Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 152

Chapter 152: Madam Jin Takes an Adopted Daughter

Madam Jin took the New Year’s tribute away and immediately had Cao Yunnian deliver it to Governor Zhang’s Residence.

When Governor Zhang saw the tribute, his face flushed with excitement. He clapped Cao Yunnian on the shoulder and repeatedly ordered people to invite the finest master craftsman. No matter what, this embroidery had to be mounted with the utmost meticulousness. “Brother Cao, rest assured. I will clearly explain the origin of this embroidery. The credit that belongs to you and Madam Jin will certainly not be omitted.”

Cao Yunnian said nothing, yet there was a lightness in his step when he returned to his residence. Supporting Madam Jin as they strolled through the garden, he told her all that had happened that day.

Previously, Concubine Wang’s provocation had indeed stirred a knot of displeasure in his heart. But one fit of anger from him had made Madam Jin grieve for several days, even to the point of saying she would sever ties with the Jin family in Xiling. Later, when he personally heard how arrogant Concubine Wang had been behind their backs, he realized he had strayed into a blind alley of his own making. It had taken him many days of careful coaxing before Madam Jin finally softened.

Afterward, seeing how difficult it was for her to carry two lives in one body, his earlier conduct weighed on him all the more. These days, whenever official affairs allowed, he returned to keep Madam Jin company. The affection between husband and wife had quietly deepened.

Hearing Cao Yunnian praise the New Year’s tribute, Madam Jin could not help mentioning Mu Yunyao. “That girl is not only intelligent and refined, but also steady and methodical in all she does. You do not know this, but over these days, every time I went to see her, she seemed thinner than before. It truly made one’s heart ache to look at her.”

“Considering how much effort she put into completing this New Year’s tribute, she must have labored day and night. Strictly speaking, most of the good fortune we have had these past six months has come thanks to her. I was thinking that, with the New Year approaching, we ought to prepare a generous gift and properly thank her.”

“This gift naturally must be sent. But look at Niyun Pavilion and Buxian Tower now. Which one is not earning money hand over fist? How much would we need to send for it to count as generous?”

“Then what does Madam think we should do?”

“Su Qing and I are of similar age, and I have always liked Yunyao very much. In my heart, I have long regarded her as a close junior. Over this past half year, we have benefited from her more than once. I was thinking that I might as well recognize her as my God Daughter. From now on, we sisters can look after each other as family. That way, if anything happens to her in Jingling City, it will be more proper and justified for us to take care of her.”

Cao Yunnian thought for a moment. “Madam’s idea is excellent. However, Mu Yunyao has only just received imperial rewards. Niyun Pavilion and Buxian Tower both hang golden signboards personally bestowed by the Emperor, and even the governor’s wife treats her with great regard. If we rashly recognize her as our God Daughter, might she think we have ulterior motives?”

“If it were anyone else, I truly would not dare say this. But with Mu Yunyao, I can be certain she absolutely will not think that way. That child has a mind as clear and delicate as carved jade. She handles matters thoroughly and thoughtfully, and she has treated me with genuine sincerity. Just take the child in my womb. Without her, I fear I would not have been able to keep him.”

Seeing Madam Jin’s expression dim with the thought, Cao Yunnian hurried to comfort her. “Since Madam is so certain, I naturally have no objections. A few days ago, when we invited a physician to check your pulse, it was roughly confirmed that the child in your womb is male. Now, if we recognize Mu Yunyao as our God Daughter, we may be considered to have both son and daughter.”

Madam Jin smiled. “Then tomorrow I shall go to the Su Residence and discuss this properly with Su Qing, then ask Yunyao’s opinion as well. Although she will be a God Daughter, I still want to treat her like my own daughter. When she reaches coming of age and marries, we must help her choose a good family and prepare a generous dowry.”

“Very well. Everything shall be as Madam says.”

That day, Mu Yunyao was still lazily curled up on the soft couch when Si Qin came in quickly. “Greetings, Miss. Madam Jin has arrived. She is speaking with Madam now. Madam sent this servant to invite Miss over.”

“It is snowing lightly today. The weather is cold and the roads are slippery. Why has Madam Jin come over?” Mu Yunyao rose. Jin Lan had already brought over a cloak edged with rabbit fur. After putting it on, she carried an umbrella and made her way to the warm room in the front courtyard.

Madam Jin was speaking with Su Qing, her face full of smiles. Hearing Si Qi announce Yunyao’s arrival, she immediately looked toward the doorway.

The curtain was lifted, and Mu Yunyao stepped inside with light, graceful steps. She wore a cloak embroidered with immortal crane patterns and edged with rabbit fur. As she walked, the red pomegranate blossoms embroidered on the skirt beneath could be faintly glimpsed. The moment she entered, she carried with her a brilliant smile, making those who saw her unconsciously lift the corners of their lips as well.

Mu Yunyao handed her cloak to Si Qi, then stepped forward and curtsied. “Greetings, Madam Jin. Greetings, Mother.”

“Quickly, rise.” Madam Jin gestured for Mu Yunyao to come forward. Feeling that her fingers were somewhat cold, she quickly placed the hand warmer she held into Yunyao’s hands before finally relaxing. “Seeing that you look much more lively these past two days, I can finally be at ease.”

“Madam has been sending supplements over for me, and Mother stews them for me every day. I am worried that in a few more days, I shall become as round as a ball.”

Round as a ball?

Madam Jin was amused by Mu Yunyao and laughed for quite a while before finally stopping. “I came today because there is an important matter I wish to discuss with Younger Sister Su and you.”

“Has something gone wrong with the New Year’s tribute?” Mu Yunyao’s heart immediately tightened.

“That New Year’s tribute is so good that even the pickiest person would likely be unable to find the slightest flaw. How could there be a problem with it?” Madam Jin said, then looked toward Su Qing. “Younger Sister Su, we have known each other for half a year now. After spending so much time together, you should also understand my temperament. I will speak plainly.”

Su Qing could not help feeling somewhat nervous. “Madam, please speak.”

“During this period, Yunyao has helped me again and again. Whether it was the butterfly-attracting dress at the beginning, the rose fragrance dew recipe that later helped me earn a great deal of silver, diagnosing the hidden problem with my health and helping untie a knot in my heart that had lasted for years, or the recent credit from spreading the embroidery techniques and working day and night to complete the New Year’s tribute… I am endlessly grateful to Yunyao.”

Seeing that Su Qing was anxious and about to decline, Madam Jin held her hand and gently soothed her before continuing. “And with you, Younger Sister, I also feel a natural affinity. These past few months, if not for your wholehearted care, I do not know how my child and I would have fared. I remember all of these kindnesses. If I were to send gifts, no matter how generous they were, they could never express even a fraction of my gratitude. So I was thinking, why not recognize Yunyao as my God Daughter? From now on, we can look after each other like true sisters, and you will have someone to rely on here in Jingling City.”

“You… Madam wishes to recognize Yao’er as your God Daughter?” Su Qing was rather surprised.

“Yes. That is precisely why I came today—to discuss it with you. I only wonder whether you can bear to part with her.”

Joy rose in Su Qing’s heart. “If there is one more person to love Yao’er, how could I be unwilling?”

Madam Jin immediately smiled. “That is good. Such an obedient daughter—honestly, I was afraid you would be reluctant to share her. Yao’er, what do you think?”

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 151

Chapter 151: The Three Winter Months When One Cannot Wake

After Madam Jin left with the New Year’s tribute, Mu Yunyao felt as though a burden had slipped from her shoulders. After supper, she went to bed early and slept until the sun was high the next morning, yet still refused to rise from beneath the covers.

Su Qing came in carrying a bowl of eight-treasure rice. Seeing her daughter curled into the quilt, she could not help stepping forward and pinching her cheek. “What hour is it already, and you still will not get up? Nan’er and A’Mao have swept the courtyard once over.”

Mu Yunyao kept her eyes closed, feigning sleep, but the corners of her lips betrayed her, curving upward. Su Qing pinched her cheek again. “You wicked girl. Last night you were clamoring for eight-treasure rice, and I brought it over as soon as it was done. Hurry and stop pretending. Wash up and eat, or I shall take it out and give it to Nan’er and A’Mao.”

Mu Yunyao immediately opened her eyes and threw herself into Su Qing’s arms, putting on an extremely aggrieved air. “Ever since Nan’er and A’Mao came, Mother no longer dotes on me!”

Su Qing gathered her in with a smile. “What nonsense. If Mother did not dote on you, I would have dragged this lazy worm out of bed long ago.”

“An ancient saying goes: spring brings drowsiness, autumn brings weariness, summer makes one nod off—and in the three winter months, one simply cannot wake. I am merely following the wisdom of the ancients and cultivating my health.”

Su Qing, hearing her solemn nonsense, was caught between laughter and helplessness. She wanted to chide her, but when she remembered how Yunyao had spent so many days and nights rushing to finish the New Year’s tribute, the words would not leave her mouth.

At this moment, Mu Yunyao had only just woken and crawled out from the warm quilt. Her whole body seemed soft and warm as she lay across Su Qing’s knees, carrying a rare hint of girlish dependence that made one’s heart soften at the sight.

“Get up quickly and wash your face. Eat something first. If you still feel sleepy after eating, you may go back to bed.”

Mu Yunyao could not help curving her eyes into crescents, her clear gaze brimming with laughter. “I knew it. In this world, Mother loves me most.”

“You foolish child. Mother has only one daughter. If I do not love you, who else would I love?”

