Lu Nianfu looked at Cheng Beizheng's gaze as if he were a lucky cat; this fellow's luck with money was truly extraordinary.
Cheng Beizheng waved his hand in front of her, generously saying, "Don't make such a pathetic face. I'll give you half of that mine."
"Are you kidding me?"
"I'm serious, Lu Xiaofu. My uncle has been keeping a close eye on me lately. If no one helps me manage this mine, it'll have to be quietly sold off, which would be a huge loss."
Merchants seek profit, and there's no reason to sell a new mine at a low price.
Lu Nianfu lightly tapped her cup lid, "Haven't you made contact with the Duke of Cao's manor?"
Cheng Beizheng smiled, "It's fine to ask the Fu family for minor matters. But if the Fu family were to truly help me manage this mine, my family would be irrevocably tied to the Crown Prince. Honestly, if you weren't my man and became the Prince Rui, I would have sold these two mines the moment I got them."
He couldn't hold onto them.
What happens when a child walks down the road with a gold ingot? They'd be robbed, wouldn't they? It's better to sell it early, make a small profit, and secure it.
"Are you so sure I'll agree?"
"I'm not sure, but I have to ask. What do you say? If you agree, I can take only forty percent." Cheng Beizheng took another step back.
Sixty percent of the mine.
That was incredibly tempting. If exploited well, it would undoubtedly be a more profitable venture than maritime trade. Lu Nianfu pondered, "I can't make this decision alone. I need to ask Gu Yanchen before I can answer you."
"Naturally."
Cheng Beizheng's expression relaxed considerably, and he leaned back into the large armchair. "If Prince Rui agrees to this, I'll transfer the mine to your name immediately."
"Are you that afraid of your uncle holding a grudge against him? Aren't you afraid I'll swallow your mine and you'll have nowhere to turn?"
"We have years of friendship; it's not worth less than a mine." Cheng Beizheng frowned in annoyance. "The main thing is that my uncle has the Marquis of Qi Ying behind him. If he truly clashes with your man, it will become a confrontation between princes. So, it's better to erase my traces as soon as possible."
Lu Nianfu pouted, "It's not the first time they've clashed."
Even if this hadn't happened, she would have found an opportunity to avenge her past life sooner or later. If nothing else, she absolutely couldn't let Situ Jue ascend to the throne.
Cheng Beizheng glanced at her with a smile, "Alright, your status has risen, and your words have become more assertive. You didn't dare to back me up before."
"I didn't have the strength back then. Who knew fate could take such a turn and give me such a surprise?"
"It's indeed a surprise for me, but perhaps not entirely for you. The imperial selection is in full swing. Who knows how many women will enter your manor later? Lu Xiaofu, you should make plans for yourself."
As soon as this was mentioned, Lu Nianfu's lips couldn't help but curve upwards. Regarding taking concubines, Gu Yanchen had already refused the Emperor more than once. Even if he couldn't prevent new women from entering the manor in the future, she felt it was enough.
At least up to this moment, Gu Yanchen had been truly devoted to her.
Cheng Beizheng was baffled by her smile. "Sister, your man is going to take concubines, and you're smiling like this? Is that appropriate?"
"It's not too late to cry after the concubines arrive. I can't prevent such things no matter how much I plan, can I?"
"If you know you can't stop it, you should take precautions early. With many women in the inner court, there will inevitably be dirty tricks. I bought a maid who knows medicine. I'll have her follow you from now on. That way, you won't be poisoned unknowingly."
Lu Nianfu was touched but still refused, "I appreciate the thought, but you should keep her for Jiao Jiao."
"Jiao Jiao isn't lacking for people around her."
"Having an extra person is an extra layer of protection."
Cheng Beizheng looked at her for a few moments. Seeing that she genuinely didn't want to accept him, he didn't force it. "Alright, the person is there anyway. You can ask me for her when you feel you need her."
Lu Nianfu said, "Can't you wish me well? Can't I never need her?"
Frankly, Cheng Beizheng thought she was dreaming, but women were prone to being a bit dreamy. He let her be.
They hadn't seen each other in over a month, so they naturally talked for a while. By the time they realized it, the sun was setting. Lu Nianfu declined his dinner invitation and returned to Húlu Street, bathed in the sunset glow.
Mian'er was waiting at the second gate. As soon as she saw her, she quickly hurried to greet her, "Miss, be careful when you go inside. The Master is in a bad mood."
"What's wrong?"
"Xiao Wuzi said when he returned, he saw our manor's carriage parked outside the Tiger Might Escort Agency. He's sure he's jealous of you and Third Young Master Cheng."
Lu Nianfu chuckled, "Don't talk nonsense."
Gu Yanchen knew her relationship with Cheng Beizheng well. How could he be jealous of such trivial matters?
Mian'er stamped her foot, "Miss, please be mindful."