There is a happy inn in the capital.

Chapter 348 Princess's Birthday

As October approached, the weather began to cool down.

Li Shuchen was designing autumn uniforms for the inn's staff in the Sanbao Hall.

Grapes in the house

"Miss, Young Master Ruan has come on business and is waiting in the guest room."

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen stopped writing, thought for a moment, and said, "Please invite him up."

Then he went to the octagonal table and began to brew tea.

moment

"Miss Li, it's been a long time."

Young Master Ruan entered the house, put down the gifts he was carrying, and bowed.

Li Shuchen poured a cup of hot tea and placed it opposite him: "I just brewed some hot tea, sit down and have a taste."

Thank you, Miss Li.

Ruan Jingshang sat down, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smacked his lips.

“Good tea”

Li Shuchen: "Young Master Ruan, did you call me here today to discuss a mosquito repellent that refreshes and invigorates the mind?"

Ruan Jingshang put down his teacup and smiled, "Indeed, Miss Li is intelligent."

Li Shuchen's lips curled into a slight smile as he said calmly, "In that case, Young Master Ruan, please name your price."

Ruan Jingshang rubbed his hands together and said, "Since Miss Li is so straightforward, I won't beat around the bush. How about twenty taels of silver for a bottle?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen's eyes darted around, and he began to fabricate a story: "The refreshing and mosquito-repellent liquid I prepared for Xiao'er is an enhanced version. The normal version contains both refreshing and mosquito-repellent liquids. I can sell you these two liquids for twenty taels of silver per bottle."

After careful consideration, Ruan Jingshang said, "Mixing the two liquids together creates an enhanced version, doesn't it? The price is also the same as I said, twenty taels of silver per bottle."

Oh, that makes sense.

Li Shuchen took a sip of tea, his mind racing, and began to fabricate a story: "Young Master Ruan's statement is incorrect. These two liquids contain medicinal herbs with conflicting properties..."

If combined, not only will they lack the intended effects of each ingredient, but they will also cause users severe headaches, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.

I racked my brains for a formula, conducted numerous experiments, and tried various liquids, but the results were unsatisfactory. Sigh…

At this point, Li Shuchen shook his head, his face filled with hardship and sorrow.

Ruan Jingshang was completely taken aback, without doubting the truth of the matter at all, since only Li Shuchen possessed such a high-quality scientific research liquid on the market.

Li Shuchen pretended to drink tea but secretly glanced at Ruan Jingshang, quite pleased with his stunned expression. He suppressed the upward curve of his lips, put on a serious expression, and continued talking nonsense.

"To develop the enhanced version of the liquid, I spared no expense, purchasing rare medicinal herbs from a wealthy young master. It took me three months to finally produce it; it was truly no easy feat!"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jingshang pondered for a moment and then said, "I have also heard of the name of the wealthy young master. He is known as the number one mysterious merchant. He only has exquisite and rare goods, so it is only right that the prices are high. How about this, Miss Li, I will give you fifty taels of silver for a bottle of refreshing mosquito repellent?"

Li Shuchen almost burst out laughing when he heard the price. He coughed lightly and asked, "How many bottles does Young Master Ruan want?"

Ruan Jingshang: "The imperial examination is just around the corner next February, and a large number of candidates will need this item. The more the better. I wonder how many bottles of refreshing mosquito repellent liquid Miss Li can produce in the next three months?"

Of course, countless bottles! She can do this with just a flick of her finger; it's incredibly simple and easy.

Li Shuchen didn't answer directly, but silently asked the Auspicious System in his mind.

"Little Jizi, if I sell these things to Ruan Jingshang, will the money I receive be counted as income for the inn?"

[Not counted]

Li Shuchen frowned slightly upon hearing this and immediately retorted, "Why doesn't it count? Why doesn't what I sell at the inn count as inn revenue? What's the difference between this and selling steamed buns? Are you trying to prevent me from completing the inn's tasks? Do you not want to go home?"

A series of questions left the auspicious system silent until it finally spoke out in desperation.

【Calculate】

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen's brows relaxed. She could earn another large sum of money, bringing her closer to mission success. But in Ruan Jingshang's eyes, it was her ability to produce more energizing mosquito repellent liquid that helped refresh the mind.

"Well? Miss Li, could you give me a definite answer?"

"If we exert all our efforts, we can produce a thousand bottles."

Li Shuchen felt a little guilty after speaking, and picked up his teacup to take another sip.

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jingshang clapped his hands happily: "Great! There will be around three thousand candidates for the imperial examination, so a thousand bottles of refreshing mosquito repellent won't be a problem selling."

Li Shuchen nodded in agreement: "One thousand bottles of the enhanced liquid will cost fifty thousand taels of silver. Young Master Ruan, please pay a deposit of twenty thousand taels of silver first. The remaining balance can be settled after you take me to deliver the goods."

Ruan Jingshang: "That's certainly the case, but I didn't bring that much silver with me today. Would it be alright if I went to the bank to get the money and then gave it to Miss Li?"

Li Shuchen calmly replied, "I'm not in a hurry. I'll begin production whenever Young Master Ruan pays the deposit."