Mu Yunyao’s smile deepened. She rolled lightly against Su Qing’s knees before finally getting up to dress.

Su Qing helped her smooth out her skirt. Looking at the pale green magnolia flowers embroidered on her sleeves, she smiled. “From what Mother sees, you have grown quite a bit taller over the past half year. Once spring comes, these old clothes will likely no longer fit.”

Mu Yunyao stroked the dress she wore with unusual care. “This blue-jade magnolia gauze skirt was made by Mother’s own hands. No matter when I wear it, it will always fit. How could it not?”

“You only know how to say sweet things to coax Mother.” Su Qing wished for nothing more than for her daughter to grow taller and plumper. If the clothes no longer fit, they could simply make new ones.

“Although the trouble in Mother’s hands has improved somewhat, they still cannot bear too much strain. I cannot bear to let you spend your days holding needle and thread to sew clothes. Having this one set is enough.”

Su Qing only smiled and said nothing more, giving her no opening to continue. She watched with gentle eyes as Yunyao washed up.

Mu Yunyao, however, had already made up her mind. Because she had been so busy embroidering, she had not prepared winter clothes for herself at all. She had meant to let Jin Lan and the others find time to make her two sets, never expecting Su Qing to take up the needle herself. Now that she had some free time, she naturally would not allow her mother to tire herself again.

After eating a bowl of steaming eight-treasure rice, Mu Yunyao felt warmth seep through her from head to toe. At last free of urgent work, she wanted nothing more than to do absolutely nothing. Wrapped in a warm fox-fur cloak, she sat beside the brazier, leaning against the soft couch as she slowly drank tea.

Su Qing looked at her lazy, boneless posture and found it both exasperating and endearing. In the end, she simply let her be.

Jin Lan and Jin Qiao came in. They remained near the outer room for a little while, waiting for the chill on their bodies to disperse before approaching Mu Yunyao. “Miss, your room is still the most comfortable. I do not know what has happened these past two days, but the cold has become terribly sharp. Judging from the gloomy sky, it may snow again tomorrow. In previous years, Jiangnan was never this cold.”

Mu Yunyao poured two cups of tea and handed them over. “Drink some tea to warm yourselves.”

The two accepted the cups with bright smiles. Jin Lan took a sip and sighed softly. “Thank you, Miss. If Steward Qin drank tea brewed by Miss, he would certainly stop praising me.”

“Then find time to practice your tea-brewing properly. Perhaps in the future I shall send you out to manage one of the Buxian Towers.”

Jin Lan hurriedly shook her head. “Miss, please do not tease this servant. I know very well how much ability I have. Running errands at Miss’s side is one thing. If I were sent to manage Buxian Tower, I would lose my bearings within two days.”

Mu Yunyao smiled, then looked toward Jin Qiao. “How is the matter I asked you to inquire about?”

“Replying to Miss, this servant went to ask Steward Qin. He said the group of embroiderers from Caiyue Pavilion has already been scattered to various places. In another day or two, there should be movement. Also, Tan Bawang has already been released. However, Master Tan personally took him back to Huai’an City. I heard he has grown terribly thin, as though he suffered quite a bit in prison.”

Mu Yunyao’s lips lifted slightly. “County Magistrate Zhao is upright by nature and has always handled matters with integrity. This time, it was clear he intended to investigate Tan Bawang properly, yet Tan Lin interfered and shifted the blame onto a few servants. His heart must not have been at ease. As the parent-official of Jingling City, if he wants to discipline one or two people, it is only a matter of a few words. It would be strange if Tan Bawang had not suffered.”

“Miss, this servant still thinks letting Tan Bawang return like this is far too easy on him.”

“Rest assured. Even if we do not seek out Tan Bawang, he will come back to seek us out. That Master Tan has managed Caiyue Pavilion for many years. He is not someone who willingly swallows a loss. At present, he needs something from us, so he lowers his stance. Once Caiyue Pavilion receives credit for spreading the embroidery techniques, he naturally will no longer place us in his eyes.”

Jin Lan and Jin Qiao could not help worrying. “Since Miss understands this, why did you still choose him? Spreading the embroidery techniques is such a good opportunity. No matter whom you chose, they would likely have rushed to agree.”

“There is a reason I chose him. If the grudge between us and Caiyue Pavilion were not impossible to untie, I would not have used him as the blade.”

“This servant does not fully understand, but hearing Miss say it, it sounds extremely formidable,” Jin Qiao said with a smile.

“If you do not understand, then think on it more. The two of you both have decent natural ability. What you lack is experience and breadth of vision. In the future, if you are willing to remain by my side and serve me, then watch more, listen more, and think more. If you are willing to stand on your own, whether it is Niyun Pavilion or Buxian Tower, I can grant you the position of shopkeeper.”

Jin Lan and Jin Qiao did not hesitate at all. They immediately curtsied to Mu Yunyao. “This servant is willing to serve Miss.”

Mu Yunyao smiled faintly. “Good. Since the two of you have resolved to remain by my side, I naturally will not treat you poorly.”

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 150

Chapter 150: Robbed Again?

With a matter that had weighed upon her heart resolved, Mu Yunyao ate an extra half bowl of rice-flour dumplings. Su Qing was delighted, her brows blooming with smiles as she ladled more soup for her daughter, yet she was also afraid Mu Yunyao might overeat. “If you still want more, Mother can make them again in a few days. You must not stuff yourself…”

No sooner had she spoken than she felt the words were not quite right, and quickly added, “But you must eat enough as well. These past two days, you look thinner again.”

Mu Yunyao blinked, lifted a hand to touch her cheek, then turned to Jin Lan. “Have I grown thinner these past two days?” During this time, Su Qing had been changing dishes every day to nourish her. Even half of the ginseng Steward Qin had sent had been stewed into soup. Mu Yunyao felt her cheeks had rounded out quite a bit.

Jin Lan hurriedly nodded. “Miss has been working so hard every day. Of course you have grown thinner.” Miss was slender to begin with, and now she spent every day seated before the embroidery frame. Her wrists and neck often ached so badly that she could scarcely lift them. Her wrists and fingers, especially, had to be warmed with hot compresses every evening; otherwise, they would certainly swell the next day. The sight pained the heart.

“Very well.” Knowing they were only worried about her, Mu Yunyao did not argue further. After drinking half a bowl of soup, she returned to her room and resumed embroidering the New Year tribute.

Day by day, time passed.

Outside Yuxi City, a merchant caravan, after nearly twenty days on the road, finally saw the city gates from afar. Just as they could not help letting out a breath of relief, the thunder of hooves rolled closer. Masked bandits appeared as abruptly as they had the previous time. After seizing all the goods, they sped away without delay.

By the time the merchants managed to flee to the gates of Yuxi City, there was not a single copper coin left on them.

The soldiers guarding the city widened their eyes at the sight of them. “It is you again? What, robbed again?” The last time they had been robbed of tea, the caravan owner had insisted he did not believe in ill fortune and would go back to transport another batch. At the time, the soldiers thought he had spoken in anger. They had not expected him truly to make another trip—only to be robbed again.

The caravan owner sat on the ground and wailed. “We reported this last time! Why have the upright officials still not caught those bandits?”

The gate soldier could not help feeling some sympathy. He stepped forward and helped the man up. “Do not be so stubborn. That gang of bandits is fierce. The authorities simply cannot catch them. In the future, hire more guards to travel with your caravan. At least that might help somewhat. Otherwise, stop coming to Yuxi City to do business. This place is so poor even birds will not lay eggs here. Even if you brought tea leaves, no one could afford to buy them.”

“But my old rival sent tea leaves to Yuxi City before and said he made a great sum of silver.”

“Then you were likely deceived. These days, who still comes here to do business?”

The caravan owner wept for a long while, then pawned the gold ring on his hand and barely managed to let the caravan stay in Yuxi City for one night. The next day, he led his people away. As they departed, the soldiers at the gate shook their heads at their backs, feeling only that these people were unlucky to the extreme.

Unexpectedly, nearly twenty days later, another caravan approached Yuxi City. This time, they were even closer to the gate. Just as they were about to enter the city, bandits seemed to descend from the sky. In less than a quarter of an hour, they swept away every last piece of cargo and vanished.

Only after the bandits had left did the soldiers guarding the city creep out from the gate in fear. Seeing someone in the caravan weeping bitterly, one of them hurried forward. “Eh? You are not the Wang family caravan?” He had thought the unlucky lot who had already been robbed twice had come back again. He had not expected a different group this time.

At the mention of the Wang family caravan, the merchants began crying even harder. “The Wang family caravan went back and said they had earned a great sum of silver in Yuxi City. That was why we followed, thinking we could open a trade route here. Who would have thought we would be robbed before even entering the city? Why is Heaven so unfair, treating that Wang fellow so kindly?”

The gate soldier thought for a moment. “You and the Wang family are rivals, are you not?”

“Yes. Our Zhang family and the Wang family cannot stand under the same sky!”

The soldier sighed. “Ah, then that explains it.” Since they were irreconcilable rivals, who else would they cheat, if not you? Still, the bandits around Yuxi City had never been quite this rampant before. Now they came around every few days. Could it be that they had grown addicted to robbing people?

Mu Yunyao knew nothing of the liveliness taking place outside Yuxi City, thousands of li away. At this moment, she was accompanying Madam Jin as they examined the embroidery in her hand. “Madam, what do you think?”

