Wonderful Life After Exchanging Fate

by Usui Takumii

not mine, explore and try blogspot. Waiting for the translator to update.

9. 71 to 80

Chapter 71

Jiang Yun Zhu knew that he was deliberately trying to put her on the spot. The cogs in her mind turned and she said, "I will donate thirty liang."

Manager Song laughed out and pointed at Jiang Yun Zhu, "Boss Jiang, your Qishanju is doing more business than my Baofulou. The last cooking competition, the magistrate personally voted for you. Why now?"

The meaning needn't be fully said. Magistrate Meng needed help now, but Jiang Yun Zhu won't put in effort?

Sure enough, Magistrate Meng's face solemnly flashed a little.

While Jiang Yun Zhu explained, "Since it's a donation, it depends on one's own wishes. Although my thirty liang isn't much, it is half of my savings. I don't know how much thoughts Manager Song put in your two hundred liang?"

Everyone was taken aback when they heard these words. They almost forgot that Jiang Yun Zhu had no money. They heard about her. She started from a small breakfast stall and gradually rented a store, Qishanju.

As for Chabuliang, she won it from the competition.

Looking at it this way, it wasn't easy for her to come up with thirty liang. As she said, in terms of thoughts, she was a hundred times better than Manager Song.

Magistrate Meng's mind turned the corner and praised Jiang Yun Zhu. Among the people present, rich or poor, who could do to her extent? He suddenly felt a little emotional. This girl, Jiang Yun Zhu, was extraordinary.

"How can you only have sixty liang of savings!" Getting forced to a deadend, Manager Song said angrily.

"My Qishanju has only been open for more than a month. Everyone could estimate how much money I have made. While I don't need to decorate Chabuliang, I have to invest a lot of money in the early stages, if I want to operate it.

How much savings do Manager Song think I should have? "Jiang Yun Zhu asked unhurriedly.

"This... isn't there many customers who have deposited money in your store?" Manager Song said unrelentingly.

"It's the customer's money. It's only stored here. If I treat it as my own and spend it, could customers be rest assured?" Jiang Yun Zhu said, scanning the surrounding people. There were quite a few people here who have saved money in Qishanju.

When those people heard this, they naturally felt that Jiang Yun Zhu was right. They all eyed Manager Song suspiciously. After Qishanju created the membership system, Manager Song felt it was a good idea, so he implemented this system in Baofulou.

The effect wasn't better than Qishanju. Still, there were many old customers who had deposited money.

Now these old customers were wondering whether the money they had saved was among the money donated by Manager Song.

"Baofulou is a gold plated restaurant. I would never do anything that harms the interests of customers. The two hundred liang is donated by me personally." Manager Song quickly explained and guaranteed, lest people ask him to refund the money.

At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu said coolly, "Manager Song is rich and powerful."

"You..." Manager Song flushed with anger. He wanted to take the opportunity to ruin Jiang Yun Zhu's reputation, but who would have thought that she would be so sharp-tongued. Saying it like her donation of 30 liang held more sincerity than his donation of 200 liang.

"Alright, everyone do it according to their own will." Magistrate Meng interrupted Manager Song.

The donations continued. Magistrate Meng looked at Jiang Yun Zhu and Manager Song. Suddenly an idea popped up in his mind. He wrote words for Jiang Yun Zhu and Manager Song respectively, not only to reward them, but to encourage everyone to donate more in the future.

Someone prepared a pen and paper. Magistrate Meng dabbed the ink, and wrote two lines of poems for Jiang Yun Zhu, 'Not weighed down by poverty, nor zealously chase wealth and honor.' What was written for Manager Song was the words 'be happy in doing good'.

Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that Magistrate Meng obviously preferred Jiang Yun Zhu.

Many people snickered in their hearts. Manager Song ah, after paying so much money, he made a wedding dress for someone else.

Manager Song was furious, but he didn't dare to show it. He could only thank Magistrate Meng sincerely.

Jiang Yun Zhu thanked Magistrate Meng. After getting those words, it was a surprise!

With this small episode, everyone donated money. It was much more generous than before. Magistrate Meng achieved his goal. He twirled his beard, thinking about how much rice the money could buy and how many disaster refugees could be saved.

After donating the money, everyone dispersed. Jiang Yun Zhu walked back with these words and decided to find a store to frame these words and hang them in the store. After all, it was from the county magistrate. Others couldn't get it if they wanted it.

Just as they was two streets away from reaching Qishanju, there were many people gathered in front of them, blocking the way.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked into the crowd and saw five or six people in midst of the crowd. Among them was a powdered woman. Standing behind her was a teen boy and teen girl. Both of them were thirteen or fourteen years old and looked exactly the same; with pretty eyebrows, big eyes, high nose and red lips. It looked like a pair of dragon and phoenix twins.

The youth had a thin body. Still with this appearance, he looked a little glamorous. With this appearance, the young girl had an indescribable heroism. The two stood there together. Although they were wearing rags and their faces were bloodless, they were attractive enough.

On the woman's side was a young man holding a folding fan. He was followed by three or four servant-like people.

The beautifully dressed woman also had a few servants behind. Those servants were strong and had fierce faces.

"Mrs. Qi, I had already brought the money. So these two people have to follow me." The gentleman with the fan yelled.

"I'm sorry, Gentleman Liang. I have already paid the money. These two people are mine now." The woman on opposite side said.

"I bought them before you." Gentleman Liang angrily responded.

"But you didn't pay. I paid first." The woman on the opposite side pointed out. Smiling, she waved the handkerchief in her hand at Gentleman Liang. A pungent smell of makeup and powder dissipated immediately, "I say Gentleman Liang, aren't you buying them for that kind of thing? How about this, you step back and I'll let you come and play in Hongxinglou for half a month for free. How about that?"

Gentleman Liang seemed a little tempted, but he hummed, "I'm going to ask for them today!"

As they were arguing there, someone nearby was discussing. Jiang Yun Zhu understood what was going on.

It turns out that Mrs. Qi in the middle was a broker. She bought the pair of siblings from the refugees. She was going to sell the pair of siblings to Gentleman Liang. But in the middle of it, the procuress in Xinghualou took a fancy to the pair of siblings and paid a higher price. So Mrs. Qi sold the pair of siblings to her.

Gentleman Liang knew and of course he wasn't willing. So he was kicking a fuss.

"Gentleman Liang has countless wives and concubines in his family. I heard that he has a lot of bookboys. In the study, he does that kind of thing with the bookboys in the study. Tsk tsk!" Someone sighed. This Gentleman Liang ate both male and female. No wonder he was unwilling to give up this pair of siblings.

The procuress of Xinghualou wanted to buy this pair of siblings. So the meaning is even more obvious. This pair of siblings looked exactly the same and they were good-looking. If they accepted customers together, many people would definitely want to try it out. They were two cash trees!

Jiang Yun Zhu frowned when she heard that. She knew that there were many refugees recently and there were also many selling their children. This was the first time she encountered it.

She looked at the siblings.

The older sister held her younger brother's hand tightly and stood in front of him.

The younger brother lowered his head slightly, making it difficult for people to see his expression clearly.

My sister looked anxious, but she didn't give up. Instead, she looked around, trying to find a chance. She knew that no matter whose hands she and her brother fell into, they wouldn't be able to escape the fate of becoming playthings. She could bear it, but she didn't want her brother to be bullied like this.

The people around were either watching the excitement or gazing back and forth at them siblings with disgusting eyes. The elder sister only felt despair until she met a pair of clear eyes. There was disapproval in those eyes. Immediately, my sister looked at the person for help like a drowning man catching straw.

Jiang Yun Zhu frowned when she received the cry for help from the older sister's eyes. She asked the person next to her, "How much is the selling price of this pair of siblings?"

"Originally it was ten liang, but later the procuress of Xinghualou directly gave fifteen liang." The man replied.

Fifteen liang wasn't cheap. Jiang Yun Zhu was almost sold for six liang back then. She was prettier than the siblings. It could only be said that in this kind of disaster year, sometimes two big living people were worth less than one stack of rice.

At this time, Gentleman Liang had come to a conclusion with the procuress of Xinghualou. The procuress took a step back again, letting Gentleman Liang play in Xinghualou for nothing for a month. Only then Gentleman Liang gave up.

Gentleman Liang always liked the new and disliked the old. He felt that a month was about enough. It didn't cost money and saved the trouble of getting rid of people. How great. Moreover, he felt that a wife wasn't as good as a concubine, and a concubine wasn't as good as an affair. Since they were in the brothel, it might be more interesting.

They decided the fate of the siblings very easily. The onlookers sighed.

"Everyone come to Xinghualou to play when you have free time. I'll make sure you're satisfied once I've trained the pair of siblings." The brothel procuress got her wish and cheerfully grinned.

Of the pair of siblings, the older sister held onto her younger brother's hand even more tightly. She didn't intend to give up. She looked at Jiang Yun Zhu earnestly, and begged her to save them. In the future, she would definitely repay her well.

A ruthless look flashed in the younger brother's dark eyes, but he lowered his head so no one could see it.

At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu had made a decision. She broke off from the crowd and said to Mrs. Qi, "I'll give you sixteen liang. How about selling these two to me?"

Everyone was stunned by her words. Why did another person come to snatch?

When Gentleman Liang saw Jiang Yun Zhu, half of his body went weak. He had seen the owner of Qishanju before, but every time he caught a glimpse of a shadow from a distance and couldn't see her clearly. It made his heart itch every day. Unexpectedly, they met here today.

Seeing Jiang Yun Zhu's appearance clearly, he only felt that she was more beautiful than he thought.

The procuress of Xinghualou showed surprise. From her point of view, Jiang Yun Zhu was definitely a top beauty. In particular, the special aura on her body made people forget the vulgarity at sight.

Mrs. Qi's triangular eyes stared at Jiang Yun Zhu. She wanted to pay sixteen liang?

Of course she was willing to sell, but...

"How about it?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked Mrs. Qi directly.

Mrs. Qi nodded. After what happened now, she was already a dead pig not afraid of being scalded by boiling water. They could fight as much as they like. Getting more money was only the right way.

"Okay, then I'll buy. Let's go, come with me to get the money." Jiang Yun Zhu said.

Mrs. Qi looked at the brothel procuress.

The brothel procuress came to her senses and shouted anxiously, "I've already bought them."

Jiang Yun Zhu looked at her, "Didn't you buy them after raising the price? Since I am paying a higher price than you, they would naturally belong to me."

The procuress of Xinghualou was halted by this question.

Gentleman Liang hurriedly spoke, "They were supposed to belong to me."

If Jiang Yun Zhu bought them, he would get nothing. So he was anxious.

"Didn't you give up just now and don't want them anymore?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked him.

"If they were sold to the procuress, I would give up. If they are sold to you..."

"But you have already given up. A gentleman's words, once spoken, shouldn't be taken back. Only because of this, people would sell to you first. But you don't keep your promises yourself, so how could you get others to keep their promises?"

There was a paradox in Jiang Yun Zhu's words. If everyone keeps their promises, then Gentleman Liang certainly had given up the right to buy. If everyone doesn't keep their promises, then it wasn't Gentleman Liang's turn to buy first. So Gentleman Liang had no ground to stand.

Gentleman Liang choked up and looked at the brothel procuress.

The brothel procuress was so angry about the duck in her hand was about to fly.

"I'll pay seventeen liang." She said. Since Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to bid, she'll bid with her.

Jiang Yun Zhu's total savings was only had about forty liang. No, she could only give up.

At this time, someone suddenly asked, "Boss Jiang, is what you are holding the words written by the county magistrate just now?"

It was a woman in her thirties, who was the owner of a furniture store in the county. She came over just now. After hearing the whole story, she sympathized with the siblings and spoke out to help Jiang Yun Zhu.

She was intentionally using Magistrate Meng to pressure the procuress of Xinghualou.

Sure enough, the brothel procuress's complexion changed drastically after hearing this. What did the county magistrate write to Jiang Yun Zhu?

Jiang Yun Zhu understood the woman's kindness and she nodded. Speaking of which, this word was worth thirty liang!

"Mrs. Qi, it's better for you to say. Who are you selling these two people to?" The woman directed to Mrs. Qi.

In this kind of business, Mrs. Qi usually cheats as much as she can and deceives as much as she can. She was most afraid of the people from the officials. When she heard that the county magistrate actually wrote for Jiang Yun Zhu, her body immediately softened from fright and said, "How about, I sell to this girl."

The procuress in Hualou was a little unwilling. But she didn't say anything in the end. Jiang Yun Zhu bought the pair of siblings at a price of sixteen liang silver.

She led them back to Qishanju and gave the money to Mrs. Qi. Mrs. Qi didn't stay for a moment. Once leaving the two people's contract of sale, she turned around and left. The siblings and Jiang Yun Zhu remained.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the body selling contract. The elder sister should be called He Ying, and her younger brother's name should be He Hong.

"Many thanks for saving our life, Miss." He Ying immediately fell to her knees.

He Hong halted before falling to his knees.

"Get up." Jiang Yun Zhu said with a little melancholy. She didn't intend to buy people. However, what happened had happened.

At this moment, Mrs. Chen and others came out and looked at He Ying and He Ying in amazement. This pair of siblings looked good.

Jiang Yun Zhu introduced both sides.

As for how to arrange the two, Jiang Yun Zhu intended to ask them to help in the store, but Mrs. Chen suddenly found her. Her thoughts were that since she bought He Ying, it would be better for her to be her maid. This way, she wouldn't have to do many things by herself.

Maid? Jiang Yun Zhu froze and still refused.

It was unknown where He Ying heard about this and took the initiative to find Jiang Yun Zhu.

"I am willing to serve Miss!" She knelt down and kowtow respectfully.

Chapter 72

The next morning, when Jiang Yun Zhu woke up, He Ying had already prepared hot water for her.

Jiang Yun Zhu brushed her teeth. He Ying took advantage of this time to tidy up her room. She washed her face and He Ying handed her a towel...

Soon, Jiang Yun Zhu felt that it was nice to have someone to help with the work.

She acquiesced that He Ying stayed by her side.

He Ying regarded Jiang Yun Zhu as her savior and put her whole heart in her every matter .It went without saying she took care of her in every possible way.

At Chabuliang. Jiang Yun Zhu had got someone to frame the words from Magistrate Meng and hung them in the most conspicuous place in the store.

At this moment, she was leaning on the counter, looking at these words.

At this time, He Ying brought her a cup of tea. The tea was neither hot nor cold. The temperature was right.

He Ying was thoughtful. Jiang Yun Zhu had been a maid for several years in her dreams. Of course she knew the difference between doing her best and passive slacking.

At this time, Shen Feng Ming came in from the back. He also stood behind the counter, seemingly enclosing Jiang Yun Zhu inside again.

