Chapter 93 – Making Money to Marry a Wife

Regarding the school sports competition, although Jian Mei had many doubts, he soon didn’t have time to think about it anymore.

He was busy making aloe vera gel.

Because of Nan Feng’s divine power , he could finally enjoy the raw materials without reservation. Jian Mei was never one to procrastinate, so since he had taken the deposit, he began making the gel non-stop.

The next day, Ying was surprised to see the finished product: “Jian Mei, you’re so efficient!”

Jian Mei said, “Don’t leave this aloe vera gel outside for too long. In hot weather, it’s best to store it at low temperatures.”

Ying nodded, “Okay, thank you.”

Jian Mei was honest, “It’s no problem. After all, I’ve already taken the money.”

“……”

He was honest to a fault.(he was excessively or overly honest, to the point where it might cause problems or be impractical.)

After delivering the goods, Jian Mei didn’t pay much attention to them.

He had made several hundred gold coins, probably enough for a while, so he didn’t care much about anything else. But a few days later, Ying found him again, and this time she wasn’t alone; there were several other wealthy-looking girls with her.

“You’re Jian Mei, right?”

“Wow, you look so young.”

“Did you make this aloe vera gel?”

Jian Mei was caught off guard by the group of people surrounding him and felt a bit overwhelmed, but thankfully Ying came to his rescue in time: “Alright, don’t scare the kid, you guys.”

The wealthy girls laughed and teased Jian Mei, who hesitated before asking, “Do you have something you need from me?”

Ying explained to them: “They want to buy a few more boxes, because the effect was so good after using it, so they want to come find you personally.”

The other girls nodded:

“My skin doesn’t peel anymore.”

“And it’s not irritating at all, no stinging sensation.”

“And it’s very moisturizing!”

The girls had all experienced the power of the aloe vera gel, so they were all excited.

Jian Mei noticed that one of the girls seemed to have acne on her face, so he added, “Although I can make it for you, your skin is a bit different from theirs, so the situation might be a bit more severe for you. If you’re willing, I can help you adjust it.”

Among these girls, the one with acne was the most insecure.

Although their families were wealthy, she had been struggling with acne since adolescence and had never been able to get rid of it, no matter how expensive the medication was. Now, upon hearing Jian Mei’s words, she didn’t know how to react with joy: “Really? Do you have a way?”

Jian Mei honestly replied, “I can only try.”

The girl eagerly agreed, “Thank you then. Don’t worry about the money. If my acne clears up, I’m willing to pay whatever.”

Jian Mei said, “I’ll do my best.”

He originally thought that at most, he would have these repeat customers, but he didn’t expect that after these girls went back, they couldn’t help but share and spread the word among their classmates and friends. While Jian Mei was busy making more products, his information terminal was bombarded with messages from Ying.

Ying was quite excited: “Jian Mei! Many people want your aloe vera gel.”

Jian Mei sighed helplessly when he saw the messages.

And he really didn’t expect that the students at this school would be so wealthy. Products priced at 50 gold coins per box were bought without hesitation, and there were so many people interested. Thinking back to his time in the town, where 5 gold coins were the monthly wages for many people, ordinary families couldn’t even afford meat because of this.

Thinking of those people, Jian Mei looked at the messages on his information terminal again. He had experienced it, so he understood the value of money even more. However, he certainly wouldn’t refuse to earn money through his own hard work, but to balance it with his studies, he couldn’t take on so many orders.

Jian Mei replied to Ying, “I’m sorry, I really can’t take on so many orders. In the future, I can only produce a maximum of 30 boxes per week.”

Ying, understandingly, said, “It’s okay, I understand!”

Jian Mei thought that by doing this, he might have fewer orders, but what he never expected was that precisely because of his limited energy, the market, which had a large demand, suddenly became hungry.

The young masters and misses were the ones with the least shortage of money. Therefore, in order to obtain these small amounts of goods, the price of a box of aloe vera gel, priced at 50 gold coins, suddenly soared inexplicably, even reaching around 100 gold coins in secondary circulation. It became a symbol of respect within the school who could possess the aloe vera gel.

