Gongsun Xu fanned himself with a folding fan, attempting to appear like a frivolous young master, yet his inherently clean-cut demeanor made him seem less like a wastrel and more like an innocent young lord from an official family.
“The value of the jewelry in the box isn’t important. I enjoy making friends, and Sister Jiang here carries an extraordinary aura—exactly the kind of person I’d like to befriend.”
Gongsun Xu pulled out a thirty-thousand tael silver bill from his sleeve and handed it to Jiang Suihuan. “Sister Jiang, if you ever have anything you need to pawn in the future, feel free to bring it to me.”
Since he had put it that way, Jiang Suihuan didn’t stand on ceremony. She accepted the silver bills and nodded to him. “In that case, thank you. If you ever feel unwell in the future, you can go to the Houfu and ask for someone named Ying Tao. She will bring you to me.”
Gongsun Xu looked surprised. “Sister Jiang, do you know medicine?”
“I know a little.”
After Jiang Suihuan left, Gongsun Xu casually picked up a jade bracelet from the box and returned behind the shelves.
Behind the shelves was a tea room where a man sat leisurely pouring tea. Gongsun Xu placed the jade bracelet in front of him. “Uncle, I’ve done everything you asked. I’ve already given the silver bills to Sister Jiang.”
“Hmm.”
The man nodded faintly. It was none other than Beimo Wang, Gu Jin—the true owner of Zhenbao Pavilion.
Gongsun Xu was the son of Gu Jin’s cousin. Since childhood, he had adored following Gu Jin around and, from the time he could remember, had helped manage Zhenbao Pavilion. He knew Gu Jin’s temperament well.
Gu Jin had always been indifferent to other women, so when he instructed Gongsun Xu to buy all the jewelry Jiang Suihuan had brought, Gongsun Xu was utterly astonished.
“Uncle, what is Sister Jiang to you?” Gongsun Xu scratched his head in curiosity, eager to know the answer.
Gu Jin shot him a glance. “Do you have too much free time?”
Gongsun Xu’s expression shifted instantly, and he quickly waved his hands. “No, no! I have so many things to organize. I’ll take my leave!”
In the blink of an eye, only Gu Jin remained in the tea room. He glanced at the jade bracelet on the table, a ripple of emotion stirring in his cold eyes. What could the eldest daughter of the Houfu need so much silver for?
And what about their unfinished transaction? It had been over half a month, yet she hadn’t come to find him. What was she planning?
By this time, Jiang Suihuan had already returned to the Houfu. She placed the two silver bills together, her heart swelling with excitement. With an extra thirty thousand taels all at once, she could buy a larger residence.
Not only could she live there, but she could also resume her former profession and open a medical clinic. The thought made her laugh joyfully.
“Suihuan, what has you so happy?”
The voice of the Hou Furen came from behind. Jiang Suihuan reined in her smile. “Mother, what brings you here?”
The Hou Furen looked remorseful. “I was wrong yesterday—I shouldn’t have spoken that way. I came today to apologize.”
Jiang Suihuan replied calmly, “It’s all right, Mother. I’m used to it.”
The Hou Furen glanced around and said with concern, “Li Momo told me you pawned the jewelry I sent over. If you’re short on money, just tell me. If people find out the daughter of the Houfu is pawning jewelry, they’ll mock the Houfu.”
“I understand,” Jiang Suihuan nodded. “I’m not short on money. It’s just that the jewelry you sent was what Jiang Meier likes, not what I like.”
The Marchioness looked somewhat awkward. “Suihuan, Mother doesn’t know your preferences. If you’re free tomorrow, I’ll personally take you shopping.”
“No need. I don’t particularly care for jewelry. If you have nothing else, please return.”
Yet the Marchioness remained seated, hesitating before saying, “There is indeed one more matter. Two days from now is Mei’er’s wedding day. She must depart from the Houfu, and this courtyard you’re residing in was previously hers. According to tradition, on her wedding day Mei’er must depart from this courtyard. Moreover, as her elder sister, you must help style her hair…”
Jiang Suihuan could hardly believe her ears. “Mother, what did you say?”