Madam Jin looked at the embroidery spread across the table, her face flushed with excitement. “Yunyao, I truly do not know how to describe it. Good. It is truly excellent!”

The embroidery before them was nine chi long and five chi wide. Along the borders, auspicious clouds had been embroidered in bright yellow thread. In the center, on a red ground, four golden characters—Fortune, Longevity, Peace, and Health—shone with brilliance. At a single glance, the work appeared majestic and profound. Against the auspicious clouds, it seemed like a mountain standing among the heavens, carrying an imposing dignity.

Mu Yunyao let out a long breath of relief. “Hearing Madam say that it is good sets my heart at ease. I was afraid my skill would prove insufficient and delay the New Year tribute to His Majesty.”

“Do not be so modest. I dare say that throughout the entire Dali Dynasty, there is no second person whose embroidery skill can compare with yours.”

“Madam praises me too highly.”

Madam Jin studied it carefully for the time it took to drink a cup of tea before finally withdrawing her gaze with reluctance. “Yunyao, you have worked hard these days. I heard you did not even celebrate your birthday, and devoted yourself entirely to this tribute…”

“I am still young. What need is there to celebrate a birthday? Besides, Madam even had Sister Yinhong send me a set of jewelry. I have never seen rubies of such pure color before. Simply looking at them made me unwilling to part with them, let alone wear them on my head.”

The fifteenth day of the tenth month was Mu Yunyao’s birthday. She herself had never intended to hold any celebration. That day, she had merely eaten a bowl of hand-pulled noodles made by her mother, and already felt more than satisfied. To her, nothing could have made her happier than that bowl of noodles.

Su Qing nodded as well. “That is right. Madam, in your present condition, you still remembered Yunyao’s birthday. You truly spoil her.” Between Su Qing and Madam Jin, there was already something of a sworn-sister intimacy, so their speech no longer carried so many restraints.

Madam Jin, however, gazed at Mu Yunyao with a face full of smiles. “If I could truly spoil her rotten, I would gather ten or eight sets of ruby jewelry and send them all over. This girl Yunyao is simply too sensible. Looking at her makes one’s heart ache.”

As she spoke, her gaze swept over Mu Yunyao’s hands. She gently pulled them over and examined them closely. Her wrists and fingers were slightly red and swollen, especially the three fingers that held the embroidery needle. The tips were red and bore a thin layer of callus. Compared with the pale, scallion-white fingers of her left hand, they looked all the more distressing. “For the next while, you must rest properly. Do not leave behind any hidden injury.”

Mu Yunyao smiled and nodded. “Madam, do not worry. In two days, it will be fine.” Injuries on her body recovered extremely quickly. Moreover, she applied excellent medicinal ointment every day. In a few days, her hands would be as they had been before. Otherwise, she would never dare push herself so desperately.

Having lived once more, she cherished her own body more than anyone.

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 149

Chapter 149: The Strangely Guileless Clever Man

Seeing that Mu Yunyao did not mean to blame him, Liu Liang’s whole body finally eased. “Yes, Master. You will not punish Qi Ming?”

“Why should I punish him? I would dearly like a few more people like him.” Mu Yunyao’s face was full of laughter. “Jin Lan, later, prepare a red envelope of five hundred taels as well. Have Liu Liang deliver it to Qi Ming together with Steward Qin’s.” Faults must be punished, but merit must also be rewarded. She could not allow capable people to feel chilled.

“Yes, Miss.”

After Liu Liang withdrew, Mu Yunyao continued with the embroidery in her hands and asked Jin Lan to count the banknotes.

“Miss, altogether there are twenty-one thousand two hundred taels.”

Mu Yunyao nodded. “Take it to Mother. If she asks where the banknotes came from, say they are profits from Buxian Tower sent over by Steward Qin.”

“Yes, Miss.”

Once Jin Lan had gone out, Mu Yunyao laughed softly. If the price difference alone had yielded more than twenty thousand taels, then this time, Steward Qin must have prepared no small amount of ginger tea.

That day, Mu Yunyao had just risen when she felt the air carried a sharper chill than before. When Jin Lan entered, there was a hint of excitement on her face. “Miss, it is snowing outside. Though there is only a thin layer, it is especially lovely.”

Mu Yunyao paused slightly. “Counting the days, is today not precisely Xiaoxue—Little Snow? It has answered the season rather well.”

“Yes. Just now, this servant met Si Qin and heard that Madam is preparing rice-flour dumplings. She said that after eating rice-flour dumplings, one will not be frozen by the cold. This servant is truly fortunate today.” Madam had never treated them as outsiders. Each time she prepared something delicious, she would have some set aside for them as well. It warmed their hearts beyond words.

Warmth gathered in Mu Yunyao’s smile. “Just as well. I have not eaten rice-flour dumplings in quite some time, and I am craving them. Later, go tell Mother that I want lotus root and fresh pork filling.” To her mother, troublesome requests were not to be feared. What she feared was making something that her daughter wouldn’t like. Therefore, Mu Yunyao never hesitated when making such requests.

“Yes, Miss.”

Mu Yunyao was in good spirits, and even her embroidery seemed to move faster beneath her fingers.

Meanwhile, in Jinxiu Garden next door, the guests who had come to drink tea were all sighing in wonder. The scenery of Jinxiu Garden had already been beautiful enough, but now every place set aside for guests to drink tea had either hanging curtains or standing screens.

According to the different views, the patterns on the curtains and screens were all distinct. They echoed the surrounding scenery, refined and flawless, blending into a seamless whole. Now, with a light fall of snow drifting down, the garden gained another layer of dreamlike beauty, enough to intoxicate the mind and make one reluctant to leave.

Once word spread, many people came to Jinxiu Garden to admire the scenery. In winter, most places had turned bleak and bare, leaving people with few destinations. Now that there was Jinxiu Garden, with its beautiful views and the imperial plaque bestowed by the Emperor, it naturally became the first choice for leisure.

Steward Qin counted the silver that had come in, and his admiration for Mu Yunyao deepened further. Previously, he had worried that once winter arrived, the number of guests at Buxian Tower would drop sharply. Yet now, not only had the guests not decreased, they had increased instead; business was even livelier than in summer. In addition, Qi Ming, who had helped purchase grain earlier, had saved him a considerable sum. Steward Qin immediately decided that when the New Year came, he would certainly prepare a large red envelope and send it to Miss Mu.

Mu Yunyao found time to meet Qi Ming. The man was tall and strongly built, with an honest, simple smile. After entering and paying his respects, even his smile carried a touch of bashfulness.

“No need for so much ceremony. Sit.” Mu Yunyao studied Qi Ming. The smile on his face was entirely sincere, and even his eyes carried a guileless honesty. Not the slightest trace of pretense could be seen. A person like this had either worked deception into his very bones—or else he truly was honest by nature.

“Many thanks, Miss.” Qi Ming sat down somewhat stiffly. A large, tall man, yet he occupied only half the chair, making him look faintly comical.

“I am rather curious. How did it occur to you to buy extra grain and store it?”

At the question, Qi Ming quickly stood. “Reporting to Miss, I heard that you were buying grain to send to Yuexi. I thought that perhaps you might send another batch later. If grain prices rose after some time, buying again would cost you far more silver. It would be better to buy and store it now. That way, we would save money and time. Even if Miss ended up not needing the grain, we could still keep it awhile and sell it once the price rose.”

“You considered the matter quite thoroughly.” No wonder Liu Liang had asked for extra silver during that period; it must have been for this. Mu Yunyao studied Qi Ming carefully. No flaw could be found in either his expression or his words. Looking at him, one could only feel that every word came from genuine sincerity, making the heart feel strangely soothed. “What plans do you have for the future?”

Qi Ming quickly nodded. “This servant follows Miss. Whatever you order me to do, I shall do.”

Mu Yunyao smiled. After considering for a moment, she said, “Earlier, I had an idea, but there were no people under me who knew how to do business, so I never put it into action. Now that you are here, the timing is right. I wish to open a Yibao Pavilion, specializing in jewelry, rouge, face powder, and the like. How would it be if you served as its shopkeeper?”

“If Miss orders this servant to be shopkeeper, this servant will be shopkeeper.” Qi Ming nodded at once, without the slightest hesitation.

“Then have you thought about what ought to be done to make Yibao Pavilion famous, to let it become a golden signboard like Niyun Pavilion?”

Qi Ming frowned and pondered for a moment, then reached up and scratched his head. “This servant has one idea, but it feels somewhat treasonous.”

“Say it.”

The smile on Mu Yunyao’s lips deepened. In such a short time, he already had an idea?

“The Niyun Pavilion Miss created can already be said to be famous far and near. If Yibao Pavilion is to become like Niyun Pavilion, then it can only step on Niyun Pavilion’s shoulders to climb upward.” Qi Ming carefully observed Mu Yunyao’s expression. Seeing that she was not angry, he let out a heavy breath of relief.

The smile at Mu Yunyao’s lips grew deeper still. “Explain carefully. How should Yibao Pavilion step on Niyun Pavilion’s shoulders to climb upward?”

“This servant has privately heard many people speak of Niyun Pavilion with jealousy. It is only because Niyun Pavilion bears a signboard personally bestowed by the Emperor that they dare not openly oppose it. If Yibao Pavilion dares to step forward, it will certainly receive secret support from many people. In this way, matters will become much smoother without anyone noticing. Later, once Niyun Pavilion opens throughout the entire Dali Dynasty, Yibao Pavilion can also bloom everywhere along with it.”

