Wife Doting Addiction：My Abducted Tsundere Husband

Chapter 119: Ren Yu Enters the Manor

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

As expected, Su Jiu suffered from a splitting headache when she woke up the next day. Her lids were half-closed. Under the impression that she was still at the restaurant, she cried out, “Huan’er, pour your master a glass of water!”

Ji Yuxian poured some water for her. He was envious of her men and at the same time, could do nothing about it.

In his heart, he understood clearly. These people had grown up with her, and they overcame life and death situations together. They held an irreplaceable position in her heart.

He only hoped that one day, he too would be about to melt into her life and be cherished in the same way.

Once Su Jiu drank the water, her mind sobered up. She was stupefied when she saw Ji Yuxian and quickly took a glance back at the bed behind her. She asked, “When did I get back here?”

She recalled that she had been drinking with Hu Dapao and the rest.

“It was your husband who found his wife and brought her back. You drank so much that you forgot how to come home. My wife does not seem to have the mindset of a woman!”

Su Jiu scoffed. She massaged her temples and replied with a muffled voice, “Hu Dapao is back, we drank a lot because we were happy!”

Ji Yuxian placed the porcelain cup down and sat behind her to massage her head gently. “Later, use some ice water to wash your face. Once you drink the hangover soup, it won’t hurt anymore!” he said in a low but tender voice.

Su Jiu nodded her head. She abruptly turned her head back and said excitedly, “Hu Dapao was promoted to a general of the sixth rank!”

“Mm, I know!”

Ji Yuxian applied just the right amount of pressure, and the pain was reduced by half. Su Jiu felt so comfortable that she started to feel drowsy.

“Back then, Hu Dapao was fortunate to have you give him pointers, allowing him to become what he is today. The next two days will be my treat, I’ll get Hu Dapao to thank you personally!” Su Jiu smiled. Her smile was limpid and had even spread to her eyes.

“No need. If my wife is grateful to her husband, then don’t let me worry so much. I’ll be satisfied with that!” Ji Yuxian teased with a smile.

Su Jiu raised her brows and turned her head, saying, “If I don’t come back in the future, I’m probably staying over at the trading company or the restaurant. You don’t have to worry, and you don’t have to go looking for me. I’ll return on my own!”

Ji Yuxian knitted his brow. “Why, you still want to stay out at night?”

Once he said this, he pressed down on her shoulders from behind her and admonished her with a sneer. “If you dare to stay out and not return, I’ll punish you heavily!”

Su Jiu smiled, showing no fear at all. Instead, she asked in anticipation, “How does Eldest Young Master Ji intend to punish me?”

Ji Yuxian pondered for a moment. Suddenly, he subconsciously broke into a subtle smile. He lowered his head and pressed against her lips. “I’m not sure. I cannot bear to inflict heavy punishment on you, but light punishment won’t do either!”

Su Jiu lifted her head slightly and kissed his thin lips. “This master here can only take soft stuff, not hard stuff! So, Eldest Young Master Ji better consider carefully.”

Ji Yuxian continued to kiss her at his own pace, not too fast nor too slow. His tone was slightly ambiguous. “Actually, hard ones taste better!”

Su Jiu realized something and immediately understood the hidden implication behind the man’s words. She frowned and gave him the cold shoulder. “You’ve tried before?”

Ju Yuxian paled at the thought, and viciously nibbled on her lips. “Tonight, I’ll let you have a taste!”

Su Jiu squirmed and wiggled out of his embrace. With a wave of her hand, she covered her body with an outer robe and casually fastened her hair back in place, intending to leave.

Ji Yuxian hurriedly held her waist to block her. “It’s fine if you don’t dress up all the time, but you don’t even brush your hair. Has my wife forgotten that she is a lady?”

After he said this, he brought Su Jiu to the dressing table and pressed her down onto a rosewood stool that was carved with peonies. With a flick of his hand, the purple sash that fastened her hair in place fell to the ground, leaving her black hair to scatter and descend like a cascading waterfall.

Ji Yuxian picked up the comb and gently brushed her hair.

Su Jiu looked into the bronze mirror and observed the serious expression of the man. She grinned and asked, “Ji Yuxian, have you brushed someone else’s hair like this before?”

Ji Yuxian shook his head. “When I was young, I always saw my mum brush her hair. If it comes to brushing someone’s hair, I’ll brush my wife’s hair first. Are you touched?”

Su Jiu smiled brightly and nodded her head. “Touched!”

“Then let’s re-enact the painting together!” The man jumped at the opportunity to seduce her.

Su Jiu shot a glance at the reflection in the bronze mirror. “Ji Yuxian, can you please think of something different?”

The man tied the girl’s silky hair together with the purple sash before bending over to hug her, his chin resting on top of her head. He looked straight into the mirror and sighed softly. “What to do… the only thing in my mind apart from my wife is still my wife!”

The two pairs of eyes met each other’s reflections in the mirror. Su Jiu’s eyes were picturesque. Her lashes suddenly fluttered and her lips curved into a faint smile.

