The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 306 The princess has the nerve to laugh at others (first update)

Chapter 306: 306 The princess has the nerve to laugh at others (first update)

Li Xianyun arranged for the numerous affairs of the Department of Equipment, then set off for Shitoutun with Zhuo Ma, Youlan, and Bater in tow.

The three women sat in the carriage, with Bater driving the carriage as usual.

Li Xianyun looked at Zhuo Ma and said, "Zhuo Ma, what if you take full charge of the honey preserve workshop?"

She was now in charge of overseeing the production of the preserves and the watering tasks; she was finding it too much to handle, as if she was running out of steam.

Moreover, Li Xianyun knew that a person’s energy was limited; trying to take care of everything personally could end up backfiring.

It would be better to delegate tasks to trusted individuals, while she oversaw the bigger picture—for the outcomes were likely to be better that way.

Upon hearing this, Zhuo Ma’s eyes were filled with surprise.

She had been sold into the palace by her parents at a young age, serving others, unable to decide for herself.

The tragic fates of the other maids around her were not unknown to her.

If they did not find a kind master, at best they were abused, and at worst, they lost their lives.

She considered herself fortunate, for upon entering the palace, she had served the Imperial Noble Consort.

The Imperial Noble Consort, noticing her intelligence and agility, even arranged for her to be taught martial arts.

Latterly, she was assigned by the Imperial Noble Consort to serve by Khan’s side.

Though Khan was reticent and cold, imposing enough to inspire fear, as long as the Palace Attendants were diligent and responsible, he would not give them trouble.

Now, she had encountered the gentle and virtuous consort, who was extremely kind to her servants.

How lucky she was.

But a servant was still a servant, forever unable to change her lowly status.

If she could be responsible for the honey preserve affairs outside the palace on behalf of the consort, even though still a servant, she would be able to accomplish something and enjoy more freedom.

Who wouldn’t want such an opportunity?

But would the Khan agree?

Although she was a personal maid, unlike Youlan, her most important duty was to protect Li Xianyun’s safety.

The Khan cherished his consort greatly; how could he possibly agree?

With these thoughts, the spark in her eyes slowly extinguished.

Li Xianyun read her thoughts from her eyes and smiled, "You don’t need to worry about anything else. I will speak with the Khan myself. For now, just tell me whether you want to do this or not."

Zhuo Ma still looked a bit worried as she said, "I am willing, it’s just..."

Li Xianyun smiled and interrupted, "As long as you are willing, that’s enough."

Youlan laughed, "My lady, does this mean Zhuo Ma can often leave the palace now?"

"Mmm."

Youlan was so delighted she couldn’t close her mouth and turned to Zhuo Ma, saying with a smile, "Then don’t forget to bring me some delicious food when you come back to the palace, okay?"

Li Xianyun watched her with a smile, "All you think about is eating."

Since arriving in Khitan, Li Xianyun had been the apple of Yelu Yan’s eye; Youlan no longer needed to live in fear, her appetite swelled, and she let herself go completely.

Jinwu would also occasionally bring her some delicacies from outside the palace, and with her eating every day, she had gained weight.

Fortunately, she had been as skinny as a bean sprout before, and now that she had put on some weight, she looked much better, plump and rounded, certainly more attractive than before.

Zhuo Ma laughed alongside, "If you get any fatter, be careful that Jinwu..."

Be careful that Jinwu might not want you anymore.

She stopped talking in time, looking somewhat unnaturally towards Li Xianyun.

It seemed that Li Xianyun was probably not yet aware of Jinwu’s fondness for Youlan.

Youlan laughed, "I’ve gotten fatter, but what does that have to do with Guard Jin... Though I can’t say it’s entirely unrelated—it’s all his fault for bringing me tasty treats that made me gain weight."

Like her master, she was a late bloomer when it came to matters of the heart.

