Chapter 158 Merchandise +3

While they were chatting here, Hua Ying came upstairs holding a sketchbook.

Recently, Miao Yunyou was preparing to release merchandise featuring the Cloud Pattern Leopard Cats.

After all, they were simply too adorable—round, fluffy, and just lying there could melt anyone’s heart. Whether used as bag charms, desk ornaments, or souvenirs, they were bound to be extremely popular.

Thus, the design task naturally fell to Hua Ying, the only outstanding art student on the mountain.

Hua Ying always worked in a crisp and efficient manner. She flipped open her sketchbook and let her gaze settle on the leopard cats curled up on the cat tree.

The fattest leopard cat had curled itself into a fluffy ball, its belly rising and falling slightly. Its little paws were tucked against its chest, and its tail lazily draped over the edge. Its appearance was both relaxed and soothing.

Hua Ying’s eyes narrowed slightly. Her pen touched the paper and began to move with a rustling sound.

There were no extra strokes, no repeated revisions—she didn’t even bother with a rough draft. The pencil moved smoothly across the paper, producing clean, flowing lines with remarkable steadiness. In just a short moment, a vivid chibi-style leopard cat appeared on the page. The shading was delicately rendered with the pencil, giving it a strong sense of depth and making it irresistibly cute—so cute it could make one’s heart tremble.

Hua Yuezhan, holding a cup of tea, leaned over to Hua Ying, almost pressing her head against the sketchbook. She pointed at the drawing, her tone full of curiosity:

“It’s really well drawn… but isn’t the head a bit too big? The body is so short—it looks a little strange, not quite like a real cat.”

Hua Ying paused her pen, slowly lifted her eyes, and gave her a sidelong glance. Her expression clearly carried a hint of disdain that seemed to say “amateurs lecturing professionals.” She twirled the pencil lightly between her fingers and replied flatly: “If you can, you draw it yourself.”

“……”

Hua Yuezhan, who was not at all skilled in drawing, quietly fell silent—but her eyes remained curious, unable to look away.

Miao Yunyou smiled and explained:

“This is called chibi style. It uses a two-head-body proportion—big head, small body—to make it cuter. That’s what makes it adorable! Merchandise relies on this to attract fans.”

Chu Ningshuang also came over to take a look, a faint smile appearing in her eyes:

“It is indeed very cute. It should be quite popular if made into small items.”

This time, Miao Yunyou planned to produce plush toys and acrylic keychains, all made with high-quality crystal super-soft material. The facial features would be embroidered so they wouldn’t collapse, and each would come with a lanyard so they could be hung on bags.

There was no need for too many styles—just five to start with.

Rolling, sleeping, tilting their heads, baring their teeth… one of each type to test the market.

Oh, and in addition, there would be a round, chubby sachet-style plush toy.

It would be hollow inside so things could be placed in it.

Purchasing this sachet plush would also include a complimentary sleep-inducing herbal sachet carefully prepared by Dr. Chu Fuling.

This small herbal sachet was mainly for inhalation, with an effective period of three months. It could be placed directly inside the sachet plush.

Placed by your bedside, it would ensure a full night of peaceful sleep!

Miao Yunyou had already consulted manufacturers about this.

For example, a common high-quality 10 cm plush doll would require an initial design and prototyping fee of over 3,000 yuan.

After that, the unit cost would vary depending on the order quantity.

Generally, for orders exceeding 1,000 units, the unit price would be around 11 to 13 yuan.

For orders exceeding 5,000 units, the unit price would drop to around 8 to 10 yuan.

As usual, the original price would be 99.9 yuan, with the first batch priced at 59.9 yuan to test whether people would buy it.

Acrylic keychains, on the other hand, were much cheaper than plush dolls.

Over 1,000 units, the unit price would be around 1.8 to 2.2 yuan each.

Over 5,000 units, the unit price would drop to about 1.1 to 1.4 yuan each.

At that point… set the original price at 29.9? Maybe try 19.9 first?

Miao Yunyou said, “For these three types of merchandise, let’s order 1,000 units of each first and test the waters during New Year’s. If they sell out, we’ll directly scale up to 5,000!”

Hua Yuezhan, Hua Ying, and Chu Ningshuang stood nearby, nodding as if they understood and didn’t understand at the same time. They only felt that no matter what their sect leader did, she was incredibly capable!

