Chuyu asked worriedly,
“Young Madam, should we go over there?”
Chuxue shot a resentful glance in the direction of the training grounds.
If the Young Madam didn’t go, wouldn’t that mean the little vixen had successfully won Madam Ding over?
A courtesan was a courtesan.
A natural-born seductress.
She could even charm the Madam herself.
Jiang Yinjin withdrew her gaze and said coldly,
“No.”
“I’m not going.”
“I still have stores to inspect.”
“I’m busy.”
Chuxue immediately became anxious.
“Young Madam, at a time like this, why worry about those three shops?”
Then her voice lowered.
“And besides…”
“The shops belong to the Marquis’ household.”
“You’re working so hard for them.”
“Not only are you gaining nothing yourself, you’re even putting your own money into them.”
“Yet Madam doesn’t appreciate your efforts.”
“Instead, she favors that shameless courtesan.”
“This servant feels it’s terribly unfair to you.”
It was true.
Ever since taking over management of the three shops, Jiang Yinjin had implemented numerous improvements.
And improvements required money.
In order to demonstrate her capabilities and win Madam Ding’s approval, she never asked the household for funds.
Instead, she paid for everything herself using her dowry.
That didn’t even include the small amounts of silver she spent winning people’s loyalty.
Jiang Yinjin let out a cold laugh.
“My goal was never these worldly possessions.”
Then she stood.
“Let’s go.”
“We’re leaving the estate.”
“Yes, Young Madam.”
The two maids could only follow obediently.
The afternoon sun blazed overhead.
The entire world seemed trapped inside a giant steamer.
The stone-paved paths of the Marquis’ estate had become scorching hot.
Even through the soft-soled shoes worn by women, the heat could be felt.
After only a short walk, Chuxue and Chuyu had already begun perspiring.
Chuxue glanced toward Jiang Yinjin.
The contrast was astonishing.
The Young Madam remained as elegant as a flower reflected upon still water.
Her movements were graceful like willow branches swaying in the breeze.
She looked poised and refined.
Her fair skin remained flawless.
Not a trace of discomfort could be seen.
Chuxue couldn’t understand it.
How could someone as wonderful as the Young Madam fail to win the Heir’s affection?
Why did he instead choose that shameless fox spirit?
Outside the estate, a carriage was already waiting.
The three women climbed aboard and headed toward the shops.
The employees welcomed Jiang Yinjin enthusiastically.
She was generous with rewards.
Kind in manner.
Everyone liked her.
Naturally, they obeyed her instructions eagerly.
Soon, all three shops had been inspected.
Chuyu asked,
“Young Madam, shall we return to the estate?”
Jiang Yinjin shook her head.
“It’s still early.”
“We’re going to Yue Lai Residence.”
Yue Lai Residence was one of the capital’s four famous restaurants.
Each of the four establishments had its own specialties.
Yue Lai Residence’s greatest strength was privacy.
There was no public dining hall.
Only private rooms of varying sizes and luxury levels.
The restaurant served only regular patrons.
It was a favorite destination for nobles, high-ranking officials, and young ladies from prominent families who preferred not to appear in public.
“Yes, Young Madam.”
Chuyu was about to inform the driver when Jiang Yinjin spoke again.
“Chuxue.”
“Return to the Jiang residence.”
“See whether my eldest brother is home.”
“Today is his day off.”
“If he’s not at home, then he’s undoubtedly meeting friends.”
“No matter where he is, tell him to come to Yue Lai Residence.”
“I’ll wait for him there.”
Chuxue’s eyes brightened.
“Yes, Young Madam!”
At last, it seemed the Young Madam was preparing to make her move.
Chuxue had long been waiting for this.
She desperately wanted Jiang Yinjin to strike back against that shameless concubine.
Soon afterward, Chuxue hurried away.
Meanwhile, Chuyu accompanied Jiang Yinjin to Yue Lai Residence.
Another carriage stopped outside the restaurant.
A small lantern hung from its canopy.
Upon it was a single character:
Jiang.
The family name immediately revealed the owner’s identity.
After the carriage came to a halt, Chuxue stepped down first.
Then a young man emerged from inside.
The moment he appeared, he attracted countless glances.
From both men and women alike.
