As for the matter of going out, Jing Wan also asked Luo Old Madam for permission, and naturally it was granted of course.
Jing Wan knew that Luo Jing Ying’s sights have always been revolving around her(JW), just that from beginning to end, she never opened her mouth. Jing Wan could tell, for the time being, Luo Jing Ying probably won’t cause anymore trouble.
When heading out, Jing Wan originally was still planning on choosing two from her four first-rank servant girls, but Qing Zhu voluntarily let Bai Shao take her place instead. Looks like, she also understood the significance of Bai Shao’s existence.
Jing Wan didn’t oppose.
The Rouge Pavilion was situated in the Eastern District’s most flourishing section. Although the capital didn’t have a particularly obvious distinction between the wealthy district and commoner’s district, those expensive and precious things still mainly gathered in the Eastern District. And those that come and go here are mostly also people dressed in bright and beautiful brocade.
A small section of the window curtain was lifted open. Jing Wan looked out at the bustling noise and excitement outside. Because the people coming and going that were like Jing Wan in status weren’t in the minority, there wasn’t really any need to be too uptight.
“Miss, we’ve arrived at the Rouge Pavilion.”
Jing Wan got down from the horse carriage. How to put it, the people entering the Rouge Pavilion were much less than she’d anticipated. Wasn’t it said to be renowned throughout the world?
Perhaps because she saw Jing Wan’s doubt, Gong mama opened her mouth to clear up the confusion for Jing Wan. “Miss, you may not know, but this Rouge Pavilion has several shops in the capital. The things sold in this location are the most expensive and of the highest quality. Moreover, the Rouge Pavilion has existed for many years, so what all is inside, everyone for the most part are all aware of. And each person for the most part all have what one is accustomed to using, so when the thing is used up, just directly call for the servant to come buy. Thus there isn’t any interest in staying too long. As time went on, it just formed into this sort of situation.”
Under careful examination, sure enough, those fancily dressed and exquisitely adorned young girls, many were actually all servant girls. That’s why many were just entering and exiting alone.
Jing Wan and them went in. The interior of the shop filled the eyes with gleam. The people shopping inside actually weren’t considered few. Just as Gong mama said, whatever they needed, they would just directly say, and the female attendants inside the shop would go fetch it for them. And once they paid, they would just leave. For the most part, no one lingered.
To be able to become a female attendant here, one naturally was very perceptive. Seeing Jing Wan’s party, they for the most part were certain, this was a newcomer. Thus, a female attendant smilingly came to greet them, “What all does miss need?”
“I’m looking for your shopkeeper.” Jing Wan directly stated her purpose.
The female attendant was slightly startled, “Then please wait a moment miss.” She had another female attendant go upstairs, while she herself lead Jing Wan and the others to a place further inside. Jing Wan actually never thought that this place even had a elegant little area that was partitioned off. Through this tiny little partitioned off area, Jing Wan just knew, the person that designed this place was a very interesting person, and also one with very refined taste.
Jing Wan sized up the things displayed on the many-treasure shelf. Not necessarily very rare and valuable, but each and every item were all very exquisite, each having its respective uniqueness.
“Looks like Luo third miss very much likes the things at this humble one’s place.”
Hearing the voice, Jing Wan turned her head, seeing a middle-aged woman.
Clearly having the mannerism and composure of an upper-class lady, yet that style of attire possessed the taste of the promiscuous[1]. Of course, this was just the opinion of Gong mama the others. In Jing Wan’s eyes, it rather didn’t have that feeling. She was just dressed a little thinly, her clothes slightly more close-fitting, and other than that, it was just her figure being good. Her face wasn’t especially beautiful, and a little under the corner of her right eye, there was even a red mole. It wasn’t big, yet it was red like it was about to drip blood. This was a very implicitly charming woman. Never mind when she was young, afraid even now, she would still be very popular with men.
“Madam recognizes me?”
That middle-aged woman smiled, and moreover, smiled like violently blossoming flowers. “Aiyoo, this is the first time someone called this humble one madam. Miss can just call this humble one Yun Niang, others all call me this. During the Grand Elder Princess’s birthday banquet, this humble one was also present.”
Jing Wan nodded, “Yun Niang is the shopkeeper here?”
“Not really, however, the Rouge Pavilion belongs to this humble one.” Yun Niang said with a smile.
“Oh, then looks like, I’ve come at the perfect time today.”
