Volume One, Chapter 10: You No Longer Need to Call Yourself a Slave

Regarding the matter of avenging the Shi family in the future, Yun Xi found it inconvenient to elaborate at the moment. She instructed Gu Nanxiao to procure potassium nitrate according to the recipe, intending to demonstrate the ice-making process on the spot.

Witnessing a basin of water gradually turn into ice was far more striking than merely hearing about it. This was precisely the core secret behind the Shi family’s ice shop.

After a brief silence, Gu Nanxiao said to Yun Xi, “I have several prime storefronts under my control. I can allocate one for operating the ice shop, and you will receive thirty percent of the profits.”

It was not surprising that Gu Nanxiao planned to take a share himself. Though their acquaintance had spanned only a few days, Yun Xi had already dismissed the unfounded rumors circulating about him. She found him to be a man who, while unorthodox and domineering, conducted his affairs with a certain straightforwardness. She also suspected he would not stoop to the unscrupulous tactics employed by the Shi family.

Yet profit-sharing was not Yun Xi’s true aim. After all, she would not remain in this world for long; when she left, she would only convert part of her silver into gold to take with her. Land, residences, jade, and jewelry were all things she could not carry away. Since she could not bring them, they held no meaning for her.

Yun Xi shook her head slowly, showing no hint of temptation. Her voice remained calm and steady as she said, “I will not take a single cent. Moreover, I wish to transform all the shops under your command into treasure troves that yield daily fortunes. I only ask that you publicly acknowledge that my sworn sister is the rightful owner of the recipe.”

Gu Nanxiao guessed her intention—she sought to challenge the Shi family by leveraging his influence. Indeed, such a high-stakes conflict could only be matched by the Yong Prince’s Mansion contending with the current Prime Minister.

However, even in a contest, the Prince’s Mansion would be the beneficiary. There were other factions in the court capable of rivaling the Prime Minister, but obtaining this recipe was impossible for them. Which family could resist the lure of genuine gold and silver? Every great clan was like a tripod cauldron with three legs: power, wealth, and outstanding descendants.

Through power, one could amass wealth; with wealth, one could nurture many talented heirs; with numerous capable sons, the family would gain even more power. Those clans that declined lost one of these legs, breaking the balance and ending the virtuous cycle. Even the most prosperous families would eventually fall.

As a royal kin, the Yong Prince’s Mansion, though not as populous in descendants as the great clans, maintained many covert guards under Gu Nanxiao himself.

Clever as he was, Gu Nanxiao had long realized that the emperor harbored a subtle murderous intent toward his father. Despite his father’s repeated restraint and concealment of abilities, the emperor never abandoned the plan to eliminate the Yong Prince’s Mansion swiftly.

Over the years, had it not been for the Empress Dowager’s protection, the Yong Prince’s Mansion would have ceased to exist long ago. But living under another’s shelter was no way for a true man to stand.

Hence, preparations had to be made early, so that in times of crisis, there would be a fighting chance.

Yun Xi’s recipe was undoubtedly a windfall. With abundant wealth, his plans could be executed more swiftly and perfectly.

What impressed Gu Nanxiao most today was Yun Xi’s attitude. Such a recipe that could swiftly elevate a great family to its peak was handed over to him without concern.

Her expression suggested that she was offering something of no great value. When discussing profit-sharing, her utterly indifferent demeanor was genuine and revealed her resolve to avenge her sworn sister.

Turning Yun Xi to face him, Gu Nanxiao met her gaze and said earnestly, “I agree to your request. Though you refuse the profit share, I will give it regardless. If you think thirty percent too little, I will grant you fifty.”

Yun Xi shook her head decisively again and replied firmly, “I said I will not take a penny. I only ask for your trust and the full management of the shops under your control.”

Gu Nanxiao did not press further on the matter of profit-sharing; he had already made up his mind. When the ice shop profits came in, he would directly allocate the dividends to Yun Xi’s residence.

Though Yun Xi was a woman in his inner circle, he could not simply take advantage of her.

Regarding Yun Xi’s wish to manage all the shops, Gu Nanxiao had no objections. Though not out of trust in her abilities, he would nevertheless agree.

The dozen or so shops under his control were profitable but could not compare to the ice shop.

So long as the ice shop opened, even if the other shops made no profit or even losses, the overall income would still be considerable.

Whether Yun Xi had the skill to manage the shops or not, Gu Nanxiao took her request as one of the rewards.

After making his decision, he smiled and nodded, “Very well, I will arrange for you to take over my dozen shops as soon as possible. From now on, my little steward, you need not call yourself ‘slave’ anymore.”

Expecting Yun Xi to hesitate, Gu Nanxiao was surprised when she immediately accepted with resolute simplicity: “Thank you, sir.”

A faint smile curled Gu Nanxiao’s lips, his almond-shaped eyes, tinged with a heroic air, flickering with unreadable emotions.

He had known from the moment he first saw Yun Xi that though she always called herself ‘slave,’ she never once regarded him as her master, nor did she ever see herself as lowly.

For some reason, from the very first glance, Gu Nanxiao felt that this girl inherently carried an unapproachable aura, as if she was born to stand among the clouds, deserving of others’ reverence.

This was starkly at odds with her rustic upbringing in a countryside village. It seemed he should have Mo Yu investigate Yun Xi’s past.

Watching Yun Xi’s radiant smile, Gu Nanxiao felt that releasing her from the ‘slave’ title made her unusually joyful. Though it was a simple change in address, it made him feel that she had grown much closer to him.

As the heir to the Yun family, Yun Xi would not show such delight over a trivial matter. Her obvious happiness was merely to offer Gu Nanxiao positive feedback.

Just as when Gu Nanxiao mentioned profit-sharing, her indifferent expression signaled that those were not her true desires.

However, in a deeply entrenched feudal society, to speak of equality and respect for women would only invite ridicule, never yielding the desired results.

Thus, Yun Xi could only proceed gradually, subtly guiding Gu Nanxiao through a blend of subtle influence and mutual benefit to grant her the respect and freedom she truly sought.

Holding her close, Gu Nanxiao traced her enchanting features with his gaze. After a moment, his heated eyes fixed on her slightly parted crimson lips, and he bent down to claim those luscious petals.

Yet, unexpectedly, just as he moved, Yun Xi suddenly turned, walked to the dressing table, and sat down. While applying makeup, she said, “Sir, take me out for a walk. I want to see the shops under your control.”

Gazing at her bright smile reflected in the bronze mirror, Gu Nanxiao pushed down the strange sensation that had arisen. A girl who worked for him selflessly and unconditionally—how could she resist his closeness?