Chapter 24

Ying Yue Huayuan became famous since the first day they've opened, some even ask if they can talk to its owner for partnership or collaboration. Xiuying always visits her tea house every three days playing two songs, the customers can't get enough of it and are amaze how the young lady plays different songs each time not repeating the ones played previously. This caused for the avid listeners to reserve private rooms either individually or in groups so they can afford the cost, resulting to having all customers wait for two weeks or a month for a private room be available that it became a way to show off one's status and wealth.

Few music fanatics always gather every three days to listen and observe all customers to look for the mysterious young lady and some speculate that she is related to the owner. Some ladies from prominent families and even daughters of government officials reserve the stage to show off their skills or compare with each other. They requested to not use the curtains hindering the stage and just wear their veils. They realized that they can't do the same as with the mysterious musician. There are few commoners who also participates in hopes that they will catch the attention of those from rich families and elevate their status.

Aside from the songs played, Ying Yue Huayuan is also famous for the delicacies and desserts they serve can't be found in their competitors. Xiuying being a foodie and raised by a rich and genius scientist have tasted different dishes in her past life which helped her 'create' dishes for Ying Yue while having her family and Qi Lian as food critics. Also there's Xianyao who always visit their residence every two to three days despite the objection of Xiuying, also share his opinion.

Qi Lian is currently eating her share of desserts in a private room with her brother Qi Jie, cousin Qi Lei and few young masters and misses. Qi Fan and Long Guanting invited them in Ying Yue Huayuan to socialize. It has been two months that they married, Qi Fan's relationship with Long Guanting is stable and she is happy that Guanting haven't thought of having a concubine.

However remembering the changes in Qi Fu for these past two months her heart turned sour. Her grandfather started to favor more her second uncle Qi Bai who opened few stores though her father still manages all Qi clan's stores. She heard from her mother Fang Fei that the second branch opened an embroidery shop and her aunt and Qi Lian are the ones creating the designs. And the clothes they make are getting famous as each piece is unique and based on the clients' image.

In truth Qi Chen had a deal with Qi Bai. In exchanged of Qi Bai giving the letters between Qi Chang and Guanting, Qi Chen helped them establish three stores secretly and taught Qi Jie how to manage the stores. Qi Bai have given up asking for his father, Patriach Qi's help for opening his own family businesses.

Qi Xiuying convinced Qi Lian and Ji Huan to have one of the three stores be an embroidery shop and taught her cousin how to design clothes and make patterns. Ji Huan came from a clan that is famous in making fabrics so she is glad and accepted Qi Xiuying's suggestion.

And in Long Fu, she felt wronged though her in laws treats her well, the Left Prime Minister Long didn't meet nor talk to her and the elders and Guanting's cousins only speak with her when in front of all family members or guests. Qi Fan only met the prime minister when they had to be in the main hall for greetings when the princes visit Long Fu.

After two hours, the young masters decided to be in a separate room so they left with Long Guanting, Qi Jie and Qi Lei.

"Fan'er you are so lucky to be married with Young Master Long!" Lu Qing exclaimed remembering the blushing face of her friend when Young Master Long bid farewell before leaving earlier.

"No, you are wrong. It is definitely Young Master Long who is lucky to have her as his wife. And I've heard that he doesn't have a plan to take concubines. That's how loved our Fan'er is!" Bai Lan shared the well known news.

"You two will be married soon to your fiances so you don't have to envy me. I am just thankful that my dream to be married to Guanting came true." Qi Fan smile widens.

The two ladies faces turned ugly for a second before regaining their composure. They were expecting for Qi Fan to be at least modest with her fortune. Everyone knows that their fiances already have one or two concubines and bedwarmers.

Lu Qing clenched her fists under her sleeves, she was once one of the candidates to be Guanting's concubine so hearing Bai Lan's careless comment and Qi Fan's gloating made her angry. Unfortunately she isn't lucky enough to catch the young master's eyes.

Seeing Qi Lian not talking with her guests and just silently eating her desserts Qi Fan slightly cough to get her attention. "Cousin Lian'er don't just eat there, tell me do you have someone in mind to be your husband? With my husband's connection I can help you and second uncle." Qi Fan sound concern about her cousin's future but she just want to be on the good side of Qi Lian and use her to make connection to one of the prominent families perhaps to third rank official.

"Cousin I am too young to scheme my way to get married and besides it isn't your role nor you are the right person to do so." Qi Lian smile innocently as she said her piece. She almost vomitted blood when she heard Qi Fan's question, she only accepted the invitation as it was done in front of their elders.

Bai Lan and Lu Qing gasps, seeing their friend's face turned ugly they tried to calm her down.

"Lian'er, Fan'er is just concern about you and next year you will be of marriageable age. Isn't it better to start looking early?"

"That's right you are such an ungrateful person!" Lu Qing chimed in.

"Oh... I am an ungrateful?" Qi Lian eyebrow raised and look questioningly at Lu Qing and Bai Lan. "Tell me is snatching the fiance of the cousin who treated you well is being grateful?" Qi Lian slowly sip her tea and stand up. Though she always act spoiled in front of her family and Xiuying, she isn't a fool.

"I only did that bec..." Qi Fan started to tear up but inside she want to pounced at Qi Lian and slap her hard several times.

"You only love Guanting? Oh please...cousin, it isn't the only reason right? Envy, that is the root of all your sins. That is the reason behind your every action." she stop by the door and looks at the group with disgust.

"If you will be the one to look for the man who will be my husband then I rather marry a beggar, your taste in men is the worst." Qi Lian leaves the room looking proud.

Bai Lan and Lu Qing after half an hour decided to go home leaving Qi Fan in the private room.