Jian Mei was unaware of this.

The day before the school festival, he had already agreed with DaZhuang ge that he would go for a follow-up consultation, so after class in the evening, he went into the palace.

The person who came to pick him up was the same driver as before.

Jian Mei sat in the car and dozed off. These days, he had been staying up late making aloe vera gel, so he was particularly tired and took a nap in the car.

This car usually goes directly to the Crown Prince’s inner palace. However, today, when entering the inner gate, it unfortunately encountered another car leaving the palace, which was the Second Prince’s car.

The driver stopped the car and respectfully greeted, “Your Highness, Second Prince.”

Lu Xinci’s face appeared at the window, he lifted the curtain and looked at the driver, smiling, “Is my third brother back?”

This was Lu Xingwang’s personal driver.

The driver quickly replied, “Your Highness, the Crown Prince is handling government affairs in the palace. I am here to escort guests for him.”

Lu Xinci nodded, looking understanding, “I see. Then you should go in quickly and not delay my third brother’s matters.”

The driver acknowledged it.

After they entered, Lu Xinci’s smile slowly disappeared from his face.

Someone beside him softly asked, “Your Highness, recently the Crown Prince seems to be interacting with different people. Do you think, with His Majesty still on the throne, he is… getting anxious?”

Lu Xinci had always appeared indifferent to outsiders, but the person sitting in the carriage now looked much more serious. He thought for a moment before smiling, “Why would he be anxious? Has he ever regarded me highly these years?”

“What Your Highness said is reasonable.” The person beside him spoke up, “Precisely because of this, you can deploy with confidence, right?”

Lu Xinci looked at the bustling market outside, his gaze deepened a lot, and he said in a low voice, “These years, I have been biding my time, just so I can rise above and not be looked down upon by anyone. Lu Xingwang is indeed lucky. Even after being poisoned like that, he didn’t die. The previous Crown Prince was also useless. If it weren’t for him being such a waste, he couldn’t even kill a frail Lu Xingwang. Would I have these troubles now?”

The woman beside him said, “The Crown Prince… was indeed useless. This time, it was all thanks to you that he kept his life.”

Lu Xinci felt annoyed when this topic was brought up and asked, “How is he now?”

“What else can he do? He has been by Xiao Cheng’s side, recuperating.” The woman said slowly, “But ever since that incident, Xiao Cheng has held a grudge against Lu Xingwang. Last time, he underestimated him. I reckon, if there’s another conflict… he won’t be merciful.”

Lu Xinci smirked, “That’s for the best.”

No matter who it is, Lu Xingwang cannot ultimately sit on this throne.

After years of silence, enduring humiliation and hardship, he has had enough.

…

On the other side

In Lu Xingwang’s office

After Jian Mei finished taking his pulse, he leaned over the table to adjust the prescription. Separated by a small screen, Lu Xingwang outside was still receiving courtiers late into the night, listening to various reports and data. The focus of this discussion was that the year was nearing its end, but the finances and revenues across the regions were similar to last year, showing little progress.

The Minister of Finance attempted to defend himself, “This year, many people policies have been implemented, opening up elderly care and medical subsidies to the common people. These expenditures also entail considerable costs, so although this year’s national treasury revenue appears to be flat, in reality, we still have room for growth.”

Lu Xingwang listened indifferently and spoke, “Are you suggesting that opening up policies for the people is the main reason our economic benefits haven’t increased?”

The Minister of Finance hastened to say, “I dare not.”

“If I keep you only to listen to these useless excuses, it would be better to let robots report.” Lu Xingwang raised an eyebrow at him, “What I want are solutions, understood?”

Unlike the Emperor, the Crown Prince never tolerated court officials to pass their days with excuses.

The Minister of Finance felt a cold sweat breaking out on his back, feeling immense pressure. Lu Xingwang’s almost blatant threat was effective, and he quickly nodded and excused himself.

After he left, Lu Xingwang glanced over the screen and saw Jian Mei sitting there, biting the end of a pen.

Lu Xingwang frowned, walked over, and took the pen away, forbidding Jian Mei from biting it.

