"What's happened?" Gu Yanshu's smile faded as he turned to Bai Zhu.
"Manager Tang from Taoran Pavilion just sent word—several porcelain shops led by Yun Cizhai have suddenly slashed prices these past two days, stealing all our customers."
Bai Zhu didn't mince words.
Taoran Pavilion, a historic porcelain shop in a prime location, ranked among the finest in Gu Yanshu's dowry properties.
Initially alarmed by Bai Zhu's urgency, Gu Yanshu now felt the report exaggerated:
"Price fluctuations are common competition tactics. Surely Manager Tang has handled this before?"
Having reviewed the account books, Gu Yanshu knew Tang had managed the shop for over a decade.
Could this truly be the first such incident requiring owner intervention?
Gu Yanshu's elder brother had maintained all dowry businesses profitably—clearly none would employ incompetent managers.
Bai Zhu's next words confirmed his suspicion:
"Manager Tang said he wouldn't trouble you over minor matters, but Yun Cizhai's actions this time cross the line. He's at his wits' end."
He then detailed the situation—
Which requires understanding Tianqi's unique New Year customs:
Every household, rich or poor, replaces porcelain items for Lunar New Year.
The impoverished might renew just a spoon or bowl.
Middle-class families replace entire dish sets.
Wealthy estates refresh all non-antique ceramics—
From kitchenware to study teapots to decorative vases.
Thus, year-end becomes porcelain shops' most profitable season—
Their annual revenues hinge entirely on these critical weeks.
Though the New Year was still one or two months away, prestigious households had already begun placing porcelain orders.
After all, affluent families demanded uniformity in all things—ceramics being no exception. Custom designs required time for production after orders were placed.
Thus, during this season every year, reputable porcelain shops in the capital would typically raise prices by 10-30%.
Yet this year, Yun Cizhai and several others had done the opposite—slashing prices unexpectedly, leaving Manager Tang scrambling.
His initial response was to match the price cuts—year-end sales were too crucial to lose.
But each time Taoran Pavilion lowered prices, Yun Cizhai undercut them further.
After two rounds of this, Tang realized something was amiss.
With prices now at 70% of normal levels—below even production costs—he dared not reduce them further without authorization.
As Tang put it: "At this rate, we won't even cover the kiln workers' wages, let alone material costs!"
Traditionally, Tang would have sought Gu Yanli's guidance.
But before Gu Yanshu's marriage, Gu Yanli had gathered all the shop managers to clarify:
"These businesses are now dowry properties under Prince Li Manor. Henceforth, report to the Princess Consort—not the Marquisate or me."
Servants serving two masters risked grave consequences. After careful consideration, Tang had no choice but to approach Prince Li Manor.
Having heard Bai Zhu's explanation, Gu Yanshu finally understood Tang's urgency.
Without year-end revenue, Taoran Pavilion's annual earnings would plummet.
If this continued into next year, cash flow might collapse entirely—forcing the shop's closure.
For a once-thriving establishment to fail would be an unforgivable managerial failure—one Tang couldn't afford.
"Yun Cizhai..." Gu Yanshu murmured the rival shop's name thoughtfully.
"Bai Zhu, first investigate Yun Cizhai's background."
Taoran Pavilion needed profits—but so did Yun Cizhai.
For them to sacrifice earnings just to undercut a competitor?
Gu Yanshu smelled conspiracy.
"Understood." Bai Zhu bowed and turned to leave—
But Qin Hao, seated nearby, suddenly interjected:
"I believe Yun Cizhai has ties to Eldest Brother."
"Oh?" Gu Yanshu's gaze sharpened.
"Yes! Definitely connected!"
Qin Hao clapped as memory surfaced:
"Eldest Brother has a concubine—a Zhou family嫡女. Yun Cizhai is the Zhou family's business!"
"I see."
Now it made sense.
Humiliated by Prince Li Manor yet unable to strike at Qin Lu or Qin Hao directly—
Qin Sheng had targeted what he perceived as the weakest link: Gu Yanshu's dowry shops.
How predictable, Gu Yanshu thought with a cold smirk.
Qin Hao caught on instantly:
"That snake Qin Sheng! We spared Zhao Er'gou, yet he dares retaliate with these dirty tactics?"