Mu Yunyao laughed, her eyes bright with unusual brilliance. “Good. Since that is so, go handle it. Report directly to Liu Liang how much silver you need, and I will have him give it to you.” She truly had not expected Qi Ming’s idea to coincide so perfectly with her own. Originally, she had planned to wait until several more Niyun Pavilions had opened before sparing the energy to establish Yibao Pavilion. Now, with him to help, there was no need to wait. In this way, she had taken another step closer to her goal.

Qi Ming had truly come at exactly the right time.

Qi Ming nodded. “Yes, Miss.”

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 148

Chapter 148: A Talent for Making Silver

Yu Yi had never seen Steward Qin wear such an expression before. Curiosity stirred in him despite himself. “Steward Qin, what exactly happened?”

Steward Qin swept him an irritated glance. Then, as though a little spirit had returned to him, he asked, “After you gave both letters to His Highness, what expression did he have?”

“His Highness’s expression?” Yu Yi scratched his head and thought hard for quite a while. “You have served His Highness for so many years. Has his face not always been cold and indifferent? What expression could there be?”

Steward Qin had been full of expectation, but at that answer, his patience vanished. He waved him off in frustration. “Get out. You and that boy Yu Heng are the same—useless all day long.”

“Who says so? Steward Cheng even praised me before.”

“That was because his old eyes have grown dim. Move aside. Do not stand here. Looking at you vexes me.”

Yu Yi rubbed his nose and headed straight for the kitchen. He had heard there was still quite a bit of ginger tea there. He had to hurry and taste it. These days, traveling back and forth between Jiling City and Yuexi, he had only heard of ginger tea but had never actually seen what it was. His curiosity had nearly climbed into his throat. Now, at last, he had a chance to behold its true appearance.

Steward Qin sighed for a long while. In the end, he could only shake his head and murmur, “This cannot be rushed. It cannot be rushed. This matter must be considered slowly.”

For the next stretch of time, Mu Yunyao fell completely quiet, devoting herself to embroidering the New Year’s gift prepared for the Emperor. The sheets of paper collected from various regions, each written with the words fortune, longevity, peace, and health, had already filled several large boxes. Even with Mu Yunyao’s careful mind, it took a great deal of effort to sort them all. Once that was done, however, the embroidery progressed much faster.

One day, Mu Yunyao had just finished breakfast when Jin Lan came in to report, “Miss, Steward Qin has arrived.”

“Invite him in.”

The weather had grown colder. Steward Qin had changed into a thicker-lined robe and wore a brownish-blue cap. With a smile on his face, he looked especially gentle. “Greetings, Miss Mu.”

“There is no need for such courtesy, Steward Qin. Please sit. Jin Lan, serve tea.”

Once the tea was brought in, Steward Qin took a sip and could not help praising it. “Clearly it is the same water and the same tea, yet somehow the tea here at Miss Mu’s side tastes especially fine.”

Mu Yunyao laughed lightly. “Then another day, I shall certainly have to reward Jin Lan. Her tea-brewing skill has improved.”

“She ought indeed to be rewarded.” Steward Qin looked at Jin Lan, who now moved forward and withdrew with proper bearing, and could not help sighing inwardly. Miss Mu’s way of training people was something others truly could not match. Half a year ago, he had seen what Jin Lan looked like when she had first arrived here. Compared with now, she was practically a different person.

Jin Lan quickly curtsied at the side. “Many thanks, Miss. Many thanks, Steward Qin. I shall certainly work even harder in the future.” After speaking, seeing that Steward Qin only smiled without saying anything more, she raised her eyes toward Mu Yunyao. When Mu Yunyao gave a slight nod, Jin Lan curtsied again and withdrew.

Only then did Steward Qin bring up the matter at hand. “Miss Mu, the last batch of ginger tea we sent over was of great help to His Highness. Therefore, I was thinking of preparing another batch and sending it over.”

“Steward Qin should also have seen that I am presently busy embroidering the New Year’s gift for the Emperor. My energy is truly limited, and I cannot attend to everything. As for frying and preparing the ginger tea, please handle it yourself.” The first time she had sent Yue Wang ginger tea, it had been a favor. If she sent more after that, it would be silver—white, shining silver. The money she had on hand was meant for important matters; naturally, she could not spend it all on Yue Wang.

Steward Qin could not guess what calculations lay in Mu Yunyao’s heart. Seeing that she declined directly, he did not think much of it. “Since that is the case, I shall handle it myself. I only need to borrow one person from Miss Mu.”

“Borrow someone? Steward Qin means Qi Ming, the one who helped purchase grain last time?”

“Precisely. This time, the amount of ginger tea to be sent will be larger, so the grain to be purchased will also be greater. I would like him to help share some of the work.”

“That is no problem. I will have Liu Liang notify him and ask him to go directly to Steward Qin.”

“Good. Many thanks, Miss Mu. There is also one more matter. Now that the weather is growing colder, the number of guests at Buxian Tower has decreased somewhat. I was thinking—should we perhaps renovate Jinxiu Garden a little and add curtains and draperies?”

Mu Yunyao came to herself. “These days, I have been so busy with the embroidery in my hands that I nearly forgot this matter. Starting tomorrow, Jinxiu Garden will close for three days. We will rearrange the scenery in the garden.”

“Is three days not too short?” With such haste, could it be completed?

“Steward Qin may rest assured. When Jinxiu Garden’s scenery was first repaired and arranged, I had already carefully considered how to block the wind in winter. The curtains and draperies were also prepared earlier. Now we need only have people hang them up. It will not delay us for long.”

“That is excellent. Miss Mu’s thoughts are meticulous indeed. It is truly admirable.” Steward Qin knew Mu Yunyao was pressed for time. After saying a few more words reminding her to take care of her health, he rose and took his leave.

After Mu Yunyao told Liu Liang about the matter, she put it entirely out of her mind. More than ten days later, Steward Qin came to thank her, saying that Qi Ming had handled matters thoroughly. The grain he purchased was of excellent quality, and the price was ten percent lower than that of other grain merchants. Steward Qin praised him for nearly a quarter of an hour, and before leaving, he even left a red envelope behind, hoping Mu Yunyao would pass it to Qi Ming.

After he left, Mu Yunyao was just about to have Jin Lan call Liu Liang when Liu Liang walked in carrying a box.

“Liu Liang, you came at just the right time. Steward Qin just sent over a red envelope, saying he wished to thank Qi Ming for handling things so well. Find some time to pass it to him.”

After Liu Liang finished saluting and rose, his expression was somewhat stiff as he presented the box to Mu Yunyao.

Remembering Steward Qin’s long string of praise, Mu Yunyao still had a smile on her face. “What is this?” As she spoke, she opened the box, and the smile on her face suddenly paused.

Inside the box lay a neat stack of banknotes. She picked them up and roughly counted them. There were at least twenty thousand taels.

“Where did so much silver come from?”

“Reporting to Master, Qi Ming earned it.”

Mu Yunyao was genuinely astonished. “He earned it?” Her first thought was that Qi Ming had secretly skimmed from the money Steward Qin had given him to purchase grain. Yet when she thought of Steward Qin’s praise just now, she felt that it should not be so. After all, Steward Qin was not someone easily fooled. The quality and price of grain were things that could least withstand deception.

Liu Liang nodded. “Back then, when he followed your instructions and went to collect grain, he heard what the grain would be used for and bought extra. Now, he sold the grain he had stored to Steward Qin.”

When she had sent Qi Ming to buy grain, the autumn harvest had just passed, and the price of newly harvested grain had been much lower. Now winter had arrived, and the price had naturally risen. The more than twenty thousand taels of silver came from that difference.

Mu Yunyao’s thoughts turned. Once she understood the key point, she could not help laughing softly. “This Qi Ming is truly a talent. Another day, bring him to me. I want to see what such a clever person looks like.”

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 147

Chapter 147: Miss Mu Sends Ginger Tea Across a Thousand Li

After entering Yuexi territory, the bandits removed their face coverings. The one at their head was none other than Yu Heng, Yue Wang’s trusted retainer.

The other guards, who had also disguised themselves as bandits, stared curiously at the burlap sacks covered with oiled felt cloth on the carts. Some could not resist reaching out to squeeze them; others even leaned in to smell them. Unfortunately, there was not the slightest scent, leaving them unable to guess what was inside.

Yu Heng turned back and caught sight of their movements. He could not help giving a low rebuke. “Do not touch them recklessly. These contain the ginger tea Miss Mu sent over. Steward Cheng reminded me again and again that not even a little of it may be damaged.”

The others exchanged glances, their eyes brimming with curiosity. For Yu Heng to respectfully call someone “Miss,” her identity must be far from ordinary. Yet they had never seen His Highness grow close to any young lady.

Those who had been sent to handle this matter were all Yue Wang’s confidants, so they had fewer reservations when speaking.

“Which family’s young lady is this Miss Mu?”

Yu Heng swept him a glance, and the smile at the corner of his lips grew even more mysterious.

Receiving no answer, everyone felt as though claws were scratching at their hearts. Though they did not know what sort of tea this ginger tea was, they knew well enough how precious tea leaves were. Even the most ordinary tea, if it filled more than a dozen carts, would cost tens of thousands of taels of silver. Which young lady in the family could be so generous?

All the way back to Yue Wang’s Residence, their curiosity did not fade in the slightest.

