Chapter 2701
2701 Submission
The young crown prince consort gazed expressionless, her voice devoid of emotion, “I am quite reasonable.”
Eunuch Chen, who had accompanied them through the main doors of the Butterfly Pavilion, couldn’t help but twitch his mouth at this statement.
“I’m not here to negotiate a smooth handover,” declared the young crown prince consort icily, “I am commanding you all to execute a swift handover today!”
“Is that understood?”
...
The elderly shopkeeper of Butterfly Pavilion was now a mixture of anger and bewilderment, teetering on the edge of confusion.
In his role as the shopkeeper of Butterfly Pavilion, his monthly stipend alone amounted to a staggering 80 thousand spirit currency.
/Where on earth did he manage to secure such a hefty monthly stipend from?/
/How could he bear the thought of losing it in a matter of mere months?/
The aged shopkeeper’s eyes pleaded with Auntie Qing for assistance.
While Auntie Qing’s outrage paralleled his own, she was cornered.
/What recourse did she have when the Crown Prince Consort insisted on this course and had even brought an entourage to oversee the transition?/
/The building and land deeds of Butterfly Pavilion were unequivocally in the young crown prince consort’s name. Could she possibly contest that?/
Her mounting frustration became a throbbing headache, leaving her at a loss.
With several deep breaths, Auntie Qing looked at the young crown prince consort and implored, “Crown Prince Consort, wouldn’t it be too hasty to finalize the handover within a single day?”
Her only recourse was to buy time through delay tactics.
Auntie Qing harbored an inner reluctance to relinquish the management of Butterfly Pavilion, a business she had painstakingly nurtured.
Why was it that during the lean years of Butterfly Pavilion, she had diligently partnered with the Consort to nurture the business? She had wracked her brains to devise strategies for its expansion.
/And what had the young crown prince consort done in comparison? Simply by inheriting her mother’s dowry, she was now entitled to claim all the assets and reap the rewards of her hard work, transforming this modest shop into a thriving enterprise?/
A chill glanced across the Crown Prince Consort’s features as she fixed her gaze upon Auntie Qing. It was clear that challenges were inevitable as they attempted to effect the transition of power. Mu Qingya maintained a veneer of civility, yet her subordinates had been uncooperative, swathed in excuses that only served to aggravate her.
“Today, you and Mr. Hong will meticulously review the financial records. Additionally, you and Shopkeeper Hu shall facilitate the comprehensive handover of Butterfly Pavilion’s operations, inside and out,” the young crown prince consort stated impassively, her voice devoid of emotion. “Don’t feign ignorance, hesitate, or deceive me.”
“If you believe that my youth makes me susceptible to bullying,” Qiao Mu’s gaze slid to Li Ye, who stood nearby.
With swift precision, Li Ye drew his sword and brought it crashing down upon a nearby black wooden table, cleaving it with a resounding snap. As shards scattered, a pallor swept through the onlookers who hastily retreated.
/The readiness to draw her sword at a moment’s notice was undeniably chilling./
Li Ye remained unmoved, his tone unwavering. “You’re welcome to test the steel in my hand.”
Auntie Qing’s heart quivered, and she stumbled backward, her steps faltering. Her gaze flickered, a mixture of awe and uncertainty directed at the Crown Prince Consort before her. Inhaling deeply, she offered a respectful salute. “Understood.”
Today’s agenda demanded compliance, without question.
For if they resisted, judging by the Crown Prince Consort’s past conduct, the prospect of meting out collective punishment to these “rebels” was not beyond consideration.
/No room for sentiment when one’s life hung in the balance./
Auntie Qing pivoted and noticed the elderly shopkeeper’s obstinate demeanor, signaling his intent to cause a scene once more. She leveled a stern gaze at him. “Proceed with the handover.”
The elderly shopkeeper, surnamed Zhang, visibly reddened at her command. His eyes welled with a mixture of indignation and frustration.