No longer addressing Qin Sheng as Eldest Brother in his fury, he shot up from his seat:
"Brother-in-law, leave this to me! I'll handle it!"
"Enough."
Qin Lu's voice cut through—colder than usual.
"Stop this undignified posturing. This matter isn't yours to resolve."
Like a deflated balloon, Qin Hao slumped back into his chair:
"Oh... alright."
When Qin Lu spoke in that tone, even the impulsive Fifth Prince obeyed.
Noting Qin Lu's clear desire for privacy with Gu Yanshu, Qin Hao hastily excused himself—
Only realizing the truth once outside Prince Li Manor's gates:
"Of course!" He smacked his forehead.
His attendant looked puzzled.
The chilly wind had cleared Qin Hao's mind:
Third Brother stopped me because he wanted to handle it himself—to impress his consort!
By rushing to intervene, Qin Hao had accidentally stolen Qin Lu's chance to shine.
With this realization, Qin Hao chuckled softly, murmuring with amusement:
"Who would've guessed my Third Brother was such a closet romantic?"
Though his attendant didn't understand the remark, he remained silent, following quietly as Qin Hao walked away.
Back in Prince Li Manor's study, Gu Yanshu coincidentally posed the same question to Qin Lu:
"Why did Your Highness stop Fifth Prince from helping me settle this?"
Qin Lu's answer, however, diverged completely from Qin Hao's assumptions:
"This trivial matter—I trust my consort can handle it himself."
"Oh?" Gu Yanshu arched a brow, eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Moreover, judging by your expression earlier, you'd already devised a plan. Letting Fifth Brother interfere might only complicate things."
Having spent time together, Qin Lu felt he understood Gu Yanshu reasonably well.
That calculating look when learning of Yun Cizhai's connection to Qin Sheng—
It revealed the cunning beneath his gentle, refined exterior.
Gu Yanshu neither confirmed nor denied this, instead asking:
"Your Highness has so much faith in me?"
After a brief pause, Qin Lu responded:
"My consort's brilliance speaks for itself. Naturally, I'm confident."
Had Qin Hao still been present, he'd have gaped in shock—
Since when did his taciturn brother, who rarely spared extra words, learn to flatter?
Yet Gu Yanshu showed no surprise, only a more pronounced smile:
"And if Your Highness is mistaken?"
"Anything Fifth Brother could resolve, I certainly can." Qin Lu answered without hesitation.
"Pfft—"
Gu Yanshu finally confirmed his earlier observation—that flicker of impatience in Qin Lu's gaze toward Qin Hao hadn't been imagined.
After laughing, he smoothly placated Qin Lu:
"Should I fail to handle it, I'll definitely seek Your Highness's help."
True enough, Qin Lu's expression softened imperceptibly, the ghost of a smile touching his lips.
When Gu Yanshu first heard about Yun Cizhai's price war against Taoran Pavilion,
His initial thought was to seek out the rival shop's owner—
Perhaps there was some misunderstanding that could be resolved amicably.
But upon learning of Yun Cizhai's ties to Qin Sheng, his approach shifted entirely.
This wasn't a mere commercial dispute—
Yun Cizhai clearly aimed to drive Taoran Pavilion out of business.
Gu Yanshu wasn't one to turn the other cheek.
If slapped, he'd return the blow tenfold—and leave his opponent gasping for air.
Thus, that very afternoon, he visited Taoran Pavilion.
"Princess Consort! This humble one didn't expect Your Highness to come personally!"
Manager Tang appeared flustered—especially upon noticing Zhi Ge behind Gu Yanshu.
Gu Yanshu waved off the formalities:
"I've heard about Yun Cizhai. Since I had time today, I thought I'd see the situation firsthand."
Stepping inside, he swiftly assessed the shop.
Though this was his first visit, having reviewed the account books beforehand allowed him to grasp Taoran Pavilion's operations within minutes.
The shop catered to **middle-to-upper-class clientele—**
Evident in both its location and merchandise.
Situated in a bustling though not prime district, Taoran Pavilion occupied a two-story building:
Ground floor: Functional items like bowls and plates—well-crafted but not exquisite.Second floor: Finer decorative pieces—vases and ornaments with superior glazes and intricate designs.
Yet even the "basic" items downstairs were priced beyond ordinary households' means.