Yun Niang’s smile deepened even more. Very few, upon learning that she’s the Rouge Pavilion’s owner, don’t let out a surprised expression, especially for a young miss that resided deep inside the rear manor. However, it could also just be that her knowledge was limited, not knowing what the Rouge Pavilion signifies. However, recalling this young miss’s performance at the Grand Elder Princess Manor, she didn’t seem to be one that had shallow knowledge and experience. “Miss, please have a seat.” Afterwards, she let the female attendant offer Jing Wan tea. “Miss’s first time coming, yet already looking for the shopkeeper, don’t know what business miss has?”
Under Jing Wan’s indication, Bai Shao had the wooden box in her arms placed onto the table and opened, “These are some things that I frequently use, why don’t Yun Niang have a look?”
Yun Niang slightly narrowed her eyes. She for the most part already understood Jing Wan’s purpose in coming here. “No need to look at them, this humble one can just look at miss.” She casually picked out a flat jade jar and grabbed the lid, yet wasn’t able to open it.
Qing Lan went forward, wringing it twice, having the lid undone.
Yun Niang stroked the spiral pattern on the edge of the jade jar. “Such elaborate ideas.” Afterwards, she used her finger to scoop out a bit of the milky white cream, lightly smearing onto the back of her hand. It had a faint camilla scent. Then, looking again to Jing Wan’s face and hand, “No wonder miss dares to bring these things to the Rouge Pavilion.”
“Then, what does Yun Niang think?”
“Such good things, if one were to refuse, this humble one might regret for a lifetime.” Yun Niang took out the various skincare products in the box. The sheets of paper pressed underneath was the true treasure.
“As long as it’s from my recipe, I want a thirty percent share. As for the rest, I all don’t care about.”
Yun Niang helplessly sighed, “Miss is sure carefree at being this arm-flinging shopkeeper[2].”
“It’s precisely because one’s afraid of troublesome things, else two years ago, perhaps your Rouge Pavilion would’ve had a difficult rival.”
“Then one really should rejoice.”
Although it was said as so, Jing Wan could sense her nonchalant. Then again, for a lone woman like herself, without any backing, how would she be able to guard the Rouge Pavilion, this money shaking tree. “I have a tiny suggestion, why don’t Yun Niang have a listen? Of course, if you’re willing to accept, just accept it. If not, then just treat it as the wind by your ear.”
“The suggestion that Luo third miss gave the Grand Elder Princess had caused such a commotion, this humble one feels, if one really treats your words as the wind by one’s ear, then that definitely won’t be a wise decision.”
“Yun Niang overpraises.” Jing Wan simply just talked about the issue of packaging. As for advertising methods and whatnot, it simply wasn’t needed. After all, the Rouge Pavilion’s reputation was that big. Premium product packaging was definitely a very effective way to raise a commodity’s price. When the quality goes up, the price might even drastically rise by ten-fold or a hundred-fold. “Wooden box, silver box, golden box, jade box, and ones inlayed in gem stone. The wooden box can also be divided into different wood material. Afterwards, packaging for sets and packaging for single products can have relatively large boxes, and of course, can also have unique boxes exclusively for a certain person…….”
Yun Niang’s eyes repeatedly glistened, looking to Jing Wan with disbelief, “You really are an impressive young miss. If one were to let you come do something, the people in the same trade as you, afraid, will starve.”
“Yun Niang is exaggerating. I can only just come up with ideas. In reality, I don’t understand any of the workings.”
Yun Niang smilingly shook her head. Afterwards, she went to write the contract.
“Forty percent share? Yun Niang, this is too much.”
“Not much, your idea’s worth far surpasses that ten percent share. Although this humble one is a merchant, but sometimes, it’s fine as long as this humble one is happy.”
“Then, to refuse would be impolite.”
“Now then, does Luo third miss have any other requests, for instance, if someone from your family comes to buy……….”
“Just collect according to one tenth of the selling price. However, every person every month all have a fixed amount. The exceeding portion will be at the original price. I can’t let Yun Niang be at a disadvantage, no? Oh, right, if my family’s fourth sister comes to buy, you can even raise the price a little more.” Even if she brought it out to the public, she’ll still make Luo Jing Ying not be able to afford to use. As for whether or not Luo Jing Ying will go ‘loot’ others, that is not of Jing Wan’s concern. After all, aside from Liu-shi’s and ones in Luo Jing Qiang’s hands, afraid all won’t be easy to steal from anymore. But Liu-shi doesn’t have much money to begin with, would she be willing to have her own share all given to Luo Jing Ying? Hehe……….
[1] This is basically implying that she dresses like a prostitute.
[2] Term meaning someone who asks others to work but does nothing themselves.