She bore the embarrassment of a young girl who had been enamored, her words stuck in her throat. Her expression was muddled, like someone who had just woken up. It made his heart beat faster.

Ji Yuxian’s gaze deepened. He propped up the girl’s chin and crashed his lips onto hers, kissing her deeply.

After three days, Hu Dapao left the capital for a military camp outside the city. Subsequently, he only returned to the capital once every two weeks.

Naturally, everyone was unwilling. Fortunately, the camp was not too far out, and they could still meet him twice a month.

In the blink of an eye, it was the sixth month. The ships that Su Jiu and Ji Yuxian had sent out had finally made their way back to Shengjing. The two of them personally headed to the wharf to receive them. In the distance, they could see the ships docking in the bank. The ships were moored to the pier, and Cao Datou was the first to disembark.

It had been two months since they had last seen each other. Cao Datou seemed to be heartier in spirit and appeared more steady and experienced. He had gained insight and become more seasoned so naturally, he had changed.

Chen Feng and the rest of the managers all disembarked, and individually came up to Su Jiu and Ji Yuxian to greet them.

“Chief, we have not let you down!” Cao Datou’s tanned face was brimming with emotion, as though he had too many things he wanted to say to Su Jiu.

Chen Feng respectfully said, “Eldest Young Master, your subordinate has delivered the men back safely!”

“Mm!” Ji Yuxian nodded his head. He looked at Su Jiu. “Su Jiu, we should go up the ship and take a look too!”

“Alright!” Su Jiu had the same idea.

A few of the men returned to the ship and entered the cabin. Inside was packed with products and goods imported back from other countries.

One of the managers said, “Every time we dock our ship, our goods would all be snatched up. Especially the silk, it was very popular!” He opened one of the crates, and a pungent fragrance wafted over. “Master, please take a look. These are spices that we bought from an island called Miluo. In Daliang, such spices are sold at a high price because they are very rare and precious. But over there, they can be bought everywhere!”

“And these pearls!” That manager opened another crate and suddenly, multiple strands of light illuminated the air, dazzling the eyes of the people standing around. Inside, the crate was packed full of large, shiny and round pearls. At a glance, one could tell that they were of high grade. He explained, “In Xingluo Country, these pearls are a common commodity and can be bought for cheap. We only needed four bundles of satin to exchange for one crate of pearls!”

When Su Jiu heard this, she was extremely shocked and picked up a pearl. The pearl glistened brightly, and was perfect and flawless. If it were to be made into earrings, one pair could be sold for twenty taels. Three bundles of satin in exchange for one crate of pearls; such a deal was just too profitable.

What Ji Yuxian mentioned before was true.

“And there are also these handmade glass products!” Those managers lugged all the products from the cabin and gave a brief description of each of them.

Whenever Su Jiu glanced at the ship, she seemed to see massive piles of silver and gold shimmering. She hit the jackpot!

Ji Yuxian could not hold back his smile when he saw the girl’s glowing eyes. He turned to the managers and said, “You guys have worked hard. Head back to the wharf and take a rest. We can settle all the other matters at a later date!”

“Yes!” The managers acknowledged respectfully.

Ji Yuxian and Su Jiu walked out. The sea breeze blew against them, carrying humidity as well as the faint fishy smell. However, it caused one’s hot blood to surge.

The crew members caught sight of Su Jiu, and each of them stopped their work. They chorused, “Master Jiu!”

Su Jiu nodded her head. “You guys have suffered, welcome home!”

Everyone laughed and chattered, before heading back to their tasks.

As she stood at the stern of the ship and glanced out into the boundless sea, Su Jiu was carefree and relaxed. She turned back to face Cao Datou and Chen Feng and asked, “Was the journey smooth-sailing? Did you face any pirates?”

Cao Datou replied, “We were confronted by pirates, as well as local thugs of the various countries. We faced them all, and we beat them all up till they shat in their pants!”

While he spoke, he glanced at Chen Feng and both of them laughed tacitly.

They have stayed together for three whole months, from morning to night. During this time, they had battled side by side, and overcame life and death situations together. Cao Datou and Chen Feng had forged a deep brotherhood.

“Those pirates rob ships all year round and are cunning and insidious. They would break in from the underside of the hull, collide head-on and attack with fire. There was nothing they did not employ. Fortunately, Brother Chen Feng was there. He could see through their ploys and made adequate preparations beforehand. Only then could we return unscathed and without any losses!”

Chen Feng smiled humbly and said, “Brother Cao was also very impressive. Without Brother Cao, this lowly one would not have been able to counter their attacks on his own!”

“Still, Brother Chen Feng’s martial arts is outstanding and he has the brains as well. Once, at the delta, the pirates there sneakily boarded our ship to steal. If you did not discover them and intervene just in time to save my life, I might have perished there and then!”

“Brother Cao is being too polite. You’ve also rescued me before. Don’t put that incident to heart!”

