinglan had already marked her area, and she could decide for herself.

Thus, the long‑idle He Ju and Jing Chu should get moving; Rong Luoge sent someone to deliver a message to Xi Cheng for the two, asking them to tally how much silver they currently have and prepare whatever can be contributed.

Han Xinglan's private treasury had already allocated a large portion to military expenses; the remainder might not be enough to fund the entire commercial street's construction.

The dowry silver she has includes what Rong Heng originally supplied and what the former owner's mother left her; it should barely suffice for her share.

If it's still insufficient, she'll consider other means; in any case, any reduction of Han Xinglan's pressure is welcome.

Since this is the emperor and empress's private property, no one else can intervene, nor will the state treasury be used; if it's truly insufficient, they'll have to earn some quick money.

She never imagined that one day, after becoming a consort, she'd still be looking for ways to make quick money!

Rong Luoge ate breakfast, drank digestive tea, and walked around the hall a few times before finally meeting Di Yue Nu.

She met her in the main hall of Yuzhao Gong, dressed in full consort attire, a golden crown on her head; when she sat on the throne, it was truly imposing.