Chapter 081: The Young Lady of the Zhao Family

Inside the carriage sat a young gentleman with delicate features, rosy lips, and pearly teeth. Dressed as a scholar, he held a folding fan in his hand, his lively eyes beneath slender brows curiously sizing up Xue Rui from head to toe.

Xue Rui did not recognize the visitor, but judging from the smoothness of the throat and the modest fullness of the chest, it was clear this was no young gentleman at all, but rather a maiden disguised as a man—a charming girl with playful wit.

As he wondered about the purpose of her visit, Zhang Mao, perched in the corner, jumped down from the carriage and quietly introduced, “Brother Xue, this is the daughter of the Zhao family. When I went to borrow some ice, Miss Zhao was idle, so she came along for a look.”

The daughter of the Zhao family, named Jinyu, was fourteen years old, a little older than Xue Rui.

“Greetings, Miss Zhao.”

Upon learning that the Zhao family’s daughter had come in person, Xue Rui felt a slight surprise. In this era, unmarried daughters of prominent families seldom left home, and only attended significant social events accompanied by male relatives. Zhang Mao had mentioned that the Zhao family was among the most distinguished households in the capital, and Xue Rui could scarcely believe that the esteemed young lady had come to his home.

Noticing Xue Rui’s unabashed gaze, Zhao Jinyu blushed faintly, deliberately avoiding his eyes as she asked, “I heard your family needed ice. I had someone bring you a barrel—should be enough, right?”

In the middle of the carriage sat a wooden barrel covered with a thick cotton blanket, suggesting a generous supply.

“It’s more than enough, thank you for your help, Miss Zhao!”

No matter how lovely the maiden, nothing outweighed the importance of his father’s life. After expressing his gratitude, Xue Rui hurriedly carried the ice barrel into the bedroom.

With the ice at hand, Xue Yuanhao’s fever soon subsided. After giving his father the Chai Ge Jie Ji Decoction left by Tao Jie’an to treat the cold, the three members of the Xue family finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Out in the courtyard, Zhang Mao, bored, was experimenting with making ice using mirabilite, following Xue Rui’s method. Zhao Jinyu stood nearby, watching Zhang Mao’s antics.

“Look, look—is it freezing? I told you it would!” After a while, seeing that ice had indeed formed in the bowl, Zhang Mao called out excitedly, and Zhao Jinyu widened her eyes in astonishment.

“It really works! If my family used this method, we could make ice anytime, anywhere. This could be a lucrative business!”

After the initial surprise, Miss Zhao broke into a cheerful smile, her eyes turning into crescents.

At the doorway, Xue Rui overheard and kindly reminded, “If your household intends to use mirabilite to make ice for profit, it’s not as easy as it seems.”

Zhao Jinyu frowned slightly and asked, “Why? You don’t want my family to use this method?”

She had just helped the Xue family in a major way, and if Xue Rui were selfish or sought advantage, he would not be worth associating with.

Fortunately, Xue Rui harbored no such thoughts. He carefully explained, “Miss Zhao, you misunderstand. This method of making ice with mirabilite has been known for centuries, yet never adopted on a large scale. I’ve considered it, and believe the reason is the high cost and lack of profit. If your family hopes to make money with this, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.”

Zhang Mao chimed in, “Sister Zhao, Brother Xue is right. The mirabilite we just used cost over ten taels of silver—enough to buy several barrels of ice. It’s just not worth it.”

“Then I was mistaken,” Zhao Jinyu said, a little disappointed. If the costs weren’t so high, with their connections, the ice business could have huge potential.

Xue Rui descended the steps, intending to approach Zhao Jinyu for easier conversation. But after a few steps, he realized she was slightly taller than him, so he quickly moved beside Zhang Mao, who was half a head shorter.

Regaining a bit of confidence, Xue Rui’s mind cleared. After pondering a moment, he looked at Zhao Jinyu and said, “If your family truly wishes to pursue this business, there may be a way.”

Zhao Jinyu asked curiously, “What way? Is it troublesome?”

“Not exactly troublesome, but it can’t be done now. The weather is getting colder, and there’s no more demand for cooling off. This business will have to wait for next year. If Miss Zhao still remembers me when summer approaches, come seek me out, and we can try cooperating. Perhaps we can make a profit.”

According to Zhang Mao, the Zhao family was a leader in the ice trade in the capital. Xue Rui had no objection to teaching them the method; after all, he wasn’t the inventor. It was an act of goodwill repaying the favor of borrowed ice.

However, to truly profit from ice-making, the business model would have to change to unlock any opportunity. Such time-consuming and laborious ventures deserve fair reward; cooperation would benefit both sides.

In business matters, the Zhao family was experienced. Xue Rui’s proposal of partnership was not seen as petty, but rather appreciated for its candor.

Thus, Zhao Jinyu replied without hesitation, “It’s a deal. Next year, we’ll work together. You mustn’t make this deal with anyone else!”

“Of course. Unless your family opts out, my word is my bond.”

Xue Rui promised solemnly.

“Good. I’ll return home and inform my mother. She’s waiting for me. If you need more ice, just come to my house and say you’re my friend.”

Glancing at the sun, which was already westering, Zhao Jinyu announced her departure. In truth, she had sneaked out with Zhang Mao, and if she didn’t return soon, her mother would notice and scold her.

“I won’t keep you. Please, Miss Zhao!”

After seeing Zhao Jinyu onto the carriage, Xue Rui was about to turn away when the curtain suddenly lifted and Zhao Jinyu poked her head out, saying, “I forgot to tell you—my name is Jinyu, from the saying ‘The finest jade is called Jinyu.’ Remember it well!”

With that, Zhao Jinyu dropped the curtain and urged the coachman onward.

Her self-introduction left Xue Rui puzzled. Why would the daughter of the Zhao family reveal her personal name before leaving—was it to foster closeness for business convenience? Wasn’t it said that ancient women only disclosed their given names during marriage rituals to their future husband?

Unable to decipher the gesture, Xue Rui dismissed the thought.

Returning to check on Xue Yuanhao, he found his father’s condition stabilizing, and then went to discuss other matters with Zhang Mao.

Earlier, Li Qingyun had gathered news: the brawl at Zuo Shun Gate had ended. Apparently, the officials had acted ruthlessly, killing many of Wang Zhen’s followers.

The bloody scene had terrified Prince Cheng, Zhu Qiyu, who sat trembling on his throne, fearing the enraged officials might attack him as well. At the eunuch Jin Ying’s suggestion, Zhu Qiyu remembered to escape.

However, just as Zhu Qiyu stood up, the keen-eyed Yu Qian noticed and quickly stepped forward to block his path, pleading for forgiveness of the officials’ actions.

Earlier, the officials had lost control and, without Prince Cheng’s approval or the sanction of the Three Judicial Offices, had killed more than a dozen people on the spot—a situation unprecedented in the dynasty. Had Wang Zhen’s remaining supporters been present, they would surely have met the same fate.

Now, as calm returned, the officials began to fear repercussions. If the court held them accountable, what would become of them?