Chapter 212

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Shangguan Peilin, as the ruler of a nation, naturally controlled numerous industries and shops. Although state finances and the treasury did not require his personal attention, he would still occasionally check the accounts of his own privy purse.

That day, when Shangguan Peilin saw the net income of the shop operated by Shangguan Xingyan, he could not help but be greatly shocked. That figure was actually so astonishing that it far exceeded the combined earnings of the three most profitable shops under his own name!

Looking at the bill before him, Shangguan Peilin's first reaction was to say "good, good, good" three times. He secretly thought to himself: "I never expected that there is someone so wealthy under my rule!" However, he did not know the inside story.

Actually, many ministers had long known that this shop belonged to the Sixth Prince Shangguan Xingyan.

Therefore, they all specially instructed their family members that they could go to this store when buying jewelry, but must not buy too many expensive items. These ministers and their family members deeply understood the sensitivity and importance of this matter, so they all strictly followed the instructions.

However, sometimes they inevitably encountered jewelry that they simply could not bear to part with, which was also high-priced or in large quantity. At such times, they would come up with a clever method—letting their more distant relatives make the purchase on their behalf.

In this way, even if they were investigated later, since the kinship was relatively distant and not direct lineage, it would usually not be easily discovered.

Thus, in Shangguan Xingyan's shop, various transactions appeared ordinary, but behind them hid everyone's schemes and calculations. Moreover, who would investigate in detail whether there was embezzlement just because someone bought a few items?

Of course, everyone also did not dare to act too recklessly. Just as everyone tacitly restrained themselves, the profit obtained by this shop was surprisingly high! Even Shangguan Peilin, who had always tried to make things difficult for Yan Si, could not help but praise him at this moment: "Yan Si, you are truly a person of great talent and strategy!"

However, Shangguan Peilin's admiration was only fleeting, and immediately he opened his mouth to praise: "Hmm, not bad, not bad! You two have both performed outstandingly this time; this shop is much better than the operating condition I initially expected!"

Hearing these words, Shangguan Xingyan hurriedly seized the opportunity and went along with the topic: "Hehe, it's passable, actually it's mainly because Eldest Brother Yan is amazing! After all, the general framework and planning of this shop were all first proposed by him, so if Your Majesty wants to reward merit, then rewarding him alone is enough."

Yan Si gave Shangguan Xingyan an appreciative and meaningful look with understanding. And Shangguan Peilin secretly cursed in his heart: "Hmph, this fellow who favors outsiders and betrays his own side!"

At this moment, Yan Si also stood up and responded humbly: "Your Majesty overpraises me; this humble one truly cannot bear such praise. To put it bluntly, this shop achieving today's results is inseparable from the Sixth Prince Your Highness's unremitting efforts."

Only seeing the Empress sitting beside with a smile of just the right measure on her face, she hurriedly spoke to cooperate: "Aiya, you two people, you are really too modest! Our Dongying's Emperor is so wise and discerning; this small matter he can naturally see clearly and understand thoroughly."

So, if we are to talk about rewarding merit, then both of you must have gains, am I right or not, Your Majesty?

Hearing these words, the Emperor suddenly felt a surge of nameless anger in his heart, his teeth itched with rage, and he secretly cursed: "Fine, you bunch of fellows, what's the matter? Does it mean that if I don't bestow rewards, I become a foolish person? Am I a complete fool? It's you fellows who favor outsiders who are all exceptionally clever, right!"

Although roaring with such anger in his heart, the Emperor's face still had to put on a hypocritical smile, and slowly said: "You two in promoting trade between the two countries have indeed put in extremely great efforts, I have always seen it in my eyes. Old Six, I happen to have here a painting 'Ten Thousand Horses Galloping' by the contemporary master Yan Qing, today I bestow it to you. As for Yan Si..."

The Emperor paused slightly, then turned to look at Eunuch Xi beside him, and instructed: "Eunuch Xi, take out that treasure I have treasured for a long time, and bestow it to Yan Si."

Eunuch Xi heard these words, hurriedly responded: "Yes!" Then immediately turned around to prepare to take the treasure. And Shangguan Xingyan and Yan Si, seeing this, did not dare to be negligent, quickly stood up, and together bowed to the Emperor, saying in unison: "Thank you Father (Your Majesty) for your grace!"

Then Yan Si again respectfully said: "Since this is a treasure Your Majesty has treasured for a long time, this humble one knows his lowly status, how dare I take what others love. That treasure of Your Majesty, this humble one will no longer covet. It's just that regarding the matter of the Imperial Marriage Decree I mentioned to you before, I don't know if Your Majesty has considered it?"

The Emperor heard these words, and could not help but be furious in his heart, secretly cursing loudly: "What a bold fellow! You want to take my precious daughter away from my side, isn't that taking what others love? Bah, truly a hypocrite!"

However, although extremely annoyed in his heart, the Emperor did not show the slightest displeasure on his face, but instead pretended to be calm and responded: "Oh, so you are talking about this matter. I have already considered it properly."

Shangguan Peilin's words had just fallen, when suddenly, the other two people present—Yan Si and Shangguan Xingyan and the Empress—all focused their gazes on the Emperor in unison.

Only seeing Shangguan Peilin as if he intended to whet everyone's appetite, slowly said: "This matter of the Imperial Marriage Decree you mentioned... I have made a decision only after deep consideration... If we really talk about you two... you are indeed quite a good match. After all, your Yan Si has such a head for business, good at management and calculation; while my family's Yu'er is also a clever and intelligent woman of both beauty and wisdom. It's just that..."