They continued to flatter each other, taking turns to shower the other party with praises. From the looks of it, it wouldn’t be long before they would formally induct each other as blood brothers.

Su Jiu chuckled and exchanged a glance with Ji Yuxian. She was now completely relieved.

In the past, Cao Datou and Chen Feng were not familiar with each other. Su Jiu was still worried over the fact that they might not get along harmoniously, or have some sort of disagreement if they were to be suddenly sent out on a sea expedition together.

Voyaging out on the sea was completely different from staying at home. If there was any enmity between the two parties, and if one of them decided to take advantage of the other, it would be fatal to everyone else caught in the crossfire!

Fortunately, both of them were practitioners of martial arts. They were both carefree, valued loyalty, and did not dwell on petty matters. For them to hit it off just like that truly made Su Jiu feel surprised and delighted.

The sky darkened. Ji Yuxian ordered Chen Feng to take a good rest and get his men to unload the ship the next day.

Once they got off the boat, the two of them spent the night discussing how to handle the goods that had been imported back. They had already devised a rough plan.

Now that the profits were substantial, and with the experience gained from their first expedition, they prepared to commence their second voyage two months later.

After all, the crew members needed a period of rest. They also needed to purchase their second batch of goods based on the information reported by the few managers who went out to sea.

All this required time!

The first voyage was considered a success and had even brought about such a profitable margin. They had more confidence in their second expedition.

This time, a few unique local products were brought back from their voyage. They were put up for sale in the trading company, and were extremely well-received. Very soon, they were all snatched up, the supply unable to meet the demand.

Su Jiu selected the best pearls and made a set of jewelry. She also made some invigorating incense from the spices and gave them to Nangong Bi and Nangong Shu respectively.

Nangong Bi was naturally overjoyed. Nangong Shu usually never accepted gifts, but this time, since it was Su Jiu who had gifted it to them, he did not make up any excuses and accepted it.

　　…

This day, the trading company had just opened for business when some servants came forward to report that Shopkeeper Zhao had arrived. Shopkeeper Zhao managed a porcelain business in Shengjing City.

Chang Huan usually stayed at the top floor of the trading company, which consisted of a bedroom with an adjoining study room. Just outside his room was a reception area that was used to greet and receive guests.

Apart from him, two other manservants were kept busy with housekeeping the accommodation.

Chang Huan had just returned from a round of patrolling the lower floors, when he heard the report. He looked over and headed to the reception area.

A man wearing a light blue brocade robe was seated in the reception area. His face was pale and thin. The moment he saw Chang Huan, he hastily placed his teacup down and got up. “I assume you are Master Huan!”

Chang Huan smiled faintly and said, “I’m flattered, Shopkeeper Zhao, please take a seat!”

“Yes, yes!” Shopkeeper Zhao’s narrow eyes curved into a smile as he turned back to take a seat.

“Shopkeeper Zhao, why did you come over so early in the morning?” Chang Huan reclined on his wooden chair and asked nonchalantly.

“I indeed have a reason for coming to this esteemed place. Today, I have come to the trading company to request something from Master Huan!” Shopkeeper Zhao said politely.

Chang Huan’s handsome brows twitched. He smiled and said, “When doing business, we should always look out for one another since we’re all just trying to make a living. Shopkeeper Zhao, if you have anything to beseech, just let me know!”

“Indeed, Master Huan, you are a straightforward person. This old one will just go straight to the point!” Shopkeeper Zhao laughed and continued, “I heard that the esteemed trading company’s porcelain products have been selling well. I’m not sure where you obtain your supply, but our Yueya Porcelain Shop makes superb porcelain products. We have many different patterns and designs, and we are also willing to sell them to the esteemed trading company at the lowest price. Will Master Huan be interested?”

Chang Huan smiled and said, “As long as the product is of good quality. If you include some new and original releases, we will naturally be willing to sell them at our trading company!”

“Of course, of course!” Shopkeeper Zhao widened his eyes with a smile. “Then I shall head back and make some preparations. I will send over some samples, as well as the price list by this afternoon, so you can peruse them!”

“That will do!” Chang Huan’s handsome face was warm.

Shopkeeper Zhao got up and placed a cheque on the small wooden table beside Chang Huan. “It’s just a small gesture, take this token and let me treat you to a cup of tea!”

Chang Huan shot a glance at the cheque and the smile on his face faded slightly. “Do you lack confidence in his shop’s porcelain products? Do you need to rely on bribing me?”

Shopkeeper Zhao’s expression changed slightly. He hastily explained, “No, that is not the case! I’m only grateful that you are giving us a chance to collaborate with you, Master Huan!”

“Since that’s not the case, then take this back. The quality of the products is more important than anything else. If the products are of poor caliber, even if you give me one hundred thousand taels, we will not let it pass through Qingyu Trading Company!”

When he saw how firm Chang Huan was, Shopkeeper Zhao smiled awkwardly. He could only stuff the cheque back into his sleeves. This time, his eyes carried a few more tones of respect. “Chang Huan is young, and yet he is so grounded in his morals. The way he handles his affairs gains my admiration. This old one is deeply ashamed!”

