My Husband Never Oversteps The Bounds Of Propriety - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Sharp Edges

Shen Jiuyuan understood that this was both an opportunity and a test. Learning Palace etiquette and the ways of interaction between noble houses meant she would step further into the elite circles of Jinling’s high society, gaining broader connections and information channels.

However, it also meant that her every word and action would be subject to stricter scrutiny. Any slip-up could be magnified into a weapon against Su Jin or even the Su family.

The Old Madam instructed Shen Jiuyuan on several more rules and the proper decorum for handling affairs for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Later, seeing that the Old Madam was growing tired, Lady Lin dismissed Shen Jiuyuan.

Shen Jiuyuan did her best to conceal the fluctuations in her heart, bowed respectfully, and withdrew from the room. Upon leaving Baicao Hall, Matron Yan followed her back to Yuanlan Pavilion. True to the principle of “taking one’s pay and doing one’s job,” Matron Yan was exceptionally professional. Entrusted with a heavy responsibility by the Old Madam, she dared not dally and immediately began Shen Jiuyuan’s curriculum on Palace etiquette.

From the postures of walking, sitting, and reclining, to the protocols for greeting various ranks of commissioned ladies, to the seating arrangements at banquets and the nuances of conversation even down to the minute rules of refined hobbies like tea tasting, painting appreciation, pitch-pot, and chess Matron Yan’s requirements were extremely rigorous and meticulous.

Shen Jiuyuan was naturally gifted with an extraordinary memory. Combined with the skills of observation, endurance, and restraint she had honed during her years in the Shen family, she learned remarkably fast. In just three to five days, she had mastered the basic rules. A dignified and elegant aura naturally emanated from her every gesture, causing even a flicker of nearly imperceptible admiration and satisfaction to cross Matron Yan’s stoic face.

That afternoon, just as Shen Jiuyuan finished a lesson on advanced Palace etiquette and was preparing to rest, a message came from the front court stating that the Second Young Master, Su Yu, requested an audience.

Su Yu? Shen Jiuyuan knit her brows slightly.

Since she entered the manor, she had not met this romantic and elegant cousin many times, but every time he appeared, he carried a sense of cynical scrutiny. Why had he come now?

After a moment’s thought, she instructed: “Ask the Second Master to wait in the side hall.” After tidying herself briefly, she arrived at the hall.

Su Yu was indeed waiting there, dressed in a rain-over-sky blue silk robe with a moon-white cloak and a jade-boned fan. He still looked the part of the dashing noble scion, though the usual frivolity in his brow was replaced by an indefinable somberness.

Seeing Shen Jiuyuan, he folded his fan and smiled with a cupped-hand salute. “I hope Sister-in-law is well. Please forgive my sudden intrusion.”

“Second Brother is too polite. Please, sit.” Shen Jiuyuan took the main seat, and Lily served tea.

Su Yu did not beat around the bush. After a sip of tea, he cut straight to the point: “I have come today to ask a favor.”

“Please speak freely, Second Brother.”

“I heard that Sister-in-law recently took over the management of those silk shops and tea houses previously under Third Uncle?” Su Yu set down his cup, his gaze landing on her face. “Among them is the Yunjin Pavilion, which happens to be located in the South City area under my responsibility. To be honest, a new shop called Nishang House recently opened next door.

The backer seems to be the Qin family of the West. They have been making frequent moves lately not only slashing prices to steal customers but also secretly poaching several of our finest master craftsmen. The business at Yunjin Pavilion has plummeted.”

Shen Jiuyuan fell into deep thought. The Qin family had indeed struck again, appearing impatient to confront the Su family head-on. She remained composed and asked, “What is your intention, Second Brother?”

Su Yu sighed, a well-timed look of distress appearing on his face. “Managing the South City affairs, it’s heart-wrenching to see our own shop being suppressed like this. I’ve tried various ways to respond, but the results were meager. Now that Sister-in-law oversees this part of the industry, I thought perhaps you might have a clever plan to turn the tide? After all, Sister-in-law can even untangle complex old accounts; surely a small storm in the marketplace is no trouble at all.”

His words sounded like a plea for help, but they carried a subtle undertone of provocation and testing. Shen Jiuyuan sensed it instantly. Was Su Yu trying to see exactly how much true talent she possessed as a woman of the inner court, or was he trying to use this to drag her into a more direct conflict with the Qin family?

Shen Jiuyuan lowered her eyes, taking a shallow sip of warm tea. After a micro-second of deliberation, she looked up at Su Yu with a faint smile on her lips.

“Second Brother overpraises me. I have only just begun to touch upon these affairs and know little of the way of business. However, since you mention it, I do have some humble opinions. Since Nishang House is slashing prices to steal customers, if we merely follow suit, it will only lead to a mutual loss. The Su family is founded on silk; our foundation lies in quality and reputation. Perhaps we should focus on novelty and refinement.”

“Oh? Please explain in detail, Sister-in-law.” Su Yu leaned forward slightly, looking interested.

“First, Yunjin Pavilion could introduce an exclusive bespoke service. Hire the most skilled embroiderers to create unique garments and accessories tailored to a customer’s personal preferences, physique, and temperament, highlighting prestige and exclusivity.”

“Second, we could collaborate with the city’s famous calligraphers, painters, or masters of incense and floral arts to hold regular elegant gatherings in the pavilion. By combining garment shopping with refined culture, we can attract a clientele that pursues taste.”

“Third, regarding the accumulated stock of old styles, we need not simply lower the prices. We can modify them slightly or pair them with new accessories, relaunching them under names like ‘Classic Reborn’ or ‘Limited Edition Pairings’ to give them new value.”

Shen Jiuyuan’s voice was peaceful and her logic clear. The suggestions she offered were things Su Yu had never considered, yet hearing them now, they were powerful and highly reasonable.

“Of course, the specific details would require you to consult closely with the managers of Yunjin Pavilion. I believe that rather than bickering over prices, it is better to take a different path winning through quality and attracting people through elegance. What do you think, Second Brother?”

Su Yu was stunned for a long time after hearing this. His gaze toward Shen Jiuyuan shifted from initial scrutiny to genuine surprise, finally turning into a complex, indefinable admiration. He clapped his hands and laughed:

“Brilliant! Truly brilliant! Sister-in-law is indeed extraordinary. These three strategies may seem simple, but they strike directly at the heart of the matter, attacking the enemy’s weakness with our strength. I have learned much. I shall return and discuss this with the managers immediately. We must show that Nishang House what the true heritage of the Su family looks like!”

Su Yu stood up and gave her a solemn bow. “I shall remember your guidance in my heart. If you ever need my help in the future, Sister-in-law, do not hesitate to ask.”

After seeing off the high-spirited Su Yu, Shen Jiuyuan stood alone by the window of the side hall, watching the weeping willows in the courtyard beginning to sprout tender green buds.

The contest with the Qin family had extended from hidden ledgers and power schemes into an open battle in the marketplace. And she, almost unknowingly, had been pushed to the crest of this storm.

Su Jin gave her authority, the Old Madam arranged for a matron to teach her, and even Su Yu had come for help. All of this indicated that her role in the Su Manor was undergoing a profound transformation.

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