As soon as she finished speaking, Grape suddenly entered the room and said, "Miss, Young Master Cheng has arrived and is waiting outside."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jingshang tactfully stood up: "Miss Li, it's settled then. I'll come to pay the deposit tomorrow."

Li Shuchen nodded and stood up to see Ruan Jingshang off.

The two arrived at the door and opened it.

The three exchanged glances

Ruan Jingshang suddenly spoke up: "Brother Cheng, it's you?"

Cheng Zhian was also surprised and asked with slight astonishment, "Brother Ruan, you also know Chenchen?"

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jingshang immediately waved his hand and explained, "Brother Cheng, I'm only here to discuss business with Miss Li. I have absolutely no other intentions. Please don't misunderstand. I'm leaving now, Brother Cheng. I wish you both a long and happy life together."

After saying that, he turned and left, his steps incredibly fast.

Li Shuchen looked at Cheng Zhian and asked, "Why did you come here?"

Cheng Zhian took out an exquisite invitation from his pocket and handed it to Li Shuchen.

Princess Jiale invited me to attend Princess Changning's birthday banquet.

"What? Princess Changning's birthday banquet?"

Ruan Jingshang suddenly appeared, startling Li Shuchen so much that he patted his chest.

"Young Master Ruan, didn't you leave?"

Ruan Jingshang grabbed Cheng Zhian's arm anxiously: "Brother Cheng, why did Princess Jiale invite you to the banquet hosted by Princess Changning?"

Cheng Zhi'an frowned slightly and pulled Ruan Jingshang's hand down: "Let's talk inside."

Li Shuchen also wanted to know why, so he immediately closed the door and walked towards the octagonal table.

Cheng Zhian sat down and poured himself a cup of hot tea.

Ruan Jingshang was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, wanting to know the reason as soon as possible, but he dared not urge Cheng Zhian.

Li Shuchen sat down next to Cheng Zhian and waited quietly for the result.

Cheng Zhi'an took a sip of tea and said quietly, "I'm not the only one with an invitation. Many young talents from prominent families in the capital have also received invitations from Princess Jiale, saying that Princess Jiale intends to choose a husband for Princess Changning."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jingshang was struck dumb, frozen in place, his eyes glazed over, utterly bewildered.

Seeing Ruan Jingshang like this, Li Shuchen felt a pang of pity. After all, he was her business partner; she didn't want him to be so discouraged by this and then not want the energizing mosquito repellent, which would mean she wouldn't make any money.

So he comforted her, saying, "Young Master Ruan, Princess Changning has no intention of marrying for the time being and has no interest in men."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jingshang turned his head and stared blankly at Li Shuchen.

"Miss Li, should I be happy or not to be happy about this?"

Cheng Zhi'an's gaze swept between the two of them, and after thinking it over, he said, "Brother Ruan is in love with Princess Changning, and Chenchen knows about this."

Ruan Jingshang grabbed Cheng Zhian's arm again and asked for help, "Brother Cheng, what should I do?"

Cheng Zhi'an remained calm, withdrawing his arm and saying indifferently, "According to Chenchen, Princess Changning doesn't want to get married. If she's unwilling, given how much Princess Jiale dotes on her, she shouldn't force her. Brother Ruan still has a chance."

Hearing this, Ruan Jingshang felt a little better and withdrew his hand.

Li Shuchen opened the birthday invitation and looked at it carefully: "November 16th is Changning's birthday, I still have time to prepare a gift for her."

"I have time to prepare, Brother Cheng, Miss Li, I'll head back now."

After Ruan Jingshang finished speaking, he got up and left dejectedly; this time, he was truly gone.

Li Shuchen returned the invitation to Cheng Zhian, puzzled.

"We clearly have feelings for each other, and it's the talk of the town. Why would Princess Jiale send you an invitation?"

Cheng Zhi'an sighed and said, "I came here for this very reason. It's been a month since we last traveled together, and there are rumors circulating in the city that our relationship is strained and we're about to part ways."

Li Shuchen sighed and tilted his head back, asking helplessly, "So what do you think?"

Cheng Zhian stared intently at Li Shuchen's face and said seriously, "I want to ask you out again, no, many more times. I want to break the rumors. Shuchen, I only trust you. I can only marry you, not Princess Changning."

Li Shuchen chuckled upon hearing this: "Young Master Cheng, don't be so confident. Changning doesn't like you, so why would she agree to marry you?"

Cheng Zhian lowered his eyes: "What if Princess Jiale insists on choosing a husband for Princess Changning at her birthday banquet?"

Li Shuchen switched hands and rested her chin on her hand: "Didn't you say that Princess Jiale loves Changning and wouldn't force her?"

Cheng Zhi'an looked up at the window, her eyes filled with pity: "Women in this dynasty have no freedom whatsoever. How many of their future husbands will be as they wish? It's all arranged by their parents and matchmakers. A princess like her is even less able to escape this fate."

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen suddenly lowered his arm: "Then what did you say to Young Master Ruan just now?"

Cheng Zhian: "I'm just trying to comfort him; I can't bear to see him sad."