“Shopkeeper Zhao, you are exaggerating!” Chang Huan smiled faintly.

“Then this old one will not bother you any longer and will take his leave first. I will meet you again once I’ve prepared everything!”

“Take care, Shopkeeper Zhao!”

“No need to send me off!”

Chang Huan got up and sent Shopkeeper Zhao off at the door. He turned back and his lips hooked into a smile, his phoenix eyes radiant.

He had visited the Yueya Porcelain Shop once with Su Jiu. The shopfront was quite large, and he had heard rumors that they owned a firing workshop. The potters they hired were all renowned in the pottery scene. Since Shopkeeper Zhao had come by today, it was an indication that their trading company had already established a good reputation in Shengjing City!

Just as Chang Huan was about to step back into his study, his subordinates came forward to report yet again. Shopkeeper Li from Guiyuanzhai Pastry Shop had come to visit.

Chang Huan was stunned and got his men to invite him in.

Guiyuanzhai was a famous and long-standing enterprise in Shengjing. It had already been passed down from three generations. Within Shengjing City, they owned three branches, and each of their stores were well patronized.

The moment Shopkeeper Li stepped in, he exclaimed with a smile. “Master Huan!”

That endearing greeting made it seem as though the two people were old friends who had known each other for ten years.

Chang Huan had once been in charge of the restaurant, and was now the supervisor of the trading company. He had seen much and was no longer the inexperienced youth he was before. The moment he heard the greeting, he returned the gesture with a generous smile. “Shopkeeper Li, we are honored by your visit! Your visit brings light to my humble dwelling!”

“Master Huan is being too polite!” Shopkeeper Li’s face was covered with a smile. It must have been because he ate too many desserts, for his figure was prosperous. He had a round face, as well as a broad nose, coupled with a pair of beady eyes that shined.

“Esteemed Shopkeeper Li has stepped into this humble abode. Is something the matter?” Chang Huan got his servants to serve some tea and directed Shopkeeper Li to his seat.

“I do have something to request from Master Huan!” Shopkeeper Li smiled as he held his bulging belly, and took a seat on the mahogany chair carved with flowers.

“When we do business, we should all prosper together. Shopkeeper Li, you can just let me know!”

“It’s like this. I heard Shopkeeper Su from the tea shop mention that he rented a sales rack in your esteemed trading company and that business was thriving. Take a look, our Guiyuanzhai Pastry Shop is also quite famous in Shengjing City! Could you let us rent a section in our trading company as well?” Shopkeeper Li asked politely.

Once Chang Huan heard this, he suddenly came to a realization.

Guiyuanzhai had a branch that was located right next to Su Yuejiu’s uncle, Su Cheng’s, tea shop. The sales rack that Su Cheng was allotted in the trading company was considered not too bad. Even though it was only one shelf, it still sold more tea than their physical store on Xieyang Street.

Su Cheng had been very pleased, and could not help but feel proud. As such, he constantly went over to visit Shopkeeper Li in his pastry shop next door to brag.

After a few visits, Shopkeeper Li started to show interest. The trading company was enjoying the booming business, and he had taken that to heart. As such, he had come to find Chang Huan that day, intending to sublet a sale’s rack to sell pastries from Guiyuanzhai.

It should not cost too much money to sublet a sales rack. At the very least, it should be cheaper than renting a shop unit. If the sales from one rack could match that of a physical store, such a deal would be very profitable.

“If Master Huan has anything to say, he can just let me know. We’ll be willing to discuss this partnership no matter how much the rent is!” Shopkeeper Li noticed Chang Huan’s hesitation and hurriedly added.

Chang Huan puckered his lips into a smile. “I won’t keep Shopkeeper Li in the dark. We have a special relationship with the Su Family’s tea shop. We have never sublet our other sales rack out to external vendors before. Our boss is Master Su Jiu. I’ll get back to you once I’ve discussed this matter with Master Jiu!”

“Yes, yes you should!” Shopkeeper Li got up. “Then I shall take my leave, and await your reply. If this deal is complete, I will be very grateful!”

“Shopkeeper Li is too polite, take care!”

“Master Huan, take care!”

Once he sent Shopkeeper Li off, noon was soon approaching. Chang Huan ate his lunch and waited for Su Jiu to come over.

Usually, Su Jiu would spend her mornings at the Ji Manor and make a trip to the trading company in the afternoon.

As expected, just after noon, Su Jiu walked into the trading company.

The poetry gathering on the second floor had already concluded, but the table and chairs in the middle had yet to be put away. Occasionally, a few literary scholars would sit there and exchange views on paintings, or would gain inspiration to write a few verses of a poem.

Those displays were still there and exceptional poems and calligraphies were mounted on each of them. Every day, they attracted countless admirers who surrounded them in appreciation.

Su Jiu went up to the second floor. It was currently past noon, and there weren’t many people in the building. At the table, a few scholarly men were debating on the words of a poem.