“Hmm…” Jian Mei put down the pen and said, “Are you done with your work?”

Lu Xingwang nodded, “Yeah.”

Jian Mei sighed, “Even though you take your medicine on time, you don’t rest properly. You’re always overthinking, which isn’t good for your recovery.”

Lu Xingwang sat beside him and said, “I’ll pay attention.”

“…”

Pay attention to what?

Jian Mei was lying on the table, not sitting properly , and complained, “I can understand. Being swarmed by subordinates every day and having numerous national affairs to oversee must be exhausting.”

Lu Xingwang: “You heard that.”

Jian Mei nodded.

Perhaps it was the good moonlight tonight, or maybe the two of them were getting along too well. Despite knowing that Jian Mei was just a child, Lu Xingwang couldn’t help but ask, “What’s your opinion?”

Even he couldn’t help but smile after asking. How could a child know about such matters?

However, to his surprise, Jian Mei replied, “I think, DaZhuang ge, if you want to increase revenue, it’s best not to just focus on enterprises. Instead, pay more attention to the common people in various regions.”

Lu Xingwang raised an eyebrow, “Oh?”

Jian Mei nodded.

Lu Xingwang said, “I’ve already implemented policies to benefit the people.”

Even as the Crown Prince, his thoughts were to take care of the commoners and give them preferential treatment.

Jian Mei quickly shook his head, “No, no, no, it’s not like that. What I mean is, let the common people also contribute to society and generate income and revenue for the country.”

The common people have always been at the bottom of society, so they contribute little in terms of wages or revenue.

Lu Xingwang suddenly became interested, “How so?”

“For example…consumption,” a smile appeared in Jian Mei’s eyes as he calculated for Lu Xingwang, “Actually, there are many products on the market, but most of them are unaffordable for the common people. For example…skincare products.”

While in the mansion, the children, including Ping Ping’s mother, basically had no skincare products, but the nobles spent thousands of dollars on them.

Jian Mei continued with another example, “For example, Like when you provided medical insurance for the commoners, that’s lowering the consumption threshold, the idea is correct. But for most people, getting sick and seeing a doctor is just one part of their expenses. If you look at the details, what about their daily necessities? Since this society is dominated by the nobles, most consumer goods are catered to serving the nobles. Why is there no consideration for products suitable for commoner consumption?”

Lu Xingwang fell into thought. After a moment, he nodded, “You’re right.”

Jian Mei, unexpectedly acknowledged by Lu Xingwang, felt like fireworks were going off in his heart.

He had always been taken care of by Da Zhuang ge, and now, suddenly, he felt like he could also help Da Zhuang ge.

If the Crown Prince were to do many things, there might be significant controversy. However, if I were to do them myself, the goals would be smaller, and results could be achieved quickly.

With this in mind, Jian Mei said, “I’ve been planning. I mentioned before about wanting to sell aloe vera gel at school, and it’s been selling well. But the customer base consists mostly of students from our school. I’m thinking of developing other affordable products and expanding the market to schools below us, trying it out with the common people. If it proves feasible, then my speculation would be confirmed.”

Listening to the child beside him speak so confidently, at that moment, Lu Xingwang suddenly realized that not only was he growing, but the child beside him was also growing. Like a small tree slowly extending its branches and widening its territory, perhaps one day in the future, this tree would grow as tall as him, becoming a dependable support.

Accustomed to fighting alone, he was suddenly struck by an inexplicable emotion.

Lu Xingwang asked, “Why suddenly so eager to make money?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Jian Mei blinked in confusion at first, then became somewhat embarrassed. “Who wouldn’t want money…”

Seeing him blush unexpectedly, Lu Xingwang smiled and asked, “What do you plan to do with the money?”

“I haven’t thought about it yet. I’ll probably save it. It will definitely come in handy in the future,” Jian Mei replied with the typical mindset of an earthling. “I still don’t have a house here. After I graduate, I’ll definitely need to buy a house to live in. And later on, I might need to save money to get married…”

The smile in Lu Xingwang’s eyes faded a little.

Translator’s Note-Guys don’t forget to support and comment your views(^-^)