Jiang Yun Zhu had gotten used to the fact that he liked to stand at the counter in the past two days.

While drinking the tea in her hand, she suddenly thought how Shen Feng Ming must have been served in Shen's manor. When he came to her place, he had to do everything by himself?

Now she had a maid…

"Do you need someone?" She asked him.

She leaned there leisurely, sipping tea. The tea touched her lips, making them moist.

Shen Feng Ming stared at her lips and suddenly wanted to drink tea.

Jiang Yun Zhu seemed to have sensed it and said to He Ying, "Pour another cup of tea."

He Ying quickly poured another cup of tea and brought it to Shen Feng Ming.

Shen Feng Ming took it, but didn't drink it. Holding the teacup, he leaned against the counter with Jiang Yun Zhu. He understood what Jiang Yun Zhu meant by this question. In fact, he didn't need anyone to serve him. But looking at He Hong...

He Hong was cleaning the table at this moment. After Jiang Yun Zhu bought him and He Ying back yesterday, she bought a new set of clothes for each of them. He Hong's body wais clad in indigo blue. This kind of dark-colored clothes made him appear weaker than he looked. Coupled with his gorgeous appearance, it was easy for people to lower their defenses against him.

However, Shen Feng Ming knew that he had killed someone before.

Yesterday Jiang Yun Zhu brought the two of them back. He Ying was fine. As for He Hong. Based on his intuition, he felt that there was something wrong with him. Immediately, he got someone to check the two siblings.

This morning, the guard reported that these two people were originally the children of a wealthy family in Raoquan County, Changfeng Prefecture. There was a local drought. A few days ago, the refugees rioted, robbed He's house, and killed Master He. The two had no choice but to escape with their mother.

The two of them, including their mother, have never suffered much. It could be said that they have seen all the hardships of the world and suffered countless setbacks on the way from fleeing disaster.

And because of their outstanding looks, when they were about to leave Changfeng Manor, they encountered a group of robbers who wanted to rob both financially and sexually.

In the bedroom, He Hong killed the leader of the robbers, set fire to the robbers' lair, and directly and indirectly killed more than a dozen people.

Those robbers deserved to die, but He Hong's hands were stained with blood... Truthfully Shen Feng Ming didn't want him to stay by Jiang Yun Zhu's side. Now that Jiang Yun Zhu brought it up, he pondered for a while and replied, "Need."

Jiang Yun Zhu was stunned for a moment. She called He Hong over and then asked him, "Are you willing to follow Gentleman Shen?"

He Hong was so frightened that he didn't dare to look at Shen Feng Ming at all. Yesterday he and Shen Feng Ming briefly looked at each other. That feeling made him feel as if he had fallen into an ice abyss until now. It was as if Shen Feng Ming had seen through all of his dirty and despicable past.

Should he follow Shen Feng Ming?

"Miss." At this moment, He Ying came over and said worriedly. This Gentleman Shen seemed much more difficult to get along with than Jiang Yun Zhu. She was afraid that He Hong wouldn't be able to serve him well.

But He Hong suddenly fell to his knees and stated, "I am willing."

To be honest, he didn't want to stay in the store to do these chores. After so many things happening… how should he put it? Although Qishanju's life was very comfortable, he found that he didn't seem to like these. Nor did he want these things.

Shen Feng Ming was different. He was dangerous, making him tremble from the bottom of his heart. Still, he liked it!

"Younger Brother." He Ying was puzzled.

He Hong looked up at her. She was different from him. She should stay by Miss Jiang's side.

"Elder Sister, I'm willing to follow Gentleman Shen." He Hong's voice was very firm, even faintly agitated.

He Ying stared at him for a long time and responded, "Then you take good care of Gentleman Shen."

She had already seen that Jiang Yun Zhu and Shen Feng Ming seem to have a close relationship. Serving Shen Feng Ming well was repaying Jiang Yun Zhu's kindness. He Hong understood, "I would sacrifice my life for repayment!"

Him putting it like that seemed a little too much. As a servant, there was no need to risk his life. He Ying smiled awkwardly, feeling that her younger brother had changed a bit along the way. Sometimes she couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

He Hong officially followed Shen Feng Ming. Shen Feng Ming felt that he was quite suitable to be an agent of the Qilin Guard. After that kind of thing happened, he wasn't devastated nor did he become psycho. He only fell in love with the feeling of being on the tip of a knife. This kind of person was naturally suitable to be a secret agent.

Walking beside the abyss all the time, one would be exposed by others and may never be able to recover at the slight carelessness.

He was going to observe He Hong for a period of time. If he had that kind of quality, he wouldn't mind giving him a chance.

At this moment, Qin Yao and Lin Yu Bai walked in. Seeing Jiang Yun Zhu there, the two walked straight over. After getting along these days, they found that Jiang Yun Zhu was a very good person and became friends with her.

They naturally noticed He Ying and He Hong. Then everyone naturally talked about the disaster refugees outside.

"Is there no disaster relief in Changfeng Manor?" Qin Yao asked.

"Changfeng Manor had been suffering from severe drought for two consecutive years. This has mostly exhausted the people's money. Now the whole manor is full of refugees waiting for relief. Even if the imperial court wants to save them, it would be very difficult!" Lin Yu Bai glanced at Shen Feng Ming quietly and said.

He remembered that last year when the other party went to Changfeng Manor and killed a lot of people.

This year, the officials of Changfeng Manor were doing their best. Still, the disaster was too serious.

"Then what should we do now?" Qin Yao frowned.

"We could only save as much as possible and then let the people fend for themselves. Haven't you noticed that there are many refugees in Lu Prefecture now? It might not be the reason for the imperial court's acquiescence." Lin Yu Bai said.

Qin Yao sighed. These days, she had seen many disaster refugees. Simply too tragic!

Speaking of this matter, Jiang Yun Zhu had been contemplating these past few days. These disaster refugees.. Now was jsut the beginning. Don't know how it will be in the future.

Due to the recent soaring food prices, the number of customers who came to her restaurant had decreased a lot. Everyone seemed to have to tighten their belts to live.

While a few people were chatting, a man wearing brown embroidered brocade and dark embroidered blessing patterns came in from outside. He was followed by a man who looked like a housekeeper.

When the man saw Qin Yao, he strode over.

"Ah Yao!" he called.

Qin Yao turned her head and saw him. Her body froze immediately. She didn't call out until the man was in front of her, "Father."

"Follow me back to Lu Prefecture." Qin Zhen said with a sullen face.

"Father, I..." Of course Qin Yao was reluctant to leave. Xie Chen was going to the capital in eight days. She didn't want to go anywhere in these eight days, so she changed the topic.

"Why did you come in person?" She asked.

"Two days ago, Subprefectural Magistrate He sent someone to propose a marriage. I'll take you home. You've had enough fun outside. It's time to get married."

After Qin Yao heard this, her mind went blank. She felt angry and aggrieved, "Father, I said before that I don't like He Qing. That person is a jerk. He had once, once harassed me. How could I marry him!"

Lin Yu Bai was listening at the side and spoke out, "Uncle Qin, I could testify to this. That He Qing isn't a good person."

"Then who do you want to marry?" Qin Zhen asked.

Qin Yao bit her lips and remained silent.

"You want to marry that poor scholar?" Qin Zhen suddenly shouted, "Don't even think about it. I raised you so much, not for you to stick to a man."

What he said was a little overboard. Qin Yao opened her eyes wide and stared at him in disbelief. Instantly, tears rolled down her face. Then why did he raise her? In order to push her into the fire pit and make the Qin Family richer?

Qin Zhen felt that what he said now was a bit too much. These days, a large number of disaster refugees flooded into Lu Prefecture. As one of the top grain merchants in Lu Prefecture, he endured a lot of pressure. Making money, of course he would. However, he had no one in the court. Making so much money, he was like a piece of delicious fatty meat. Everyone wanted to take a bite.

These days, he had often sent money to various yamen, seeking for safety.

Why didn't Qin Yao understand? Only when she marries He Qing could their family continue to be rich.

"I won't marry. I won't marry even if I die." Qin Yao said suddenly.

Qin Zhen got angry, "It's not up to you."

Then, he winked at the housekeeper. The housekeeper clapped his hands. Immediately, a few servants with big arms and round waists came in. They directed to Qin Yao, "Miss, excuse us."

After saying that, they went to pull Qin Yao.

A little girl like Qin Yao wasn't their opponent and was quickly restrained.

"Uncle Qin, don't be like this. Let go of Ah Yao. We can talk it out." Lin Yu Bai wanted to save Qin Yao, but he was no match for those strong servants. At this moment, he regretted again that he hadn't practiced martial arts in his early years. Otherwise, he could be like Chief Shen. With a punch and a kick, who would dare to bully Qin Yao.

"This matter is a family matter. Gentleman Lin should leave it alone." Qin Zhen didn't want to offend Lin Yu Bai or the Lin Family. So he gave Lin Yu Bai some face.

"But Ah Yao is my friend." Lin Yu Bai couldn't ignore it.

Qin Zhen didn't want to pay attention to him anymore and led Qin Yao out.

"Let go of me! Father, do you want to do this? Alright then, the He Family can only marry my corpse." Qin Yao cried.

Qin Zhen's expression was serious. He paused before waving his hand to let people continue to take Qin Yao out.

Lin Yu Bai latched on Qin Yao, almost dying of anxiety. He thought that this kind of situation would happen, but he didn't expect it to come so soon!

What to do? He actually wanted to say, let Qin Yao marry him. Maybe Qin Zhen would agree, but would Qin Yao agree?

He was in a state of panic when suddenly a clear female voice sounded, "Wait a minute, Boss Qin, are you interested in negotiating a deal?"

Qin Zhen turned his head and saw that it was a beautiful girl who was speaking. A gentleman was standing next to her. The young man just glanced at him casually and he felt great pressure. And this miss standing next to this gentleman, her calmness and composure weren't inferior to this gentleman's in the slightest.

Qin Zhen had been in business for many years and had met countless people. Of course, he had a certain judgment. He stood there and asked, "What kind of business do you want to discuss, Miss?"

Did she know who he was? And dares to discuss business with him.

Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to talk to him only because she knew his identity. It concerned all the disaster refugees. This was a big business, right?

Chapter 73

Jiang Yun Zhu had a flash of inspiration. She knew that Qin Zhen wanted to become in-law with the He Family because he wanted to take advantage of the He Family's power, but did he borrow it?

Why did she remember that it was the He Family who stripped the Qin Family to the bone in the dream!?

If a fat sheep tries to get a wolf to protect it, wasn't it sending itself into the wolf's mouth? It also harm Qin Yao.

Of course, the wolf wouldn't swallow it in one bite. It would nibble at it bit by bit and make it a tool to make money.

This was what happened in the Qin Family in the dream.

Jiang Yun Zhu didn't want Qin Yao to end up like this. Moreover, when she was thinking about those refugees now, she actually thought of a way to help them. But she had no capital.

This matter could be done by Qin Zhen. If he succeeds, he would be able to make a profit, Qin Yao would be famous, and the refugees would be rescued. It was a good matter shooting down few things.

Jiang Yun Zhu mulled over her plan quickly and found that there was no problem. She opened her mouth and said, "Let go of Miss Qin first. I think it might be more appropriate for her to do this business."

Qin Zhen, Qin Yao, and the others found it quite strange. Qin Yao do it? She never does business.

In the end, Qin Zhen waved his hand to let Qin Yao go. He wanted to see what Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to say.

"Please take a seat." There were no customers in the store now, so Jiang Yun Zhu picked a corner seat to invite Qin Zhen and others.

Qin Zhen went over and sat down.

Lin Yu Bai supported Qin Yao to sit on the other side.

Jiang Yun Zhu turned to Shen Feng Ming, "Gentleman Shen, do you want to listen?"

She invited Shen Feng Ming.

Shen Feng Ming was a little curious about what she wanted to say, so he nodded and sat there.

Jiang Yun Zhu sat next to him.

"What business?" Qin Zhen regretted it as soon as he sat down. He felt that Jiang Yun Zhu was playing tricks.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked around.

Qin Zhen waved his hand and got the housekeeper and others to retreat. He Ying and others went to the side. Only Jiang Yun Zhu group were left here.

Jiang Yun Zhu went to the point, "What does Boss Qin think of those disaster refugees?"

Qin Zhen didn't expect her to ask this, but quickly responded, "It's very troublesome."

Ain't that right. The officials of all ranks in Lu Prefecture as well as the common people were annoyed with these refugees

"But they are laborers. In the past few days, refugees have come to my store from time to time, wanting to find a job. They don't want anything, just a full meal." Jiang Yun Zhu said.

Qin Zhen sensed something, but he didn't understand, "What's the use of me hiring so many people?"

"Open up a wasteland to farm or plant trees. Has Boss Qin notice that the price of silk has been rising recently?" Jiang Yun Zhu's words were well-founded. In recent years, Xia Dynasty's maritime trade had a big development. By then countless exquisite silks were exported overseas and exchanged for boatloads of gold, silver, and spices. The price of silk would be on the rise.

Planting mulberry trees now was in time.

Just a filling stomach, people were hired for free to plant trees. After two years, they would be able to raise silkworms, weave cloth, and earn high profits. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a profitable business. If it weren't for not having the capital, Jiang Yun Zhu would do it herself.

Qin Zhen was in the grain business, so he didn't pay attention to silk. He waved and signaled the housekeeper to come over. Then he gave him a few instructions in a hushed voice. The housekeeper went out immediately.

Qin Zhen pondered about Jiang Yun Zhu's words. He almost understood what she meant. She wanted him to use the food to hire the refugees to plant trees or open up wasteland. This idea seemed absurd, but if one thought about it carefully, it was feasible.

Qin Zhen's first thought was to open up wasteland. In order to encourage the people to open up wasteland and cultivate land, the imperial court once promulgated a law that the fertile land obtained from open up wasteland in the wild could be owned by paying a small amount of tax to the officials.

Using food to hire disaster refugees to work and get fertile land. It felt quite profitable!

Moreover, he thought of more. Now that there was a shortage of food, everyone was staring at him. If he hires disaster refugees and runs out of food, they won't be able to latch onto him, right?

Maybe, he could even get a good reputation.

Of course, there were dangers in doing so. For example, would the refugees accept this condition? What should they do if they start a disturbance? Would it be chickens flying and eggs broken and he ends up on the spot. Also, the reaction of Lu Prefecture officials and the court to this incident...

At this moment, the housekeeper came back. He whispered something in Qin Zhen's ear.

Qin Zhen showed a shocked expression.

Jiang Yun Zhu knew that he heard about the maritime trade. From his perspective, he should be able to see how wise it is to plant mulberry trees now.