After returning to the residence, Yu Heng first went to report. “Master, all the ginger tea Miss Mu sent has been escorted back.”

Yue Wang rose and went to the courtyard. There, he saw the guards unloading sack after sack.

Yu Heng picked up one sack and set it upright. Then, with great care, he opened its mouth for Yue Wang to inspect.

The guards, who had long been burning with curiosity, stretched their necks one after another to look. Once the sack was opened, they discovered another layer of waterproof, damp-proof felt cloth wrapped inside. When that felt cloth was removed, a rich fragrance immediately drifted out.

Everyone could not help inhaling deeply, delight filling their eyes. Yuexi had few edible resources to begin with, and even so, they still had to contend with raids and harassment from Beijiang (the Northern Frontier) and the Yunnu. Once winter came, life became even more strained. Even they, guards of Yue Wang’s Residence, did not have much oil in their bellies.

Now, after traveling for an entire day, the sudden fragrance of the ginger tea seemed to grow claws, drawing out rumbling sounds from their stomachs one after another.

Yue Wang reached out, took a little of the ginger tea, and rubbed it between his fingers. The light in his eyes remained cold and clear, yet another emotion seemed to flicker within it.

Steward Cheng had already prepared bowls. To help build Mu Yunyao’s reputation, he had brought no small number of them—basically one for every guard who had gone to escort the ginger tea.

“Your Highness, this ginger tea has finally arrived after such difficulty. How about we all taste it?” Though his mouth was asking for permission, his hands did not hesitate in the least. He had already taken a ladle and scooped some into the bowls.

Yue Wang gave a slight nod, and everyone present immediately broke into smiles.

Some of the more impatient ones saw Steward Cheng scoop the ginger tea into the bowls and simply grabbed a handful of the powdered mixture to put into their mouths. Their eyes widened in delight. “Delicious! This ginger tea is truly delicious!”

They had originally thought it was tea leaves. Who would have expected it to be pale yellow rice flour, with a little dried vegetable and diced meat mixed in? Even eaten dry like this, it filled the mouth with savory fragrance, delicate and delicious.

“This was sent all the way here by Miss Mu. If I had known you lot would behave like this, I simply would not have let you taste it!”

The moment Steward Cheng spoke, a chorus of wails rose at once.

“Do not say that, Steward Cheng. Look, we have not failed to show you filial respect on ordinary days. Just let us have a taste first. Is there not still a great deal of it?”

“Steward Cheng, who exactly is this Miss Mu you speak of?” They had already heard Yu Heng mention her once, and now Steward Cheng had brought her up again. It made them nearly die of curiosity.

“Do not pry blindly. When it is time for you to know, naturally you will know. Enough. This ginger tea is not meant to be eaten dry. I have already had people bring hot water. Each of you may go scoop some into your bowl and brew it.”

“Good! Many thanks, Steward Cheng.”

When food was mentioned, everyone temporarily suppressed their curiosity and hurried over with their bowls to add hot water.

After being brewed with hot water, the fragrance grew even richer. The dried ginger pieces and vegetables unfurled, releasing a thick aroma, while the diced meat remained especially chewy. Blowing aside the steam and taking one sip sent warmth through the whole body, leaving an endless aftertaste.

Steward Cheng brought a bowl over to Yue Wang. “Your Highness, would you like to taste some as well?”

Yue Wang shook his head and walked straight toward the carriage. After sweeping his gaze over it, he lifted aside a sack and took out an exquisite wooden box. A slip of paper had been pressed atop the box, written with the words: For His Highness Yue Wang to open personally.

Steward Cheng slurped his ginger tea while leaning over. Seeing the handwriting on the slip, his eyes filled with laughter. “Your Highness, it seems the contents of this box were specially prepared for you by Miss Mu. Will you not open it and have a look?”

Yue Wang glanced at the bowl in Steward Cheng’s hand. “Uncle Cheng, they have already started drinking their second bowl.”

Steward Cheng quickly turned back. Raising the ladle in his hand, he went over to strike at them. “You brats, put down your bowls! Hey—Yu Heng, I am speaking to you! Do not scoop so much. Your bowl is only so large. If you add that much powder, will it not turn into paste once you pour in water?”

While the courtyard was filled with noise and laughter, Yue Wang carried the wooden box back to his study. Upon opening it, he found a letter on top. The letter carefully explained how to prepare the ginger tea, how much to use, and how to store it. The instructions were extremely detailed. Yet after Yue Wang finished reading, his brows could not help but draw together slightly. Only when he opened the oiled paper and saw that the ginger tea inside was clearly different from the batch outside did his expression ease a little.

Steward Cheng considerately brought hot water, bowls, and utensils, then said nothing at all before retreating with a smiling face.

Yue Wang brewed a bowl of ginger tea. Merely smelling it, he felt that it was far more fragrant than the kind Yu Heng and the others were drinking outside. He glanced again at the wooden box, and at last his brows relaxed slightly. Taking his time, he drank the bowl of ginger tea with added vegetables and meat, then sat behind his desk and began writing a reply.

In Jiangnan, at Jinxiu Garden, Steward Qin stared dumbfounded at Yu Yi before him. “What did you say? Repeat what you just said.”

A bad premonition rose in Yu Yi’s heart, and he took two small steps backward. “Steward Qin, please do not be so agitated. Did you not say with your own mouth that I was to deliver the letters into His Highness’s hands? I delivered them to him, did I not?”

“I told you to personally deliver the letter to His Highness, but I never said both letters were for him!” Steward Qin wished he could grab Yu Yi and stomp on him twice. One of those letters had been meant for Old Cheng. In it, he had hinted at great length that Miss Mu had feelings for His Highness, all for the sake of urging Old Cheng to whisper more advice from the side and help bring His Highness and Miss Mu together. If His Highness saw it instead, what if it backfired?

Yu Yi felt that the look Steward Qin gave him was no different from one directed at a mortal enemy. He quickly retreated another two steps. “You cannot blame me for this. You did not write on the envelopes whom they were meant for. When I returned, Steward Cheng was right beside me and even asked about them. I saw that both envelopes were blank, so I gave them both to His Highness.”

“I… I did not write whom they were for?”

“That is right. Both envelopes were completely blank. You did not write a single word.” Yu Yi nodded with firm conviction.

Steward Qin froze for a moment, then swallowed. No wonder His Highness’s reply had contained only three words—I know now. So the root of the matter was here. Did 

His Highness knew that Miss Mu secretly admired him.

But in truth, all of that had been nonsense Steward Qin had made up himself.

What was he to do now?

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 146

Chapter 146: Yue Wang, Brief and to the Point

Mu Yunyao returned to herself. The bead of blood on her fingertip had already begun to clot. She took a handkerchief and wiped it lightly; her fingertip was clean again, and even that tiny pinprick no longer hurt. “It is nothing.”

What she had seen and heard today at the Cao Residence had stirred her heart more than she liked, making her think, unbidden, of her former self. In her previous life, when she had been Jin Wang’s concubine, that eldest miss of the Su family must have looked at her much as Madam Jin looked at Concubine Wang: nothing more than a plaything whose ambitions had grown too large.

In this life, she would never again become anyone’s concubine. She would also send that dear elder sister of hers safely and steadily into Jin Wang’s Residence. She wanted to see what sort of days two people so false to the bone could make of each other.

Several days later, when Mu Yunyao went again to the Cao Residence to discuss with Madam Jin what kind of embroidered cloth should be used for the New Year’s gift, she saw people clearing out the lotus pond.

Yin Hong led Mu Yunyao along the path. Seeing her gaze fall upon the pond, she softly explained, “Yesterday, Concubine Wang and Concubine Zhou had a little conflict. Concubine Zhou lost her grip and pushed Concubine Wang in. The lotus pond was full of silt. Concubine Wang had not been in the water for long before there was no sound from her. Madam felt uneasy whenever she looked at the pond, so she ordered it cleaned out and plans to have it filled in.”

Mu Yunyao smiled faintly. A ripple passed through her eyes, then vanished without a trace. “Madam has considered the matter well.”

After several days of coming and going, the cloth and embroidery thread for the New Year’s gift were finally prepared. The characters chosen by Provincial Governor Zhang were also sent over one after another. Mu Yunyao carefully selected them before instructing people to begin embroidering.

The characters for fortune, longevity, peace, and health had been written by elders with complete blessings, whom Provincial Governor Zhang had invited from various places. Although the original plan had been to ask the women of Jingling City who knew embroidery to help with the work, this birthday gift was, after all, to be presented to the Emperor. If the women’s needlework was not good enough, flaws would inevitably remain. In the end, after discussing it with Madam Jin, they decided that Mu Yunyao would embroider most of it herself, with the remaining portions completed by the embroiderers of Niyun Pavilion. These embroiderers had also been selected from the best in Jingling City, so they could still represent the women of Jingling.

Su Qing helped sort through the handwriting sent from different places until her eyes nearly blurred. “Yao’er, is this not far too much? How long will you have to embroider?”

Jin Lan and the others, who were splitting silk thread nearby, could not help nodding as well. “Exactly, Miss. Provincial Governor Zhang is too inconsiderate. New Year is already not far away, and the gift must be sent to the capital half a month early. The actual time available for embroidery is only about three months. How could it possibly be finished?”

Mu Yunyao looked up and gave a light smile. “I am not worried, so what are you all worrying about? Rest assured. Three months is enough.”

