Chapter Ninety-Eight: Angel Investment (Part Two)

Tao Ming was stunned—a set of ice silkworm silk clothing sold for such a high price! She had arrived at Weishui and was already dressed in haute couture! But Qin Sihau was truly impoverished! Forty thousand amethyst coins could only buy four hundred sets of ice silkworm silk clothing! Qin Siyu spoke up to defend Qin Sihau: “Ming Ming, your Fifth Uncle has married off several daughters, and their dowries have nearly depleted his fortune.”

Tao Ming thought for a moment and then asked, “Do any of you know how much ordinary people pay for rice per pound?” Everyone looked at each other, but none of them had an answer!

Tao Ming sighed, “Let me be clear—when the market earns profits, I want half. The rest will be distributed according to your respective investments.”

Qin Youchuan was about to speak, but Tao Ming stopped him, saying, “Grandfather, you should all discuss this among yourselves and proceed according to your means. Also, I need to speak with the Su family. Since you’re involved, we can’t exclude them.”

The Qin family members left the courtyard, heavy with thought.

The Seventh Prince approached her. “Tao Ming, can I invest too?”

“How much do you have?”

The Seventh Prince smiled sheepishly. “I’m even poorer than Fifth Uncle, not even thirty thousand amethyst coins. I have to support both the prince’s manor and my fief.”

Tao Ming shook her head repeatedly, exclaiming, “A prince of the realm, and yet so destitute!”

She then walked over to Su Nanxing and said, “You once claimed the Qin family was wealthier than the Su family. Do you know how much was confiscated when Heshen’s estate was seized?”

Su Nanxing struggled to follow her logic. “Is there a connection between the two?”

Tao Ming admonished him, “Only someone like Heshen could be considered wealthy enough to rival the state! The Qin family is nothing in comparison.”

Su Nanxing retorted, “But productivity was different. By your logic, Bill Gates could buy all of Weishui!”

Suddenly inspired, Su Nanxing continued, “You’ve led me astray. Fifth Uncle was talking about liquid assets, not their holdings!”

Those nearby listening to Tao Ming and Su Nanxing exchanged confused glances, unable to follow their conversation.

Tao Ming turned to the Seventh Prince. “When you’re short on money, do you sell things from your manor?”

The Seventh Prince shook his head quickly. “I wouldn’t dare.”

Tao Ming looked at Su Nanxing with a provocative air, even giving a little shake.

Su Nanxing found Tao Ming’s manner adorable and couldn’t help but embrace her and kiss her.

Qin Siyu coughed twice. “Let’s eat.”

...

The Seventh Prince took a seat next to Qin Siyu. Tao Ming noticed and asked, “You’re eating here too?”

The Seventh Prince was irritated. “Where else should I eat?”

“I thought you’d dine with Grandfather.”

The Seventh Prince expertly dipped meat into the pot. “I’m closest to Thirteenth Uncle, so naturally I eat here.”

Tao Ming snatched the meat he was about to pick up. “Why haven’t I seen Mu Rong?”

The Seventh Prince nonchalantly picked another piece of meat and placed it in his bowl. “This is the inner courtyard. He’s an outsider; how could he enter?”

“You’re an outsider too!”

“How can I be an outsider?”

The two exchanged a few more barbs. Su Nanxing was fuming inside, but since Tao Ming kept serving him meat, he managed to restrain himself from throwing the Seventh Prince out.

After a while, Tao Ming casually said, “Father, Mother, when I visited the Su family today, Aunt said nine days from now is a good day and wants me to marry then.”

Tao Sisi put down her chopsticks, saying, “So soon?”

Qin Siyu comforted Tao Sisi, “Ruan Ruan is already so grown. It’s best to get it done quickly.”

Tao Ming was displeased at this—what did they mean, “Ruan Ruan is already so grown”? She had married properly and only then had Ruan Ruan!

But there was no point arguing; the marriage certificate had already been stamped void.

Qin Siyu looked at Su Nanxing. “If Ming Ming and the children aren’t happy at the Su family, I’ll bring them back. Don’t stop me.”

Su Nanxing replied with a mischievous grin, “Dad, if that day ever comes, you can bring me back too.”

Qin Siyu made the decision final. “Go tell your parents—we agree.”

Su Nanxing’s heart settled; he beamed, “I’ll tell them right after dinner.”

Ruan Ruan asked curiously, “Mommy, what are you and Daddy going to do?”

Tao Ming stroked her head. “We’re getting married!”

Ruan Ruan was delighted and pulled Nuonuo along. “Wonderful! Last time they got married, I wasn’t there. Now I’ll finally be able to attend.”

...

After dinner, the Seventh Prince took his leave and returned to his manor.

Su Nanxing was going back to the Su family to share the good news; Tao Ming didn’t want to go, but Tao Sisi spoke up. “The beds in the guest room are damp. Go along with him.”

Tao Ming wondered whose mother she really was.

Oh well, she thought, going back isn’t so bad—I can ask if the Su family wants to join in building the market.

The carriage stopped directly in front of Weixiang Courtyard, and the family of four entered the main house.

In the main hall, Su Yanfeng and Qiao Ruowei were chatting idly. Seeing the joy that Su Nanxing couldn’t hide, Qiao Ruowei smiled and asked, “Seventeen, has the marriage been settled?”

Su Nanxing’s smile nearly split his face. “Father-in-law and mother-in-law are truly reasonable people.”

Su Yanfeng was annoyed—already calling them father-in-law and mother-in-law? His expression soured.

Qiao Ruowei, knowing her husband’s temperament, said, “You two sit here in the hall; I’ll have Si Shang take Ming Ming’s measurements for her wedding dress.”

Su Nanxing chimed in, “Just as well, I have business to discuss with Father.”

Tao Ming took the two little ones and followed Qiao Ruowei into the bedroom. Qiao Ruowei summoned Si Shang to measure the three of them.

Ruan Ruan and Nuonuo were fascinated by the soft measuring tape in Si Shang’s hand and wanted to play with it. Si Shang let them and took another to measure Tao Ming.

As Tao Ming stretched out her arms, she asked, puzzled, “Aunt, shouldn’t the wedding dress be made by the bride’s family?”

Qiao Ruowei replied with a smile, “Usually, the bride makes it herself, but you’ve been busy lately and likely haven’t had the time.”

Tao Ming smiled awkwardly. “I don’t know how.”

“Si Shang is quite skilled with needle and thread. Her work will surely suit your taste.”

Tao Ming hesitated. “Aunt, my mother will probably prepare a wedding dress for me.”

Qiao Ruowei laughed. “I’ve met your mother a few times and found her very congenial. She’s straightforward, lively, and probably wouldn’t pay attention to such details.”

Tao Ming thought that was a tactful way of saying her mother couldn’t sit still long enough or wasn’t skilled in sewing, and might not have thought to make a wedding dress! But it was kindly meant, so she didn’t dwell on it.

They hadn’t finished measuring when Su Nanxing’s voice came from the bedroom door. “Mother, are you done measuring Ming Ming?”

Qiao Ruowei walked to the door, teasing, “It hasn’t even been a moment, and you’re already impatient.”

Su Yanfeng coughed and said, “Wife, Seventeen mentioned something important—he needs to discuss it with Ming Ming in person.”

Qiao Ruowei turned back to Tao Ming. Si Shang was just packing up the tape. “Madam, the measurements are done.”

Tao Ming said to Qiao Ruowei, “Aunt, I’ll head out now. Please look after the two little ones.”

Qiao Ruowei replied affectionately, “They’re my own granddaughters. What trouble could they be?”