Su Jiu moved closer to have a look, and realized that they were currently discussing a seven-line poem penned by Qiao An.

One of the lines read: “The ancient moon illuminates Qingzhou tonight.”

It was a poem that praised the current dynasty!

One of them expressed, “The word ‘illuminate’ isn’t good. It should be switched to ‘caressed Qingzhou'”

“Not true! It would be better if it were changed to ‘descended upon Qingzhou!”

“The word ‘caress’ is better. It emphasizes the gracefulness of the moonlight.”

“Aren’t the words ‘descended upon’ more intangible!”

“‘Caress’ is better!”

“‘Descended upon’ is better!”

Both people were unwilling to give in to one another. They argued until the tips of their ears turned red.

Su Jiu sat behind the both of them, her chins resting on her hands. Suddenly, she opened her mouth to suggest, “Why not switch it to the words ‘sleeps with’?”

The ancient moon sleeps with Qingzhou tonight.

How wonderful was that? The moonlight of the night slept on such a prosperous piece of land. It was appropriate indeed.

Her voice was crisp, and she enunciated her words. In an instance, the men who were debating paused.

They turned back and asked, “What did this Master say just now?”

“I said, wouldn’t it be better if we changed it to the words ‘sleeps with’?”

“Cut, what a disgrace to literature!” The two scholars looked at Su Jiu in disdain. They ceased their debate, and turned around to look at other things.

Su Jiu giggled, her eyes crafty like dirty water.

Suddenly, a shop assistant saw Su Jiu and hurried over to say, “Master Jiu, Master Huan has already waited for you for half a day. He wants this lowly one to invite you upstairs the moment you arrive!”

“Is something the matter?” Su Jiu got up to ask.

“There appears to be a matter indeed. You’ll find out once you go upstairs!” The shop assistant conveyed.

Su Jiu nodded her head and took big strides towards the upper floor.

The two scholars behind her were a stone’s throw away. When they heard the shop assistant’s words, they were stunned. One of them stammered, “Just now, that person was Master Su Jiu? How young!”

The other man’s eyes were filled with marvel. He suddenly declared, “Don’t you realize? The words ‘sleeps with’ are better!”

“Right, right! Master Jiu has great literary talent!”

“His talent is earth-shattering indeed!”

Su Jiu had walked into the distance, and did not hear the two men whispering behind her back. Otherwise, she would have been so ecstatic and doubled over in laughter.

Upstairs, Chang Huan was waiting at the stairway. When he saw Su Jiu, his originally nonchalant and calm face broke into a silly smile. He switched back into Su Jiu’s little minion. “Boss!”

“Mm!” Su Jiu acknowledged him before walking towards the study. “You have something to discuss with me?”

“Yes, let’s talk in the study room!”

Chang Huan got his servants to prepare some pastries as well as seasonal fruits. He picked up an apple and peeled it before passing it to Su Jiu. Then, he told her everything, about how the Porcelain Shopkeeper Zhao, as well as Guiyuanzhai’s Shopkeeper Li, had come over.

At that point, Chang Huan could no longer stay by Su Jiu’s side at whim. Whenever he was free, he would peel some melon seeds and collect them in a sealed porcelain jar, to feed Su Jiu when she came over.

Su Jiu happily chewed on the melon seeds while crunching on the apple.

Once she had more or less eaten her fill, she pushed the porcelain jar away and said, “You can decide about the Porcelain Shop once you examine their goods and prices. Also, Guiyuanzhai wants to rent a rack, so we need to consider this carefully!”

“Yes, I’m only worried that once we sublet it to Guiyuanzhai, other people would also come over and seek to rent it as well. At that time, it’ll be hard to refuse!” Chang Huan deliberated.

Su Jiu nodded her head. “You are currently overseeing the trading company and should be more familiar with the situation at the trading company now. What do you think?”

Chang Huan sat on the couch and raised his head to toss a grape he had just plucked off the vine. His pupils turned and he suddenly said, “Boss, do you think this would work? Our first floor occupies quite a large space. We could separately demarcate another area and mount a few shelves, specifically for these long-standing businesses as well as other famous merchants. By doing this, firstly, we can gain a bit of commission from their sales, and secondly, we could expand the reputation of our trading company!”

Su Jiu’s eyes lit up and she stretched out her hands to pat Chang Huan on his shoulders. She smiled. “It works, this little one has not become the manager in vain!”

Chang Huan smiled bashfully. “Of course, I’ve followed Boss for so long. This dumb one has become smarter!”

Su Jiu nodded her head. “We’ll do according to what you say. Firstly, let’s set aside an area on the first floor, and then send a notice out to those long-standing establishments, and invite them to introduce their products to our trading company. Oh right, we should not only invite the famous shops in Shengjing, but we can also invite and import some of the other unique and famous products from other regions!”

“Right, right!” Chang Huan agreed and said, “I had the same idea!”

“Alright, you can make the arrangements then!”