Li Shuchen rubbed his face vigorously, frowning as he said, "Then what should we do? Changning absolutely cannot marry someone she doesn't love."

"Li Shuchen, you're the one who truly cares for me."

A familiar voice, trembling with tears, rang in her ears. Li Shuchen turned her head and was immediately embraced tightly by Princess Changning.

"What should I do? Li Shuchen, what should I do? I don't want to get married, but my mother is determined to find me a husband."

Li Shuchen patted Princess Changning's back and gently comforted her, "Don't worry, there's still time. I'll think of a way for you. I'm usually the most resourceful, right? I'm sure I can find a way to prevent you from getting married. How can our beautiful Princess Changning marry someone she doesn't love? Don't worry, I'll definitely find a solution for you. Don't cry, okay?"

Under Li Shuchen's gentle coaxing, Princess Changning gradually stopped crying and began to sob softly.

"Greetings to Princess Changning"

Cheng Zhi'an greeted her, and only then did Princess Changning realize that someone else was there. She hurriedly wiped away her tears and sat down at the table.

"Please sit down, Scholar Cheng."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Zhian sat back down, and Li Shuchen sat down next to Princess Changning.

Princess Changning glanced at Cheng Zhi'an and said to Li Shuchen, "I heard from the nanny beside Mother that Mother favors Cheng Jieyuan the most. She believes that he has achieved the highest rank in the imperial examinations and will one day become the top scholar in the provincial and imperial examinations. He is a talent that comes along only once in a century."

Li Shuchen: "Tomorrow I will appear before the people together with him, strolling around, enjoying each other's company, and being affectionate. We will do this every day from now on. Princess Jiale can't possibly choose a husband who already has someone he loves."

Cheng Zhi'an also spoke up, saying, "Princess Changning, rest assured, I have absolutely no intention of marrying you."

Princess Changning breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this, then frowned again.

"Even if Cheng Jieyuan can't marry me, my mother will have a second or third choice. What should I do then?"

Li Shuchen calculated her age and said, "Changning has just turned seventeen this year, she's still young. Why does Princess Jiale insist on finding you a husband?"

Princess Changning: "In the Purple Star Dynasty, a girl who is eighteen years old and still unmarried is considered an old maid who will be ridiculed by the entire capital. The Princess's Mansion is a place of great honor and must not be tainted by such a stain."

Upon hearing this, Li Shuchen frowned: "How can this be considered a stain? It's ridiculous."

Cheng Zhi'an: "This dynasty is indeed plagued by such corrupt practices. If I were fortunate enough to enter the Hanlin Academy, the first thing I would do is petition the Emperor to amend the marriage age for women."

Li Shuchen: "I'm the first to support you."

Princess Changning: "I also support Cheng Jieyuan, but for Cheng Jieyuan to enter the Hanlin Academy, he needs to be in the top three in the palace examination, and the earliest he can get in is next March. I can't wait that long."

Li Shuchen: "Cheng Zhian, is there any legal provision to postpone the wedding?"

Cheng Zhian: "A person must observe a three-year mourning period after losing a parent, and cannot get married within three years."

Upon hearing this, Princess Changning hurriedly said, "No, we cannot lose our loved ones! I want my mother and father to live well."

Li Shuchen patted Princess Changning's slender hand: "No need to grieve, no need to grieve, let's think about it again."

She thought for a moment and then asked, "If someone has a serious illness, is it possible to not get married?"

Princess Changning: "How serious is the illness?"

Cheng Zhian: "Leprosy is acceptable."

Princess Changning: "Is it a disease that causes red spots and papules to appear all over the body?"

Cheng Zhi'an nodded: "Not only that, this disease is highly contagious, with extremely high rates of disability and mortality. I do not recommend that the princess choose this method to avoid marriage."

Upon hearing this, the starlight that had just ignited in Princess Changning's eyes instantly dimmed, like a wilted red camellia.

Li Shuchen couldn't bear it, so he patted Princess Changning's delicate hand to comfort her.

“We can find a medicine that won’t harm anyone but will cause a rash, so people will mistake it for leprosy. We can stop giving it to you after your birthday celebration.”

Princess Changning was on the verge of tears: "Li Shuchen, Mother will definitely find the imperial physician to treat me; I can't hide it from her."

Li Shuchen firmly stated, "We can hide it."

Princess Changning was taken aback upon hearing this: "Li Shuchen, do you have a solution?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Zhian also looked at Li Shuchen with suspicion.

Li Shuchen realized he had spoken too decisively, and with an awkward smile explained, "I previously took Master Jiehuo as my master, and he taught me a lot, including secret formulas that no one in the world has ever seen. I should be able to concoct them, but it will take time."

Princess Changning's eyes regained their sparkle as she looked intently at Li Shuchen: "Whatever medicinal herbs you need, I'll buy them all for you."

Li Shuchen waved his hand: "I can ask Linglong for it. This matter needs to be done secretly and should not be publicized."

Princess Changning nodded in agreement, then said to Cheng Zhi'an, "Please also keep this a secret, Scholar Cheng."

Cheng Zhian: "Everything Shu Chen has done is something I will support without hesitation."