Ruthless and Cruel

Gu Wanning took out her own handkerchief and asked the other concubines to take out theirs as well, and then gave them all to Xu Weibei.

"My Marquis, it's uncomfortable to have wet clothes sticking to your body. Please use a handkerchief to absorb the moisture."

"No need, I'm fine." Xu Weibei took her handkerchief and wiped his hands.

Gu Wanning lowered her eyes.

The Fourth Concubine, who was sitting at the lower end of the table, got up and almost lay on the table, pulling her handkerchief back.

No way, she's actually reluctant to part with it. This is a handkerchief that her older sister embroidered for her; it's very precious, and she wouldn't even use it if she didn't go out!

Everyone: "..."

However, seeing that Xu Weibei did not react, the others silently put the handkerchiefs away.

The Second Concubine looked at Gu Wanning with a mocking smile.

Gu Wanning simply pretended she was blind.

After Gao Lan sent someone to retrieve the clothes, the play was over.

Xu Weibei changed his clothes and took her to a shop selling dried goods.

As soon as Gu Wanning entered, she exclaimed in surprise, "Have you changed the furnishings? It wasn't like this before."

Now, as soon as she enters, she sees all kinds of overseas agricultural products, as if it has become a large-scale agricultural product trade fair.

What was once a luxurious and high-end sight now seems to have become somewhat down-to-earth.

"Let's see if there's anything you'd like to plant," Xu Weibei said.

Gu Wanning saw many strange crops that she didn't recognize, but what attracted her attention the most was a tomato planted in a flowerpot?

Although there were no fruits at the moment due to the season, Gu Wanning still recognized them as tomatoes at a glance.

The waiter quickly stepped forward and explained, "Madam, this is called 'Threefold Joy'. When it's ripe, it's bright red, which is very auspicious."

"Threefold Joy?" Gu Wanning laughed. "That's an auspicious name. Will it sell quite a few during the autumn and spring imperial examinations?"

"No, not many people recognize this item," the waiter said with a smile. "It's just for good luck."

"Can't I eat it?"

"Eat? You can't eat it." The waiter quickly waved his hand and said.

Gu Wanning: "How much is this pot?"

Having been instructed beforehand, the waiter quickly replied, "Twenty taels of silver."

"How many?"

Since when did your shady business start behaving like human beings?

Based on the pricing of Corn, she felt that this thing should be priced at two hundred taels of silver, which was in line with the class of goods sold here.

"Twenty taels of silver," the waiter said. "If you think it's too expensive, we can discuss it further."

Gu Wanning: "..."

Is she dreaming?

"I'll keep looking. You can save this one for me."

Is there a massive deflationary crisis in the outside world?

Has Xu Weibei become frugal, and prices have dropped?

Gu Wanning also took a fancy to two large pumpkins, but the waiter said they were worthless, as they were grown by himself, and he could give them away for free.

Gu Wanning almost wondered if she was still dreaming.

In fact, Xu Weibei —if it was too cheap, Gu Wanning wouldn't have to spend her money; but if it was too expensive, Gu Wanning wouldn't be able to bear buying it.

"How much is this?" Gu Wanning then took a liking to the small half-bag of peanuts.

There are no fried peanuts here as a snack to accompany drinks, because peanuts haven't even been planted yet.

"These... I don't know about these smaller ones either. They're just things that's been sitting in the warehouse, worthless. You can take them for fifty taels of silver."

Gu Wanning couldn't hold back any longer. "Is your shop going out of business?"

It feels like they're giving it away as a bonus.

Your boss ran off with his mistress?

The waiter chuckled sheepishly, "No, no, it's just clearing out the old stock and getting new items."

Gu Wanning looked for sweet potatoes and potatoes but couldn't find them, which disappointed her.

"When you came last time, you left a message asking us to help you look for it. The ship has gone out and won't be back for a while, so please wait a little longer," the waiter said politely.

When will your ship return?

"It won't be until the year after next at the earliest."

Gu Wanning: "... Okay, that's fine too."

In ancient times, transportation was a major weakness.

However, she had already reaped a great harvest today, and had barely spent any money, so Gu Wanning was quite content.

"Finished picking?" Xu Weibei asked her.

"Um."

"Then pay and go."

Gu Wanning: "..."

Sigh, I was hoping to get a good deal, and now I feel a little guilty about it.

It seems her guilt was in vain; Xu Weibei had no intention of paying for her at all.

Gu Wanning then asked the other concubines if they wanted to buy anything, but they all politely declined. So Gu Wanning paid for it herself.

Fourth Concubine was complaining of being hungry and wanted to eat stuffed pork belly.

Gu Wanning only spent money and didn't earn any, feeling the pinch of spending money, so she said, "Let's eat at the Marquis's Residence, it'll save money."

"It's on me." Xu Weibei was generous this time.

When they got off the carriage at the restaurant, Xu Weibei helped Gu Wanning.

As they went up the stairs, Xu Weibei stood by his side, protecting him.

Seeing this, the Fourth Concubine couldn't help but secretly ask the First Concubine, "Is Madam pregnant?"

Although she thought it was "secret," the sound had already been heard by everyone.

Gu Wanning turned around and glared at her.

The restaurant was bustling, and their group certainly drew attention.

In fact, Gu Wanning guessed Xu Weibei's intention—he wanted to tell others that his feelings for her were not affected by Meng He's incident.

This man rarely explains himself, but his actions are reassuring.

It's really easy to fall for someone.

"My Marquis, something terrible has happened." Gao Lan rushed in from outside, taking three steps at a time to reach the bottom of the stairs, and looked up at Xu Weibei, who had reached the corner.

Chapter 118 Ruthless

Gu Wanning turned around and looked over.

Gao Lan's expression froze.

Gu Wanning sensed something; was it related to her?

Xu Weibei coldly rebuked, "Stop making such a racket and frighten the lady."