The young man was tall and elegant.
His posture straight as jade.
His features were handsome and severe.
His gaze was calm and steady.
Thin lips pressed together firmly.
The corners of his mouth naturally tilted downward.
Although dressed as a scholar, he lacked a scholar’s gentle refinement.
Instead, he exuded a subtle ruthlessness that made others instinctively wary.
This man was none other than:
Jiang Shenyan, eldest legitimate son of Vice Minister Jiang and Jiang Yinjin’s elder brother.
He served in the Censorate.
After stepping from the carriage, Jiang Shenyan glanced toward Yue Lai Residence with a slight frown.
He didn’t understand why his sister had suddenly summoned him.
Silence filled the room.
Chuyu stood quietly nearby.
Jiang Yinjin sat motionless like a statue.
She was reviewing memories from her previous life.
Searching for any information that might benefit her.
Then a knock sounded at the door.
“Young Madam, the Young Master has arrived.”
It was Chuxue’s voice.
Since both Chuxue and Chuyu were servants of the Jiang family from birth, they still addressed Jiang Shenyan as “Young Master” despite his official position.
Jiang Yinjin returned to reality.
“Please come in.”
The door opened.
Jiang Shenyan entered.
His naturally stern aura caused Chuyu to shiver slightly.
She unconsciously stepped back before bowing respectfully.
Facing her elder brother, Jiang Yinjin immediately revealed a softer side.
“Today is your day off.”
“You should have been resting.”
“Instead, your younger sister dragged you out.”
“I’ve troubled you.”
Jiang Shenyan’s expression softened noticeably.
“I wasn’t busy.”
“There’s no trouble.”
Then he asked,
“Why didn’t you return home to see us?”
“After your return visit ended, Mother cried for half a day.”
“Since then, she keeps talking about you.”
Mentioning their mother made Jiang Yinjin’s heart ache.
She sighed softly.
“If I could return home, I would.”
“But recently Madam entrusted me with three shops.”
“I want to manage them properly.”
Jiang Shenyan nodded in understanding.
If she could run the shops well, she would gain her mother-in-law’s approval.
That was indeed important.
Jiang Yinjin’s gentle demeanor disappeared.
Her expression grew serious.
“However, I didn’t ask you here merely because I couldn’t return home.”
“I have something private to discuss.”
“And it’s urgent.”
Jiang Shenyan immediately focused.
“What is it?”
“Brother, please sit first.”
Then she instructed Chuxue,
“Have the waiter bring some pre-Qingming Longjing tea.”
“Serve it in glass cups.”
Longjing tea was Jiang Shenyan’s favorite.
The siblings took their seats.
Jiang Yinjin’s gaze sharpened.
“There are two matters.”
“The first concerns Prince Qin.”
Jiang Shenyan raised an eyebrow.
“Prince Qin?”
“Do you have opportunities to come into contact with him through your work at the Censorate?”
Jiang Shenyan shook his head.
“None.”
Seeing disappointment flash across her face, he immediately asked,
“Why do you want me to approach Prince Qin?”
His sister had always been calm and thoughtful.
She never acted recklessly.
If she was asking this, there had to be a reason.
Naturally, Jiang Yinjin couldn’t reveal that she had been reborn.
Nor could she admit she knew the future.
Instead, she chose her words carefully.
“I can’t explain the details.”
“But I have reliable information.”
“Prince Qin’s future is extraordinarily promising.”
“If you ever have an opportunity to approach him, you should seize it.”
“If possible, even follow him.”
“It would greatly benefit the Jiang family.”
Jiang Shenyan nodded thoughtfully.
His sister was now married into the Marquis of Anning’s household.
The Marquis enjoyed imperial favor.
The family had access to information unavailable to ordinary officials.
It wasn’t strange for her to know things others didn’t.
“Very well.”
“I understand.”
“If I ever have the opportunity to approach Prince Qin, I’ll do my best.”
Seeing her brother accept her advice without even questioning her motives filled Jiang Yinjin with emotion.
“Brother…”
“I would never harm you.”
For the first time, the stern lines around Jiang Shenyan’s mouth relaxed into a faint smile.
“We’re siblings.”
“Why would I suspect you of harming me?”
Then he asked,
“And the second matter?”