Since Qin Zhen was able to make such a big business, he naturally had his own news network. The housekeeper heard more than Jiang Yun Zhu expected.

Qin Zhen stared at Jiang Yun Zhu in surprise. He didn't know whether her suggestion of mulberry trees was something she said casually due to seeing the price increase of silk or she knew about the news.

Moreover, she dared to talk to him directly about this matter. Was she confident, or was it fearless ignorance?

Perhaps Qin Zhen stared at Jiang Yun Zhu for too long. Suddenly, a cold gaze swept toward him. Qin Zhen shuddered, stealthily glanced at Shen Feng Ming, and withdrew his gaze.

It was just that his heart was beating non-stop. If this matter could be done, how much profit would it be? How many times? Ten times?

At this moment, he had completely put the risk aside and only thought about how much money he could make!

Seeing him like that, Jiang Yun Zhu knew it was a success. 'Three times the profit and the capitalists dare to trample on all laws'. Not to mention the fact that the profit was more than three times now.

Qin Zhen suppressed his excitement and asked Jiang Yun Zhu, "Miss Jiang, why do you say that Ah Yao is needed for this business?"

He was thinking about this.

Jiang Yun Zhu smiled, "Then is Boss Qin willing to personally step forward? Then there are some words that won't sound so nice."

"What does Miss Jiang mean?"

"The daughter of a grain merchant can't bear to see the refugees go hungry. She goes behind her father's back and offers food to the refugees on the condition that the refugees plant trees for her. The grain dealer asks the refugees to work for him for free, but he only pays them with a little grain. Of these two stories, which one does Boss Qin think the people like more?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked with a smile.

Yes, she was doing good deeds- saving those disaster refugees. But good deeds must have rules. Weren't there a few stories about farmers and snakes in reality?

Qin Zhen understood what she meant and instantly broke out in a cold sweat. The former, everyone would praise that girl and were willing to help her with work. In the latter, it may cause trouble and no one would be able to save him...

He looked at Jiang Yun Zhu again, feeling awe in his heart. So, had she thought about this too?

He no longer dared to underestimate Jiang Yun Zhu.

In fact, Jiang Yun Zhu said this because of this reason. Another reason was that she wanted to help Qin Yao. If this matter is done well, Qin Yao would be famous in Lu Prefecture. Then she wouldn't be controlled by Qin Zhen!

Qin Yao next to her didn't quite understand, but Lin Yu Bai and Shen Feng Ming thought of this joint.

Lin Yu Bai looked at Jiang Yun Zhu with a complicated expression. How could she plan for Qin Yao like this? Qin Yao was lucky to meet her. He suddenly understood why Shen Feng Ming was willing to stay in this small place. If it was him...cough, he wanted to be friends with Jiang Yun Zhu. Don't look at him like that.

If that can't be done, it is okay to be an underling!

Shen Feng Ming was very surprised that Jiang Yun Zhu could come up with this method. It not only solved the problem of the refugees, but also helped Qin Yao. He stared at her and suddenly remembered that snowy day. He and her went to the top of the mountain to enjoy the snow. She pointed to the distant place, and said, "I'm thinking, hundreds of millions of years ago, maybe this place is a vast ocean."

At that time, he knew that she had a beautiful mind.

Qin Zhen quickly discussed the details of this matter with Jiang Yun Zhu. First of all, this matter could be started in Wuling County first. Then promoted to other places depending on the situation. This had two advantages. One was that Wuling County was mountainous and they planted mulberry trees here. It wouldn't arouse suspicion from others.

Otherwise, everyone would realize the price increase of silk and everyone would plant mulberry trees. It was good enough if the price of silk didn't fall if it did happen.

Second, this could create an example. When going to other counties at that time, it would be convenient to operate with the experience and results they gained.

Later when going to other counties, they wouldn't plant all the mulberry trees. Otherwise it would be the same problem mentioned before. Moreover, if they have all planted mulberry trees, they may not find so many silkworm farmers at that time.

Where fertile fields could be cultivated, it would be cultivated. Various trees could be planted in the middle. Mulberry trees could only be planted in selected places, that way it would be much more convenient to raise silkworms and spin silk nearby.

One by one, the two talked for an hour before they almost settled on the plan.

At this time, Qin Zhen spoke, "This project is very huge. I'm afraid I couldn't do it with my own ability. I want to contact the Tao Family to do it together. I would be the master and they would be the assistant. What does Miss Jiang think?"

The Tao Family in Lu Prefecture was a grain merchant almost as famous as the Qin Family. It was indeed a lot easier when the two of them cooperated.

Jiang Yun Zhu nodded, this was indeed safer.

Then Qin Zhen asked another question, how many shares or how much money should be given to Jiang Yun Zhu. After all, she was the one who proposed it and the plan was her idea.

In the end, Qin Zhen gave Jiang Yun Zhu 5% of the shares, the remaining 95%, he took 50%, and the Tao family 40%. As for the remaining 5%, there were other use.

Jiang Yun Zhu understood and didn't want to delve into it.

In fact, Qin Zhen giving her 5% of the shares was already beyond her expectations. After all, she only came up with a plan. It wasn't that easy to successfully implement this. Once the plan comes true, the rewards she would get would definitely be huge.

Of course Qin Zhen understood this. The reason why he gave Jiang Yun Zhu the 5% of the shares was due to his own considerations. First of all, it was Jiang Yun Zhu who proposed this plan. Later, all her suggestions hit the point. He was thinking that by giving her shares, he could come to ask her for advice and she would do her best if they encountered any problem. Just like that, Qin Zhen immediately drew up a contract, signed it with Jiang Yun Zhu, and put his fingerprints on it. Then each of them got a copy and put it away properly.

"I'm going back to Lu Prefecture right now." Qin Zhen stood up and said in a hurry.

"Let's go after dinner." Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the sky and responded.

Qin Zhen waved his hand, he couldn't wait for a moment.

He was about to go out when he suddenly thought of Qin Yao again.

"Father, I won't go back." Qin Yao muttered.

"Fine. I'll go back first and talk about your marriage after this matter is over," Qin Zhen said.

At that time, perhaps Xie Chen would have already passed the imperial examination. Qin Yao felt relieved.

"You go to the county yamen first, Come here, I'll teach you how to say it." Qin Zhen suddenly slapped his forehead and stated. This matter had to be done first.

Qin Yao went over, feeling a little apprehensive.

Qin Zhen taught her a speech. Seeing her half-understanding state, he doubted whether she could do it well.

"Because Miss Qin is like this, she is the right candidate." Jiang Yun Zhu stated. Qin Yao had a pure heart. When she sees the refugees, she would naturally show a concerned expression. Making it easy to win the favor of the refugees

It was better that she didn't understand their plans.

Qin Zhen understood what she meant, but he was worried...

"I'll go with Ah Yao." Lin Yu Bai said.

Now everything was safe.

The county yamen of Wuling County. Magistrate Meng raised a total of 1,200 liang silver yesterday. Now that the price of rice was rising rapidly. It was estimated that this amount of money could be used for ten days. What about after ten days?

Looking for someone to donate again? He was too embarrassed to open his mouth.

Difficult! He frowns.

At this time, Qin Yao and Lin Yu Bai sought his audience. Qin Yao asked to meet him in the name of the daughter of the Qin Family.

"The Qin Family? Which Qin Family?" Magistrate Meng suddenly remembered, could it be the Qin Family from Changyuan Grain Company?

"Invite her in at once!" he said. He happened to be looking for someone from the Qin Family. It would be great if he could buy rice cheaper.

Not long after Qin Yao came in and explained her intentions, Magistrate Meng couldn't believe his ears. She wanted to help the refugees, but the condition was that the refugees would help her plant trees?

Chapter 74

Oh, Qin Yao also wanted to buy barren hills.

Those barren hills don't have iron ore nor do they produce anything. They were basically useless.

As for letting the refugees do what they can, that was even better. This way, they won't have to wander around and cause trouble after being full.

Magistrate Meng only felt that this was a great thing. He almost danced, "Miss Qin, when will you start helping the refugees?"

"Tomorrow." Qin Yao said, sooner rather than later.

"Okay, then it's settled."

"Oh right, Magistrate, what about the barren mountain?" Qin Yao asked.

"Bring me the map of this county." Magistrate Meng immediately called out.

Someone brought the map of Wuling County. "These gray parts are all unowned places. Where do Miss Qin want to buy? They could be sold cheaply to you." Magistrate Meng pointed to the map and said.

Back at the store, Qin Zhen and Jiang Yun Zhu had already researched where to buy barren hills, how many mu of mulberry forests to plant, and where to build a place for silkworm raising and spinning. So Qin Yao hesitated for a while before marking two large areas with her hands.

These two places were in the north of Wuling County, which was also in the direction of Changfeng Manor. One was on the top and the other was on the bottom. They formed the horns of each other, meaning the refugees were divided into two groups. Quite convenient for disaster relief. Of course, it was also convenient for planting trees and building houses.

"Miss Qin has a heart." Magistrate Meng admired and then sold the two barren hills and the surrounding wasteland to Qin Yao at a 10% discount.

Qin Yao paid the silver, a total of six hundred liang. Although the barren mountains and wasteland were cheap, it was still quite an amount. That's why she spent a fortune. Of course, this little money was nothing in the eyes of the Qin Family.

Qin Yao took the title deed and left.

Now that someone was providing relief to the refugees and he earned an extra six hundred liang in one go, Magistrate Meng felt that he could finally have a good night's sleep tonight.

Back at Qishanju. Qin Zhen was overjoyed when she saw the land deed. The plan was considered to have started.

He got the housekeeper to stay to assist Qin Yao while he immediately rushed back to Lu Prefecture to arrange everything.

On the same day, the refugees got the news that tomorrow morning, North Big River and Four Fingers Peak would open congee sheds. The refugees were skeptical, but hope was better than no hope. Everyone used their last strength to go to these two places.

The next day, the refugees got up early in the morning and looked around, wanting to see where someone was giving away congee. They couldn't hold on anymore!

In the morning light, a group of people came. The leader turned out to be a girl. The girl was fifteen or sixteen years old, wearing an apricot-colored dress, with lively eyebrows and eyes. She looked kind.

Could this be the person who wanted to give congee? The refugees all looked at Qin Yao, their eyes full of hope and pleading.

Qin Yao saw the tragic situation of the refugees. The five or six-year-old children had arms as thin as firewood, while the elderly could barely stand up.

"Hurry up, set up a congee shed, and make congee." Qin Yao immediately ordered.

However, Housekeeper Qin said, "Miss, if you do this, I'm afraid you won't be able to explain to Master."

This was a drama that had been arranged long ago; to let everyone know that Qin Yao is helping them under pressure, so don't bite her back later.

But Qin Yao anxiously uttered, "Let's boil the congee first before we talk about this."

She wasn't acting at all. Still, the effect was surprisingly good. This was why Jiang Yun Zhu wanted her to come forward.

"It was agreed a long time ago that..." Housekeeper Qin muttered.

"Talk about this later." Qin Yao stated.

Housekeeper Qin waved his hand reluctantly. The people behind immediately moved into action, setting up a congee shed and cooking congee. They were prepared. So more than a dozen congee sheds was set up in an instant.

Bags of white rice and sorghum rice were poured into the pot. After a while, there was a delicate smell of congee.

All the refugees stared at the large pots, swallowing from time to time.

On the west side, there was a child who couldn't help but burst into tears. He was so hungry and wanted to eat congee.

"Wait, wait a bit more for the congee." His mother comforted him in a low voice.

The child was too young to understand these things and kept crying.

Mother couldn't do anything else other than coaxing him.

At this time, someone handed over a pancake, "Give it to the child first."

It was Qin Yao. Seeing the child crying, she couldn't help but give him a pancake.

The woman immediately choked up, "Thank you, Miss, thank you."

She bowed to Qin Yao again and again to thank her.

"Get up. You're welcome." Qin Yao waved her hand.

Only then did the woman take the pancake and feed it to the child.

"Miss, please give me a pancake too. My mother is dying." A thin man came over, fell to his knees, and begged Qin Yao.

Not far from him, an old woman was lying there, breathing weakly.

Qin Yao quickly gave him a pancake.

The man didn't bother to thank her. He hurried back with the pancake and fed it to the old woman.

More and more people asked Qin Yao for pancakes. Qin Yao only hated herself for not bringing more dry food.

At this time, the congee was ready. Housekeeper Qin led the people to start serving the congee.

While giving the congee, he muttered, "Everyone can only get one bowl of congee a day. If you want to get more, you can plant trees nearby. If you plant five trees, you can get another bowl of congee. If you plant ten trees, you can get two bowls of congee."

It can also be converted into money."

After hearing his muttering, people immediately became energetic and asked him what was this tree planting about?

Housekeeper Qin explained that they could dig a hole and plant trees in the nearby mountain. After the planting is complete and someone checks and accepts it, they would get a docket. Then come here to get the congee. It could be converted into money. Planting five trees was two wen. The more one works, the more one gets.

It wasn't so easy to plant trees on barren hills. It was necessary to do their best to dig a relatively large hole, lest that the ground was too hard and the saplings wouldn't grow well in the future.

But this job, no one would force them. They could grind it slowly, unlike going to the mine, where one had to keep moving the ore weighing more than 100 jins. If one wasn't a strong young man, they couldn't do it at all.

So immediately many people decided to plant trees.

At this time, everyone received congee. The rice used in Qin Yao's congee was sorghum rice plus rice. Although the congee was a bit runny, the rice used was good rice. It was much better than the congee issued by the government. At least the congee smells fragrant.

On some cold spring mornings, one feels warm all over the body after drinking such a bowl of hot congee; as if they have gained strength all of a sudden.

After drinking the congee, someone immediately went to plant trees. Didn't you hear what the housekeeper said, plant more, get more congee. If one can't consume that much congee, they could exchange it for money.

The most important thing for a person was to have hope. With hope, one could persevere.

There was an energetic scene on the mountain.

Seeing this, Magistrate Meng smiled in relief. Of course, he had something to do. The 1,200 liang of charity money needed to be used on the refugees. For those who couldn't even plant trees, the officials were responsible for their congee.

With a combination of two approaches, few died of starvation despite having many refugees in Wuling County. This was almost unimaginable in the past.

Drinking two or three meals of congee a day, the health of these refugees gradually improved. Some people went everywhere to find a way of survival.

Planting trees could provide food. But in the end, it wasn't a long-term solution. One need to find a suitable job to do it.

This was Jiang Yun Zhu's intention. Planting trees was to give these refugees a buffer time so that they could slowly adapt to this place.

What most of the disaster refugees lack was this buffering opportunity and ride a donkey to find a horse. At least they don't have to worry about starving to death.