“I know you feel wronged, but this day is extremely important to Mei’er. As her elder sister, please help her just this once.” The Marchioness pleaded with her.
Jiang Suihuan’s lips pressed together until they turned pale. After a long silence, she said, “Mother, I agree, but after this matter is over, I will move out of the Houfu.”
The Marchioness agreed without hesitation.
The day before Jiang Meier and Chu Jue’s wedding, Jiang Meier returned to the Houfu and went straight to Jiang Suihuan’s courtyard. Seeing the decorations in the courtyard, she complained discontentedly to the servants, “Why are there so few lanterns in this courtyard? Not even half as many as in the other courtyolds!”
Jiang Suihuan emerged from her room holding a plate of Osmanthus Cakes. She picked one up and placed it in her mouth. The cake was sweet, crispy, and soft, melting instantly on her tongue. The sweetness even smoothed out Jiang Suihuan’s previously furrowed brow.
“Too many lanterns would dazzle the eyes. I had them removed. Do you have any objections?” Jiang Suihuan asked coldly.
Jiang Meier turned around, and her expression changed upon seeing Jiang Suihuan’s face. “How is your face healed?”
That night, she had personally ruined Jiang Suihuan’s face. How could it be that after just over half a month, Jiang Suihuan’s face was as fair and tender as before, without a single trace of injury?
“What an unfortunate coincidence. I happen to know some medicine and healed my own face.” Jiang Suihuan’s smile carried a deeper meaning. “You’re very disappointed to see my face healed, aren’t you?”
“Not at all! I’m overjoyed that Sister’s face has healed!” Jiang Meier’s smile was as bright as flowers, but a flicker of jealousy flashed in her eyes.
“Sister, I will be departing from this courtyard for my wedding tomorrow. You should move to another courtyard today.”
“Where should I move?” Jiang Suihuan raised an eyebrow. “Since you’re taking over my courtyard, shouldn’t I logically move to your courtyard?”
“No!” Jiang Meier’s voice sharpened with urgency. Realizing she had lost her composure, she turned to the surrounding servants and said, “There’s nothing more here. You may all leave.”
After the servants had departed, Jiang Meier revealed her true nature, her eyes turning venomous. “So what if your face is healed? The Prince detests you to the extreme. Do you think you can still return to the Nanming Wangfu?”
Jiang Suihuan smiled faintly, walked up to Jiang Meier, and whispered in her ear, “Not only will I return to the Nanming Wangfu, I will also reduce it to ashes. What can you do about it?”
Having said this, Jiang Suihuan poured all the Osmanthus Cakes in her hand onto Jiang Meier and deliberately exclaimed in feigned surprise, “Oh, Meimei! How could you be so careless? What a pity for these Osmanthus Cakes.”
“Someone, come quickly! The second young lady has accidentally spilled pastries on herself. Go help her clean up.” Jiang Suihuan walked briskly toward the door, leaving Jiang Meier standing there with a livid expression.
“This time you were lucky to survive. Who knows if you’ll be so fortunate next time.” Jiang Meier’s tone was venomous as she clenched her fists tightly.
At seven o’clock the next morning, Jiang Suihuan, who was sleeping in the separate courtyard, was awakened. “First young lady, first young lady, wake up quickly. It’s time to do the second young lady’s hair.”
Jiang Suihuan deliberately changed into a snow-white gold-embroidered butterfly gauze dress, wearing a cloud-phoenix carved hairpin, and applied light makeup. Her already exquisite features gained an ethereal quality, reminiscent of the goddess Luoshen.
Ying Tao gasped in admiration: “Young lady is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Even with just light makeup, you’re so beautiful—much more attractive than the second young lady who’s getting married today. Prince Nanming truly has no taste!”
“Every pot has its matching lid.” Jiang Suihuan snorted coldly. How bold of Jiang Meier to dare have her do her hair.
She took a bottle of medicinal powder from her laboratory and strode toward the room where Jiang Meier was preparing for her wedding.