CHAPTER 437: CHAPTER 437: THE SLACKER PREFECT CASTS THE BAIT

It was because of reselling these pastries that Manager Yang made a little profit and attracted a wave of customers.

He previously thought spending ten taels of silver a week to buy that big bag of pastries was really too expensive.

But within just three days, they sold out immediately.

At once, Manager Yang, with a friendly smile, went to find Pei Shu’er again, hoping to discuss the pastry business.

This time, he went with a friendly smile.

However, he was still turned away, and Zisu spoke crisply.

"Our shopkeeper has said there’s no need to see you anymore. In the future, you only need to liaise with me. Also, our shopkeeper has decided not to sell the pastries anymore."

Manager Yang gritted his teeth; he was still thinking about buying those pastries.

So, when the second week came around, he could hardly wait to send someone to pick up the pastries.

The pastries sold out in just one day upon arrival at the store.

Meanwhile, many customers also stayed to eat a meal.

He started to regret not ordering more. Otherwise, he could have sold for several more days, generating daily business.

But the restaurant’s business was very poor in the following days.

He could already foresee a bleak scene two years later if the restaurant couldn’t buy pastries from Pei’s Pastry Shop anymore.

And the Drunken Immortal Tower also saw improvement by selling Pei’s pastries.

The difference between their restaurant and Yake Xuan is that Pei’s gives them the supplier’s price.

Moreover, they are given priority supply.

However, there was a seller’s agreement that prevented random pricing.

Yet, because of the priority supply to the Drunken Immortal Tower, they now have a stable batch of customers, and business has slowly begun to pick up.

Additionally, with the money from selling pastries, they are now earning more than before.

She started to feel grateful, glad that she didn’t end up offending Pei’s; otherwise, she would have been crying.

After slacking off for so long, Pei Shu’er also found the commerce association boring.

She submitted a withdrawal application immediately, and Chairman Liu was promptly gathered by the members to pay a visit.

Now everyone can quit, but Pei Shu’er cannot. If she quits, then Jingzhou is doomed.

He tidied his robe and then asked the attendant to knock on the door.

When the door opened, what he saw was Zisu standing by the entrance.

"Chairman Liu, please go back. Our Young Madam has been called away by Prefect Xie to discuss the tax issues related to Pei’s Restaurant."

Chairman Liu felt extremely displeased; Pei Shu’er had become quite haughty.

Now, no one in the Jingzhou Chamber of Commerce dared to do anything to Pei Shu’er; in fact, they had to support her well.

Pei Shu’er sat next to Prefect Xie as a maid handed Pei Shu’er some peeled fruit, which Pei Shu’er quickly declined.

After being forced to watch a segment of singing and dancing, Prefect Xie finally dismissed the maid and began to speak.

"How about it?"

Pei Shu’er then started to give compliments.

"The dance was danced extremely well, and the dancers were exceptionally graceful, each having their unique charisma."

Prefect Xie shook his head: "No, what I’m asking is, how is Jingzhou?"

Pei Shu’er: "...Not great, the circle here is too dense. Jingzhou appears to be flourishing now, but frankly, if this continues long-term, it’ll slowly fall behind."

"Without an influx of fresh blood, without incoming external funds, Jingzhou will slowly become a stagnant pool."

Prefect Xie said, "No matter for you merchants or us officials, the Jingzhou Chamber of Commerce is overly united, which is unfavorable for governance."

Pei Shu’er said, "So, do you want to dissolve the chamber?"

Prefect Xie’s fingers lightly tapped the table, then he lifted his head to look at Pei Shu’er, with a languid smile on his lips.

"Are you looking for the Heavenly Snow Lotus?"

Pei Shu’er: "How did Lord Xie know?"

Prefect Xie laughed and said, "Despite seeming like a mere puppet in Jingzhou, in truth, I’m more aware of its happenings than anyone else."

Pei Shu’er asked, "Then does Lord Xie have the Heavenly Snow Lotus?"

Prefect Xie raised the floral tea and took a sip.

"Your Pei’s floral tea is indeed excellent. Tell me, what does Pei’s mean to the commerce association?"

Pei Shu’er understood that Prefect Xie’s seemingly errant topic was actually a ploy to get her to speak.

Following Prefect Xie’s lead, she slowly sipped her tea and gently raised her eyelids.

"Pei’s can be a gentle breeze of spring, or a sharp blade cutting through obstacles; it depends on what stakes someone provides."

Prefect Xie laughed, leaning closer to Pei Shu’er with a child-like curiosity on his face.

"So, can news of the Heavenly Snow Lotus turn Pei’s into that sharp blade?"

Pei Shu’er felt a bit disappointed; she thought Prefect Xie would directly present a Heavenly Snow Lotus to her.

It was just news.

"That depends on whether I can obtain it; if I can’t, there’s no point in mentioning it."

If Prefect Xie were to say it’s in the Imperial Palace, she wouldn’t risk it.

Just to act as a tool for Prefect Xie.

Though rumors abound of a Heavenly Snow Lotus in the Imperial Palace, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion has been probing for a long time without uncovering its exact location within the palace.

This implies it’s highly likely there isn’t one in the Imperial Palace.

Prefect Xie said, "The Imperial Uncle has it, and he always carries it with him."

Pei Shu’er was somewhat surprised that Prefect Xie presented his bargaining chip directly without negotiating terms. Wasn’t this too hasty?

What if she turned around and left?

Prefect Xie chuckled, "On your own, you definitely wouldn’t get it."

"And the reason I know this information is that the Imperial Uncle and I were old friends, if not for that accident, perhaps we would still be friends now."

His gaze was somewhat distant, as if reminiscing the past.

"The matter of him having a Heavenly Snow Lotus is known only to him and me; in these years, I’ve never told anyone else."

No wonder the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion couldn’t find out, these two kept it well hidden.

Pei Shu’er asked, "What do you want in return?"

Prefect Xie said, "I want the commerce association to fall apart, making the waters of the chamber as muddled as possible."

Pei Shu’er raised her eyebrow, "Lord Xie’s ambition is no small one, huh?"

Prefect Xie laughed, "As I’ve already said, I just want to govern Jingzhou well."

Pei Shu’er played with a piece of pastry on the table, her slender jade fingers showing a calm expression.

"A single piece of information, and you want me to exert such significant effort for it?"

Prefect Xie smiled, "Of course, I will also exert effort to connect you with the Imperial Uncle, and I will strive for the Heavenly Snow Lotus for you."

Only then did Pei Shu’er put down the pastry and nod.

"Alright, deal."

Prefect Xie clapped his hands, and several maids immediately came over.

Lazy as though he had no bones, Prefect Xie spoke in a languid tone.

"Help me up."

Pei Shu’er: "..."

He sure knows how to enjoy life, what a slacker.

Prefect Xie was supported by the maids to stand up, taking the opportunity to flirt, before turning back to look at Pei Shu’er.

"Let’s go."

Pei Shu’er stood, tidying her clothes.

"Where to?"

"To the Imperial Uncle’s residence."