And from the beginning to the end, the disaster refugees worked and ate like normal people. They won't have the feeling of being separated or abandoned. It would be much easier for them to reintegrate into society.

Unlike those people who were rescued by the officials's congee in the past. They gradually gave up on themselves and waited to receive that bowl of congee every day. Life was like death.

This was something Magistrate Meng didn't expect at the beginning. After he noticed, he admired Qin Yao a lot. He wondered why Qin Yao asked these refugees to plant trees. It turned out to be like this!

These days, as more and more congee was being given away,Qin Yao's reputation was getting bigger and bigger. The disaster refugees all knew her as a girl with a bodhisattva heart and were all very grateful to her. Many people who survived because of her set up longevity tablets for her and prayed for her sooner or later.

During this time, Housekeeper Qin would choose some people who were smart or hardworking to stay. First, to manage the people. Second, after the refugees of the disaster leave, someone would stay here to take care of the mulberry trees and then raise silkworms and spin them.

There were quite a few people kept. So everyone saw even more hope.

Everything was in order. Some people left the barren hills and new refugees joined in. Beidahe and Four Fingers Peak were like two temporary resettlement sites for the refugees, People came and people went, while the barren hills and land next to them slowly began to turn green.

The chaos of selling people and fighting in the county suddenly decreased a lot. The days seem to have returned to calm. The people of Wuling County don't reject these refugees so much anymore. Everything seemed to be moving in a good direction.

Magistrate Meng could now sleep well every day.

However, the magistrates of other counties couldn't sit still. The problem of the refugees couldn't be solved. It seemed that there was going to be a big mess in their counties.

The county magistrate of Huayang County first found Qin Yao, hoping that she could go to Huayang County to serve congee. His Huayang County had a lot of barren mountains and wasteland. If Qin Yao needed it, he could sell it to her with a 20% discount, no, a 30% discount.

At this time, Qin Zhen had already contacted and prepared everything. Originally, he wanted to develop in other counties. This was basically someone giving pillows to sleepy people.

Immediately, he decided to serve congee in Huayang County.

This still required Qin Yao's involvement. At this time, it was already the end of March. Xie Chen and other students in the county had to pack their things and prepare to go to the capital.

It was amazing. Qin Yao used to think about Xie Chen's leaving every day. But since she started serving congee, there was a lot less sadness about parting. Maybe it was because she was too busy. Maybe it was the feeling of being needed and actually liked this job very much.

She used to be very afraid that Xie Chen wouldn't pass the exam and then she would have no chance with him.

But now, she felt that no matter what his test results were, they could work hard together.

This may be growth. From a girl in a boudoir to the young owner of Changyuan Grain Company, she had become more cheerful, more confident, and more capable.

Qin Zhen took this in. He saw Qin Yao often sticking together with Jiang Yun Zhu and later realized why Jiang Yun Zhu had to ask Qin Yao to get involved. It was all for her own good. Otherwise, choosing someone else was the same.

He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He was schemed against. Now that Qin Yao had become a living Bodhisattva in the hearts of the disaster refugees, he could no longer force her to marry. But it felt good. He only had Qin Yao and Qin Lu. Qin Lu was young and he planned to let him take the imperial examination. If Qin Yao could achieve something, he would be happy to see it.

Only afraid his silly girl didn't know how lucky she was to meet Jiang Yun Zhu.

Just for this, he decided to give Jiang Yun Zhu a gift in a few days.

Jiang Yun Zhu didn't know Qin Zhen's thoughts. But today, she received an invitation card from Xu Qing Shan. It turned out that he was going to get married in two days and invited her and everyone in the Jiang Family to his wedding banquet.

Chapter 75

"Mother, Elder Brother Xu was getting married?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked Mrs. Chen. She hadn't been back to Changshi Village for a long time. While Mrs. Chen often went back. She should know something about it.

Mrs. Chen said, "Yeah, I noticed that girl was interested in Qing Shan a long time ago, I didn't expect it to be so soon. It seemed that your Uncle Xu hoped that the two could get married soon. After all, Qing Shan isn't young.

Just in time for Gu Yan Zhou to go to the capital. They wanted to get it held before he left. "

Jiang Yun Zhu understood. It turned out to be like this. No wonder it was so sudden.

"The girl?" she asked.

"Her name was Hui Niang. Surname was Su. Their family sought refuge from Changfeng Manor." When mentioning the fate between Su Hui Niang and Xu Qing Shan, Mrs. Chen became interested.

About twenty days ago, Su Hui Niang and her parents fled famine and came to Wuling County. At that time, it was raining coldly. Father Su fell ill and was lying in the wilderness. Mother Su and Su Hui Niang stood by the roadside to watch over him. It was truly nowhere to turn for help.

At this moment, Xu Qing Shan was passing by in a donkey cart. Su Hui Niang and her mother immediately came over and begged him for help.

Xu Qing Shan saw that Father Su's condition wasn't good and immediately got the three of them into the carriage and sent Father Su to the hospital.

The doctor said, thankfully he was sent over early, otherwise Father Su's life might have been lost.

Su Hui Niang and her mother were very grateful to Xu Qing Shan.

But now the medicine was grabbed, where to boil it? Also, where will they stay tonight?

Mother Su then asked Xu Qing Shan if there were any cheap houses for rent nearby.

There were many vacant houses in Changshi Village. Now that there were many people from other places fleeing famine, the officials didn't care about that much. So Xu Qing Shan rented a house for them.

After going back and forth, the two families became acquainted.

Su Hui Niang was seventeen years old this year. The Su Family had only one daughter. They originally wanted to recruit a son-in-law to take care of them, so they have not set an engagement for her for a long time.

This time it was Su Hui Niang herself who fell in love with Xu Qing Shan. The Su couple felt that Xu Qing Shan was a good character, good-looking, and hardworking. There was only one father in the family. The population was simple. So they changed their minds and agreed to Su Hui Niang marrying.

Xu Qing Shan was twenty years old this year. Father Xu had been worrying about his marriage. This time the Su family took the initiative to raise this matter. It made him overjoyed.

Immediately, the two families decided to get engaged and discussed getting them married as soon as possible. After all, the two children weren't young. They were eager to hold their grandchildren!

"Father Su is a scholar. I have met Su Hui Niang a few times. She is fair-looking and quiet. I heard that she had studied before. Qing Shan is lucky to marry her." Mrs. Chen said. Then she suddenly said, "No, Qing Shan is very good. Hui Niang being able to marry him is considered marrying the right person."

"It's a match made in heaven." Jiang Yun Zhu said with a smile.

"Ain't that right." Mrs. Chen sighed. Then she looked at Jiang Yun Zhu with a gloomy gaze. Xu Qing Shan was married. What about her?

Jiang Yun Zhu quickly changed the subject, "Mother, what should we give as a congratulatory gift?"

"On the way to seek refuge, the Xu Family took care of us a lot. In my opinion, just gift a bolt of cloth and two bags of rice," Mrs. Chen replied.

This gift wasn't light. Jiang Yun Zhu nodded, thinking that she should give a gift.

According to the customs here, when relatives and friends held joyous events, children only need to give a separate gift when they get married and separated off. Jiang Yun Zhu felt that although she wasn't married and hadn't moved out, she was in business, had a house, and a store which were all in her name. She was considered self-reliant. She should take out a gift.

As for what to give? She quickly had an idea.

In the afternoon, she went to the Jinyinlou.

Soon it was the day when Xu Qing Shan got married. It happened to be a rest day. So Jiang Yun Zhu took Jiang Lin and others back to Changshi Village early.

They haven't been back for a long time. When they left, the place was bare and withered in winter. Now, there was green on the mountain, while small flowers of various colors were blooming on the side of the road. The spring breeze slowly came and the sun was just right. A perfect picture of spring in the mountains.

Though the courtyard of Qishanju was considered spacious, everyone felt more refreshed when being here.

Jiang Wu immediately got out of the carriage and ran back and forth on the side of the road.

Jiang Lin had been in school for a while and had become a little more steady. He kept an eye on Jiang Wu, lest he get lost.

Jiang Yun Zhu was sitting in the carriage. While admiring the beautiful scenery in the distance, she picked a small flower from the roadside from time to time, feeling refreshed and happy. Suddenly, she thought, should she change her destination in the future? Although the city was nice, it didn't have such beautiful scenery outside. How about she find a place with beautiful mountains and clear waters to buy a villa to live in in the future?

No, living in a villa every day would be boring.

So why did she have to choose? She could have it all! After a few years, when the dividends from planting mulberry and silkworms comes, maybe both of her dreams could come true?

Thinking of this, she had two more expectations for the future.

When they arrived at Changshi Village, the few went home first. Home had changed a lot. Mrs. Chen planted a lot of melons and beans in front of and behind the house. At this time, all kinds of seedlings were crystal clear and green, trying to grow upwards. They were full of vitality everywhere.

Old Father Chen was watering the flowers in the yard. Now that he had nothing to do, he could pick up his former hobbies, planting flowers and weeding. All orchids, peonies, magnolias, and begonias were all made beautiful by him.

"I'm back." Old Mister Chen greeted them with a smile.

"Maternal Grandfather." Jiang Yun Zhu and others called in unison.

"Come into the house and rest." Old Mister Chen beckoned.

Jiang Yun Zhu and the others weren't tired at all. Some of them wandered around the front and back yards, watching the changes at home in amazement. While others were chatting with old Mister Chen, admiring his flowers. Everywhere was filled with laughter and merriment.

After enough fun, everyone went to Xu's house together. That's right, it was Xu's house. Not the Gu's house.

Xu Qing Shan was about to get married, so he discussed with Father Xu that they could no longer live in Gu's house. So the two took out all the money and bought a house in the village.

There were four main rooms and three side rooms in this house. Because of the marriage, they have tidied up and decorated it with a lot of red, making it look very festive.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the house, thinking that when the house rented by her family expired, she might as well buy it.

Of course, there were a few months. So there was no rush.

Gu Yong De took care of various marriage matters for Xu Qing Shan.

The Xu family had no relatives in Changshi Village, so it was simple.

As soon as Jiang Yun Zhu and the others came, Father Xu immediately came out to greet them in person. Today, he wore brand-new clothes. His hair was combed meticulously, while his eyes were particularly radiant. He truly personified that sentence - on happy occasions, one is in good spirits!

"Come in. Sit inside." He said enthusiastically.

Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen handed him the gift in their hands. According to reason, there would be a dedicated person for accepting the gift and writing down the gift book for future inspection during the wedding. But the Xu Family had too few relatives and friends. It wasn't worth doing this, so they didn't do it.

"This, why bring so many things?" Father Xu didn't dare to take it. This was a whole bolt of cloth. It could make three or four quilts and two clothes. Let's not mention two bags of rice. The price of rice was so expensive now...

"It's all our thoughts, Elder Brother Xu. If you don't accept, we would be angry." Jiang Cheng laughed.

Father Xu accepted it and put it aside.

"I wish the two newly-weds to grow old together and have a child soon." Jiang Yun Zhu expressed before handing the box in her hand to Father Xu.

"Niece, this?" Father Xu was slightly startled.

"I've made money now. So I should give a congratulatory gift. Uncle Xu, take it." Jiang Yun Zhu said.

Father Xu naturally knew about her opening a store in the county, but...

"Elder Brother Xu,since Yun Zhu gave you, take it. Don't you know her. She always meant what she said. I can't control her." Jiang Cheng half-jokingly said.

Father Xu laughed, "You, you're taking advantage of the situation but played naive about it.. If I have such a daughter, I would let her take care of me every day."

Everyone laughed together.

Father Xu took the box from Jiang Yun Zhu's hand. It was a bit heavy, but he didn't know what it was.

After getting Jiang Yun Zhu and others to sit in the room, he took the time to open the box and was immediately shocked.

The golden light in the box turned out to be a golden comb. On it was a few fine rubies, making the golden comb even more dazzling.

This was too expensive. So he quickly closed the box, sought Jiang Cheng privately and told him about it.

Jiang Cheng didn't expect that the box Jiang Yun Zhu sent contained this thing. When relatives and friends get married, there was a habit of giving combs, but most of them give combs made of chicken-wing wood or Chinese box twig. Some people give silver combs. Although Jiang Yun Zhu's gold comb was a bit small, it was worth four or five liang silver.

But since Jiang Yun Zhu had already been given away, Jiang Cheng would naturally not take it back. He told Father Xu take it with confidence.

Four or five liang silver. In fact, it was a day's profit from Qishanju and Chabuliang.

"She always remembers the friendship when you took care of our family back then. This child is like this. She always remember when others treat her well. Since she gifted it to you, she wanted to give it to you." Jiang Cheng said.

Father Xu's heart was moved. How many people could share adversity, but cannot share wealth. Jiang Yun Zhu now had two stores and still remembered them. Truly rare.

"Then I'll accept it." He stated.

"Take it."

Father Xu put away the box, thinking about giving it to Su Hui Niang along with some things at home tomorrow morning. She was a good girl. Since she was marrying over, they must treat her well. He didn't have a daughter, so he regarded her as a daughter.

Jiang Yun Zhu and others sat there drinking tea and eating melon seeds.

After an unknown amount of time, firecrackers were crackling outside. Xu Qing Shan came in wearing a red robe. He was holding red silk in his hand. The other end of the red silk was held in the hand of a girl.

That should be his bride, Su Hui Niang.

Xu Qing Shan had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, straight eyebrows, and bright black eyes. Today he was wearing this red robe, making him look even more radiant.

While walking, he would carefully take care of the person by his side. It could be seen that he liked Su Hui Niang.

"One bow to heaven and earth, second bow to high hall..." Gu Yong De shouted.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the two people who were bowing. Suddenly, she remembered a lot. In the dream, Xu Qing Shan helped the Jiang Family and finally Jiang Yun Xiu would marry him. A bit similar to now.

Fate? It wasn't so much a matter of fate as it was a matter of character. Xu Qing Shan treated people warmly. His helpful character determined that they would meet each other.

It was that the beginning was the same, but the ending wasn't necessarily the same. In the dream after Jiang Yun Xiu and Xu Qing Shan got married, she often bossed Xu Qing Shan around. Xu Qing Shan gradually became taciturn. The two seemed unhappy, so they could be regarded as a bitter couple.

Now, Xu Qing Shan was married to Su Hui Niang. And they liked each other. So they should be able to live happily ever after.

Wonder how Jiang Yun Xiu was doing now?

How... Anyway, it had nothing to do with her. Jiang Yun Zhu put this matter behind her.

"Husband and wife bow to each other. Send to the bridal chamber." Gu Yong De shouted.

The bride was sent into the bridal chamber, while the banquet was held outside. Xu Qing Shan came out to toast to everyone.

