Chapter 26: Radiant Without Taint (26)

Chapter 26: Radiant Without Taint (26)

Sun Sanniang spoke to Yuxiu, "She must have suffered from the same illness as you."

Yuxiu had her suspicions too, "You didn't notice, but the way she looked at you… it was like she was seeing herself."

"When I first mentioned your weak constitution and how you can sleep for long periods, she seemed lost in thought for a moment and said something comforting. At that time, I found it odd. Now, thinking back, she was probably relating it to her own experience."

Sun Sanniang asked, "What did she say?"

Yuxiu replied, "Something along the lines of — you're enthusiastic, so she wanted to give it a try."

Sun Sanniang fell silent for a moment before continuing, "Yes, she wanted one last attempt."

These words carried great weight. The phrase "last attempt" sent shivers down Yuxiu's spine.

"Why has it come to this…?"

In truth, Yuxiu couldn't grasp what was on Sanniang's mind. They hadn't had an open-hearted conversation in a long time, so she seized this opportunity to ask, "Sanniang, tell me, how have you truly felt all these years?"

Sun Sanniang lowered her head.

Yuxiu didn't pressure her but said, "A'Wan is a good girl. Since she managed to recover from a similar illness, she wants to do her best to help you recover too. Don't worry; any illness can be treated and cured."

Sanniang acknowledged that she was indeed suffering from an ailment. Weakly, she sat in her recliner and only spoke after a long while. "At first, I didn't think it was a sickness."

"Everyone said I had a bad temper, and I thought it was just me being overly sensitive."

"After that, they claimed I was grieving too much over Longlong's passing, damaging my health in the process. I had no retort for that."

"I did... I really couldn't forgive myself because of Longlong."

Longlong was her daughter who had passed away at the age of three.

Since then, she had never experienced joy again.

Yuxiu tried to comfort her. "There's nothing that could have been done about it. No one wished for such a thing to happen."

Sanniang lowered her head. "But... I wasn't good to her."

Yuxiu looked over, "What?"

Sun Sanniang fell silent for a moment before she said, "We grew up together since childhood. You should know how Father and Mother treated me."

Yuxiu nodded, "I do."

They had cherished her like a precious gem, afraid of even the slightest damage.

Sun Sanniang smiled softly and gazed out the window, "Those were truly dreamlike days. Sometimes, when I recall them vaguely, I wonder if my memory has played tricks on me."

"But it was so beautiful that when they insisted on marrying me off to Duke Xun Guo as his second wife, I refused to believe it."

She had rebelled and tried to escape, but to no avail.

She continued, "When I married into the Duke's household, he still thought I was just being stubborn with him. Father and Mother even wrote to me, urging me to reconsider, saying that he was a decent man who would treat me well."

But Father and Mother were unaware that she wasn't quarreling with Duke Xun Guo; she was rebelling against them.

"Why don't you love me anymore?"

How could one suddenly lose affection?

She had been so indulged that it took her a long time to accept this reality.

Later, when she became pregnant and gave birth, she felt that her irritability and harshness had improved significantly, but the child did not survive.

She confided in Yuxiu, "Again and again, I recall the image of Longlong's passing, and each time I regret not having taken better care of her, allowing her to catch a cold."

Her hatred grew for everyone.

As the second wife, she had married into the family while the Duke of Xun's elderly matriarch was still alive, and the duke's original wife's son was only a year or two younger than her.

The elderly Lady of Yan ignored her in favor of the original wife's children, naturally regarding her as a wicked woman. Where had she ever suffered such injustice at home?

After another two years, with still no child, the old lady began to torment her.

Finally, after a difficult pregnancy, her life improved marginally, but she gave birth to a daughter. The old lady openly and covertly called her an omen of misfortune.

Sun Sanniang said, "When my child was born, I was initially overjoyed. Longlong was flesh of my flesh; how could I not love her? But gradually, I changed. I found myself wishing that she had been a son."

Appearance reflects the heart, and perhaps Longlong sensed it, for she saw the young girl bow her head.

Sun Sanniang covered her face and wept. "Why did I treat my child like that? Why did I even think such thoughts?"