The two of them finally finished discussing business. Su Jiu had remained at the trading company till the sky was almost dark before she set off to return to the Ji Manor.

As the night sky descended, the evening glow stretched across half the sky, illuminating the roofs of the buildings and pavilions in the Ji Manor. Multicolored reflections abounded.

Su Jiu passed through the flower garden in the middle of the front courtyard and rear courtyard alone. A gust of evening breeze blew by, carrying a waft of fragrance with it. It wasn’t the scent of flowers, but rather, the fragrance from a young girl’s powdered make-up. The fragrance was extremely light, and did not have an overbearing scent that could suffocate.

Once she weaved through the flowering trees, two girls were indeed standing along the narrow path in front. One of the girls was dressed up like a maidservant as she stood on the cobblestone path. In her hands, she hugged a cat with white fur and red eyes. She stared at the flower patch and smiled. “Miss, be careful not to be pricked by the thorns of the flowers!”

In the flower patch, a young girl dressed in a light green floral dress was using a handkerchief to caress a butterfly that had landed on a peony. Her body was slim and agile, and her laughter was crisp and hearty. As her figure leaped forward, her skirt fluttered, full of vigor and vitality. Against the light of the setting sun, it was a stark contrast to that immature innocence. Just like nutmegs that grew in the third month, it brought energy to everyone it came into contact.

Su Jiu’s vision was hazy. It seemed as though she had never lived through such an age, and hence, she was in a daze as she stood rooted for a moment.

After a pause, it was that maidservant who discovered Su Jiu first. She turned her head and examined her figure before curiously asking, “Who are you?”

The cat in her embrace raised its head. Its ears perked up, and it stared vigilantly at Su Jiu. “Meow!”

Ever since Chang Huan left her side, she had no other attendants, apart from her carriage driver Er Mao.

Ji Yuxian had suggested that Mo Yu serve by her side and brought it up a few times, but she was already used to moving around alone, and found it more tiring to have someone attend to her. As such, she never did as he said.

That day, Su Jiu had returned to the manor alone and was only wearing a simple satin snow skirt. Although such satin was expensive, her dress had a plain design, and most people would not be able to discern its value and assume it was an ordinary dress. Her long hair was not done up, and was instead fastened into a bun with a purple sash. She had not applied any make-up either, and at a glance, nobody would believe that she was the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor.

Su Jiu smiled coolly and said, “And who are you both?”

The maidservant furrowed her brows momentarily and a hint of displeasure flashed by her eyes. She seemed to fault Su Jiu for being impolite.

“Tao’er, what happened?” The girl in green heard a voice and smiled prettily as she lifted her skirt to skip out of the garden.

The moment she turned over, she caught sight of Su Jiu, and tilted her head to stare at her curiously.

Su Jiu stared at her as well. She was around fourteen or fifteen years of age, and had beautiful brows and peachy lips. Her face was oval and her appearance was pretty, especially with that pair of innocent and pure eyes that appealed to others.

“Who are you?” The girl’s voice was loveable as she asked with a smile. She blinked her eyes, her head tilted to one side.

The moment she came over, the cat which originally rested in the maidservant’s embrace immediately jumped onto her shoulder. The white fur that covered its body stood on its end as it tried to protect its owner!

Su Jiu’s lips curved into a smile. “It doesn’t matter who you are. You guys continue playing!”

After she said this, Su Jiu walked past both of them and left with big strides.

Behind her, the girl turned and stared at Su Jiu’s departing silhouette. She nibbled her lip, and suddenly took a deep breath as she whispered, “That shouldn’t be the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor, right?”

The maidservant, who was called Taozi, flattened her lips. “Judging from her outfit, she shouldn’t be. What she wore cannot be compared to how the servants of the wealthy Ji Manor dress up, but her countenance was beautiful!”

The young girl immediately raised her chin and asked with indignation, “Is she as pretty as me?”

Taozi hurriedly got on her good side and smiled. “Of course not, no one is as pretty as our Miss!”

“From what I see, that lady just now is the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor. I can only wonder, what does Eldest Young Master Ji, my brother-in-law, look like? Could he be as handsome as the rumors say?” The young girl turned her eyes in reverie.

“Most rumors are unreliable. Anyways, the Eldest Young Master’s appearance has nothing to do with us!” Taozi voiced.

The young girl chuckled and gazed at the setting sun as she said, “You’re right. We’ll find out how he looks when we meet him later! It’s time for my older sister to drink her medicine, let’s head back!”

After she said this, she extended her arms and scooped the white cat off her shoulders and into her arms. She skipped merrily towards the estate.

Su Jiu returned to the Cloud Pavilion. Nanny served her a bowl of lotus and mung bean porridge brewed with rock sugar while smiling. “Master mentioned that when Miss returns, she will be thirsty. As such, he instructed us to prepare a bowl of cooling soup, and let Miss drink it once she returns!”

Su Jiu received the bowl and drank two spoons of it. Her entire mouth was filled with sweetness as she asked, “Where is Ji Yuxian?”