"Yun Zhu." When he walked to Jiang Yun Zhu's side, he happily expressed that he was very happy that she could come.

"Congratulations." Jiang Yun Zhu said.

Xu Qing Shan smiled. He had long since let go of his feelings for Jiang Yun Zhu. Seeing her now, he only regarded her as a friend.

The wedding banquet was at noon. There was another meal in the evening- eating dumplings, symbolizing giving birth to a baby early.

Jiang Yun Zhu stayed in the village to eat dumplings. Once the bustle was over, it was already dark and the city gate was closed. So she rested at home.

Maybe it was because she drank a little wine at night, her heart was hot. Or maybe it was because of a sudden change of environment, Jiang Yun Zhu laid on the bed for a long time but didn't fall asleep. She simply got up and went outside. After being blown by the evening wind, she felt better.

Standing there, she suddenly felt that something was missing.

What was missing? She frowned.

As soon as she looked up and saw the side room next to her. The door of the side room was locked. It was Shen Feng Ming's previous room. Jiang Yun Zhu suddenly realized that Shen Feng Ming was missing.

Back at Qishanju, if she couldn't fall asleep, she could always see him on the porch.

Chapter 76

A lot of thoughts came to her mind at once. But because of the drunkenness, Jiang Yun Zhu was in a daze for a while. Then she decided to go back to sleep.

Early the next morning, she sat on the bed, thinking of Shen Feng Ming...

"Yun Zhu, are you up yet?" Mrs. Chen called outside softly.

"I'm up, Mother." Jiang Yun Zhu replied, got up, and opened the door.

"I made breakfast. Come and eat some. Today Yan Zhou is leaving home for the capital. Shall we all go see him off?" Mrs. Chen asked her.

"We should." Jiang Yun Zhu dressed quickly. He Ying prepared hot water for her. She sat down after washing. He Ying combed her hair into a slanted cloud bun and inserted two small hairpins for her, showing her elegance and agility.

"Newly-learnt style?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked He Ying with a smile when she saw the person in the mirror.

"Yes, what does Miss think?" He Ying asked, glancing at the mirror from time to time. Her Miss was pretty. It was better to make it beautiful.

"It's pretty good." Jiang Yun Zhu touched the bun. It looked good, but it wasn't convenient for work. Forget it. She probably didn't need to work today. Leave it be.

Then she went out. This morning, Mrs. Chen made small wontons and vegetable pancakes. The small wontons were delicious. The vegetable pancakes used home-grown greens, so it was very fresh and tender. Jiang Yun Zhu gobbled it up while it's hot and felt satisfied.

This time, she went out without waiting for Mrs. Chen to call.

Jiang Cheng and others were present. They all went to Gu's house together.

This was the first time Jiang Yun Zhu saw Su Hui Niang. She was a quiet girl with fair skin and soft features. She stood there like a summer lotus, gentle, and charming. Especially her eyes. Her eyes that were looking at Xu Qing Shan from time to time were gentle and bright.

Everyone greeted each other. Gu Yan Zhou came out of the house with a bundle.

"You must take good care of yourself." Mrs. Lin said, wiping away tears.

"Even if you don't pass the exam, there's another one in three years!" Gu Yong De stated.

Mrs. Lin poked him with her arm. What was he saying? Her son will definitely pass the exam.

Gu Yong De had a straight face. He was afraid that his son wouldn't pass the exam and would be disheartened. Of course he hoped that he could pass the exam.

"Father, Mother, take care too." Gu Yan Zhou said.

"Don't worry about us. We are at home. What could happen?"

Only then did Gu Yan Zhou look at the crowd.

Some of the people said that he would definitely get ranked on the gold list. Some told him to take care of himself. Everyone spoke and saw him off all the way to the entrance of the village. After walking 5km, they came to a place called Liuxupo.

At this time, spring season was at its peak. The long willow branches were covered with white willow catkins. When the wind blows, they fall like snowflakes. It was beautiful.

It was a pity that everyone wasn't in the mood to appreciate this beautiful scenery.

At this time, Gu Yan Zhou stopped. He came into agreement with some people to go to the capital together and arranged to meet here.

Not long after, a tall scholar came. When he saw Gu Yan Zhou from afar, he waved.

Then came a round-faced scholar.

In the middle, Xie Chen, Xie Lian, Qin Yao, and Lin Yu Bai came. The last time when Jiang Yun Zhu participated in the cooking competition, Xie Chen and Gu Yan Zhou got acquainted. In fact, the two had already heard of each other's names in the academy, but never met each other. After the two got acquainted this time, they both appreciated each other's knowledge deeply and got closer and closer and became friends.

This time, Gu Yan Zhou invited Xie Chen to join him.

Xie Chen got out of the carriage, looked at Xie Lian, "Ah Lian, you really won't go to the capital with me?"

These days, Xie Chen had been preparing to go to the capital. Unforeseen, Xie Lian suddenly found him last night and said that she would stay at Qishanju and not go to the capital with him.

Xie Chen was astonished.

Xie Lian made gestures with him for a long time before letting him understand her intentions. She liked Qishanju. If she went to the capital with Xie Chen, she would cause him trouble. So instead of that, she might as well stay.

Xie Lian had already seen Jiang Yun Zhu and the others in the distance and shook her head firmly.

Seeing her like this, Xie Chen gave up. The current situation was different from before. That person had already entered the prison. He felt that it might be better for Xie Lian to stay here than to follow him all the way.

Then he looked at Qin Yao.

The two looked at each other for a long time before he turned around. What should be said, he had already told her yesterday. Let's talk about the rest when he comes back from the exam!

Xie Chen walked further and further away. Xie Lian slowly grasped the carriage shaft, she was suddenly a little scared. She had never left him.

"Brother!" There was a hoarse call. The voice was very low, even a little unpleasant to the ears.

Xie Chen's body froze right there. Then, like a puppet, he slowly turned his head and looked at Xie Lian.

"Brother." Xie Lian covered her throat with her hand and said with difficulty.

"Ah Lian, you?" She could speak now? Xie Chen had mixed feelings for a moment. He dropped the bundle behind and ran back.

"Brother, take care, on the way. I'll wait for you." Xie Lian uttered out with pauses. After speaking, there were tears in her eyes. But there was a smile on her face.

Xie Chen stopped there, staring at her. The eyebrows that were often frowned suddenly relaxed. It felt like his whole body was soaring like an eagle.

"Wait for me." He said.

Xie Lian nodded.

Xie Chen grasped the bundle into his hand, took another look at Qin Yao, and joined Gu Yan Zhou.

Long willow can't hold back departing people. So Gu Yan Zhou left with Xie Chen and the others. The others stood there for a long time before they dispersed.

Qin Yao went to busy away with the tree planting. But before she head back to the county, she could take Xie Lian back.

Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to go back to the village and then go to the county city.

Just like that, Jiang Yun Zhu's family, Gu Yong De's family, and Xu Qing Shan's family walked to the village together. Everyone talked and laughed, which relieved a lot of the sorrow of parting.

When they arrived at the entrance of the village, they arrived at Jiang's house. Everyone in Jiang's family was about to leave when a carriage came over from the official road.

The roof of the horse carriage was bluish black with ornaments hanging around. It looked quite extraordinary at first glance. Everyone was surprised. Could it be that the carriage came to the wrong place?

At this time, the carriage had already arrived. The coachman who drove the carriage found it a little strange to see Jiang Cheng and so many people standing at the entrance of the village. Still, he asked, "Excuse me, is this Changshi Village?"

"En." Jiang Cheng replied.

The coachman directed to the people in the carriage, "Miss, we're here."

There was movement in the carriage. After a while, the curtain of the carriage opened, revealing a charming girl. The girl combed her hair in a high bun with two gorgeous beaded flowers inserted in it. She was wearing a bright red dress with pictures of butterflies playing with flowers embroidered on it. It was exquisite.

Everyone wondered who this girl was.

Mrs. Chen and Jiang Cheng were dumbfounded. This, this was their daughter Jiang Yun Xiu? In fact, it had only been more than half a year since they separated. Still, they were a little afraid to recognize Jiang Yun Xiu.

Jiang Yun Xiu saw Mrs. Chen and Jiang Cheng and frowned invisibly. When she saw Jiang Yun Zhu in the crowd, her expression changed a few times before it finally stabilized.

She got out of the carriage and gave the coachman a piece of silver.

The coachman was going to give change. However, she uttered in disgust, "No need for change. There's a smell."

She was talking about the coachman's smell.

The coachman raised his eyebrows, but didn't say anything. He kept the money and hurried away immediately.

"Yun Xiu?" Mrs. Chen couldn't believe it. Jiang Yun Xiu came back like this.

She reached out to grab Jiang Yun Xiu's hand, but Jiang Yun Xiu dodged it.

Mrs. Chen stood there in a daze.

Jiang Cheng naturally noticed this. His excited mood instantly cooled down a lot.

Mrs. Chen didn't think much and asked Jiang Yun Xiu, "Yun Xiu, you're?"

Suddenly realizing that there were Gu Yong De and others beside her, she hurriedly introduced Jiang Yun Xiu as her daughter to Gu Yong De... When introducing Xu Qing Shan and Su Hui Niang, Jiang Yun Xiu was stunned for a while.

This was Xu Qing Shan? No, this was Xu Qing Shan when he was young? Yes, it seemed that he was like this when he was young. But the more he lived later, the more backward it was.

Su Hui Niang, Xu Qing Shan's new wife? Jiang Yun Xiu looked at her carefully. Her eyebrows and eyes weren't as beautiful as hers. Her complexion wasn't as fair as her own. Her figure wasn't as good as hers. Why did Xu Qing Shan fall in love with her?

Maybe that's how people were. Jiang Yun Xiu didn't like Xu Qing Shan, but she felt irk when seeing a man who used to obey her suddenly marry someone else.

"So it's Elder Brother Xu." Jiang Yun Xiu smiled slightly at Xu Qing Shan. Her mind was spinning.

She addressed Xu Qing Shan as Elder Brother Xu, but ignored Su Hui Niang as if she didn't exist.

Su Hui Niang clasped her hands together. Woman's sixth sense made her feel that Jiang Yun Xiu seemed to be unusual toward Xu Qing Shan.

At this time, a big hand held her hand. It turned out that Xu Qing Shan felt her uneasiness and held her hand.

Su Hui Niang immediately felt like drinking fine wine. Her eyes held a little more sweetness.

On the opposite side, Jiang Yun Xiu was so vex that she put away her smile. Why? Wasn't she more beautiful than this woman?

"So it's a sister from the Jiang Family." Xu Qing Shan replied at this moment. He had always been warm to others. When he said this, he had a smile on his face. In his opinion, since Jiang Yun Xiu was the Jiang Family's daughter and Jiang Yun Zhu's sister, she was his younger sister.

Jiang Yun Xiu showed a complacent face. Sure enough, this man would immediately come over at the beckon of her finger.

Gu Yong De and others subtly felt that Jiang Yun Xiu seemed to be too enthusiastic toward Xu Qing Shan. So Jiang Cheng hurriedly uttered, "Come into the house."

"Yes, let's talk inside," Mrs. Chen said. Some things shouldn't be known to outside. It was better to go home and have a good chat.

Gu Yong De left with Father Xu and the others. They vaguely knew that the Jiang Family had sold a daughter before. Could it be this one now?

The members of the Jiang Family entered the yard. Jiang Yun Xiu looked around. The courtyard of Jiang's family was well cleaned up now. There were all kinds of flowers and plants planted by old Mister Chen as well as all kinds of melons and vegetables planted by Mrs. Chen. It gave a thriving feel.

"This yard?" Jiang Yun Xiu asked.

"It's rented from Auntie Feng." Mrs. Chen answered.

No wonder. She was saying how could the Jiang Family afford such a nice house. Although this house seemed so so to her. Jiang Yun Xiu thought to herself.

Everyone entered the room. Mrs. Chen brought the cloud cake Jiang Yun Zhu had brought over for Jiang Yun Xiu to eat.

Jiang Yun Xiu didn't move.

Mrs. Chen thought she was shy. So she took a piece and stuffed it into her hand.

"I don't want to eat it." Who would like to eat this kind of food, Jiang Yun Xiu thought.

"Try it. It's delicious." Mrs. Chen looked at Jiang Yun Xiu with old eyes.

The cloud cake would crumble when picked up. After some pushing from Mrs. Chen, the crumbs were about to fall on Jiang Yun Xiu's clothes. Jiang Yun Xiu suddenly pushed Mrs. Chen's hand away and uttered angrily, "My clothes got dirty!"

Her clothes! She spent a lot of money to make them. It was specially for Lin Ting An to see. Iif they get dirty, what should she do?

Mrs. Chen was unprepared and got pushed. The cloud cake in her hand flew out and rolled to the ground. The white cake was immediately covered with mud and scattered into a pile.

Mrs. Chen stood there in a daze.

"Mother, put away the cake. It seemed that Yun Xiu doesn't want to eat it." Jiang Yun Zhu's voice suddenly sounded. Then Jiang Yun Zhu looked at Jiang Yun Xiu. So, what was the reason for her visit?

Chapter 77

Jiang Yun Xiu suddenly appeared here for a reason.

Last year, she bid her time for half a month and finally brought Mrs. Zhou to catch Gao Shun and Tian Ying in bed.

When Mrs. Zhou discovered this kind of matter, she was merciless. She directly pulled Tian Ying's hair and dragged her to the courtyard. There were kitchen staff waiting in the courtyard and Tian Ying was completely naked at this time...

Tian Ying curled up there, trying to cover sensitive parts. Mrs. Zhou scolded her very harshly, saying something like 'Dare to steal people and now dare to show it to everyone', etc. Jiang Yun Xiu's scalp was tight from the berate.

The next day, Tian Ying hanged herself in the room. That room was the residence of Jiang Yun Xiu, Tian Ying and Xiao Dong.

Jiang Yun Xiu remembered the sight when she opened her eyes and saw the corpse. Countless times in the middle of the night, she dreamed that Tian Ying was chasing her to kill her. As she ran, she shouted, "It wasn't me, it's Mrs. Zhou."

When Tian Ying died, it was swept away with grass and carried out of the Manor. It caused no waves. The Marquis Anping Manor was still prosperous.

Gao Shun had a big fight with Mrs. Zhou, but that was all.

Soon, Gao Shun set his eyes on Jiang Yun Xiu.

Of course Jiang Yun Xiu looked down on him. How to keep enduring like this, when would she be able to make it through?

It so happened that Mrs. Zhou found out about this incident, but she didn't make a fuss this time. She thought that instead of letting Gao Shun go out to mess around, it was better to get a sweet date and hook him at home. Jiang Yun Xiu was this sweet date. Let Gao Shun see it, but not eat it.