At the same time, downstairs in Xie Dingnian’s room.

The window lattice was half open, a gentle breeze brushing over the scrolls spread across the desk. Compared to the lively atmosphere on the rooftop, the air here was more subdued and heavy. Xie Dingnian and Lu Cheng’an sat facing each other, two cups of slightly cooled tea on the table. Both wore expressions that carried a hint of undisguised sighs.

What they were discussing was the most noble—and also the heaviest—household in the world—

“The current Emperor and the Eighth Prince are born of the same mother, both legitimate sons of the Empress,” Xie Dingnian said, lifting his teacup, his fingers tightening slightly. His tone was complex. “In terms of talent, boldness, and intelligence, the Eighth Prince surpasses the Emperor in every aspect. It’s just unfortunate that back then, the late Emperor decreed that the eldest should inherit the throne. As the eldest legitimate son, he lost all chance of ascending the throne.”

Lu Cheng’an frowned deeply and let out a long sigh, his voice full of helplessness. “Over the years, the Emperor has grown increasingly incompetent, swayed by others, indulging in pleasure… As for the Eighth Prince—though he is capable and decisive, his nature is ruthless and his methods are cold. In his eyes, there is only power struggle, not the people. As for the Crown Prince…”

Xie Dingnian fell silent for a moment, then shook his head gently. “…That child has a kind heart and compassion. He truly wishes to be a good heir. It’s just that his character is too weak and indecisive. In court, he is manipulated by various factions and simply cannot shoulder the weight of the realm.”

As for the other princes, some were too young and ignorant, some indulged in wine and pleasure, and others lacked learning and talent. None were capable of governing the empire or bringing peace to the people.

The two exchanged a glance and both let out long sighs.

Within the vast imperial family, ruling over thousands of miles of land, there was not a single person truly capable and responsible enough to uphold the nation.

Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy, Xie Dingnian’s gaze suddenly shifted. It seemed he had thought of someone. His expression became complicated in an instant—filled with amazement, regret, expectation, and a trace of unrealistic longing.

Seeing this, Lu Cheng’an’s heart tightened, and he hurriedly asked, “Sir, your expression… have you thought of someone?”

After a moment of silence, Xie Dingnian slowly spoke, his voice deep and serious. “In truth, within the imperial family, there is indeed one person who is exceptionally intelligent, perceptive of the world, possessing both vision and courage, as well as a compassionate heart…”

Lu Cheng’an frowned, mentally running through all members of the imperial clan—princes, princes-in-law, noble descendants—but no matter how he thought, he couldn’t find anyone matching that description. He couldn’t help but feel even more puzzled.

“Sir, who exactly are you referring to? This subordinate… truly cannot think of anyone.”

Xie Dingnian raised his eyes, his gaze heavy, and uttered a name that left Lu Cheng’an completely stunned.

“Princess Ningyu.”

Princess Ningyu, the eldest daughter of the current Emperor, had shown extraordinary intelligence from a young age. She was well-read in the classics, knowledgeable in both ancient and modern affairs, and possessed insight and vision far beyond her peers—surpassing even many officials in court.

Several years ago, when a neighboring country sent envoys seeking peace but demanded a marriage alliance—specifically requesting a princess of the imperial family—the Emperor, considering Princess Ningyu’s age and her reputation for talent, intended to send her for the alliance in exchange for border stability.

No one expected that Princess Ningyu would refuse to be used as a political tool. She volunteered to go herself, traveling alone to the neighboring country. With her courage, keen perception, and exceptional eloquence, she negotiated with both the rulers and ministers of the foreign state.

In the end, she not only persuaded them to abandon the marriage alliance but also secured a powerful ally for her nation, enabling mutual support and joint resistance against external enemies, bringing long-term peace to the border regions.

However, this monumental achievement was rarely known to the public, as it involved court secrets and the dignity of the imperial family. It was known only within the inner imperial circle and among a few high-ranking ministers.

Outsiders were misled by deliberately spread rumors, believing Princess Ningyu to be rebellious and willful, refusing the arranged marriage out of defiance of imperial orders. Some even claimed that, despite being unmarried at such a young age, she kept male attendants in her residence, causing her reputation to plummet.

Because of these malicious rumors, this princess—gifted in both beauty and talent—now in her twenties, still had no one daring to seek her hand in marriage, remaining alone all this time…