Plantation Harvest

"The spice business is in trouble too!" Lily Evans slapped the ledger, her brows furrowing. She couldn't help but feel grateful for her uncle's family—after all their hard work at the plantation, the least she could do was welcome them home with open arms.

"What do you mean the spice business is in trouble too? Lily, is there something else we don't know about?" Zhang Mu asked, concern etched on his face.

Lily Evans nodded, then recounted her recent visits to Eight Treasures Bistro and Evans Hot Pot Restaurant, her tone lively and engaging.

Everyone listened to Lily Evans's story, their expressions growing more serious by the moment. Aunt Xia reached out to gently squeeze her granddaughter Wang Yaya's hand, her affection clear.

Belle twisted her handkerchief, deep in thought. "Princess Consort, something's not right! All our stores suddenly lost business—this can't be a simple market hiccup. There's definitely something fishy going on."

"I've already sent people to investigate..." Lily Evans rubbed her brow, determined to get to the bottom of things. She raised her glass in a toast to her uncle, aunt, and cousin Wang Lidong, her voice warm with appreciation.

The whole group fell into deep thought, the room settling into a heavy silence. Uncle Wang's eyes sparkled with pride as he glanced at Lily Evans, who listened attentively, her expression encouraging.

Just as Lily Evans was puzzling over the business troubles, a servant from Prince Leonard's Manor rushed in, announcing, "Madam, your uncle's family has arrived!"

"Oh, I totally forgot!" Belle smacked her forehead. "I've been so worried about the shop that I forgot to tell you the big news—Princess Consort, your uncle's family is back from the plantation and here to visit you today!"

"Uncle and the family are here? Quick, invite them in!" Lily Evans's face lit up with joy—she hadn't seen her uncle's family in over half a year, and their arrival was a welcome burst of sunshine.

Over the past months, Uncle Wang's family had worked tirelessly at the plantation, tending the spice crops with unwavering dedication. Now, finally back in the capital, Lily Evans was determined to make sure they felt right at home.

Without missing a beat, Lily Evans ordered the servants to prepare a lavish feast to welcome her uncle's family. The dining table soon overflowed with delicious dishes, and the air was filled with laughter and warmth.

"Lily, it's been half a year since we last saw you, and now you're a mother! That makes me a grand-uncle—ha!" Uncle Wang Dachuan exclaimed, raising his cup in high spirits.

Aunt Xia was just as delighted, hugging her granddaughter Wang Yaya tightly. She couldn't stop doting on the little girl, who had just come back from Yuan Jie's household.

Wang Yaya had grown taller since their last meeting, blossoming into a graceful young lady. Life at Yuan Jie's house had left her fair and rosy-cheeked—no longer the wild country girl, but now the picture of a refined maiden. Uncle Wang's family couldn't have been prouder.

"Thank you all for your hard work. Life at the plantation isn't easy—it's truly a challenge," Lily Evans said as she raised her glass to toast Uncle Wang, Aunt Xia, and Cousin Wang Lidong, her gratitude shining through.

Everyone downed their drinks in one go. Uncle Wang's cheeks flushed with wine as he launched into an enthusiastic account of his spice-growing adventures at the plantation, not sparing a single detail.

Lily Evans listened with a smile, silently giving her uncle a mental thumbs-up. He was the very image of a hardworking farmer—experienced, patient, and reliable. She couldn't have picked a better family to manage the plantation.

Uncle Wang beamed. "Lily, the plantation had a bumper harvest this year—we've brought in tens of thousands of pounds of spice! We're thrilled to help you make money. The workers are already loading up the wagons, and by tomorrow, the spices will be in the capital. Just think, these spices are worth their weight in gold! Once they're sold, we'll be rolling in silver!"

Uncle Wang sipped his wine with a satisfied grin, while Zhang Mu and Wu Caiwei forced smiles, unable to bring themselves to break the news—the spices hadn't been selling lately, and buyers were even willing to pay penalties just to avoid taking the goods.

Wu Caiwei tugged at Zhang Mu's sleeve, her anxiety barely hidden. She whispered, "Should we tell them the truth?"

Zhang Mu hesitated, then glanced at Lily Evans. He decided to hold his tongue for now—no need to spoil the festive mood just yet.