CHAPTER 899: CHAPTER 897: NOTHING BUT TEARS

Because the early advertising was successful, as soon as Creekview Garden was completed, people eagerly came to inquire about rental possibilities. Even those scholars with a bit of integrity but lacking financial power sought ways just to appreciate the garden.

If it were merely a private garden, no one would entertain such thoughts, let alone inquire about visiting it. But Creekview Garden was built with the purpose of being rented out, a business venture from the start. Such a flag naturally aroused interest.

Some individuals, who usually would not have the chance to admire the beauty of private gardens, saw the murals on the outer walls of Creekview Garden. They felt an overwhelming admiration and an opportunity, making it irresistible.

However, Ye Xinyan had her own ideas and was in no rush to open. Even a money-grubber like her wasn’t eager to start earning silver, so Jinrong presumably wasn’t in a hurry either. It was better to wait for a more opportune moment to increase their reputation.

Though it wasn’t officially open yet, friends and family couldn’t be stopped from using their connections to come and admire it.

Jinrong’s group of disreputable friends were the first with the privilege to visit.

Given the tense court situation and Jinrong being specifically mentioned by the emperor, he dared not come. But his group of childhood friends managed to get two opportunities to visit, bringing along a whole entourage to enjoy themselves.

The most surprising thing for them was that Creekview Garden actually arranged for two eloquent young attendants for them.

These attendants didn’t work for free, calling themselves tour guides. As they toured the garden or sipped tea and appreciated the view, the guides timely introduced them to various scenic spots. The attendants’ crisp voices painted vivid pictures, highlighting each place’s unique advantages.

Such a novel service was especially refreshing and exhilarating to those young dandies.

The scenery that Ye Xinyan priced strategically wasn’t something people could just wander into at will. Those visitors only got two times to experience the garden.

These fellows didn’t come in vain; after promoting the garden to the skies, they especially praised the guides, which added to Creekview Garden’s allure.

Through their enthusiastic promotion, not only those originally interested in visiting or renting came forward, but even those with little interest developed a curiosity.

Everyone knew that His Highness Prince Yu held more than half of Creekview Garden. The garden hadn’t been opened to the public by Prince Yu yet, so only a few had the privilege of entering.

Besides Prince Yu’s close childhood friends, the other entry point was through the other shareholder, Miss Jiang—Ye Family’s eldest daughter, Grandma Jiang’s side of the connections.

The Jiang Family naturally didn’t have other female relatives in the capital, and in Duke An’s Mansion, there was only the Duchess as the main authority. The Duchess being older naturally wouldn’t join the excitement.

Thus, the capital’s female relatives interlaced their connections, encouraging the ladies of the Marquis Zhongyong’s Mansion to travel outside the city to visit Creekview Garden.

The family members of the Marquis Zhongyong also divided into two groups to visit. The first time was Madam Sun, Ye Xinyan’s eldest aunt, leading several female relatives to cool off.

After two days, it was second aunt Lady Wei with her close friends, bringing along daughters-in-law and some other female relatives to Creekview Garden.

Women traveling is different from men, often accompanied by many belongings. To ensure comfort in eating and resting, each household not only brought daily necessities but also chefs and some ingredients, spending two full days in the garden.

Just like welcoming the young dandies, there were a few maidservants and young wives acting as guides. Although the content of the introductions was similar, each had their own distinct style depending on their personality.

Moreover, Ye Xinyan encouraged them to use their linguistic advantages, adding interesting remarks and personal touches.

Hence, these female guides were warmly received and earned several rewards from the ladies, surprising many by turning guiding into a lucrative task.

Although Creekview Garden only opened four times, each time the crowds were significant. The two occasions involving female relatives traveling were particularly large, almost like a convoy.

The bustle and subsequent gossip intrigued some discerning individuals to see a business opportunity. On the road from the capital to Creekview Garden, land purchases occurred, making areas near the garden particularly sought after, suggesting intentions of starting ventures.

Yet this excitement was limited to Creekview Garden. Not far from there, Four Seasons Scenery had completely closed, hiring a few caretakers to manage the newly built but already declining garden.

This place, just as Official Tang confessed, had become something his own family found annoying.

The reason being the proximity of similar scenic spots. Even though the layout of Four Seasons Scenery was only slightly inferior, such slight inferiority deterred families with standards from hosting events there, fearing ridicule.

And those who couldn’t afford pretentiousness certainly wouldn’t spend money for appearances in such a place.

Tang Qian was now aggrieved and disheartened. Not only did he not wish to live there, he didn’t even want to mention it.

He recalled his initial delight upon seeing the picture provided by Guangsha Construction. Coming from a merchant background after three generations of hard work, finally, like those noble families, he could own a magnificent garden.

But he was foolishly tempted by the cut-rate offer from the deceitful Dongze Construction, angering both Prince Yu’s Mansion and Duke An’s Mansion. And to make matters worse, with legitimate means, they simply dismissed him without using their influence to bully him.

...

Behind Guangsha Construction Firm in Jishui Lane, North City in the capital, though Jinrong sat in the uppermost seat in the main house, his face was full of grievance: "Do you think my position as a prince is not a miserable one? I can’t even visit the garden I funded."

He was genuinely itching to go. Ye Xinyan was rather unkind, adding maidservant and servant guides for garden introductions without notifying him.

Now, inflamed by the compliments of his mischievous friends, he was filled with regret and sadness. Those so-called guides, he had never seen them, let alone knew of their existence.

Qi Younian had heard this complaint several times, sipping his tea with laughter, without a response.

The garden was the masterpiece of his granddaughter, built exceptionally well, and the guides trained by Ye Zi herself were bright, engaging, and sharp-tongued.

Because His Highness Prince Yu couldn’t go inside to enjoy it, he felt compromised, which was understandable.

But this issue, as a mere commoner, he could do nothing about.

Jinrong, however, wouldn’t let Qi Younian off, asking persistently, "Old Master, am I being wronged or not?"

"Me? This elderly man thinks... well, His Majesty is wise... hehehe." Qi Younian chuckled awkwardly. How could he dare question royal affairs?

Jinrong glanced at Jiang Yifan, snorted, and said, "Old Master Qi used to be so reliable, but after staying around your Ye Zi, even he becomes unreliable."