He Qiu Lei, having spent years traveling and trading, was familiar with dealing with various social strata and government officials, making the process of handling such matters straightforward.
In less than half an hour, all the complicated paperwork was completed.
Upon returning to Mao'er Hutong, He Qiu Lei informed them that, anticipating Shen Yun's future success as a Jinshi and likely appointment to the Hanlin Academy, perhaps even placing in the top three, he had a sudden idea. He decided to switch the house they were being given to Mao'er Hutong, which was closer to the Hanlin Academy.
Fearing the young couple might not believe him, he pointed to several residences at the entrance of the alley and explained, "Look, that one was previously occupied by a former Zhuangyuan (top scholar). And this neighboring house was lived in by Lord Wang, who achieved the San Yuan (top three in all examinations) three times..."
Shen Yun interrupted with a deep voice, "Are you referring to Minister of Personnel, Lord Wang?"
"Ah, ah, exactly! Oh, I knew Brother Shen would surely know of these."
After detailing the famous residents of this lane, He Qiu Lei spoke of the house's specifications, noting it was larger than the previous one on Huaihua Street, though less lively. This was because the earlier house was in the western part of the city, near the market, where crowds flocked daily to buy goods.
"However, if you really dislike it here and wish to switch back, that's perfectly fine," He Qiu Lei added casually.
Su Xiao Qi let out a soft chuckle. "The meat is already braised; how can it be changed to stewed meat?"
This remark thoroughly amused He Qiu Lei. He scratched the back of his head, sheepishly saying that the previous house was simply not as good as this one. If they didn't believe him, he could take them for a tour, and they would see for themselves.
Su Xiao Qi and Shen Yun, being sharp as needles, had no reason not to believe him. However, they were not fond of his obvious change of heart.
He Qiu Lei, touching his nose and realizing he had overstepped, said no more. He simply handed over the property deeds and land titles, which had been changed to Su Xiao Qi's name.
Su Xiao Qi glanced at them, then looked at Shen Yun in surprise. She had previously heard He Qiu Lei specifically ask Shen Yun about transferring ownership, so she knew he was inquiring about the name for the deed. She had expected him to put his own name down, but he hadn't.
Although Su Xiao Qi was accustomed to receiving money from Shen Yun, she recalled that in the past, she usually received only a hundred or eighty taels. The most she had ever received at once was when they bought the estate, which amounted to a thousand taels. Those estates and shops were all registered under Su Xiao Qi's name, and she felt she had contributed the larger portion, thus it was rightfully hers, so she had never given the matter much thought. This time, however, the entire house was a result of Shen Yun's calligraphy and paintings, along with his connections, and she hadn't contributed a single cent. This was why Su Xiao Qi had thought as she did.
Shen Yun frowned slightly. He had understood Su Xiao Qi's thoughts and felt a subtle sense of disappointment. Her thinking this way implied she didn't truly consider them a family. He felt he needed to say something to make her believe his words.
"My dear wife, please remember, all that your husband possesses, is yours. And whatever you desire, even if your husband does not have it, he will strive his utmost to obtain it and present it to you."
Su Xiao Qi's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively looked at Shen Yun. This fellow was becoming increasingly adept at sweet talk, saying such things effortlessly.
He Qiu Lei, who had unintentionally overheard Shen Yun's declaration of love, first appeared awkward, then envious. He thought that if his own father could possess even a fraction of Shen Jieyuan's devotion, his father's back courtyard wouldn't have so many concubines. Fortunately, not all of them had given birth to children; otherwise, he and his elder brother would be exhausted just from fighting with illegitimate sons and concubines to protect the family fortune.
Regardless of the twists and turns, the outcome was positive: Su Xiao Qi now had a residence in the capital, far better than many others.
Before retiring for the night, Shen Yun took Su Xiao Qi's hand and said, "Tomorrow, shall I accompany you to stroll along Zhuque Avenue?"
Su Xiao Qi was, of course, willing. When she was at Gan Quan Temple, she had heard the wet nurses of the Grand Princess speak of Zhuque Avenue, reportedly the most prosperous area in the entire capital. Located in the eastern part of the city, it stretched for twelve li. Walking its length would take an hour, and browsing leisurely could take half a day.
As a businesswoman aiming to earn money, Su Xiao Qi's primary interest, beyond mere curiosity, was to identify potential business opportunities. Although she hadn't fully decided on her future course of action or whether to open a shop in the capital, she instinctively wanted to understand the market conditions here.
Shen Yun accurately grasped her thoughts and was overjoyed.
Zhuque Avenue was wide and accessible, lined with shops of all kinds. One section featured silk stores, jewelry shops, and cosmetic boutiques. Another segment was dedicated to food stalls, offering a variety of delicacies, even more vibrant than the night markets of Yizhou Prefecture. Further on, there were blacksmiths, lantern makers, money changers, pawn shops, grain stores, and markets – every type of establishment in this dynasty was present.
As Su Xiao Qi browsed, her peach blossom eyes sparkled like stars. Seeing the crowds of people, shoulder to shoulder, she exclaimed, "It's so lively in ancient times! It's almost like people traveling during Golden Week in modern times." Standing on the street, her height allowed her to see only a sea of people.
Shen Yun took her hand and led her to a less crowded spot. "How is it? Any ideas?"
Su Xiao Qi, understanding his intent, shook her head. "This place isn't suitable for me." She was only thinking of supermarkets and grain stores, though a pastry shop was also a possibility. However, the sheer abundance of goods here made her doubt her own shop could stand out. She wouldn't undertake anything without absolute certainty. A significant reason for her reluctance was that, after her tour, she noticed that most shops were occupied, with very few vacant, suggesting they would be difficult to acquire. Thus, even if she wanted to open something, there would be no place.
"Opening a pastry shop wouldn't be bad either," Shen Yun suggested.
Su Xiao Qi had considered this but quickly dismissed it. "Firstly, there are no vacant shops. Secondly, the shops in this area are likely very expensive. Thirdly, I intend to create a refined ambiance for Chen Jin Ji, and this place, while prosperous, lacks elegance." The pastries sold at Chen Jin Ji were unique, and if she were to open a shop, she wouldn't necessarily need such a large influx of people. After all, how many young ladies from noble families or esteemed wives would personally go out shopping? They would either send maids and servants to buy things or have people make them on-site at their residences. Su Xiao Qi pondered this for a long time, deliberating, and even after finishing her tour, she hadn't made a decision.
However, their stroll had not gone unnoticed. As they turned a street corner, a figure suddenly rushed out, heading directly towards Shen Yun. Su Xiao Qi, seeing the delicate silhouette, recognized it as a woman and managed to call out, "Careful..."
Shen Yun's body twisted at an incredible angle, evading the woman just as she was about to throw herself into his arms. Her momentum was too great, and after missing Shen Yun's embrace, she couldn't stop herself, crashing directly into a nearby rouge stall. Numerous beautifully packaged powder boxes were toppled, scattering colorful powders everywhere.