Currently in the Marquis Anping Manor, Jiang Yun Xiu's situation was like this. She was regarded as a second-class maid in the Manor. Mrs. Zhou would give her a little sweetness from time to time to make her listen to her. When Gao Shun was happy, he was willing to spend money on her. That's why she had these beaded hairpins on her head and these beautiful clothes on her body.

She knew that the two couples held bad-intentioned, but her goal was Lin Ting An. As long as she became the young madam of the Marquis Manor, everything would naturally be solved.

She had met Lin Ting An a few times, but Lin Ting An didn't seem to fancy her. He didn't even remember her name. She didn't understand what's going on.

Coming to a dead end, she suddenly thought of Jiang Yun Zhu. How did she become the young madam of the Marquis Manor?

So during the New Year this year, she sent people to Changfeng Manor to look for Jiang Cheng and the others. First, to test Jiang Yun Zhu's water. Second, she was decked in brocade and fine food. She thought how Jiang Yun Zhu must be covered in dust and mud like the way she had before. Give her a little something, she would be able to enjoy her envious gazes.

Imagining that scene, she wished she could see Jiang Yun Zhu immediately.

At the time of parting, she said that if Jiang Yun Zhu couldn't make it through, she could come and beg her. Now was the right time.

It was just that when the searcher arrived at Changfeng Manor, he couldn't find anyone. He asked the people in the village and found out that Jiang Cheng and the others might have fled the famine.

When Jiang Yun Xiu got the news, she felt it was wrong. Shouldn't they wait until April this year before fleeing famine?

Then she sent someone to go to Qinghe Village. In her dream, she, Jiang Cheng and others fled here.

The result was that there was no one in Qinghe Village. So she lost all clues to find the Jiang Family. Until a while ago, a large number of disaster refugees flooded into Lu Prefecture and Qin Yao had set up congee stations and tree planting. This incident seemed to spread everywhere.

Some people in the Marquis Anping Manor were talking about Wuling County. Wuling County... When Jiang Yun Xiu heard about this place, something suddenly came to mind. Xu Qing Shan seemed to have said that he seemed to have stayed somewhere in Wuling County. She couldn't remember the exact address and had never cared about his words. All she remembered was that he said it was next to an iron mine.

She suddenly thought, did Jiang Yun Zhu escape to this place?

As soon as this idea came into being, it grew wildly. The more she thought about it, the more she was sure.

At this time, there was news from the Marquis Manor that Lin Ting An seemed to attach great importance to this matter and seemed to be going to Wuling County to find out the situation in person.

Jiang Yun Xiu was overjoyed when she heard that. Once outside, there were not as many rules in the Manor. Maybe she could get close to Lin Ting An.

So she found a reason to ask for leave from the housekeeper, put on new clothes and her best jewelry, and came to Wuling County.

When she got here, she discovered that there was indeed an iron mine in Wuling County. It was the Wuling Mine. The village next to the Wuling Mine was Changshi Village.

When she came to Changshi Village, she happened to see Jiang Cheng and the others.

They were different from the poverty she had imagined. Jiang Yun Xiu suddenly took Mrs. Chen's hand and said, "Mom, I didn't mean it."

Mrs. Chen woke up from a dream, "It's okay. It's fine. But didn't you love to eat all kinds of pastries before?"

It was a pity that at that time, the family only had one or two pieces during the holidays.

"Mother, I'm working in the Marquis Anping Manor." Jiang Yun Xiu said, stretching out her wrists, revealing two shining gold bracelets.

Mrs. Chen was very surprised. Marquis Anping Manor, why did it sound familiar? Oh right, the one who competed with Jiang Yun Zhu last time seemed to be from Marquis Anping Manor.

She immediately asked Jiang Yun Xiu what was going on. Why did she suddenly appear here today?

Jiang Yun Xiu only said that she was sold to the Marquis Anping and she had been looking for them. She finally found it.

"Mother had aggrieved you!" Speaking of selling Jiang Yun Xiu, Mrs. Chen felt guilty.

Jiang Yun Xiu, however, was somewhat proud of herself. She raised her arm deliberately so that Jiang Yun Zhu could see the gold bracelet on her wrist clearly, and then observed her reaction.

Jiang Yun Zhu saw the two gold bracelets, but didn't care at all. She didn't even look at them.

Annoyed, Jiang Yun Xiu suddenly grabbed the gold bracelet in her left hand and said to Jiang Yun Zhu, "Elder Sister, the style of this bracelet is the most popular style in Lu Prefecture now. It costs more than thirty liang silver!"

Jiang Yun Zhu didn't respond.

Jiang Yun Xiu gritted her teeth, "Elder Sister, look at you. You don't have any valuable jewelry on you. How about I give you one?"

Beg her! Beg her! Maybe she would give it to her.

Jiang Yun Zhu almost laughed, and she said, "I don't like wearing those. If you have the heart, why not give the bracelet to Mother. From what I see it's more suitable for Mother to wear."

Behind her, when He Ying heard this, she burst out laughing. Her miss's mouth!

Jiang Yun Xiu's face turned green. This bracelet suitable for Mrs. Chen? Then she won't be the same kind of person as Mrs. Chen. Also, how could she bear to give this bracelet to Mrs. Chen. During those seven years in her dream, she had done so much for her family, but Mrs. Chen never forgot about Jiang Yun Zhu. She was filled with hate when she thought about it.

In the end, it was Mrs. Chen expressed that she didn't want it and this matter was over.

Mrs. Chen wanted to tell Jiang Yun Xiu about the situation at home, but Jiang Yun Xiu didn't have the patience to listen. She drove everyone out with the excuse that she was tired and wanted to rest.

Jiang Yun Zhu wanted to leave, but Jiang Yun Xiu uttered, "Elder Sister, I want to have a private chat with you."

Jiang Yun Zhu stopped and turned to look at her. What did she want to say?

The two sisters were the only ones left in the room. Jiang Yun Xiu sweetly called Jiang Yun Zhu, like the way two sisters used to be in Changfeng Manor. At that time, Jiang Yun Zhu, as the elder sister, would agree to all Jiang Yun Xiu's requests.

But Jiang Yun Zhu's soul in the body had changed. She could tell Jiang Yun Xiu was a hypocrite. So she stood there indifferently.

Jiang Yun Xiu was a little confused about Jiang Yun Zhu's temper. Why did she feel like she was a different person this time when compared with before.

Did she have that dream?

Impossible, if she had that dream, she would definitely choose that short branch.

Jiang Yun Xiu suppressed this thought in her heart, and asked shyly, "Elder Sister, how can you make a man like you?"

Man? Lin Ting An? Jiang Yun Zhu seemed to understand why she came here suddenly.

"My suggestion, the farther away from him the better." Jiang Yun Zhu stated seriously.

What kind of suggestion was this? She didn't need to say it if she didn't want to. Jiang Yun stood up gracefully and walked outside. She couldn't stay in this house for a moment.

"Yun Xiu, where are you going? Yun Xiu." Mrs. Chen wanted to stop Jiang Yun Xiu, but Jiang Yun Xiu walked away without looking back.

Mrs. Chen stood there, devastated.

At this moment, Jiang Cheng came over and held her hand tightly.

Jiang Yun Xiu came out of Jiang's house and wanted to go to the county city. However, she found out that there was no horse-drawn carriage in this poor village.

She hated it more and more.

At this time, Xu Qing Shan came out of the village driving a donkey cart. At this moment, he was about to go out to give rides. After marrying a wife, he worked harder to make money, hoping to make her life better.

Seeing him, Jiang Yun Xiu seemed to have regained her confidence.

"Elder Brother Xu." She said sweetly.

"It's younger sister from the Jiang Family." Xu Qing Shan responded.

Then Jiang Yun Xiu mentioned about going to the city.

Although Xu Qing Shan wondered why Jiang Cheng didn't see her off, he said, "Get in, I'll take you there."

"Thank you, Elder Brother Xu." Jiang Yun Xiu said.

She got into the donkey cart, but she didn't sit in the back. Instead, she sat next to Xu Qing Shan, purposely getting very close to him.

Xu Qing Shan moved to the side uncomfortably.

But Jiang Yun Xiu asked, "Elder Brother Xu, do you think your wife is prettier, or me?"

Xu Qing Shan frowned slightly, but said, "You look prettier."

Sure enough. Jiang Yun Xiu felt proud, but also felt it wasn't enough. She said, "Then why did you marry her?"

Xu Qing Shan's face immediately changed. He reined in the donkey, feeling so angry for the first time. So angry that he wanted to scold a woman. It was his blessing that his wife could marry him. How could she say that?

"Get off." He shouted.

Jiang Yun Xiu's face changed color. Xu Qing Shan never dared to talk to her like this before.

"I told you to get off." Xu Qing Shan repeated again, picking up the whip in his hand.

What. He dared to hit her? Jiang Yun Xiu was extremely vexed.

Xu Qing Shan didn't beat her, but pushed her off the carriage with a whip and then drove away.

Jiang Yun Xiu stood there, furious. She felt that everything was Jiang Yun Zhu's fault. If not, she wouldn't lose face.

At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu had packed up her things, wanting to go back to Qishanju.

"Let's leave after lunch." Jiang Cheng pleaded. She finally came back so long.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the sky. It was indeed time for lunch. So she nodded and stayed.

After lunch, she was about to rest for a while before returning to the county city, when suddenly there was the sound of a horse honking outside.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked out through the window and found that Shen Feng Ming was stopping on his horse outside the door. He seemed to be running so fast that the horse barely stopped with its front legs raised high.

Both of them saw each other.

Chapter 78

These two days when Jiang Yun Zhu came home, Shen Feng Ming read books and dealt with Qilin Guards's affairs. But he always felt that something was missing. Until he saw the vibrant spring, he suddenly thought of the phrase 'Flowers are coming into bloom on your way home, so you can enjoy them whilst ambling along.'

He wanted to see Jiang Yun Zhu, so he came here.

Just in time, he arrived to see Jiang Yun Zhu leaning forward and standing in front of the window looking at him.

In spring, the window was half open. The beautiful woman was half hidden. The moment she saw him, there seemed to be ripples in her water-cut eyes.

Shen Feng Ming suddenly understood something. He got off his horse and walked quickly to Jiang Yun Zhu's room.

He came with a gust of wind. Jiang Yun Zhu's heart instantly sped up. She turned around and returned from the window, looking at the door. She could hear his footsteps, getting closer and closer, as if stepping on her heart.

At this time, Shen Feng Ming had already arrived at the door. He didn't knock on the door, but directly pushed the door in and closed the door behind his back.

The room seemed to suddenly become smaller.

Shen Feng Ming's dark, solemn, and cold eyes fixated at Jiang Yun Zhu.

Jiang Yun Zhu's heart beat faster. She put on a smile to hide it, "Gentleman Shen?"

Shen Feng Ming took out a box from his sleeve and opened it. There was a white jade hairpin inside.

"Miss Jiang, I carved it with my own hands. I want to give it to you." Shen Feng Ming picked up the white jade hairpin and handed it to Jiang Yun Zhu.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the hairpin and felt her mind go blank.

In this day and age, men and women cann't give things casually. Especially something personal like a hairpin. And, he said, he carved it with his own hands.

He... Jiang Yun Zhu looked up at Shen Feng Ming.

Her face was like a lotus petal, white and pink, like it had a halo. Her slightly raised chin fully revealed the graceful jawline and the gorgeous red lips and brought them closer to Shen Feng Ming. As if a silent invite.

Shen Feng Ming's Adam's apple rolled down. He slowly lowered his head. His red lips parted slightly.

Jiang Yun Zhu suddenly woke up. She took a step back, looked away, and stammered, "Gentleman Shen, have you had lunch yet?"

"No."

"I'll make it for you." Jiang Yun Zhu stated and walked out.

While passing by Shen Feng Ming, a hand grabbed her wrist suddenly. There were thin calluses on that hand. It gave her a sense of strength. It latched onto Jiang Yun Zhu's wrist and felt like it had latched onto half of her strength.

"I have something to tell you." Shen Feng Ming said. He pulled Jiang Yun Zhu back with a light pull. Maybe he was using too much force, or maybe Jiang Yun Zhu was unprepared. She had directly bumped into his arms.

Strong chest, pounding heartbeat.

Jiang Yun Zhu stepped back quickly and pushed him with her hands at the same time. Her face was already flushed.

Shen Feng Ming let go of her, but took two steps forward.

There was a table behind Jiang Yun Zhu. She wanted to stay away from him, but her lower back was pressed against the table and felt quite jarring.

Shen Feng Ming sensed that something was wrong with her. With a push of his hand, he easily put her on the table.

Jiang Yun Zhu was sitting on the table. Her legs could faintly touch his. His legs were slender and powerful, giving people an unshakable feeling.

Jiang Yun Zhu didn't dare to raise her head. Nor did she dare to move. She lowered her head with her gaze resting on his thin waist.

Her slender neck seemed to be dyed a layer of pink, like the finest jade.

Shen Feng Ming lowered his head, looking at the fairness she revealed. He picked up the white jade hairpin again, "Miss Jiang, my surname is Shen, and my first name is..."

Suddenly, it dawned on Jiang Yun Zhu. What did he want to say? His name was Shen Feng Ming?

"You want to give me this hairpin?" Jiang Yun Zhu didn't know what she was thinking and abruptly interrupted him.

"En."

Jiang Yun Zhu looked at the hairpin again.

The whole body of the white jade hairpin was pure white. The head of the hairpin was carved into the shape of a blue luan. It was lifelike, very delicate, and beautiful.

Jiang Yun Zhu had seen good things before and immediately knew that this hairpin was priceless.

"I'm afraid it's too expensive." She said.

Shen Feng Ming inserted the white jade hairpin in her hair. The black hair was like a cloud, which complements the white jade hairpin.

Jiang Yun Zhu noticed his movement. The warm white jade hairpin was inserted into her hair little by little. She tensed her body.

"Miss Jiang."

"I'll cook for you." Jiang Yun Zhu slipped off the table and walked outside.

This time, Shen Feng Ming didn't stop her. Jiang Yun Zhu ran to the kitchen in one breath and then supported herself on the cutting board in the kitchen with her hands. She let out two breaths and felt a little calmer and her mind could turn.

At this moment, she thought of the white jade hairpin on her head and quickly reached out to pull it out.

Then what? Holding the white jade hairpin, she stood there with thoughts rolling in her mind.

Why did she interrupt Shen Feng Ming? She actually didn't know.

Maybe it was because she found the current situation was fine. But if he says his name, everything seems to be different and she didn't like that kind of change.

Today, when Jiang Yun Xiu came, Lin Ting An was vaguely mentioned again. Jiang Yun Zhu remembered many things in her dream.