“Master just got back. He should be in the study!” Nanny paused before teasing, “When Master got back, the first thing he asked was about Miss. Now, when Miss returned, the first thing you asked was about Master. You both are in sync!”

Su Jiu choked on a mouthful of soup. She had wanted to voice out something but choked in the process.

Nanny hurriedly patted her back. “Drink slowly!”

Su Jiu steadied her breathing, and suddenly recalled the young girl she met in the garden. She asked, “When I came back today, I saw a beautiful lady in the manor. Does she reside in the manor? I don’t think I’ve seen her before.”

Beautiful lady?

The nanny pondered for a moment and suddenly realized something. “Take a look at me, I busied myself once Miss returned and forgot such an important thing. The Third Young Mistress was ill this whole time and constantly had nightmares at night. She missed her family, so the Ren Family sent over their Third Miss into the manor to accompany the Third Young Mistress. This afternoon, the servants from the Third Young Mistress’ estate came to report to Miss, but Miss was not in. So, they went to report to the Second Mistress. The Second Mistress has always been kind and naturally agreed to it. She also told this servant to let you know once you return.”

Su Jiu nodded her head. It turns out that it was Miss Ren from the Ren Family, Ren Zhi’er’s younger sister!

When she thought carefully, she did indeed share a few similarities to Ren Zhi’er in terms of appearance, although their personalities were vastly different.

Su Jiu did not think any further. She drank her porridge, before heading to the study to eat with Ji Yuxian.

The next day, Su Jiu left the manor at noon. Ji Yuxian took an afternoon nap before leaving with Jin Feng at around three.

The moment he stepped out of the manor, he saw a young girl dressed in a peach-colored skirt embroidered with butterflies sitting next to his horse carriage. She was hugging her knees and sitting under the shade of the tree. The sunlight filtered through the leaves of the Begonia tree, leaving dotted shadows on the ground. The golden butterfly hairpin on the young girl’s head glittered, reflecting gorgeous multi-colored strands of light.

At the sound of footsteps, the young girl turned her head and looked up at Ji Yuxian with her pretty face. A faint flash passed by her eyes, and she seemed to be stuck in a daze.

Jin Feng asked, “Why is this lady waiting here?”

The girl got up with a whoosh and said happily, “This horse carriage is yours? I’ve been waiting for you!”

It was only when she stood up that Ji Yuxian and Jin Feng took notice of the snow-white cat in her embrace.

Jin Feng asked nonchalantly, “This lady was waiting for us?”

“That’s right!” The young girl narrowed her eyes and smiled. She pointed to the underside of the horse carriage, and said with a crisp voice, “Our Snowball’s furball rolled under your carriage. I’ve already been waiting here for one hour!”

Jin Feng was stunned. He saw that the lady was dressed like a Miss from an influential family. She had waited for one hour in such hot weather, just for one furball!

“Big brother! Could I trouble you to move your horse carriage and retrieve my furball?” The young girl’s bright eyes squinted in a friendly manner. Her face was that of brilliance and innocence.

Ji Yuxian nonchalantly nodded his head. “Jin Feng, shift the horse carriage!”

“Yes!” Jin Feng got on the horse carriage and moved the horse carriage over. A purplish pink ball of yarn was revealed from beneath the horse carriage. It was as big as a palm and looked especially cutesy.

The young girl sprinted over in a moment and picked up the furball. She puffed up her cheeks and blew off the dust on its surface, and used it to tease the cat in her arms. “Here, we’ve got it back. Next time, you can’t throw a tantrum at me anymore!”

Jin Feng looked at the girl interacting earnestly with the cat, and could hardly suppress a smile.

The young girl stood up, her eyes shining as she broke into a smile. “Many thanks to these two big brothers!”

Ji Yuxian’s enchantingly thin lips slipped into a smile as he turned around to board the horse carriage.

As she watched the horse carriage disappear into the distance, the young girl twirled her black hair that cascaded on both sides of her temples. Her eyes turned and she suddenly took a deep breath. She hastily covered her mouth with her hands, and spoke to the cat in her embrace. “Could that be my brother-in-law, the Eldest Young Master?”

“Meow!” The white furball cried out as it hugged the furball.

The young girl drummed against her cheeks, and her eyes curved into a smile. She skipped back in the direction of the estates.

At Drunken Joy Pavilion, the two brothers Su Cheng and Su Xing had each held a delicate woman as they made their way upstairs. The brothel madame came over, and her snow-white cheeks were smeared with rouge on both sides, just like a piece of white bread with two red dates on it. Her smile was so wide that the corners of her lips were about to touch her earlobes. She cooed endearingly, “Wow, these two Master Sus haven’t come by for a couple of days. A fragrant gust of wind must have blown you over today!”

Both Su Cheng and Su Xing were wearing trendy sets of satin brocade robes, put together with jade belts embellished with gold. On their waists hung fragrance sachets as well as jade pendants, while their hairs were fastened with gold-crested hairpieces. Their expressions were as proud as the spring breeze, a stark difference to their impoverished but extravagant appearance before. At a glance, anyone would know that they had recently struck gold!

