Chapter 26: Distinguished Guests

After Ning Ye had finished arranging these matters, he saw that Lin Qinshu and Xiao Qing, who had been out for the entire day, had returned.

Although the shop had been purchased, it required some tidying up before it could be put to use. Furthermore, selecting an auspicious day for the grand opening was a significant matter, so there was no need to rush.

"My dear wife, has it been a tiring day for you?"

"Not at all. I was just taking care of some affairs at the shop. Once everything is sorted out, we can open for business. You must be there when the time comes."

Ning Ye nodded and said, "It seems you are in high spirits indeed. You even have sweat on your brow, yet you still claim it wasn't tiring at all."

Lin Qinshu’s face turned slightly rosy. "You rogue, always teasing me. I’m hungry. Xiao Yuan, is dinner ready?"

"I started preparing it as soon as I returned, so it should be ready by now. Since you are hungry, let’s go and eat."

While Ning Ye and his household enjoyed their harmonious evening, Huang Shan was in a much less pleasant mood.

Following the events of the day, Huang Shan had been prepared to show his prowess and make Ning Ye understand that he was not to be trifled with in Qingyuan County. However, he had not expected his older brother to return home.

If it had just been his brother, it would have been fine, but his brother had brought back a guest of noble status. To maintain a favorable impression, his brother had issued a strict order: as long as this guest was present, Huang Shan was forbidden from causing any trouble, or not even their father would be able to protect him.

At this moment, Huang Shan sat at the end of the table, feeling quite curious about this distinguished guest.

Sitting at the head of the table, Huang Wancai, dressed in fine silks, wore a beaming smile. "Young Master Chen, your arrival from afar truly brings great honor to my humble home."

There were two other young men of similar age at the banquet, both appearing to be in their early twenties. One of them wore a deep purple robe; he had a face as fair as jade and a striking, dignified appearance. Regardless of the dynasty, one’s status had to be significant to be permitted to wear purple.

Chen Mingjing replied calmly, "I am here in search of an elder. I may be imposing for some time, so I hope Master Huang will not take it to heart."

"Ha, what are you saying, Young Master Chen? May I ask who this elder is? If you have a name, perhaps I can be of some assistance."

Chen Mingjing shook his head. "If this elder does not wish to be seen, searching would be futile. If they wish to see me, they will do so in due time. Master Huang need not trouble himself."

Huang He chimed in, "Father, since Mingjing has said as much, we should simply ensure his stay is comfortable."

Huang Wancai did not press the matter further and shifted the conversation to other topics. The meal proceeded with the host and guests seemingly pleased, and although Chen Mingjing was not talkative, the shrewd Huang Wancai ensured the atmosphere never turned cold.

After dinner, Chen Mingjing went out alone, refusing to let anyone follow him. Huang He felt helpless regarding his friend, who possessed rather eccentric habits and disliked having people around him. In fact, within their academy, Chen Mingjing did not have a single friend. Huang He only clung to him because he coveted the influence behind Chen Mingjing.

In the Great Qian Dynasty, there were only five families that could truly be called behemoths, and the Chen family was one of them. Even if Chen Mingjing’s bloodline was distant, he was still a member of the Chen family and would surely be of great use in the future. The only regret was that Chen Mingjing was not a woman; if he were, Huang He would have been even more delighted.

Over the next few days, Ning Ye busied himself with overseeing the new laborers as they cleared wasteland for planting, while simultaneously preparing for the opening of the soap shop.

Ordinarily, a shop of such size selling only one item would be insufficient. However, to cater to customers who were willing to spend money, one had to create a sense of exclusivity; otherwise, why would they be willing to pay?

As for the rumors, Ning Ye had already set them in motion. When an item was endorsed by the daughter of the Minister of Revenue, it became a mark of supreme prestige for the local wealthy landowners in such a remote area. In an era starved of information, no matter how much one boasted, no one would step forward to call it a lie. They would only believe what they heard; even if they weren't told to buy it, they would likely worry that others were trying to snatch it away from them.

Before the soap had even appeared, word of mouth had spread it far and wide. Many were curious to see what this product was actually like. Soon, people were waiting outside the shop Ning Ye had selected every day—mostly servants sent by their masters to make purchases.

Seeing this, Ning Ye knew his first wave of success was secure. As for what would happen afterward, it would depend on whether the soap’s effectiveness could surprise them. Ning Ye was quite confident; after all, this product was a form of "dimensional reduction" in technology—who wouldn't want to feel clean and smell fragrant? Its powerful cleaning ability would ensure that once these people used it, they would fall in love with it uncontrollably.

Choosing an auspicious day, Ning Ye prepared for the official opening. Naturally, he left the hosting of the event to Lin Qinshu. Ning Ye knew he could not be in two places at once, and delegating tasks was a good thing. As long as Lin Qinshu could handle it, who else could he trust more?

With the beating of gongs and drums and the crackling of firecrackers, the shop was finally ready to unveil its plaque. The lively atmosphere gradually drew the surrounding crowds, and as the throng grew, the time for the ribbon-cutting ceremony arrived.

Ning Ye wore a cyan robe today, which, needless to say, was made by Lin Qinshu. Even while occupied with other matters, she had not forgotten to make a new set of clothes for him.

Ning Ye took a pair of scissors and handed them to Lin Qinshu. "Come, my shopkeeper, it is time for you to cut the ribbon."

Having been through many trials, Lin Qinshu was not one to feel timid. After taking the scissors, she pushed open the shop doors. The staff she had hired held two red silk ropes connected to the shop’s sign.

Lin Qinshu took a deep breath and said, "Thank you to all the neighbors and elders for coming to support us today. Whoever enters the shop today, I will sell you a bar of soap at half price."

The crowd of onlookers did not know if the soap was truly good, but even at half price, the cost would deter many. However, for those who could afford it, the half-price trial was an incentive that would only make them more eager to buy a bar.