Yuxiu, hearing her distress, went to console her, embracing her. "It's all in the past now. Everything is over."

But Sun Sanniang refused to forgive herself.

"I still can't believe that I was the one who desperately hoped Longlong would be a son. After what Father and Mother did to me, I swore I would be good to my child."

Yet, her child had suffered far more.

Initially, she refused to blame herself. In her madness, she hurled objects around, accusing the Old Lady of causing Longlong's death, then later, the Eldest Son of the Xunguo Duke.

In the end, she was on the brink of insanity.

She began to blame herself.

It was her fault that Longlong had died.

Yuxiu couldn't help feeling heartbroken. "It wasn't you; you were just influenced by those around you. You didn't mistreat Longlong either. She really just couldn't withstand the cold."

Exhausted from crying, Sun Sanniang lay on the chair, tears silently streaming down her face. "I will never forgive myself for having had such thoughts."

"A'Wan said yesterday that she wants to live a better life, to desperately get out, to step outside—free from the confines of the inner residence, without being too hard on herself."

"In that moment, I was truly happy for her."

It was the first time Yuxiu had learned of these thoughts. She asked, "Does Duke Xun Guo know about these ideas of yours?"

Sun Sanniang shook her head. "I hate myself, and I hate him too."

Yuxiu sighed. "Then let's not mention it. Just tell me."

She hesitated before asking, "So what are your thoughts now?"

Sun Sanniang seemed lost in thought. "I don't know. I think I want to live, but it's not like I have to survive."

She smiled. "If I were to fall asleep like this, it wouldn't be bad either."

That would mean she was still unwell.

Yuxiu wept all the way back home and took days to recover. Previously, she had complained that Sanniang ignored her. Now, she realized that while she was suffering, Sanniang was enjoying domestic bliss within their home.

She finally understood the emotions behind those words: "Your children have grown strong, but mine haven't. You're too happy, and seeing you upsets me. I know I'm jealous of you, but I can't help it."

She slapped herself. "Yuxiu, how could you be so despicable?"

It wasn't until Zhe Wan arrived with a joyful expression and a token of gratitude, ten taels of silver, that Yuxiu felt a slight uplift in spirits.

Zhe Wan said, "The total profit was fifty taels, and the chef and the vegetarian kitchen each gave ten taels. The remaining ten taels will be split between you and me."

Yuxiu exclaimed, overwhelmed, "I get some too? I didn't do anything."

But the silver was already in her hand.

Zhe Wan chuckled. "Didn't you say you didn't want it?"

Yuxiu replied, "I've played my part as a matchmaker too."

But after a moment, she corrected herself, "Wait – there's only fifty taels of silver in total, and you've given it all away. Are you planning to add more?"

Zhe Wan chuckled. "Consider it a learning experience for the first time."

She continued, "And those ten taels aren't just a gift. If there's ever another opportunity like this, remember to include me."

Yuxiu asked, "Did you deliver the silver to Sanniang?"

Zhe Wan answered, "Not yet. I thought we could go together after I give it to you."

Without further ado, Yuxiu got into the carriage but couldn't help sobbing again. "She's truly pitiful."

Zhe Wan didn't inquire about the reason but consoled her, "She even promised to go mountain climbing with me. She'll definitely pull through."

When they arrived, Sun Sanniang was staring blankly out the window. Duke Xun was also present. He stood by the window, silent as she was.

Seeing them, he was quite pleased and said, "She's much better today. She's even wondering what to have for lunch."

Yuxiu found him displeasing and ignored him, but Zhe Wan inquired, "Did Sister Sun mention what she would like to eat?"

Duke Xun Guo replied, "She didn't specify any dishes, only mentioned it casually."

Zhe Wan instructed the young maid, "Order some jade orchid slices, make sure to use fresh winter bamboo shoots and toast them with honey. Also, prepare some radish dumpling soup. First, shred the radish, blanch it to remove any odor, then mix with scallions and sauce before shaping into balls and frying with sesame oil."

The young maid repeated the instructions before leaving.

Grasping Zhe Wan's hand, Sanniang asked, "How do you know all this?"

Zhe Wan answered, "I love to eat."

She handed over a ten-tael silver ingot, "Here."

