The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 217 Finally Seeing the Return Money (Second Update)

He didn’t even put on his outer garment before opening the door and stepping out of the inner chamber.

The dozing Youlan, Zhuo Ma, and other maids outside were startled and were just about to salute when Yelu Yan had already walked far away.

Youlan looked at Zhuo Ma with a face full of confusion, "What’s wrong with Khan? Could he have quarreled with the master?"

Zhuo Ma was equally puzzled, "How could that be possible? Khan dotes on the master so much, how could he bear to quarrel with her?"

Youlan nodded, "That’s true."

However, the stern killing intent on Yelu Yan’s face was frightening to behold.

Yelu Yan walked straight out of the main building; Jinwu, who was on guard at the entrance, heard the noise and quickly turned his head.

He saw his Khan, wearing a white sleeping gown, standing neatly on the tall steps, looking like an ethereal deity, handsome and impressive.

Jinwu immediately knelt down and saluted, "Khan."

The other guards and palace servants on duty also knelt down to salute.

Yelu Yan looked at Jinwu.

Jinwu quickly understood, stepped up onto the steps next to Yelu Yan, and said respectfully, "Khan."

Yelu Yan was indeed tall and imposing, towering a half head above Jinwu.

Yelu Yan looked at Jinwu and said in a faint voice, "Tell Yan Manor that we can take action on the Houliang matter."

Jinwu, who was always direct, asked, "Khan, didn’t you say that we should not rush this matter?"

What had suddenly changed the Khan’s mind to make such a decisive move?

Yelu Yan looked at him impassively.

Jinwu shivered with fear, feeling a chill run down his back, and hastily saluted again, "I will take care of it immediately."

Yelu Yan strode back into the inner chamber.

Ever since he saw the frightened look on Li Xianyun’s face, Yelu Yan hadn’t been able to sleep; all sorts of distressing thoughts crammed into his mind, with his heart roaring in agony, feeling a wrenching pain and concern for his woman.

Yelu Yan got back into bed and tenderly held Li Xianyun’s delicate and exquisite body in his arms.

Li Xianyun, once asleep, was especially like a newborn kitten, very well-behaved.

She seemed to love the scent of Yelu Yan, always burrowing into his embrace.

This time was no exception, as Li Xianyun nestled her small head into Yelu Yan’s embrace, finding a comfortable position to continue sleeping soundly.

Adorably irresistible.

Yelu Yan couldn’t help but gently kiss her on the head several times.

...

The next day, after Li Xianyun got up from her languid sleep, freshened up, and dressed in men’s clothing, ready to leave, Bater approached her and respectfully presented a silver note of five hundred taels into Li Xianyun’s hands.

"Reporting to the Princess, this is from Nata who sent me to deliver it to you, he has already taken out the costs, and this is the net profit."

At a distance, Zhuo Ma who was standing by whispered in astonishment, "To earn so much money in just a few days."

"That’s nothing, we are going to make even more money following the master," Youlan couldn’t help saying.

Zhuo Ma turned her head to scrutinize Youlan.

Youlan laughed softly, "Why are you looking at me with that expression?"

"Youlan, tell me the truth, does the master have other businesses too?" Zhuo Ma asked with a smile.

She had always suspected that Li Xianyun was managing other businesses that were making a lot of money; otherwise, she wouldn’t always be so generous with her spending.

Li Xianyun had great ideas when it came to business and was rich in experience; this wasn’t something achieved overnight, no wonder Zhuo Ma was curious.

Youlan, of course, did not speak of things the master had not disclosed.

She found an excuse and walked away.

Zhuo Ma had no choice but to give up. After all, as a maid, it wasn’t her place to pry into the master’s affairs.

Li Xianyun looked at the silver note in her hand, her heart full of joy. These past days she always seemed to be spending money, never receiving any returns, and now she finally saw some.

Li Xianyun took out one hundred taels from the silver note, instructing a maid to exchange it for smaller denominations at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and then distribute it among the kitchen maids of the Khan Palace.