Su Cheng casually tossed a silver ingot to the brothel madame and grinned. “Serve some good dishes and wine, this master wants to enjoy the day with Chun Xiang!”

The brothel madame received the silver with both hands, her eyes full of smiles. “Hurry up and take a seat in the room. The wine and dishes would be served soon! Chun Xiang, serve Master Su well!”

The girl in Su Cheng’s embrace smiled bewitchingly. “Yes!”

Just as the two brothers were walking up the stairs, they met face to face with Zhu Hecheng and two other managers as they walked over. When they saw them, they greeted, “It’s the two Su Shopkeepers!”

Although Su Cheng and Su Xing were behaving ostentatiously, they still had no way of comparing to the Zhu Family. This time, when they caught sight of Zhu Hecheng, they immediately straightened their posture and rectified their expressions, before greeting respectfully, “Greetings to Master Zhu!”

Zhu Hecheng smiled gently. “What a stroke of luck to have bumped into the two Su Shopkeepers. Why don’t we have a drink together?”

In the past, the two brothers of the Su Family were not even worth a fart in front of Zhu Hecheng. Even when they met, he would not even take a glance at them. The sudden invitation today had flattered them and caught them unexpectedly. They hastily replied, “Showing respect is not as good as compliance. Thank you for the invitation, Master Zhu!”

Zhu Hecheng smiled nonchalantly and led the two men to a suite specially prepared for him.

Within the city, a few of the wealthiest and most influential merchants all owned a separate suite to themselves in the Drunken Joy Pavilion. These rooms were used for their pleasure activities or to discuss business-related matters.

Zhu Hecheng’s suite was especially extravagant and luxurious. A Persian rug had been spread on the floorboards. Nanmu furnishings with gold embellishments were arranged around the room, together with royal porcelain cups and bowls. Every single piece in the room was exquisite.

The two brothers of the Su Family were shocked when they saw this, and subconsciously became more conscientious in their speech and conduct.

All of them took their seats and a waiter came in to serve the dishes as well as top-grade flower wine. The wine had a rich fragrance, and could inebriate people before they even took a sip of it!

“Today’s meeting is hard to come by, let me toast to the two Su Shopkeepers!” Zhu Hecheng politely raised his wine glass.

The Su Family brothers raised their glasses briskly. “Master Zhu is too polite. As the recipients of your invitation, we two brothers should give Master Zhu a toast first!”

“Let’s drink together! Drink together!” Zhu Hecheng gripped his wine glass and took a sip. The managers who accompanied him also drank from their wine glasses.

Zhu Hecheng put down the wine glass and smiled amiably. “Both of you are shopkeepers from the Su Family. One works in the tea industry while the other is in the textile line. Both of you run big businesses and have a resounding reputation in Shengjing City. We should have more interactions in the future!”

The Su Family brothers were flattered to the point of dizziness. They plastered a modest smile on their face. “Master Zhu, you are exaggerating! We are not even worthy of being mentioned in comparison to you!”

“Ay, you can’t say that! I have always admired both of you shopkeepers, and wanted to connect with you guys but never had the chance to. It is fate that I bumped into you guys today. From now on, we’re friends!”

“Master Zhu is being too polite. What you just said has always been our intention as well. Come, let us toast once more, Master Zhu. In the future, please look out for us!”

“We’ll look out for each other!”

The few of them drank a few more glasses. The Su brothers gradually became slightly intoxicated and they started to talk gibberish. They referred to Zhu Hecheng intimately as their brother, as though they had already been buddies with him for a few decades.

After half a round of drinking, Zhu Hecheng personally poured the two men a glass of wine. He grinned and said, “Recently, the both of you have been glowing with health. You guys must have hit the jackpot. Why don’t you tell your brother about it, and open my eyes to broaden my perspective!”

Su Cheng’s lips cracked into a wide smile. “We were only leeching off the fame of the Ji Manor!’

“Oh? What do you mean?” Zhu Hecheng asked with a faint smile.

“Master Zhu has heard of the Qingyu Trading Company that just opened in Shengjing City! It belongs to the Ji Manor. Our niece from the Su Family is the Young Mistress of the Ji Manor, so naturally, the Ji Family will look out for us. They set aside two sales racks in the trading company for us to sell our goods. Now, money is flowing in like water, and it doesn’t matter if our physical stores remain open!” Su Cheng flaunted and spewed out everything he knew.

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Zhu Hecheng nodded his head meaningfully. As expected, the person behind the trading company was Ji Yuxian.

The smile on his face deepened, and he continued to pour out more wine for the Su Family brothers. “I see, that was such a wonderful opportunity. You two shopkeepers must have been really lucky!”

The two brothers sniggered, their faces flushed with pride.

Zhu Hecheng exchanged glances with the two managers sitting next to him, his sharp eyes calculating and cunning.