Su Xiaoqi's words resonated deeply with Yun Nishang.
Now knowing that Su Xiaoqi was not solely focused on making money, she admired her even more.
She directly offered a two-point profit share, suggesting they both contribute to the soldiers defending the border.
Su Xiaoqi undertook this venture without earning any profit, even bearing the cost of the duck down herself.
Therefore, she did not refuse Yun Nishang's kind offer.
After inspecting the superior quality down jackets, they then looked at the meticulously crafted cotton-padded clothes from the next batch. Su Xiaoqi was completely at ease.
She immediately instructed Zhang Yu to relay the message that people could come to pick up the goods at the manor outside the city.
Ninety percent of the order had already been completed.
As the current batch was being loaded, the remaining items would be finished within two more days, and they could set off around the day after tomorrow.
After arranging the crucial task of inspecting the goods, Su Xiaoqi discussed their upcoming collaborative projects with Yun Nishang.
Su Xiaoqi took out a business proposal and opened it, saying, "The market for down jackets and cotton-padded clothes should be substantial. We can cooperate on this."
Yun Nishang looked at her with a serious expression.
Su Xiaoqi's words made her nod repeatedly.
She had wanted to bring this up for a long time but hadn't found a suitable opportunity.
She hadn't expected Su Xiaoqi to propose it first.
She was very pleased and quickly accepted the proposal, reading it carefully and agreeing.
The two agreed to commence large-scale production of down jackets and cotton-padded clothes once the current batch was successfully delivered.
They were determined to produce and sell the first batch before winter ended.
They needed a resounding success, which might allow them to recover their current losses.
Their collaboration method remained the same: Su Xiaoqi would be responsible for providing raw materials.
Yun Nishang, with her workforce and storefronts, would manage the production and sales.
Profits would be split fifty-fifty.
Su Xiaoqi was not just talking; she had prepared a formal contract for Yun Nishang to sign.
"This is very professional. Good. I've heard from He Qiulei that he's earned a lot of money following you this past year," Yun Nishang regretted not joining them sooner.
She had missed so many opportunities to make money.
Su Xiaoqi chuckled. Yun Nishang was indeed fond of money, but she was not someone who was solely focused on it.
She simply believed that if there was a good business idea and sufficient capital, not pursuing it was akin to leaving money on the ground and not picking it up, which would be a waste of resources.
This line of thinking was perfectly fine; otherwise, Su Xiaoqi would not have befriended her.
The two quickly signed the contract, and the workers Zhang Yu had hired for loading had arrived.
They started packaging and loading the goods to avoid delaying the delivery time for the day after tomorrow.
After this, Zhang Yu approached Su Xiaoqi and whispered in her ear, "Madam, the Grand Princess has sent people looking for you everywhere."
Su Xiaoqi slapped her forehead. Ah, she had almost forgotten.
It was about Shen Yun knocking out the gatekeeper at the Grand Princess's manor when they passed through the side gate to rescue Prince Duan's residence.
This matter required her to personally visit the Grand Princess and explain.
Su Xiaoqi glanced at the sky, noting it wasn't too late, and stood up, saying, "Prepare gifts, we are going to the Grand Princess's manor."
Yun Nishang looked at Su Xiaoqi, thinking how much she had changed.
In just over half a year since arriving in the capital, not only had her business flourished and made a lot of money, but she had also befriended so many important figures in the court.
It was fortunate that she valued Yun Nishang enough to want to cooperate with her in business.
Otherwise, where would she find such a good business partner?
As Yun Nishang was reflecting on this, her personal maid, Huan'er, suddenly spoke, "Tsk, Miss, look at her. What great airs! She comes and goes as she pleases, without so much as a word of greeting."
Yun Nishang's heart was full of admiration for Su Xiaoqi at the moment and she couldn't tolerate any criticism of her.
She glared at Xiao Huan and her face turned cold. "Xiao Huan, don't talk nonsense."
Seeing her mistress's cold and stern expression, Xiao Huan's heart sank.
She hadn't expected her mistress to value Su Xiaoqi so highly.
This meant it would be very difficult for her to win her favor in the future.
She quickly collected her emotions, stuck out her tongue, and apologized, transforming from a gossiping bad girl into a charming one.
Yun Nishang looked at this maid, who had been with her for a short time but was very intelligent and quick-witted, and still felt protective of her.
She patted her hand and said, "Madam Shen is my close friend. As my maid, you must not speak ill of her. Moreover, she has already bid me farewell. How can you say she left without a word? I have known Madam Shen for a long time, and she has always been modest and courteous. She values me, which is why she is willing to cooperate with me in business. I understand her; if she dislikes someone, let alone befriending them or doing business, she probably wouldn't even glance at them."
Yun Nishang said all this because she didn't want a mere maid to damage her relationship with Su Xiaoqi.
Of course, she didn't want to change maids for the time being.
Her previous personal maid, who was skilled in her duties, had her marriage arranged in Mianzhou City by her family as she had reached marriageable age.
As her mistress, it was inappropriate for her to forcibly break off the engagement for her own convenience.
Furthermore, even if she were forced to come along, her heart would likely remain behind, and she wouldn't be able to perform her duties properly.
So, she decided against it.
The current maids serving her, Xiao Huan and Xiao Wei, were purchased by He Qiulei from a broker for her after she entered the capital.
Among the two, Xiao Huan was more intelligent and efficient, so she quickly gained Yun Nishang's trust and had become her chief maid.
It was the first time Xiao Huan had spoken out of turn, so Yun Nishang easily forgave her.
Meanwhile, Su Xiaoqi arrived at the Grand Princess's manor and apologized to the Grand Princess for Shen Yun having knocked out the gatekeeper at the side gate.
However, the Grand Princess steadied Su Xiaoqi, who was about to bow, and personally helped her to a chair. With teary eyes, she said, "Xiaoqi, my child, I know everything. Fortunately, there was you. Fortunately, there was you."
Su Xiaoqi understood that the Grand Princess was referring to the incident at Prince Duan's residence.
"I returned late, and by the time I learned of this, they had already gone to the palace. I've heard everything. It was all thanks to you and Hexuzhi. If you hadn't rushed to hide that blasted thing, my elder brother would likely have..." The Grand Princess dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief and could not continue speaking, choked with emotion.
"Your Highness, it's alright. This is what we should do. You don't need to dwell on it." Su Xiaoqi had always seen the Grand Princess as dignified and noble, with the demeanor of royalty. The most tender moments were when she was like a loving mother to Bao Ge'er. She rarely saw her in such a vulnerable state, weeping so sorrowfully. Su Xiaoqi quickly offered comfort.
She also explained that they had learned of the matter by chance and, in their haste, had intended to pass through the Grand Princess's manor. Because the gatekeeper was diligent, they feared delays, which was why Shen Yun had acted forcefully. Regardless of whether the Grand Princess would blame them, Su Xiaoqi felt it necessary to provide an explanation.
Su Xiaoqi's sincere explanation instantly dispelled the Grand Princess's sorrow. She hugged Su Xiaoqi and laughed. "Good, good, Xiaoqi. It is our good fortune, the fortune of our siblings, to have met you. It is thanks to your repeated assistance that we have been able to achieve this." The Grand Princess's words were not casual. Thinking back, the changes and benefits Su Xiaoqi had brought them since her appearance were tangible. The current favorable situation was all thanks to her, creating it for them, the siblings! Her gratitude was deeply held!