The Ice Porridge Shop in the East Market could not have opened without the hard work of the palace kitchen maids: they made pastries, preserved fruits, and prepared ingredient packages for the ice porridge as required, and without their efforts, it would have been quite a hassle.

It would be right to share some silver with them as a reward for their labor.

Li Xianyun planned to visit the Ice Porridge Shop in the East Market, the Ruyi Square in the West Market, and the Drying Room and workshops in Shitoutun before departing for the Border Market tomorrow.

Li Xianyun first arrived at the East Market.

Because the Ice Porridge Shop in the East Market had been open for a while, it had developed a good reputation, and people lined up outside to buy ice porridge, pastries, and preserved fruits in a long queue.

Nata and his wife, along with the helpers in the shop, were all too busy to enjoy themselves, so Li Xianyun did not come forward to disturb them.

Zhuo Ma said with a smile, "Master, the ice porridge shop is doing so well, no wonder it has made so much money in just a few days."

Li Xianyun’s lips curled upward, "There should be even more people at the Ruyi Square entrance. Let’s go take a look."

"Yes."

As expected, there was a bustling crowd in front of the Ruyi Square, all lined up neatly.

Those at the back of the line were standing on their toes to peer into the Ruyi Square, afraid that the goods would be sold out before they got their turn.

It was said that the ice porridge, mung bean cakes, jujube cakes, and preserved fruits enjoyed by the dignitaries at the August Festival banquet were all purchased from Ruyi Square.

Once this news got out, it spread far and wide, and soon the citizens of the Capital City all knew and came flocking to buy, making the business booming beyond imagination.

Ali admired Li Xianyun from the bottom of his heart; she seemed to know everything, and every decision she made was the right one.

Although there were many people in line, they were all orderly, which was all thanks to Ali’s effort.

From the beginning, he had set rules: no service for those who cut in line or caused trouble.

Everyone wanted to buy ice porridge and pastries, and indeed, those who cut in line or caused trouble were very annoying, so naturally, people were willing to comply.

Li Xianyun smirked, indeed she had not misjudged him.

Leaving the West Market, Li Xianyun and her entourage went to the Drying Room and workshops; after inspecting the places without finding anything abnormal, they returned to the West Market to shop.

It was a bit of a hassle, but there was no other way. Shopping was not the main task and was optional, so it was left for the end.

Li Xianyun was to leave for the Border Market tomorrow and wanted to buy some things to take on the road.

She did indeed buy quite a few things: food, clothing and other necessities...

Fearing the long journey ahead and concerns about her stamina, she bought many soft pillows and cushions, planning to spread them out in the carriage for a comfortable sleep when she felt tired.

Although she felt somewhat unaccustomed to not seeing Yelu Yan for seven or eight days, the trip would be interesting because it would offer a glimpse of different landscapes and a variety of people.

Without much delay, the group packed their purchases in the carriage and set off back to the palace.

Upon returning to the Khan Palace, Li Xianyun, noting there was still time, decided to visit Yaduo and chat with her.

As they talked, the conversation turned to the matter of leaving the palace for the Border Market the next day.

Yaduo’s face showed a look of shock, "Xianxian, you’re going to the Border Market?"

"Mmhmm."

"Ayan agreed to it?"

"Mmhmm."

Yaduo, in disbelief, said, "Ayan is so protective of you, always by your side, and now you’re leaving on a trip for seven or eight days. Can he really handle it?"

Her direct words caused Li Xianyun’s ears to turn red, and her cheeks felt warm.

"Grandmother, don’t tease your granddaughter-in-law. The Khan agreed quite readily, not as you describe."

Yaduo laughed, "Alright, alright, let’s not talk about that anymore. Children and grandchildren have their own blessings, as long as you’ve made a good decision."

She was always open-minded and took things in stride.

Yaduo paused, "However, as a gentlewoman, you must be cautious on your journey. Has Ayan told you how many people he will arrange to accompany you?"

"Your granddaughter-in-law hasn’t asked yet."

"That won’t do, I must tell Ayan to arrange more people to protect you," Yaduo said.

Just then, a maid came to report that the Khan had arrived.

Yaduo looked at Li Xianyun and smiled, "Ayan really cannot endure being without you."