She took care of everything for Lin Ting An. Lin Ting An knew that she didn't want to be a concubine, so he strongly resisted the Marquis Anping and finally married her as the young madam of the Marquis Manor. Everything seemed beautiful, as beautiful as it was written in a storybook.

In fact, Lin Ting An was very concerned about her background, so he stealthily changed all the servants in the Manor, so that no one would mention that she used to be a maid in the Manor.

On the outside, he didn't allow anyone to mention her background. He also hoped that she could learn qin, chess, calligraphy and painting like those major household misses and become a real 'Young Madam of the Marquis Anping Manor'. He even wanted her to recognize Vice Minister Pan as her godfather and explained to outside that she was Vice Minister Pan's long-lost daughter.

In fact, Jiang Yun Zhu didn't think she was inferior. And she didn't want to learn qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. The two often quarreled over this.

There were Marquis Anping, Marchioness Anping, old Madam, all the gentlemen and misses in the Manor, and even those noble misses, relatives and friends. Jiang Yun Zhu didn't like them at all. It was only by Qin Yao's side that she could let go of her airs and eat and play at will.

So she didn't like the life in the Marquis Anping Manor. It felt like a cage, so suffocating.

As for the Shen Family. The Shen Family was a major household. Shen Feng Ming's mother, Princess Danyang, was the emperor's younger sister. His father was Academician Shen. The court affairs, family affairs, plus Shen Feng Ming's own troubles. It was all a mess that makes the head at the thought of it.

No, why was she thinking so much? Jiang Yun Zhu suddenly realized that she didn't seem to like Shen Feng Ming much. So why mention marriage with him?

Moreover, Shen Feng Ming may not necessarily marry her. Maybe he wanted to have a 'Daming Lakeside' encounter, or he wanted her to be his outside mistress or concubine? After all, her identity was there!

She was out of her mind just now. Jiang Yun Zhu slapped her forehead and put away the white jade hairpin to return it to Shen Feng Ming later.

Afterward, she prepared to cook. This matter made her happy.

What to do? She noticed the ducks in the kitchen and an oven. When she ordered an oven last time, she ordered one for her family. It seemed that Tan De Bao didn't like to use it. The oven was very new.

It so happened that she could use it. Let's make roast duck. The roast duck, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with sauce and wraps, how delicious! Moreover, the roast duck takes a long time. She didn't want to see Shen Feng Ming now.

Prepare the duck. When marinating, she would make lotus leaf pancakes.

This process took half an hour.

Finally the duck was marinated. Put into the oven. Jiang Yun Zhu's oven was custom-made to bake snacks and biscuits, so the duck could only be roasted in a furnace-style way. The speed was even slower.

Jiang Yun Zhu simply moved a chair, sat on the chair, and watched the beautiful scenery of the mountains in the distance as she waited for the duck to be cooked.

Today's weather was particularly good. The sky was as blue as if freshly washed. The white clouds were floating in the sky, setting off against the mountains. It was beautiful and picturesque.

Sitting in her room, Shen Feng Ming could see the distant mountain and that person through the window as soon as he raised his head.

The aroma of roast duck wafted in. He wasn't in a hurry though. First, he looked around the furnishings in the room and then he sat there and waited.

Now that he had decided, he had the patient like always.

After another half an hour, Jiang Yun Zhu wondered if Shen Feng Ming had fallen asleep or couldn't wait and leave. So she got up and looked into her room. What she saw was Shen Feng Ming sitting there with downcast eyes, like a statue.

No, that feeling of being ready to go wasn't like a statue, but more like a dormant leopard.

Jiang Yun Zhu bit the bullet, took out the roast duck, and began to slice the duck.

After a while, a large plate of duck slices was ready. Jiang Yun Zhu found a large tray, put the duck meat, lotus leaf pancake, sauce, and several side dishes of crispy green vegetables into the tray. Then she made another bowl of seaweed and egg soup. Without anything to do to delay, she brought the tray into the room.

"Gentleman Shen, you must be hungry. Eat quickly." Jiang Yun Zhu put the tray on the table, took out the contents one by one, and said to Shen Feng Ming.

Shen Feng Ming looked at the things on the table and saw pieces of duck meat, like clove leaves, thin and crystal clear. Only Jiang Yun Zhu's craftsmanship could make such good things.

"Roast duck. Dip it in the sauce and eat it wrapped in pancakes with vegetables." Jiang Yun Zhu explained.

"En." Shen Feng Ming washed his hands, picked up the chopsticks, clipped up a few slices of duck meat, put them into the lotus leaf cake, put the sauce and his favorite vegetables, and then directly rolled the pancake with his hands. He put it in his mouth.

Most aristocrats don't eat with their hands. They were afraid of losing their demeanor.

But Shen Feng Ming didn't seem to have that scruple. This action done by him was very pleasing to the eye.

The slender fingers were twisting the snow-white lotus leaf pancake seemed if he was twisting a snow lotus.

Shen Feng Ming's hands were beautiful, well-proportioned.

Jiang Yun Zhu suddenly felt that she was hungry. Looking at the time, it was already 3pm. It was almost time for dinner.

Shen Feng Ming seemed had said that he hadn't eaten lunch and came over.

Jiang Yun Zhu was a little ashamed. She delayed it until now.

Forget it. Extending the head out was a cut. Retracting the head was also a cut. Jiang Yun Zhu took out the white jade hairpin and pushed it toward Shen Feng Ming, "Gentleman Shen, I'm ashamed. You better take it back."

Shen Feng Ming's hand that held the lotus leaf pancake paused, "If I definitely want to give it to you."

It didn't matter whether he was selfish or domineering. Anyway, he had thought it through. It was impossible for him to watch her marry someone else. As for what she wanted, he could work hard.

Chapter 79

Jiang Yun Zhu was a little stifled with anger. He wanted to do a forceful buy and sell? She put the hairpin on the table, bowed her head, and said nothing.

The hairpin returned to Shen Feng Ming's hand in the end.

It was a little late today. And this kind of thing happened. Jiang Yun Zhu decided to stay at home for another night and go to the county city tomorrow morning.

The night sky was thick. Suddenly there was a melodious sound of the qin piercing the silence, like the wind in the pines, or like flowing down the cliff. The sound was touching.

Everyone in the Jiang Family heard it. They all stopped what they were doing and listened quietly to the sound of the qin.

Jiang Yun Zhu naturally heard the sound of the qin. She herself didn't know how to play the qin or make paintings, but she knew how to appreciate it. The sound of the qin was wonderful. This piece was called 'Guan Ju'; "Guan guan cry the ospreys, on the continent of the river..."

Jiang Yun Zhu's heart was in a mess. But she was soon attracted by the sound of the qin and immersed herself in the sound of the qin.

Suddenly the music stopped and Jiang's house fell into silence.

"This is the sound of Gentleman Shen playing the qin." Mrs. Chen didn't know why, but after hearing the sound of the qin, her heart softened.

"En." Jiang Cheng embraced her and the two snuggled together.

"It's nice." Mrs. Chen said softly.

Early the next morning, Jiang Yun Zhu rode Jiang Cheng's horse carriage back to Qishanju.

Shen Feng Ming rode a horse and followed behind. Jiang Yun Zhu looked at him. There seemed to be nothing unusual. So she let him be.

"Boss." They haven't seen each other for two days. Xue Jing and the others missed Jiang Yun Zhu very much. Seeing that she was back, they enthusiastically welcomed her.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked at them and then at her own store. She was in a good mood.

Chabuliang opened for business. Jiang Yun Zhu stood behind the counter to check the accounts for the past two days.

At this moment, Qin Zhen hurried in from the outside.

"Miss Jiang, I have something to tell you." He said.

He had experienced strong winds and waves and had always been steady. But today he was so flustered... Jiang Yun Zhu suddenly had a bad feeling and asked, "What's going on?"

Qin Zhen looked around.

Jiang Yun Zhu motioned for him to follow her to the backyard.

There was a room for entertaining customers in the backyard, but ordinary people couldn't enter.

Qin Zhen entered the room. Before he even sat down, he said, "The grain I shipped to Wuling County and Huayang County the day before yesterday were all inspected!"

"What do you mean?" Jiang Yun Zhu didn't feel like sitting down anymore.

It turned out that another batch of grain was transported from Lu Prefecture to Wuling County and Huayang County the day before yesterday. But as soon as they arrived at the gate of Lu Prefecture City, a group of soldiers came over and said that they suspected that there was illegal salt in this batch of grain and wanted to take the grain away for inspection.

It was Housekeeper Qin who escorted this batch of grain. He expressed and hinted that the grain was from Changyuan Grain Company. The Qin Family had friendship with various officials in Lu Prefecture. He even mentioned Subprefectural Magistrate He. The leader didn't budge and got people to transport all the food back to the Salt Transport Department.

This batch of grain weighed tens of thousands of jins, so it was a big deal. Traveling through the night, Housekeeper Qin found Qin Zhen.

Qin Zhen felt extremely wronged. There was no illegal salt in his food. The Department of Salt Transportation was a department that was out of reach, Qin Zhen immediately went to Subprefectural Magistrate He and told him about the incident, hoping that he could help him get the food back.

Who would have thought that Subprefectural Magistrate He would look put on the spot, saying that salt and iron were a major matter for the court. Also, the Official Ma of the Salt Transportation Department was stern and selfless. He could only do his best, but couldn't guarantee the result.

Qin Zhen waited anxiously. Finally he got Subprefectural Magistrate He's response, but only to see Subprefectural Magistrate He shaking his head.

"Let's talk about it after Official Ma's inspection. Didn't you say that there is no illegal salt in your grain, so it should be fine." Subprefectural Magistrate He said.

Qin Zhen had no choice but to go back.

However, Wuling County and Huayang County cannot have its grain cut off, otherwise all previous efforts would be wasted. Fortunately, they have a lot of grain in their warehouses. This time, after discussing with the Tao family, he decided to try to transport 2,500 jins of grain away first.

This time, no one came to check the batch of grain. The grain arrived in Wuling County and Huayang County safely. But Qin Zhen couldn't let go of his concern. Passing by Qishanju, he came in to discuss with Jiang Yun Zhu to see what she thought of this matter.

Jiang Yun Zhu frowned upon hearing this. This matter wasn't simple at all. The Department of Salt Transportation was a somewhat special department that belonged to the Ministry of Revenue. Subprefectural Magistrate He didn't have the power to directly govern it. But the officialdom had always been a network of favors. She didn't believe that Subprefectural Magistrate He had nothing to do with the Salt Transport Department.

Was it because Qin Zhen didn't agree to the marriage proposal proposed by Subprefectural Magistrate He, Subprefectural Magistrate He made things difficult on purpose?

It shouldn't be. Even if the Qin Family was rich, they were merchants. If it wasn't for the recent severe disaster in Changfeng Manor, food shortage, and the improvement of the status of the Qin Family, Subprefectural Magistrate He might not choose the Qin Family as a marriage match.

What's more, Qin Zhen was experienced in handling affairs. So he would definitely handle this matter satisfactorily.

Then who was it? What was his purpose?

There was too little information. Jiang Yun Zhu couldn't figure it out.

At this time, a person walked out from Chabuliang and walked westward slowly. If anyone paid attention to him, they would notice that he had entered Chabuliang not long after Qin Zhen.

After passing two streets, the man suddenly quickened his pace and headed toward the largest inn in the west of the city.

After entering the inn, he went upstairs and knocked softly on the door.

"Come in." A clear male voice.

The man entered the door, closed the door behind his back, and knelt down before speaking, "This subordinate greets, Eldest Gentleman."

"Get up." Lin Ting An casually asked, "How was it?"

The man stood up and told what he had seen and gathered.

Lin Ting An listened while taking a sip of tea from time to time. There was nothing amiss on his face.

After the man finished speaking, he waved his hand to signal him to retreat.

"Chabuliang's boss?" He raised his eyebrows.

"It's a newly opened teahouse in Wuling County. The owner is a miss. She has great cooking skills and even won over Cook Gao from our Manor. She won this teahouse." Behind him, a guard-like person reported. .

"Win Gao Shun? Then her skill must be good." Lin Ting An said. The voice was flat. No emotion could be heard.

The guard behind him shuddered. That Gao Shun was so bold that he even went out to compete with others in cooking without telling the Manor. Moreover, he lost...

Suddenly, Lin Ting An stood up and walked downstairs.

After walking two roads, a carriage suddenly crashed toward his side. Lin Ting An stopped in his tracks. The guard behind him grasped the sword at his waist and became vigilant.

At this moment, the carriage turned a corner and slowly slowed down. It seemed that it was a false alarm.

It was just when it turned a corner, it caught a woman. That woman directly flung to Lin Ting An.

For a moment, his arms were filled with warmth and fragrance. However Lin Ting An frowned.

The woman seemed to be frightened. Her whole body was soft and weak.

"Lin Qing." Lin Ting An said.

The guard behind him, that was, Lin Qing supported the woman with the handle of the sword and made her leave Lin Ting An's embrace without falling to the ground.

The woman was wearing a bright red dress and her waist was tight. She raised her eyes to look at Lin Ting An and said as if surprised, "Eldest Gentleman, why are you here?" Immediately, she was about to bow Lin Ting An.

Lin Ting An's face darkened. He scanned the woman up and down again, feeling that she seemed familiar.

"Maidservant Jiang Yun Xiu is the servant maid of the Manor's kitchen. This time I came to visit relatives and happened to pass by here. Thank you, Eldest Gentleman for saving me just now." Jiang Yun Xiu said eloquently. As she said that, she curtsied. That twist of her waist was like a spring willow in March.

To be honest, Jiang Yun Xiu looked pretty. But her desire to climb into bed was obvious.

Lin Ting An was the eldest son of the Marquis Anping Manor. He was proficient in all aspects of literature and martial arts. He was half of the ruler in the Marquis Anping Manor. There were too many women like her in the Manor.

Lin Ting An ignored her completely and continued on.

"Eldest Gentleman." Jiang Yun Xiu called softly, with some grievances and anxiety. If it was a man with a soft heart, he might be stopped by her call.

"Go back and tell the housekeeper. He knows what to do." Lin Ting An only stated.

"En." Lin Qing agreed.

When hearing this sentence, Jiang Yun Xiu's face was as pale as paper. Wassn't she pretty enough? The man's heart was as strong as iron! No, she must not be kicked out of the manor. She almost tore the handkerchief in her hand.

Soon, Lin Ting An came to Chabuliang.

He stopped and looked at the three large characters on the plaque for half an hour.

Lin Qing saw those three characters too. He didn't know much about calligraphy, but he felt that those three characters were well written. Looking at them, he sensed the mountains and seas feel. He didn't know who wrote them.

