"A mere trifle, nothing to mention. Since you call me your elder sister-in-law, we are family. It is only right for family to watch over and support each other."
Feng Jin's good impression of Ling Wan skyrocketed. This girl was indeed good, repaying kindness, clear in her actions, and intelligent.
"Elder sister-in-law is right, family supports each other."
Ling Wan responded. When her elder sister-in-law first married into the Ling family, there had been quite a stir. First, she saved her elder brother, dealt with everyone in the second branch, and seized control of the household.
She had intended to visit her elder sister-in-law earlier, but her mother stopped her, worried that her elder sister-in-law would be difficult to get along with and that she might cause trouble.
From the matter of Chunlan receiving her monthly allowance previously, she knew that her elder sister-in-law had a kind heart and was easy to get along with. Yesterday, she had also saved them and helped her reclaim justice, so she had decided to get closer to her elder sister-in-law.
"Young Madam, everything is ready, we can go."
Cai Qing returned to report to Feng Jin after preparing the items.
"Elder sister-in-law, are you going out?" Ling Wan asked tentatively. The Ling family had a rule that women needed the head of the household's permission to go out.
Even though her elder sister-in-law was now managing the entire household, she still had to formally seek permission from her elder brother before going out.
"Yes, you should come along too. Staying cooped up at home all day will only make you restless. It's good to go out for some fresh air and relax your mood."
"Ah! This..."
Ling Wan hesitated. If she went out without permission, and someone reported it to her grandfather, her mother would also be punished.
Suppressing her desire to go out, she said, "I won't go. Elder sister-in-law, you guys..."
"You'll be fine staying in the manor. Don't worry, if grandfather asks, just say you went shopping with me. I'll speak to Concubine Bai for you, and everything will be fine."
Feng Jin guaranteed it, pulling Ling Wan towards the carriage.
"Elder sister-in-law..." Ling Wan, full of worry, got into the "thief's carriage."
The carriage stopped on East Street, and the three of them alighted.
Cai Qing instructed the coachman to tie up the carriage and wait there.
"Young Madam, I heard that Linglong Pavilion has a new rouge that makes one's face bloom like peach blossoms, and it also carries a faint floral scent. Would you like to buy a box?"
Feng Jin was not interested in rouge and powder at all, but upon hearing Cai Qing's description, she inexplicably agreed, "Let's go take a look."
Linglong Pavilion lived up to its reputation as the largest rouge and powder shop in the capital. It was crowded, all for the latest batch of rouge.
"So many people, what kind of rouge would cause everyone to rush here in such a frenzy?"
Ling Wan was surprised. She had only been out a few times, and her makeup and rouge were always bought by servants and delivered to her. Therefore, she knew nothing about rouge.
"Cai Qing, go buy a box of rouge."
"Yes, Young Madam."
Cai Qing pushed and shoved until her head was bleeding, finally managing to snatch a box of rouge. She didn't even know when the hairpin on her head had been lost in the crowd.
That was her newly bought hairpin, and it was lost after only two days of wearing it.
"When we return to the manor, go pick out a hairpin from my collection, don't be upset."
Feng Jin comforted her, examining the rouge in her hand. The box was indeed exquisite, with gold powder outlining the edges. The box alone was worth a lot of silver, which was no wonder a small box of rouge could sell for ten taels of silver.
She wanted to see what was inside.
Opening the rouge box, a floral fragrance wafted out. The scent was pleasant, and the powder was fine and smooth.
Bringing it to her nose, Feng Jin's expression suddenly changed.
This was no rouge or powder, but a potent heavy metal poison.
Using these things on their faces daily would eventually lead to heavy metal poisoning.
Feng Jin was so scared that she quickly threw the item to the ground. She didn't want to die young.
"That box costs ten taels of silver, Young Madam, why did you throw it away?"
Cai Qing said with heartache. This box was her three months' allowance. Even if she didn't want it, she could have given it to her; why waste it?
"Don't touch it. It contains a high concentration of heavy metals. Prolonged contact, or accidental ingestion, will eventually lead to heavy metal poisoning. In time, even immortals cannot save you."
Feng Jin explained the severity of the situation. Cai Qing was so scared she almost jumped out of her skin. This was too terrifying.
The rouge and powder they usually used contained potent poison.
"Then, Young Madam, have you also used these things?"
Feng Jin shook her head, "Everything I use is developed by myself. It's all natural and harmless, and I've added ingredients like ginseng and snow lotus for skin nourishment..."
As Feng Jin explained, Ling Wan and Cai Qing both looked on with envy.
"If you like them, I'll make some for you."
After all, these items didn't cost much to make. If she made a bit extra when producing them, it would be enough.
"Really? Thank you, Elder sister-in-law."
"Thank you, Young Madam."
Feng Jin couldn't help but shake her head and sigh. Indeed, in that era, women had no resistance to skincare products.
However, this did give her an idea for a business opportunity.
After Feng Jin finished her casual browsing, she remembered that she still had an important task to attend to.
"Young Madam, the shop ahead is the one."
Cai Qing pointed to the shop in front, wondering why the Young Madam wanted to inquire about a shop.
Feng Jin glanced at the location. It was indeed suitable, with high foot traffic and convenient transportation, making it a good place for business.
"Owner, this is my madam."
"Greetings, Madam. If you fancy my shop, your taste is definitely first-class. If my mother weren't ill and I weren't in a hurry to return home to care for her, I would never sell this shop."
The owner was a middle-aged man with dark skin, but he looked energetic and seemed like an honest person.
Feng Jin surveyed the surroundings and made up her mind. "Owner, business is business. Give me a fair price. If it's suitable, we'll finalize it today."
"Madam is straightforward. My price is six hundred taels of silver, all at once."
Six hundred taels of silver, so much. A hint of surprise flashed across Ling Wan's face.
Feng Jin calculated in her mind, then paused and said, "Five hundred and eighty taels. Let's both pick a lucky number, Owner, what do you think?"
The owner looked troubled and hesitated. He had already approached other buyers, and many offered more than Feng Jin. However, they didn't have the cash ready.
"Madam, I'm in a hurry to sell and return to my hometown. This money, can..."
"All in cash." Feng Jin was not lacking in money at the moment. Her entire treasury was filled with silver ingots. If she didn't spend it, she worried about attracting thieves.
The simplest and quickest way was to acquire assets, and she could also make a profit.
"Good, I'll give you the land deed right away."
This owner was also a straightforward person. Seeing that Feng Jin was paying in cash, he immediately agreed. Signing and transferring the land deed were done in one go.
Feng Jin looked at the land deed with satisfaction. Next, she would prepare for the opening.
"Young Madam, why did you buy this shop?"
"Of course, I bought the shop to open a business. I've already prepared to open a pharmacy."
"Elder sister-in-law, you're opening a pharmacy?"