In the courtyard, Shuangjiang was accompanying Fu'er as they fed Little Bone.
Little Bone was the small yellow dog bought from White Horse Temple.
On the day they returned, He Mama had gotten some leftover food from the kitchen for it, and the puppy had been gnawing on a bone.
Thus, it was simply named Little Bone.
Jiang Shiyao withdrew her gaze. "How is the grain collection going?"
He Mama replied, "As you instructed, we've been collecting in batches. But with only the head of household working, progress is slow. It's not finished yet."
"To avoid drawing attention, the head of household has been purchasing from different shops across various districts."
Jiang Shiyao nodded. "Have him resign from his job at the Duke's residence these two days."
He Mama looked up. "Niangzi, this…"
The position at the Duke's residence was that of a gardener, with naturally substantial wages that many coveted.
Last time when Chang Shun had caught He Dayou and brought him before Zhao Shi, it was precisely because they envied the gardener's ability to skim profits.
Jiang Shiyao's fingers moved swiftly, the outline of the auspicious beast already taking shape.
Without looking up, she responded, "If Chang Shun caught He Dayou once, he can catch him again."
"If he finds out, do you think he might do something even more dangerous?"
He Mama fell silent.
Naturally, life was more important. Besides, if they were to become wealthy and live a life of luxury outside, this job would have to be resigned sooner or later anyway.
"Niangzi, I've noticed these past couple of days that Miss Shuangjiang has been secretly returning to her room. She was sent here by Old Madam. Could she be…"
Jiang Shiyao took a moment to glance at Shuangjiang in the courtyard.
"Shuangjiang's thoughts aren't focused on our courtyard right now."
As she spoke, she gestured with her chin toward the nearby thread rack.
"This is the thread she bought the day before yesterday, and it's almost gone again."
He Mama's eyes widened. "Shuangjiang, she…"
Jiang Shiyao smiled indifferently. "If she can truly find a good husband, that would certainly be better than remaining in this residence."
He Mama pressed her lips together and said nothing.
If she had a daughter, being a concubine in a noble household would undoubtedly be preferable to being a wife in a poor family.
Just look at Niangzi Jiang – whether it's clothing, food, housing, or transportation, every aspect was thousands of times better than ordinary families!
Jiang Shiyao didn't concern herself with what He Mama was thinking now. They were currently allies in the same trench of shared interests.
She just needed to ensure that those around her wouldn't betray her before her escape.
"Sweep the snow in front of your own door; don't worry about the frost on your neighbor's roof."
He Mama snapped back to attention. "Yes, this servant understands."
"Woof! Woof! Woof!"
Sudden barking erupted in the small courtyard.
"Oh my!! Where did this little beast come from!"
Xiang Mama from Zhao Shi's side was frightened out of her wits, her face pale. Little Bone wagged its tail as it circled around Xiang Mama.
Shuangjiang immediately picked up Little Bone and locked it in its cage, stuffing a bone inside to stop the barking.
Jiang Shiyao stood up and went out to greet her. "So it's Xiang Mama. This dog is quite friendly, don't be afraid."
Xiang Mama patted her rapidly beating chest. "I heard the Young Lord bought the young miss a dog. I thought it would be kept in the outer courtyard or the kitchen."
"Why keep it right here in the courtyard? Aren't you afraid it might run out and scare people!"
Jiang Shiyao led Xiang Mama inside, turning to instruct He Mama, "Brew a pot of tea for Xiang Mama with the new tea leaves that were delivered recently."
After they were seated, she watched Fu'er outside squatting in front of the cage, happily playing with Little Bone.
"Please be understanding – Fu'er likes it very much, and the Young Lord agreed to let us keep it."
"It's usually tied with a rope, and Shuangjiang and He Mama are watching, so it won't run away."
Xiang Mama couldn't say anything more. She took a few banknotes from her sleeve pocket. "This is what Madam asked me to personally deliver to you, Niangzi. She insists you must not slack off."
"This money should have been delivered the day before yesterday, but the Young Lord's marriage with the Song family's young lady has been moved up. The mansion is now busy preparing for the Young Lord's wedding, and I've been so swamped I forgot about it."
Jiang Shiyao put away the banknotes and smoothly slipped the prepared silver into Xiang Mama's hand.
"The mansion is so busy right now, yet you've taken the trouble to make a special trip here."
"May I ask, when has the Young Lord's wedding been moved to?"
Xiang Mama pinched the silver, her smile widening. This trip wasn't in vain.
"It's fine to tell you—it's been moved up to Lesser Heat. The date is rather close now."
Thinking Jiang Shiyao was worried about the new mistress entering the household, she comforted her.
"Niangzi has a good temperament, so there's no need to worry. The Young Lord has even allowed the young miss to keep a dog, which shows you both hold a place in his heart."
"When you have a son in the future, Niangzi's life will be completely worry-free."
"You're right, Mama."
Jiang Shiyao's expression stiffened briefly before returning to normal as she changed the subject. "I'll be going out later to buy silk thread. Is there anything you'd like me to bring back for you?"
Xiang Mama stood up. "Thank you for thinking of me, Niangzi, but this old servant doesn't need anything. Just don't forget Madam's instructions."
Jiang Shiyao replied, "I won't forget. In a few days, Madam will be able to see the initial results."
After Xiang Mama left, she slowly sat down.
Nothing had happened at White Horse Temple, yet the wedding was still moved up.
If this is predetermined fate.
She refused to believe she couldn't tear it apart!
Her expression calm, she touched the banknotes in her sleeve.
It still wasn't enough.
She wanted to secure a worry-free life for Fu'er!
When they went out, Shuangjiang kept glancing repeatedly at Niangzi Jiang beside her.