Inside Chabuliang, Jiang Yun Zhu had already sent Qin Zhen away. At this moment, she was standing behind the counter in a daze, thinking about what Qin Zhen said.

"Did something happen?" Shen Feng Ming came in from the back, habitually standing behind the counter with Jiang Yun Zhu.

Jiang Yun Zhu regained consciousness and shook her head.

Shen Feng Ming didn't ask any more questions. Just stood there.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked at him before picking up the account book again and checked the accounts of the previous two days. She missed Xie Zhen a little bit. This matter was handled by him before.

"Do you want me to look at it for you?" Shen Feng Ming asked.

Jiang Yun Zhu paused. No, he shouldn't be so nice to her. She was afraid that she would fall in love. And Chief Shen, wasn't he rumored to be not close to women?

Suddenly, Jiang Yun Zhu remembered that night when he stood in the cold wind. He said he never thought of getting married before. He said his father and mother had been arguing all the time. He was tired of that kind of quarrel...

At this moment, a warm feeling came from her fingertips. Jiang Yun Zhu looked down and saw that Shen Feng Ming was about to take the ledger in her hand when his fingers touched her fingertips.

Jiang Yun Zhu quickly withdrew her hand and decided that it was better to make things clear.

"Gentleman Shen, I have no intention of marrying a wealthy family. I want to be an idler." Jiang Yun Zhu stated. She felt she had said enough.

"En." Shen Feng Ming responded and looked through the ledger.

Jiang Yun Zhu was dumbfounded. Did he understand what she was talking about?

"I, I want to find someone who has the same goals as me to marry." Jiang Yun Zhu decided to make it clear that they weren't suitable. She wanted to spend her days idle. He was the Commander of Qilin Guards. She didn't know qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. While the Shen Family was a family of poetry and calligraphy in Xia Dynasty.

Shen Feng Ming raised his head.

At this moment, Lin Ting An brought Lin Qing in from the outside.

He saw Jiang Yun Zhu at a glance and his expression was slightly startled.

Jiang Yun Zhu saw him and stood there in shock. She didn't expect to see him here.

The two looked at each other.

Shen Feng Ming happened to see this scene. His eyes were dark.

Chapter 80

Lin Ting An suddenly noticed another kind of gaze. It was cold and deep.

He looked toward the owner of his gaze and his heart shuddered. Was it him? The person that countless people in the capital want to see but couldn't see was actually in a small restaurant in Wuling County? No wonder the three words on the plaque outside were so vigorous and powerful.

Seeing Shen Feng Ming shocked Lin Ting An much more than he was shocked by seeing Jiang Yun Zhu. For a moment, he forgot his purpose of coming here.

Lin Qing didn't know Shen Feng Ming. He felt that his family gentleman was so strange today. A person who had always been calm, first stared at a girl in a daze and now he looked at a man in a daze? Even though this man was handsome and extraordinary.

"There seemed to be a mistake here." Shen Feng Ming said softly, pulling Jiang Yun Zhu's mind back.

"Where?" Jiang Yun Zhu lowered her head to look at the account book. Her mood slowly returned to calm.

"Here, a plate of baked stuffed sesame biscuits, a plate of lotus root cake, and a pot of Biluochun. It wrote 73 Wen, but the below says 68 Wen." Shen Feng Ming pointed out the mistake to Jiang Yun Zhu look.

Jiang Yun Zhu saw that it was indeed the case. She picked up the pen and began to revise it from the side.

At this time, Lin Ting An regained his sense. He heard Jiang Yun Zhu talking to Shen Feng Ming about seventy-three wens and sixty-eight wens. He didn't know that Commissioner-in-chief Shen would bother about dozens of wens.

He looked around. At this time, there were some customers in the tea room and servers in the hall. But none of them seemed to feel that there was anything wrong with the scene now.

Lin Ting An had a guess in his mind. It seemed that these people didn't know the identity of the person behind the counter. Also, if Shen Feng Ming's identity gets out, the scene here should not be like this at all.

"Guest, what would you like to eat or drink? Please sit down." Li He warmly greeted Lin Ting An.

Lin Ting An regained his previous sternness and composure and chose a seat by the window to sit down. While carefully looking at the surrounding environment, he ordered some tea and random food.

Li He went to prepare.

"Go and investigate the owner of this store carefully." Lin Ting An instructed Lin Qing.

Lin Qing went out immediately.

After a while, a plate of baked stuffed sesame biscuits, a plate of mince cakes, and a pot of Dahongpao were brought up.

Li He poured tea for Lin Ting An before turning around and retreating.

Lin Ting An looked at the table and saw that the tea bowls and plates were the same as the store; they were all well planned out. The fine white porcelain plates were painted with the appearance of gardenia flowers with three small words 'Chabuliang' next to it. Although the patterns and characters weren't as powerful as the three characters on the plaque outside, they were definitely not vulgar.

This store was very interesting.

Lin Ting An picked up the tea bowl and took a sip of tea. It was Dahongpao of the upper middle class. Its taste was completely brewed out. Moreover, it was very strange. Because Dahongpao was resistant to brewing, when other places brewed this kind of tea, they would use boiling water. However this store used slightly cooler water for brewing.

It wasn't that the latter was better than the former, but that he liked the taste of the latter.

This Dahongpao seemed to be made especially for him.

"Who made this tea?" Lin Ting An asked Li He who was passing by.

"It's this small one. Why? Guest don't like it?" Li He replied.

"Who did you learn how to make tea from?" Lin Ting An only asked.

"From our boss." Li He replied.

Lin Ting An glanced at Jiang Yun Zhu again. The way she lowered her eyebrows to look at the account was exactly the same as the leisurely and independent look under the fireworks.

"Guest?" Li He didn't know what Lin Ting An meant.

"Retreat." Lin Ting An said.

Li He departed in bewilderment.

Lin Ting An originally ordered at random. But after drinking the Dahongpao, he became interested in the two plates of pastries. He first picked up a baked stuffed sesame biscuit and took in how the biscuit was golden and round, like a crab shell.

One bite, the outer shell was crispy, while the filling inside was slightly spicy and flavorful. It also carried a special sweet taste. Quite delicious.

The same went for the mince cake. With so many dried fruits in it, it wasn't sweet at all.

When Lin Qing came back, he saw that his family gentleman, who was usually a picky eater, had already eaten half a plate of baked stuffed sesame biscuits and half a plate of mince cake. From the look of it, he had drunk a lot of tea.

Lin Qing was amazed. Strange things happen every year. Today was quite an amount. Afterwards, he wondered if the food in this store was so delicious?

Lin Ting An looked at him.

Lin Qing shivered and hurried over to report to him. Jiang Yun Zhu, the owner of this store, sought refuge from Changfeng Manor with her parents last year. She began to live in Changshi Village and made a living by selling a kind of breakfast called Hulatang.

Later, they switched to selling lunch and then came to the county town to open Qishanju...

Oh right, he inquired about Shen Feng Ming. His surname was Shen and his name was Yu Yu. He was a grain merchant from the capital and borrowed accommodation here.

It was worth noting that Jiang Yun Xiu was actually Jiang Yun Zhu's younger sister.

"Jiang Yun Zhu." Lin Ting An said in a low voice, rubbing the cup with his hand.

After another quarter of an hour, Lin Ting An left, as if he was an ordinary customer.

Lin Qing was puzzled. My family's gentleman, didn't you come here for that matter? Why did you leave like this? However, his family's gentleman had always been unpredictable. So he didn't need to ask; just wait for the order.

Sure enough, after leaving the teahouse, Lin Ting stated, "Let that Jiang Yun Xiu come to see me."

"En." Lin Qing responded.

In the inn in the west of the city. Jiang Yun Xiu was ecstatic, Eldest Gentleman wanted to see her? Did he finally...

Before she bowed down, Lin Ting An said calmly, "Tell me about your family."

Family? Jiang Yun Xiu was puzzled, but she continued to speak.

Regarding her family, what she remembered most clearly was how difficult life was when they fled to Qinghe Village in the dream and how glorious Jiang Yun Zhu looked after coming back. Of course, none of this could be said.

Just talking about what happened before seeking refuge, she was stuttering.

As she spoke, she peeked at Lin Ting An's reaction.

She only saw this charming and handsome young man had no expression on his face, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking. But the more he was like this, the more he looked cold and extraordinary to the point people got dazzled.

"So, you don't know what happened after your parents escaped here?" Lin Ting An asked.

Jiang Yun Xiu was very annoyed. If she had known that Lin Ting An was interested in these things, she would have asked Mrs. Chen more.

"You should go home more often." Lin Ting An said out of the blue.

Jiang Yun Xiu didn't know what he meant, but she regarded it as a golden rule. As long as he was willing to see her, she was willing to do whatever he asked her to do.

Half an hour later, Jiang Yun Xiu returned to Changshi Village with her big and small bags.

Jiang Cheng and Mrs. Chen were naturally happy to see her.

This time, Jiang Yun Xiu seemed to be a different person. She greeted the two of them. This made Mrs. Chen's eyes red. Naturally, she wouldn't hide everything she knew and talked endlessly.

Soon, Lin Ting An learned more about Jiang Yun Zhu and Shen Feng Ming.

This time, the matter of congee and tree planting in Wuling County was related to her. He became more and more interested in her.

Shen Feng Ming claimed to be Shen Yu Yu and had truly concealed his identity from everyone. And he stayed here for a long time. He guessed a little bit today. Maybe because of Jiang Yun Zhu?

Everyone said that Shen Feng Ming wasn't close to women. Who would have thought that he would hide his name for a woman.

Lin Ting An leaned back on the chair, looked at the sunset outside, and raised his eyebrows slightly.

This Lu Prefecture finally had something worth looking forward to.

Chabuliang. When Lin Ting An got up, Jiang Yun Zhu saw it. Then she suddenly thought of something. For example, why the Qin Family's grain was suddenly investigated. For example, why did Lin Ting An suddenly appear here...

The two seem to be unrelated, but what if they must be connected?

Wasn't Lin Ting An's usual practice to scare the snake away, follow the vine for fruit, figure out the whole thing, and control the whole thing? If anyone in this world knew Lin Ting An best, it must be Jiang Yun Zhu.

It was estimated that he saw the huge interests behind this matter and wanted to make a profit from it!

Jiang Yun Zhu felt a headache. There was no end to this matter.

At this time, Shen Feng Ming had obtained information about Lin Ting An and why he appeared here. From the data, Jiang Yun Zhu and Lin Ting An didn't seem to know each other, but why did she stare at him today?

Lin Ting An's appearance was quite noble.

Shen Feng Ming looked up at the bronze mirror on the opposite. His current appearance was reflected in the bronze mirror.

After pondering for a while, he stated, "Come in."

There was no one outside the room, but soon, a figure appeared, "This subordinate Shadow Thirty-Nine greets Commissioner-in-chief."

"Go and do something for me." Shen Feng Ming ordered.

"En."

Early the next morning, when Jiang Yun Zhu went out, she saw Shen Feng Ming standing in the courtyard.

He changed into a new suit today- a moon-white brocade robe, darkly embroidered with clouds and silver patterns on the collar and cuffs. It made his figure even more upright. And the white jade crown on his head. It was haloing a little in the morning light. Simply enhancing him to shine all over like flawless jade.

Jiang Yun Zhu was stunned for a moment.

"Miss Jiang, I remembered that when I went for a walk, I found a few wild cherry trees growing in a mountain depression. Counting the time, it should be almost ripe now. Do you want to go and have a look?" Shen Feng Ming asked.

Cherry? Jiang Yun Zhu only felt that her mouth salivating. The wild cherries in ancient times were small, but when they were ripe, they were sweet and sour. Moreover, how delicious things could cherries make!

Coincidentally, spring was here. She hadn't been outside to enjoy the spring scenery yet.

"Where is it?" Jiang Yun Zhu asked.

"I'll take you."

"This, Gentleman Shen tell me the place. I'll hire a carriage to go. If there are a lot of cherries, I can bring back more." Jiang Yun Zhu hesitated.

"Let me go with you. I'm afraid you won't find a place." Shen Feng Ming stated.

Jiang Yun Zhu felt it made sense. She prepared a basket, water, and some food. Taking He Ying with her, she hired a carriage and went straight to the suburbs.

Shen Feng Ming rode a horse and followed at the side.

Currently, spring's color was perfect. Many people went out for spring outings. So the journey was very lively.

It was getting more and more remote, "Gentleman, are you sure this route is correct?" the driver who drove the carriage asked Shen Feng Ming.

"It's right. Just right ahead." Shen Feng Ming replied.

The driver didn't dare to ask more questions and continued to move forward until the road ahead became narrower and narrower. It was to the point that the carriage could not pass.

"Gentleman?" the coachman asked.

"Just stop here." Afterward, Shen Feng Ming got off his horse and said to Jiang Yun Zhu, "Miss Jiang, it's up the front."

At first, Jiang Yun Zhu was excited to enjoy the spring scenery along the way. But then she became a little drowsy. Hearing Shen Feng Ming's voice, she woke up with a startle, opened the curtain of the carriage, and looked out.

She saw cliffs everywhere. This?

"It's there." Shen Feng Ming pointed to the front and said.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked in the direction of his finger, but couldn't see anything.

"Got to head straight and walk a bit." Shen Feng Ming said.

He Ying jumped out of the carriage first and hurried a few steps in that direction. Suddenly, she turned her head in surprise, "Miss, quickly come and see!"

Jiang Yun Zhu got out of the carriage and walked there too.

At the beginning, she only saw some rocks. Who would have thought to walk a few more steps, a small waterfall flowing down from the cliff and converging into a small pool entered the sight. The water in the pool was sparkling and crystal clear.

By the pool, there was green grass and wild flowers of various colors blooming in the middle. How colorful.

And what attracted Jiang Yun Zhu's attention the most were the wild cherry trees on the side of the pool. At this time, the cherries were already ripe. The cherries hung on the tree like agates, reflecting in the pool water. It was too beautiful to behold.

Jiang Yun Zhu was overjoyed and walked quickly to that mountain depression.

Soon, she smelled a faint fragrance of flowers. Then she stepped on the grass, feeling as soft as a blanket.

"Miss, this place is so beautiful." He Ying praised.

Jiang Yun Zhu directly nodded. It was indeed beautiful.

At this time, she had reach those cherry trees. SHe stretched her hand out to pick a few cherries, washed them in the nearby pool, and put them in her mouth. Delicate cherries were broken at the touch of the teeth. The sweet and sour juice immediately overflowed the mouth.

"It's delicious." She turned her head, wanting He Ying to taste it too. Unforeseen, Shen Feng Ming had walked behind her at some point. He was raising his hand as if about to do something. But when she turned her head, his hand brushed against her lip.