Su Qing could not help sighing. Swallowing down her heartache, she said, “Mother will go make you something to eat. For these three months, you need not concern yourself with anything else. Just focus on embroidering the New Year’s gift.”

Mu Yunyao smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Mother.”

When Steward Qin learned that Mu Yunyao would be helping prepare the New Year’s gift, he hurriedly bought a great many medicinal herbs and sent them over.

Mu Yunyao opened the box and looked at the whole ginseng root inside, its fine root hairs still intact. She could not help laughing softly. “Steward Qin, what you have prepared is far too precious. I am merely helping embroider a New Year’s gift. I cannot bear to use something this good.”

This ginseng looked to be a hundred years old. If she truly ate it, it would certainly overnourish her.

“Miss, you must not treat this lightly. Embroidery consumes the mind most of all, especially your embroidery. Those silk threads are split until they are almost invisible. An ordinary person’s eyes would blur from a single glance. It is only because your skill is superb that your needle falls as though guided by a spirit.”

As Steward Qin spoke, admiration rose in him, but so did a trace of distress.

For the sake of Niyun Pavilion and Buxian Tower, Miss Mu had already planned each step with great care and had labored greatly. Now, to please the Emperor’s heart, she had to work continuously for three months. He could not help much, so he could only do his utmost to search for tonics and send them over.

Warmth rose in Mu Yunyao’s heart. “Then you must keep careful watch over Buxian Tower and divide more silver to me each month. In that case, I will not feel tired.”

“Do not worry, Miss. The people I sent out have already taken root in Suzhou, Yangzhou, and other places. Very soon they will be able to begin roasting tea leaves and earning silver. It is only a pity that fresh leaves can only be picked during these few months. Once winter arrives, there will be no way to roast tea.”

These days, after tasting the joy of earning silver, Steward Qin wished he could enshrine every tea tree in the garden and have them produce fresh leaves every day.

“Silver can never all be earned. We are already busy enough as it is. If one bites off more than one can chew, one will only choke. Let us proceed slowly, step by step.” Mu Yunyao’s desire to earn silver was even more urgent than Steward Qin’s, but she did not dare be hasty. One wrong step could overturn the entire game. After all, the time she had left was less than a year.

Steward Qin also understood this reasoning. “Yes. It is already very good to proceed steadily.” Half a year ago, he had thought it would be enough if he could hold several tens of thousands of taels in his hands. Now, the silver passing through his hands each day was more than ten thousand taels. People truly could not be too greedy.

During the days that followed, Mu Yunyao rarely stepped outside. Every day, she stayed in her room embroidering the New Year’s gift.

Madam Jin visited her twice. Seeing that the embroidery was progressing well, she no longer disturbed her often. Instead, every so often, she sent gifts: sometimes jewelry and head ornaments, sometimes simple foods.

Mu Yunyao did not refuse and instructed Jin Lan to accept them all one by one.

More than half a month later, Steward Qin delivered Yue Wang’s reply.

Mu Yunyao moved her stiff wrist and fingers, feeling somewhat surprised. “I did not expect His Highness Yue Wang to actually send me a reply.” Only, she had not sent a letter last time. What reply was this supposed to be?

Steward Qin merely smiled, and his smile was especially brilliant. The way he looked at Mu Yunyao carried bursts of strange radiance, as though he were already regarding her as the future Princess Consort Yue—and the more he looked, the more satisfied he became.

Mu Yunyao was left rather bewildered by his gaze. After opening the letter, she found only three words written on the paper: I know now.

It truly was Yue Wang’s style, where each word was worth a thousand pieces of gold.

She could not help lifting her brows. Holding up the letter, she showed it to Steward Qin. “This… ‘I know now’… What exactly does His Highness Yue Wang know?”

Steward Qin’s eyes widened. In his heart, he could not stop complaining. Judging from Old Cheng’s meaning, His Highness clearly kept Miss Mu in his thoughts. Why could he not write a little more in the letter? With only three words—I know now—who could tell what His Highness was thinking?

Seeing Steward Qin struck speechless, Mu Yunyao felt it would be unkind to continue troubling the old man. “I will write a letter to ask His Highness Yue Wang, then. It just so happens I have not sent a letter for some time. By the time the letter arrives, the ginger tea should have almost reached Yuexi as well.”

Steward Qin quickly wiped away his cold sweat. “Good, good. Miss is still the thoughtful one.”

Fortunately, Miss Mu was understanding. If this were any other young woman, she might long since have become angry.

No, he still had to write a letter to scold Old Cheng. Miss Mu had divided the profits of Niyun Pavilion, helped open Buxian Tower, worked hard to obtain two golden-lettered plaques, and even sent ginger tea over a thousand li to His Highness. Even he, as an outsider, was moved just watching it all. How could His Highness not know how to say a few pleasant words to coax her?

Far away in Yuexi, Yue Wang suddenly sneezed, prompting Steward Cheng, who was reporting matters before him, to show concern. “Your Highness, the weather has turned cold. You should add a few more layers. Did Old Qin not send over two fox-fur cloaks? They were bought from Jiangnan. When Your Highness wears them, you look especially valiant and majestic. I will have someone take them out and air them. They can be worn tomorrow.”

Yue Wang nodded without speaking.

Another half a month passed. The merchant caravan transporting “tea leaves” finally arrived outside Yuxi City after traveling a thousand li. Unfortunately, before they could enter the city, a ferocious band of bandits rushed out, seized the tea leaves, and dragged them away.

Only after the bandits had vanished without a trace did Yuxi City’s garrison soldiers come out trembling. Seeing the caravan owner sitting on the ground, weeping loudly, one of them could not help but offer a word of comfort. “Stop crying. It is already good that they only took the goods and did not harm anyone. Hurry into the city and rest.”

“This officer, we want to report to the authorities! We ask the government to help arrest those bandits!”

“You can report it if you want, but let me tell you first: even if you report it, it will be useless. Those bandits cannot be caught.”

“Then what are we to do?” the caravan owner wailed. “We… we will rest for a while, then return to Jiangnan and buy another batch of tea leaves. I refuse to believe those bandits can rob us every single time!”

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 145

Chapter 145: A Plaything Whose Ambitions Had Grown

Suppressing the tumultuous thoughts in her mind, Mu Yunyao turned to Madam Jin and gently adjusted the blanket for her.

“Madam, even if you are upset, you cannot toy with your health. This incense is absolutely unsuitable for you.”

Madam Jin’s smile faded. “Incense? Ever since you advised me not to use overly sweet fragrances, I haven’t used any incense.”

Mu Yunyao raised an eyebrow. “But when I entered the room just now, I distinctly smelled jasmine, mixed with some medicinal scent.”

“… It was Lady Wang. She’s always loved using jasmine incense. This morning, she came to my room to apologize, but I sent her away immediately. The jasmine fragrance you smelled must have been left from her. Yunyao, do you think the medicinal additives in the incense could harm my body?”

“Generally, people wouldn’t be affected by the scent. But since you’re pregnant, your emotions are naturally more volatile than usual. If you inhale too much of it, it could lead to overthinking. However, there’s no immediate harm, just avoid it going forward.”

Madam Jin sneered coldly. “I’ve been kind to them, and they’ve taken it for granted! In the past, I didn’t want to engage in schemes with them because I had no children. But now, they’ve taken advantage of my kindness, dared to lay their hands on the rightful matriarch of the household, and even targeted my child. Since they’ve crossed the line, don’t blame me for not tolerating these vile women!”

Mu Yunyao had never seen this side of Madam Jin before. She lowered her eyes slightly.

Realizing her loss of composure, Madam Jin quickly reined in her anger. “Yunyao, I apologize for letting you see me like this.”

Mu Yunyao smiled and shook her head. “Every mother’s heart in protecting her child is probably the same. My own mother, with her gentle temperament, would fight anyone to the death to protect me. It’s only natural for you to feel this way. But please, don’t let anger harm your health.”

Madam Jin gently patted Mu Yunyao’s hand. “If my child could be as sensible as you, I would be content.”

“Even if a child is naughty, they are still the one you carried for ten months. Madam, even when you see them crying and throwing tantrums, you can’t help but feel they are clever and adorable.” Mu Yunyao slightly tilted her head, winking playfully.

Madam Jin couldn’t help but laugh lightly. “It’s rare to see you show such an expression. I used to envy your mother so much. Don’t worry, even when my child is born, I will love you the same way.”

Seeing Madam Jin’s expression soften, Mu Yunyao stood up, offering a graceful bow with a radiant smile. “Then I am truly fortunate.”

“You little girl!” Madam Jin chuckled, her anger gradually dissipating.

Mu Yunyao stayed with Madam Jin for a while longer, confirming that she was fine before excusing herself.

Yin Hong escorted her out of the manor. As she was about to get into the carriage, Mu Yunyao suddenly lifted the curtain.

“Yin Hong, when you have some free time, have Madam and Lord Cao make a few sachets to wear.”

Yin Hong nodded in confusion and was about to say something when she saw that the carriage had already moved away.

Back at the estate, Mu Yunyao saw the frail Lady Wang being helped by two maidservants as she walked back. Mu Yunyao sneered and hurried into the room.

“Madam, are we just going to let Lady Wang off so easily?”

Madam Jin, leaning against the head of the bed, wore a cold expression. “She’s just a concubine. There are plenty of ways to deal with her. But if I act directly, Lord Cao might think that after becoming pregnant, I can no longer tolerate anyone. What’s worse, it might make him care less about the child. I can’t care about my reputation, but my child must have the best!”