Jiang Shiyao couldn't ignore it any longer.
"Alright, stop looking. If you want something, just say it directly."
Shuangjiang opened and closed her mouth several times before finally whispering, "This maid is fine…"
"Since you're fine, after we buy the silk thread later, accompany me to Yu Bao Tower."
Shuangjiang jerked her head up. "Y-Yu Bao Tower?"
Zhang Lang made his living by copying books at the Mo Stone Bookshop opposite Yu Bao Tower.
The previous two times she had gone out to buy silk thread, she had first gone to Mo Stone Bookshop to chat with Zhang Lang before hurrying off to buy the thread.
She twisted the corner of her clothes nervously. If Niangzi Jiang found out she was using the silk thread errands as an excuse to secretly meet with an unrelated man…
If it were reported to the Old Madam, she would…
"We're here."
Jiang Shiyao pretended not to notice Shuangjiang's flustered expression and stepped out of the carriage first.
She glanced toward the Mo Stone Bookshop across the street, where three scholars were copying books.
"Shuangjiang, go to the bookshop and buy some xuan paper. Ask the shopkeeper to cut it smaller—Fu'er is almost out of practice paper."
"Ah? Ah! Yes."
Yu Bao Tower specialized in jewelry business. It could be said that in the entire capital, if Yu Bao Tower claimed second place, no other jewelry store dared claim first.
"Shopkeeper, do you have pearls?"
"Yes, yes!" The shopkeeper's wife immediately had someone bring out several trays of high-quality pearls.
There were pearls as large as thumbs and others as small as soybeans.
Only Yu Bao Tower could offer such a variety, with sizes this complete.
Moreover, only by buying here could she feel more justified in spending Zhao Shi's money!
No sooner had Zhou Congxian and Song Jiyun's wedding date been moved up, than Zhao Shi came pressing.
It seemed a mere compromise, yet resentment simmered beneath.
"Niangzi Jiang."
Jiang Shiyao was holding a pearl up to the light from the doorway when someone entered.
She set down the pearl as Li Ruoshuang stopped before her with a smile.
"Might I have a word with Niangzi Jiang? Would you grant me the honor?"
On the second floor of Yu Bao Tower were private chambers.
Li Ruoshuang came straight to the point. "Niangzi Jiang, after you left yesterday, Lord Liu asked me several questions about you."
"He's never spoken to me so much on his own initiative before."
Jiang Shiyao was taken aback. "Miss Li, I don't know him."
Li Ruoshuang gave a faint smile. "You misunderstand, I don't mean to cause you trouble."
"Besides, you're Young Lord Zhou's concubine—he wouldn't dare entertain thoughts of you."
"Then why…" Jiang Shiyao's memories of childhood were hazy; even if Liu Minghan had been her brother's close friend, she truly couldn't recall.
"This was also the first time Lord Liu spoke to me of his personal affairs." Li Ruoshuang's lips twisted bitterly.
"He said your brother was not only his dearest friend but also his savior. His inquiries about your well-being were out of concern for his friend."
"So, the reason I sought you out was…"
Jiang Shiyao lowered her gaze. "Thank you for your concern, Miss Li. I'm quite well. Please tell that lord not to inform my brother he encountered me in the capital."
Li Ruoshuang frowned. "Why?"
Jiang Shiyao stood, changing the subject. "I can see Miss Li holds affection for Lord Liu, but I cannot serve as the bridge between you."
In just over two months, she would leave the capital.
She wanted no complications.
Li Ruoshuang stared blankly for a moment before chasing her to the doorway. "Are you afraid your brother will come seeking favors?"
"Your brother thinks of you daily, yet all you want is to guard against him!"
Jiang Shiyao paused mid-step but offered no reply, descending the stairs directly.
Li Ruoshuang stood at the stairhead, watching her purchase two entire trays of pearls, the shopkeeper's wife beaming as she saw her out.
Frustrated, she flicked her handkerchief. "What kind of person! Just wait until Song Jiyun enters the household—you'll have plenty to deal with then!"
Only when inside the carriage did Jiang Shiyao manage to hold back the tears welling in her eyes.
She hadn't told her brother she had become Zhou Congxian's concubine.
Her brother longed for her return home; she had already broken her promise and didn't know how to explain.
After leaving the capital, she wanted to go home. She would confess everything to her brother then.
But not now.
And certainly not through the words of an outsider.
"Niangzi, the rice paper is purchased."
Shuangjiang climbed into the carriage and noticed her slightly reddened eyes. "Niangzi, what's wrong?"
Jiang Shiyao rubbed her eyes. "It's nothing, just some dust blew into them."
Only after sitting did Shuangjiang notice the four full packages of pearls on the seat!
"Niangzi, why did you buy so many pearls!"
Moreover, pearls were expensive—where did Niangzi get so much money to buy them?
"These are for embroidering the birthday gift for Madam."
Living under the same roof, Jiang Shiyao hadn't considered hiding it from Shuangjiang.
"This… this…" Shuangjiang was at a loss for words.
Madam also having Niangzi Jiang make a birthday gift—wasn't this meant to challenge Old Madam?
If she reported this to Old Madam, Niangzi Jiang would surely face trouble.
Jiang Shiyao glanced through the window at the scholar frequently peering from the bookstore entrance.
"Shuangjiang, it's him you've been seeing, isn't it?"
Shuangjiang's eyes grew flustered.
"Don't worry, I won't tell." She patted the packets of pearls. "And you won't either."
"In this household, whether it's the Madam or the Old Madam, we can't influence either."
"All we can do is survive in the cracks."
Jiang Shiyao touched the pearls. Such wealth is as fleeting as a flash in the pan."
"If others give it, we have it. If they don't, we have nothing."