Every time Jinwu saw Youlan, he would become immobilized, gazing at her intently as if his face bore the words: "My heart delights in Youlan, my heart delights in Youlan."

Everyone in Khan Palace knew about Jinwu’s affection for her, except for Youlan herself. She even went so far as to ask Jinwu why he always brought her food.

Jinwu’s face turned beet red as he stammered out a few words, "You’re far from home and all alone; it’s pitiable."

Youlan thought to herself, so it was because she was pitiable. Indeed, she felt quite pitiable.

So she no longer pondered his intentions.

Li Xianyun glanced at Zhuo Ma, then smiled at Youlan, saying, "With so many maids in Khan Palace, why does Guard Jin only bring treats for you?"

Zhuo Ma’s mouth fell open in astonishment—apparently, the princess had been aware of the subtleties all along.

Moreover, it sounded like the princess might be intending to match-make the two of them.

Being in the service of such a master was truly wonderful; she didn’t prohibit her maids from marrying simply for her own convenience.

Youlan, responsive to the conversation, said lightly, "Perhaps he thinks I’m more pitiable than the others."

Li Xianyun sighed softly and shook her head with a smile.

Matters of affection still required one’s own realization. It was just that Jinwu was to be pitied.

Zhuo Ma bit her lip and smiled inwardly, thinking how the princess could still mock others while everyone could see that Khan’s heart lay with her, yet she herself remained oblivious.

Fortunately, the two of them were now inseparable and had finally become a matrimonial couple.

Li Xianyun suddenly looked over, startling Zhuo Ma, who called out somewhat guiltily, "My Master."

"You are very familiar with the workshop affairs, so I won’t say much. We have contracts with Qingxiang Pavilion and Xingfang Restaurant and need to transport a large quantity of preserves to them. From tomorrow on, you don’t need to follow me. You should start working on recruiting for the workshop. Since you will choose the staff, they should be easier to manage."

Li Xianyun paused, then continued with instructions, "As the workshop grows and hires more people, you not only need to manage and recruit but also make management more regulated. It is urgent to establish an accounting office in the workshop. You have been in the palace for many years, so you can implement some of the palace management methods there. Report any problems to me."

Zhuo Ma replied earnestly, "Yes!"

The group arrived at Shitoutun where Li Xianyun first inspected each room of the workshop.

Due to the previous day’s warnings, the women making preserves no longer dared to slack off and had become much more earnest in their work.

Li Xianyun made a point of visiting Jin Hua’s room and had a chat with her.

Her goal was to ensure that the women clearly understood that she favored those who were hardworking and diligent. Anyone who cheated or stirred up trouble could not expect her tolerance.

After inspecting every room, Li Xianyun gathered the women and informed them that Zhuo Ma would take full responsibility for the workshop from now on.

Zhuo Ma had previously worked at Shitoutun, handling both accounts and personnel, which had built her credibility. Moreover, her martial arts skills and straightforward manner easily earned people’s respect.

Li Xianyun said to Zhuo Ma, "Now, go and check the preserves in the workshop. Reserve three days’ worth of stock for the Ice Porridge Shop and Ruyi Square. Load the rest onto carts, and together we will arrange with the delivery men at Xinglong Trade Company to expedite the delivery of the preserves to Qingxiang Pavilion and Xingfang Restaurant. Going forward, you will be in charge of all their transportation."

In the seven or eight days since returning from Tianshui County to Shangjing, the preserves at Qingxiang Pavilion and Xingfang Restaurant had already sold out, and they were anxiously awaiting more.

The Family Head of Xingfang Restaurant, Bai Di, had already sent two letters to Ruyi Square, and Qingxiang Pavilion had also sent a reminder.

"Yes," said Zhuo Ma respectfully.

Having delegated these tasks, Li Xianyun left the workshop with Youlan and Bater in tow.

Now that she had entrusted the workshop affairs to Zhuo Ma, Li Xianyun needed to give her enough trust to carry out her duties confidently and decisively.