Every backyard looks happy and full of laughter, but the number of people who have perished in these places is countless. Lady Wang is just the most ordinary of them. To deal with her, I don’t need to dirty my own hands.”

“By the way, Madam, when Miss Mu left just now, she said something. She asked if you could make a few sachets for Lord to wear when you have some idle time.”

“For Lord?” Madam Jin thought for a moment before a smile appeared on her face. “This Yunyao, she is truly clever… Yin Hong, go prepare some thread and needles. I’ll make a few sachets for Lord.”

Lady Wang had the incense, but given her position, how could she keep coming in front of me? The one she interacts with most is Lord Cao. If someone were to meddle with him, she would be completely defenseless. If I make the sachets myself, I can ensure that Lord doesn’t wear any incense-scented sachets sent by others. That way, I can have peace of mind.”

“Yes, Madam.”

When Mu Yunyao returned home, Su Qing quickly asked, “Yunyao, did Madam Jin need anything?”

Mu Yunyao motioned for Jin Lan and the others to step out, then explained the situation at the Cao residence to Su Qing.

Su Qing sighed after hearing everything. “Every family has its own struggles. It seems that Madam Jin looks prosperous, but behind the scenes, she has her own worries.”

Mu Yunyao leaned on Su Qing’s shoulder. “Mother, don’t worry. Madam Jin is no ordinary woman. These small matters in the backyard, she can handle.”

“Mm, your birthday is soon. After your birthday, you’ll be fourteen. In a year or two, I’ll have to send you off to be married.” Su Qing suddenly became emotional, turning to look at Mu Yunyao’s delicate face, feeling worried. “Yunyao, you’re so beautiful, but with your personality, how will you handle the role of a wife and mother?”

Hearing about her marriage, Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but think of Prince Jin. She quickly suppressed the coldness in her heart. “Mother, stop saying such things. I’ll never marry.”

“Don’t talk nonsense. You can’t stay with me forever.”

“I just want you to raise me forever. Don’t you want to keep me around?” Mu Yunyao snuggled closer to Su Qing, her voice full of affection. “Mother, you can’t abandon me, I won’t let you.”

Su Qing couldn’t help but laugh, swaying slightly as Mu Yunyao leaned on her. “Alright! I won’t abandon you, even if I have to raise you for life!” Su Qing sighed. “Perhaps Heaven thinks my daughter is too good, so it took her future husband early and made her mother suffer for ten years, all to balance out this fortune. Now that the hardships are over, I just hope that everything will go smoothly from now on!”

After chatting for a while, Mu Yunyao returned to her room. Thinking about the New Year’s gift Madam Jin had mentioned, she picked up a needle and thread to embroider. As she did, she accidentally pricked her finger, making her wince in pain.

A drop of bright red blood appeared on her fingertip. She looked at the blood, and in her mind, the image of Prince Jin appeared.

Prince Ning Junjin, the third prince, was a legendary figure in the capital. His mother, Concubine Zhen, had been the queen’s maidservant. After the queen passed away, Concubine Zhen mourned for forty-nine days, kneeling until she fainted. By coincidence, the emperor passed by and took her back to the palace.

After that, Concubine Zhen quickly rose to power, and within a year, she gave birth to the third prince. She was then made a consort, making many women envious.

This third prince, with his handsome looks and gentle temperament, was highly praised in the court and admired by many women. However, the true daughters of noble families looked down on him due to his mother’s humble background. Who would have thought that this seemingly gentle prince, who appeared so mild, could secretly consolidate power and marry the Su family’s jewel, becoming the best candidate for the throne?

It was a pity that she died too early. Who would eventually inherit the throne? If she had known in advance, she could have planned ahead and prepared another path.

“Sigh, Miss, how did your hand get injured?” Jin Lan entered with bird’s nest porridge. She saw Mu Yunyao staring at her finger in a daze, and upon closer inspection, noticed the blood.

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 144

Chapter 144: Provoking the Su Family Once Again

After more than ten days of hectic work, a merchant convoy departed Jingling City, under the pretext of transporting tea leaves. The convoy journeyed westward toward Yuxi City, the closest city to Yuexi.

Eunuch Qin, having finished his duties with the ginger tea, focused once again on Buxian Tower.

The plaque with the Emperor’s inscription had finally been delivered after being carefully crafted by over ten skilled artisans. To show his appreciation, Mu Yunyao, after consulting with him, specifically selected an auspicious day. She invited officials like Cao Yunian and others, and after setting off a thousand-firecracker display, the plaque for Buxian Tower was ceremoniously hung up!

Such a grand occasion naturally drew most of Jingling City’s residents to watch. Mu Yunyao announced that for the next half-month, the profits of Buxian Tower would be used to buy grain and distribute it to the poor, widows, orphans, and the elderly, as a token of gratitude to the Emperor. This announcement once again earned her a round of praise.

During this period, the manager from the Charity Child Bureau came to see Cai Qing, wanting to take her back. However, upon hearing that she had signed a life-sale contract, the manager cursed her under his breath, calling her ungrateful, before leaving angrily.

Cai Qing knew that Mu Yunyao deeply disliked her past actions, so she didn’t intentionally try to approach her. Instead, she focused on learning embroidery under Madam Ding’s guidance after finishing her housework. Her talent was quite good, and since she had already learned half the techniques before, she made significant progress.

Nan’er had recovered enough to get out of bed and was following Mu Yunyao around every day, hoping to be of help. However, seeing how he kept coughing, Jin Lan became alarmed and quickly sent him back to his room. After several days of this, Jin Lan couldn’t bear it any longer and complained to Mu Yunyao.

Mu Yunyao summoned Nan’er, gave him a thorough lecture, and only then did she let him give up his intention to help and focus on resting and recovering. Once his health improved, he could repay her properly.

After the Double Ninth Festival, the weather grew noticeably cooler. As Mu Yunyao was changing her clothes and preparing to go out, Su Qing followed her, draping a green-patterned embroidered cloak over her shoulders.

The light blue cloak made Mu Yunyao’s complexion appear even fairer, looking as delicate as tender tofu. Su Qing couldn’t help but reach out and gently stroke her cheek.

“Quickly go, and be sure to send my regards to Madam Jin. Be careful on the road.”

Mu Yunyao affectionately rubbed Su Qing’s hand, her eyes crinkling into a smile.

“Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll be back soon.”

Early this morning, Madam Jin had sent someone to invite her. Seeing the anxious look on the maid’s face, Mu Yunyao didn’t dare to delay. After changing her clothes, she hurried to the Cao residence.

Yin Hong was anxiously waiting at the door. Seeing Mu Yunyao arrive, she quickly stepped forward to greet her.

“Greetings, Miss Mu. You’ve finally come. Madam Jin has been waiting for you!”

Noticing Yin Hong’s grave expression, Mu Yunyao’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly followed her into the back courtyard.

Inside the room, Madam Jin was lying pale on the bed, and Cao Yunian was anxiously standing by her side.

Upon entering the room, Mu Yunyao immediately sensed the smell of medicine in the air. Frowning, she saw Cao Yunian quickly kneel and greet her.

“Greetings, Lord Cao.”

“Miss Mu, no need for formalities. Please help Madam Jin right away.”

Mu Yunyao couldn’t afford to be polite. She immediately moved forward to take Madam Jin’s pulse.

Perhaps hearing Mu Yunyao’s voice, Madam Jin slowly opened her eyes and tightly grasped her hand.

“Yunyao, is the child in my belly alright? You must help me protect him. I don’t care about myself, but I cannot let him suffer any harm!”

Mu Yunyao’s heart tightened, and she quickly held her hand in return.

“Don’t worry, Madam. I’ll do everything in my power. Please, do not get too emotional. If you…”

Madam Jin slightly turned her head, and tears began to fall from her eyes. Cao Yunian, pacing back and forth, grew even more anxious when he saw her expression.

“Sigh, Madam, please don’t be sad. I’ll make sure to give you an explanation.”

Before Cao Yunian could finish speaking, Yin Hong entered.

“Reporting to Lord and Madam, Lady Wang is kneeling at the gate.”

Madam Jin’s expression instantly turned cold. She turned to Cao Yunian and said,

“I’m looking haggard today, so I’m not fit to meet with Lord. You should go out first.”

Cao Yunian’s expression became even more anxious. However, since Mu Yunyao was present, he couldn’t say anything, so after hesitating for a moment, he slowly spoke.

“Then, Madam, please rest well. I will come back to check on you later.”

Once Cao Yunian left, Yin Hong went out to check, then came back to report.

“Madam, Lady Wang is still kneeling at the gate. When Lord left just now, it seemed like she said something, which caused Lord to kick her.”

Madam Jin slightly nodded to acknowledge she had heard, and Yin Hong stepped back, standing guard at the door.

When there were no outsiders in the room, Mu Yunyao, who had been keeping her head slightly lowered, finally spoke.

“Madam, why go through all this?” When she had taken Madam Jin’s pulse earlier, Mu Yunyao had noticed that her pulse was steady, and there was nothing wrong. But seeing her pale face and tightly grasping her hand, Mu Yunyao had gone along with her words.

Madam Jin sat up, wiping away her tears with a silk handkerchief.

“Yunyao, I’m truly sorry for dragging you into this. These past few days, some people can’t stand to see me doing well and have been gossiping in front of Lord, causing a little bit of doubt in his heart. If I don’t remove this doubt, it will eventually become a knot that can never be untangled.”