After surveying both floors, Gu Yanshu grasped the situation:
"Yun Cizhai's price cuts have indeed hit Taoran Pavilion hard."
The evidence was undeniable—
Despite visiting during peak hours in the busy pre-holiday season,
The shop stood utterly deserted.
Manager Tang's expression turned grim:
"Your Highness observes correctly. Since Yun Cizhai slashed prices, our customer flow has dwindled daily. Today... we've yet to make a single sale."
Gu Yanshu, however, seemed unperturbed, posing an unexpected question:
"The current inventory must be substantial?"
Though phrased as inquiry, his tone held certainty.
Tang dared not conceal the truth:
"Yes—both here and at the kilns. Warehouses are packed."
This wasn't entirely Tang's fault.
Following standard practice, he'd ramped up production weeks ago to prepare for peak demand—
Only for Yun Cizhai's price war to erupt before shipments could commence.
Worse yet, Tianqi's ceramic trends shifted yearly.
A decade ago: ornate, colorful designs.
Recent years: minimalist monochromes.
Now: intricate blue-and-white patterns dominated.
80% of Taoran Pavilion's stock was blue-and-white porcelain.
If next year's preferences changed, these would become worthless.
Gu Yanshu eyed the overcrowded shelves:
"Total inventory value?"
*"Approximately thirty thousand taels."** Tang answered hoarsely, already tasting financial ruin.
Gu Yanshu nodded calmly:
"Where are the kilns located? Take me there."
Taoran Pavilion's status as the capital's second-largest porcelain dealer stemmed from owning its production facilities—
A strategic advantage Gu Yanshu intended to leverage.
Though puzzled by Gu Yanshu's request to inspect the kilns, Manager Tang knew better than to question his master's orders after twenty years of service:
"The kilns are located at an estate just outside the city gates. If Your Highness wishes, this humble servant can take you there immediately."
"Let's go." Gu Yanshu waved dismissively.
Tang promptly summoned an assistant to mind the shop before leading the way.
True to his word, the journey took less than half an hour by carriage beyond the city walls.
Upon arrival, Gu Yanshu first surveyed the surroundings rather than heading straight for the kilns.
Like Taoran Pavilion, the kiln site occupied a strategic location—
Set apart from adjacent farmlands to avoid disturbances, yet backed by a wooded mountain range.
After a moment's observation, Gu Yanshu pointed toward the farmland and forest:
"Are these fields and woodland also part of my dowry?"
He vaguely recalled owning such properties near the capital but couldn't pinpoint their exact locations from the estate records.
"Indeed, Princess Consort." Tang offered context:
"Originally they weren't included. Young Master Gu specially sold previous holdings to purchase these—for your management convenience."
His tone carried unmistakable warmth.
As a longtime servant of Gu Yanli, Tang understood the elder brother's devotion despite the younger's past hostility.
Recent reconciliation between the brothers had visibly lightened Gu Yanli's spirits—a development Tang celebrated privately.
Now seizing the chance to advocate for his former master, Tang emphasized this thoughtful arrangement.
Gu Yanshu, recognizing the subtext, nodded approvingly:
"Elder Brother has always been considerate."
"Shall we proceed to the kilns now?" Tang asked—
His earlier deference now mingled with genuine respect.
This time, Gu Yanshu gestured for him to lead without hesitation.
As they walked toward the kilns, Gu Yanshu observed the surrounding farmland.
Though he had survived the apocalypse in his past life, agriculture had never been his expertise.
Had it been harvest season, he might have gleaned insights from the crops.
But now, with the fields lying barren and dormant, he could discern little—
Except that the well-maintained irrigation ditches hinted at competent management, much like his shops under Gu Yanli's oversight.
Soon, Tang guided him to their destination:
"Princess Consort, the kilns are just ahead."
Following Tang's gesture, Gu Yanshu spotted a gate adorned with a plaque reading "Taoran."
Inside, stacks of unsold porcelain immediately caught his eye—
Along with the idle kilns and sparse workforce.
Noticing Gu Yanshu's gaze, Tang explained quietly:
"With inventory overflowing and sales dismal, I ordered production halted to avoid further losses."
Just then, a brawny man in coarse hemp clothing emerged from a kiln.
Spotting Tang, his impatient expression eased as he hurried over:
"Manager Tang! Have you come to restart work?"