When Wang Shuang heard Zhao Mingyan’s words, she immediately grew hopeful. Yes—today, Zhao Mingyan had acquired the Qiao family teahouse, giving their household its very first enterprise.
Earlier that day, Zhao Mingyan had shown her the accounts, clearly calculating the Qiao family teahouse’s monthly profits. According to the ledger, the teahouse earned at least fifty taels per month. That was nearly half of Nan Yan’s monthly salary. If they acquired more businesses in the future, their household income would become truly substantial.
No wonder the wives of officials and noble ladies could wear gold and silver—they had enough enterprises, bringing in steady profits every month. They could enjoy wealth without lifting a finger!
“Mingyan, you’re amazing!”
For the first time, Wang Shuang genuinely felt Zhao Mingyan’s capability.
Before, even when she saw her resolve matters or secure the Qiao teahouse, she hadn’t felt much. But now, seeing the tangible changes this would bring, Wang Shuang truly admired her. Without Zhao Mingyan, their household would have remained poor!
What they needed was someone like Zhao Mingyan—someone who could manage and run the household.
At that moment, Nan Yan walked in. “What are you two talking about?”
“My lord,” Zhao Mingyan rose immediately when she saw him.
Wang Shuang said, “Nan Yan, you’re home quite early today.”
Nan Yan nodded to her. He noticed fresh tea on the table, picked up a cup, and took a sip. The sweet flavor lingered in his mouth, surprising him. It was the first time he had tasted such fine tea at home.
“Did you buy new tea?” Nan Yan asked.
“Not at all—it was delivered from our own shop!” Wang Shuang replied.
“Our own shop?”
“Yes, that’s right—our Mingyan secured it!” Wang Shuang hugged Zhao Mingyan proudly. “That old Qiao next door came to us with his lawsuit. Mingyan helped them resolve it and, in the process, bought their shop. From now on, our family owns a teahouse. You’ll have an endless supply of tea to drink!”
Nan Yan’s eyes lit up at this. He looked at Zhao Mingyan in surprise. Of course, he knew about Old Qiao’s case—he had personally arranged for it to be settled that day. But he never expected that Zhao Mingyan would, at the same time, acquire an enterprise for him.
Suddenly, he recalled how she had stayed up late the night before, waiting for him, urging him to act. He had thought it was simply her compassion, wanting to help others. But now he realized—she had been thinking of building something for him.
So yesterday, Zhao Mingyan hadn’t acted for Old Qiao’s sake at all—she had done it for him!
Nan Yan, sharp and perceptive, immediately understood her intentions. A warmth rose in his heart as he looked at the woman before him.
“Our Mingyan is amazing, isn’t she? I’d never have thought of it—never even imagined it,” Wang Shuang continued.
“Sister Shuang, don’t praise me too much. It was just a matter of going with the flow and picking up an opportunity,” Zhao Mingyan said modestly.
“Mingyan, don’t be humble. Since you came, our household has truly improved!” Wang Shuang held her tightly, her admiration overflowing.
It was plain to see: ever since Zhao Mingyan arrived, their standard of living had risen. Everyone now wore fine clothes, and the household had gained an enterprise.
Wang Shuang herself could have bought things before, but as the one managing the household, she had never even thought of it. She had longed to improve, to carry herself with dignity, to walk outside without being mocked—but coming from the countryside, she had no concept of how. Without someone to guide her step by step into that circle, she couldn’t enter it, nor did she want to.
What mattered most was having someone who could change things for everyone. And Zhao Mingyan was exactly that person—the one who could lead the Nan household to a better life.
Listening to Wang Shuang, Nan Yan sipped his tea, savoring its fragrance, and nodded with a smile. “Mm.”
No more words were spoken. Seeing Nan Yan had returned, Zhao Mingyan went to the kitchen to warm his meal. She and Wang Shuang had already eaten earlier. That day, they had stewed a chicken, leaving most of it untouched—Nan Yan surely hadn’t eaten yet. Thoughtfully, she reheated the food and served it to him.
After setting the dishes on the table, Zhao Mingyan picked up her sewing basket and quietly left the main hall, returning to her study. Her intention was simple: to leave Nan Yan and Wang Shuang their private time together. Neither of them needed someone hovering while they ate. If she stayed, she would only intrude on the master and mistress.
Though Nan Yan treated her kindly, Zhao Mingyan reminded herself not to grow arrogant or think of competing for favor. She had to remember her place in this household and keep her mind clear at all times.
So, once she had served the meal and saw there was nothing more for her to do, Zhao Mingyan returned directly to her study.
Along with returning to her study, Zhao Mingyan locked the door.
In the past few days, she hadn’t dared to lock it at night, since it was technically Nan Yan’s study—who knew if he might need it. But tonight she knew he would surely stay in the main hall to sleep, so once inside, she locked the door.
She had thought of continuing to sew, but when she lit the lamp, she remembered how Nan Yan disliked her wasting candlelight. Thinking it over, the clothes weren’t urgent—she could finish them tomorrow in daylight.
So, once the night was fully dark, she went straight to bed. The moment she lay down, she closed her eyes and quickly fell into deep sleep.
Not long after, Nan Yan finished his meal and returned to his room: ???
What? He was locked out? Huh?
He pushed the door—it was truly locked from inside.
What was wrong with his delicate little concubine? Why had she locked him out?
Nan Yan knocked three times. Inside, all was dark and quiet. Pressing his ear to the window, he even heard Zhao Mingyan’s steady breathing as she slept. Only then did he realize—she had really locked him outside!
Wait a minute—wasn’t this his room? Zhao Mingyan had locked him out. Where was he supposed to sleep tonight?
Nan Yan raised his hand to knock again, to wake her and have her open the door. But just as his hand lifted, he lowered it.
Forget it. Better not disturb his little concubine’s sleep.
Since she was already asleep, he let it be.
Turning away, Nan Yan looked around the courtyard, then entered the west wing opposite—his daughter’s room—and decided to make do there for the night.
As for the main bedroom, Wang Shuang’s quarters, he didn’t even glance at them.
Wang Shuang was his friend’s wife; he was only looking after her and her daughter on his friend’s behalf. She was not truly his wife.