Chapter 405 - Chapter 405: Chapter 412: Keeping a Straight Face

Chapter 405: Chapter 412: Keeping a Straight Face

For the sake of ensuring the secrecy, Su Wenyue made sure that each step in the process was disconnected, and the operation was carried out with such secrecy that only a few were privy to the trickery involved. However, she would never keep any secrets from Han Yu, which meant that Han Yu was very knowledgeable about the matter. When he heard that a noblewoman’s daughter-in-law had had an item made that was being passed off as exclusive to members of the Outer Royal Family, he raised an eyebrow, particularly noticing his own daughter-in-law’s calm and unworried demeanor. His gaze toward Su Wenyue became even more meaningful.

Su Wenyue herself was feeling rather pleased until Han Yu’s scrutiny made her somewhat embarrassed. But her products were indeed superior, even if not completely authentic, most of them were far better than the genuine Western items. However, many people, as Noble Consort Li had put it, were obsessed with foreign products, believing that things brought from far across the sea must be superior. In her previous life, Chen Li had often traded with foreigners, but she lacked Su Wenyue’s talent for making the products herself. If Chen Li knew about this, would she marvel at the advanced wisdom of the ancients? The concept of counterfeit goods had already emerged.

Others were unaware of many details behind this, and seeing Su Wenyue and Han Yu exchanging glances, they joked about the couple’s strong relationship. Su Wenyue just smiled without response.

In the midst of their conversation, a few more guests arrived, among them was Miss Yin Lihua from the Yin Family. Her presence aroused curiosity regarding the Heavenly Pavilion’s mysterious owner. They didn’t believe Miss Yin’s appearance was merely for shopping, especially since it was known that she usually wouldn’t step out on such occasions. Even though the store’s opening day featured a fifty percent discount, the Yin Family was wealthy and wouldn’t care for such a trivial benefit. Miss Yin’s presence there, then, must be to honor the face of the Heavenly Pavilion’s owner behind the scenes.

In fact, everyone had guessed right. The Yin Family and Han Yu both aligned with Liu Xiu’s faction and they had a close relationship, making them among the few who knew Su Wenyue was the boss behind the Heavenly Pavilion. Yin Lihua’s visit was naturally to give face to Han Yu and his wife, Su Wenyue.

The Yin Family had recently been adopting a humble posture in front of Mr. and Mrs. Han, and indeed if Han Yu hadn’t voluntarily chosen to follow Liu Xiu, Yin Shi would have rather preferred Han Yu over him. Aside from not being an Imperial Descendant like Liu Xiu, Han Yu excelled in all areas, and this title was simply a symbolic status. After all, Liu Xiu’s lineage had fallen into obscurity, he was merely the son of a county magistrate. In these chaotic times, such status was not particularly significant.

Yin Shi couldn’t understand why Han Yu passed up such an opportune moment, perhaps Han Yu simply lacked such ambition and aspirations. That was the only reason Yin Shi could think of, but no matter what, fostering ties with Han Yu was never a mistake.

“Miss Yin is here as well,” Su Wenyue took the initiative to greet Yin Lihua. When they had first met, they hadn’t gotten along well, but now, though they were not close enough to be called best friends, their relationship had improved.

“Indeed, I heard that the Heavenly Pavilion’s products are excellent. I had some free time today and came specifically to take a look. Madam Han is also here, so it’s perfect for us to shop together and buy some nice things to take home,” Yin Lihua said, understanding that Su Wenyue didn’t want people to know she was the owner of the Heavenly Pavilion, and played along accordingly.

Yin Lihua’s attendance was initially meant as a polite way to support Su Wenyue, a mere formality, but she was genuinely surprised by the quality of goods she found at the Heavenly Pavilion. As a result, she gained a new appreciation for the Han Family’s capabilities, which seemed to exceed their expectations. She decided she would need to discuss the Pavilion more thoroughly with her elder brother.

Yin Lihua was not an ordinary maiden, she was smart and talented, cultivated by her family from a young age. Her vision and insight were unsurpassed, and a single visit to the Heavenly Pavilion revealed many issues. The exclusive Western items on display there were not things just anyone could obtain, nor could any ordinary person have the connections to source them or the effort it would take to bring them back—a lot of thought-provoking questions were raised.

Clearly, even Yin Lihua was misled by Su Wenyue’s ‘fake goods,’ which were of even finer quality than the real ones. Despite being well-informed, Miss Yin could not discern the truth. More importantly, she hadn’t considered that Su Wenyue was capable of such feats, and, with the support of the Su Family, it didn’t seem so difficult for Su Wenyue to obtain items supposedly used by the Western Outer Royal Family.

Thus, it seemed that timing, geographical convenience, and good relations all mattered; what seemed effortless for Su Wenyue to achieve was not so simple for others who might not be able to replicate even one aspect of her success.

Su Wenyue watched as Yin Lihua examined the ‘Western items’ intently and with an expression of admiration, feeling inwardly awkward. She managed to deceive even the future Empress, a feat no one else could claim. Subconsciously, Su Wenyue glanced at Han Yu not far away, the playful look in his eyes all too apparent. Su Wenyue remained composed, as she had grown accustomed to deceiving people. After all, she wasn’t engaging in any behavior that was grievously harmful. Even if these items weren’t authentic Western goods, their utility and effects were only good, never bad. Whose family’s products were they using if not hers?

In stark contrast to the bustling Heavenly Pavilion, the Li Xiu Department Store was quite bleak. Thanks to Chen Li’s impressive marketing strategies, the store was not completely deserted, but those who came were of low social status. Even with the substantial opening day discounts, most visitors seemed to be lookers rather than buyers.

Chen Li had overestimated the purchasing power of the lower-middle class. In those hard times, not many had the luxury to spend on such commodities, even common items like toilet soap or rouge had become almost a luxury.

“Boss, these guests are all too shabby. After browsing for half a day, they picked over everything and bought only a few items, and even then, they chose the cheapest ones. You’ve wasted your breath,” said Shopkeeper Li Ming, who saw the poor business on opening day but showed no concern, pretending only for show and displaying a bit of worry in front of Chen Li. Now that the troublesome customers had finally left, he approached her in hopes of showing off in front of her.

Chen Li had not shown any sign of impatience with the difficult customers, but when she heard Li Ming’s words, her expression darkened, “What kind of talk is that? Have you forgotten what I’ve said? The customer is king! Every guest that comes to our store must be treated well. You cannot allow any slight or neglect, regardless of their status. It’s shameful that a shopkeeper like you has forgotten the most basic principle! Considering it’s your first offense, I’ll let it slide this time, but if I hear another word like this, you won’t need to be a shopkeeper anymore!”