“As long as Madam is fine, that’s what matters. You calling me over at this time shows you don’t regard me as an outsider. How could I mind?” Mu Yunyao thought for a moment and roughly guessed the situation.

There had already been rumors circulating in the streets that Cao Yunian’s quick rise was largely due to the help of Madam Jin’s family. Later, Madam Jin’s clothing had attracted praise, and the Emperor had promoted Cao Yunian. Then, because of the spread of the embroidery stitches, Madam Jin had been awarded an official title. People had been saying that Cao Yunian’s greatest fortune was marrying such a good wife. At this time, if someone intentionally stirred up trouble, it would be easy for him to get upset.

“By the way, I called you over because there’s something else. I’ve told Lord about the New Year’s gift, and after hearing the news, Lord Zhang was quite interested. He plans to find some elderly people from all over who are blessed with longevity and have them write ‘Fu Shou An Kang’ (Longevity, Prosperity, Peace). Then, they will send the writings to Jingling City to be embroidered all together. We don’t need to worry about collecting the writings; Lord Zhang will send people to handle it. But the final embroidered work needs to be larger. Do you think it’s possible to complete?”

Mu Yunyao thought carefully for a moment and replied, “The time is quite tight now. If the embroidered piece needs to be larger, it will take quite a bit more time. But since Lord Zhang has brought it up, we must work day and night to complete it. The embroidery piece should be nine feet long and five feet high, symbolizing the supreme power of the Emperor. How does Madam think of this idea?”

Madam Jin looked at Mu Yunyao with an apologetic expression.

“This would be perfect, but it will be hard work for you.”

Mu Yunyao smiled gently.

“To receive the Emperor’s reward, I am deeply grateful. Even if it’s hard work, I’ll gladly do it.”

Moreover, the real reason she was helping with the embroidery work for the New Year’s gift wasn’t just to show her face before the Emperor. More importantly, it was to provoke the Su family.

Back when the Emperor’s birthday came around, the Su family had offered an embroidered landscape screen as a gift. However, instead of adding to the family’s prestige, the screen, with its bloodied imagery, angered the Emperor, causing him to fly into a rage and punish the Su family. It was clear that the Su family had gained nothing from that gift, and perhaps the Su family least wanted to see another embroidered piece.

She would send another embroidered work up to the Emperor, and if the Emperor praised it, it would certainly make the Su family feel as though something were stuck in their throats. Even if the work didn’t receive the Emperor’s praise, it could still remind him of the Su family’s previous blunder. As long as it made the Su family uncomfortable, she was willing to work hard for the next few months.

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Pampered Poisonous Royal Wife Chapter 143

Chapter 143: Yue Wang, Strangely Unsettled 

In the Yue Wang Residence, Eunuch Cheng entered the study, holding a tray with food.

“Your Highness…”

Behind the desk, Yue Wang was about to write when he heard Eunuch Cheng’s voice. He pressed down too hard on the brush, and it snapped, making a sharp cracking sound.

Eunuch Cheng looked up in confusion.

“Your Highness, you’ve been sitting in the study all day. It’s time to eat something.”

“I know,” Yue Wang replied, casually tossing the broken brush aside. He irritably sealed the letter sent by Eunuch Qin.

Eunuch Cheng observed Yue Wang, noticing that although his brow had loosened, his expression seemed more complicated than before. There was anxiety, unease, and even a trace of pleasure. What exactly had Eunuch Qin written in the letter to make the prince show such a complicated expression?

“Your Highness, I see you’re not in a good mood. Did something in the letter from Eunuch Qin upset you?”

Yue Wang had just replaced his brush when he heard this, and again, the brush snapped with a sharp crack. Without any expression on his face, he tossed the broken brush aside.

“This batch of brushes is terrible. Whoever bought them will have a month’s wages deducted. Just put the food down, and Eunuch Cheng, go and rest.”

Eunuch Cheng nodded. “Yes.”

After leaving the study, Eunuch Cheng relayed Yue Wang’s words.

Yu Heng could hardly believe his ears. “The batch of brushes I bought—Your Highness praised them when I first brought them back. Why does he want to deduct wages now?” He had just managed to save a little money and was planning to keep it for later to marry a wife!

Eunuch Cheng snorted. “The prince says they’re good, they’re good. If he says they’re bad, then they’re bad. Don’t ask too many questions. You should learn from Yu Yi, see how well he handles things.”

“Eunuch Cheng, didn’t you say Yu Yi wastes food?”

“When did I ever say that? I was talking about you!” Eunuch Cheng replied, walking off with his hands behind his back, a smile blooming on his face as he thought about the prince’s expression.

This was a good sign. It seemed like things were starting to fall into place! The prince was getting closer to having a female master in the residence. Speaking of which, Miss Mu Yunyao was still quite young, but that didn’t matter. He could marry her first and then raise her properly!

The next morning, Yue Wang called Yu Heng and Yu Yi into the study.

“These two letters, one is for Eunuch Qin, the other for… Miss Mu Yunyao. Yu Yi, you must deliver it quickly.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Yue Wang nodded, his gaze flicking over the letter meant for Mu Yunyao. He paused for a long moment before speaking again.

“Yu Heng, immediately send someone to the border between Yuexi and Yuxi City to wait. When you see the merchant convoy carrying my token and delivering tea leaves to Yuxi City, escort them into Yuexi.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Yu Heng replied, though he was puzzled. “Your Highness, what is the purpose of sending tea leaves? There’s very little food in Yuexi. The soldiers there barely have enough to eat. Wouldn’t it be better to send some grain instead of tea?”

Yue Wang furrowed his brow, his cold gaze sweeping over Yu Heng.

“What’s wrong with sending tea? I think sending tea is just fine!”

Yu Heng froze and quickly bowed.

“Yes, I also think it’s fine.”

Yue Wang nodded, his expression cooling slightly.

“Go.”

“Yes.”

Once they had all left, Yue Wang carefully placed the letter from Eunuch Qin into the drawer of his desk.

Liu Liang’s people worked quickly. With the end of the autumn harvest at the end of August, grain was plentiful and cheap, so the rice and grain that Mu Yunyao had requested were soon bought and delivered to the estate that Eunuch Qin had mentioned.

Seeing the grain fill the storeroom, Eunuch Qin felt warmth in his heart. He had been careful in establishing their roots in Jiangnan, moving cautiously at every step to avoid attracting unwanted attention. He hadn’t dared to send grain to Yuexi before, but now, with Mu Yunyao boldly using the cover of roasting tea leaves, no one had noticed.

Mu Yunyao got out of the carriage and surveyed the surroundings of the estate. She couldn’t help but feel disappointed. She had hoped it would be as beautiful as Jinxiu Garden, but to her dismay, the area was full of farmland, and the estate itself was a few simple courtyards.

Seeing Mu Yunyao’s reaction, Eunuch Qin quickly approached.

“Greetings, Miss Mu.”

“Eunuch Qin, no need for formalities. Has the grain been fully delivered?”

“I’ve checked carefully, and everything is in order.”

“Good, then let’s begin.”

From grinding the rice into flour to drying the vegetables and ginger, Mu Yunyao watched closely, giving instructions on what to be careful of. After confirming that the first batch of ginger tea had been roasted properly, she followed Eunuch Qin to a nearby room to rest.

“Thank you for making the trip, Miss.” From the beginning to the end, the process had taken nearly two hours. He had been standing to the side, feeling exhausted just watching. How much more tiring it must have been for Mu Yunyao, a young girl.

“It’s nothing. This type of ginger tea can go bad easily if it’s not roasted correctly. I wanted to make sure, so I stayed and kept an eye on it. Going forward, we must be extra careful. Don’t rush the process, or the results will not be worth it.”

Eunuch Qin quickly nodded.

“Please rest assured, Miss. I’ll make sure the work is strictly supervised.”

Mu Yunyao checked again twice in the interim to ensure the ginger tea was being prepared properly. Once she was satisfied, she felt at ease and turned her attention to matters at Niyun Pavilion and Buxian Tower.

The new batch of garments had already been ordered, and with the help of the many embroiderers, twenty sets were completed in just a few dozen days. However, the two sets for the Governor’s wife and Madam Jin still needed to be made by Mu Yunyao herself. Fortunately, she worked quickly, and it didn’t take long.

Just after she sent the completed garments out, Madam Jin sent word through Yin Hong that the new group of people who came to learn embroidery had arrived. Naturally, the embroiderers from Caiyue Pavilion were included among them.

Mu Yunyao didn’t treat them any differently. As usual, she had the first batch of apprentices teach the embroiderers. To her surprise, Ding Yuelan proactively volunteered to teach the embroidery stitches.

After thinking for a moment, Mu Yunyao happily agreed. However, she still had concerns that Ding Yuelan might be affected by gossip, so she subtly reminded her.

“Madam, these people are here to learn embroidery. If any of them are unreasonable, just drive them out. There’s no need to get angry with them.”

Ding Yuelan understood the underlying message and was very touched.

“Thank you, Miss. Hearing this makes me feel better. After hearing it repeatedly, one becomes numb to it. I’ve decided not to pay attention to it anymore.”

Looking at Ding Yuelan’s smiling face, Mu Yunyao couldn’t help but feel a sense of regret. The once passionate and fiery Madam Ding might never return. Whether she would be destroyed in the flames or reborn from them, that would depend on her own choice.

Mu Yunyao could only sincerely hope that she would choose the latter…

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