"This is your pay."

Sanniang was taken aback, slowly taking the silver. Suddenly, she laughed, "It feels pretty good."

Zhe Wan replied, "Earning for oneself always feels good."

She let out a deep sigh of relief. "To be honest with you, I plan to buy a residence in the future."

"I was also worried before about not being able to earn enough money to buy a shop, but I didn't dare to tell anyone for fear that I might chicken out at the last minute. After going through this experience myself, I'm no longer worried about not being able to afford a residence."

She was now convinced that she could make the money.

It was understandable to want to buy a shop, but purchasing a residence was indeed peculiar. Yuxiu gave her an inquisitive glance but didn't probe further, simply saying, "If you decide you want to buy one, just let me know. I can help you look for a suitable location."

Speaking of which, Zhe Wan actually had something to discuss with them. "Are any of you interested in buying land?"

Sun Sanniang's tired eyes snapped open again. "Buy land?"

Zhe Wan nodded. "Yes, in Minnan. The land there is mostly uncultivated, but it's ideal for growing tea."

A single ounce of tea was worth an ounce of gold, while an acre of land cost only an ounce of silver.

She still remembered that piece of information.

This was something she had failed to do previously, and she still wanted to see it through.

She told Sun Sanniang, "For the next few days, I'll be occupied with studying the annals of Minnan at home, so I won't be able to visit. Sister Yu will come instead. Remember to spend more time basking in the sun and interacting with nature."

...

Now, Duke Xun saw He Chun as an attractive and refined man. He invited He Chun for a drink, "My wife is much better! As a man, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to invite your wife to dinner, but please, come over and let me express my gratitude through you."

He Chun readily agreed. He had previously racked his brains to find ways to get closer to Duke Xun, but the latter had always avoided such attempts. Now that circumstances had changed, he was eager to establish a closer relationship.

Men often discussed national affairs during meals. Apart from topics related to the emperor's harem and the princes, they could speak openly about other matters.

Nonetheless, their conversation eventually turned to Prince Yue. Knowing that Duke Xun had some acquaintance with the prince, He Chun mentioned, "I'm not sure what I've done wrong, but he's been ignoring me lately."

Upon hearing this, Duke Xun became drunk. He Chun sneered but had to settle the bill before leaving.

To his surprise, two days later, Duke Xun invited He Chun for another drink, "Why hasn't Lady Liu stopped doing business? Does she have no clients? I have some connections that can ensure her continued success."

December had arrived, and the Board of Censors was bustling with work. He Chun was so busy that his feet hardly touched the ground, leaving him no time to concern himself with Zhe Wan. Hearing Duke Xun's question, he casually replied, "No clients? It seems so. I haven't seen her venture out these past few days."

Duke Xun complained, "If she hadn't visited my wife, there would naturally be no business."

But Sanniang's spirits weren't high as usual.

Feeling vexed, Duke Xun Guo took out his frustration on He Chun. "What are you good for? Your wife's shop is losing business, and you don't even bother to lend a hand?"

He Chun wished he could slap him right then — how could he help when he was already overwhelmed with his own work?

The Emperor had only mentioned looking out for him, yet now he had twice the workload!

But before his superior, he had to hold his tongue. "Yes, I'll inquire about it."

Upon returning, he grumbled, "I really can't fathom what Duke Xun Guo is thinking. Can't he find something for Lady Duke Xun to do himself?"

Still, he asked Zhe Wan, "Didn't you strike a deal? I heard you've lost quite a bit in it?"

His words sounded harsh despite his intentions. Zhe Wan ignored him, mimicking his tone. "Didn't I tell you about Chuan'er being afraid of you? He still seems terrified of you, doesn't he?"

He Chun fell silent, admitting helplessly, "I've tried to be more patient, but when he can't learn such simple characters, I just can't control my temper."

Zhe Wan replied, "He's his elder sister's only child. If you treat him like this, she won't rest in peace."

Hè Chun recalled Ayan's great attachment to their child. He sighed, "I've been far too busy."

Zhe Wan replied, "If you're not here, neither am I. If it doesn't work out, we can send him back to our mother."

The child had originally been sent over for just a few days but ended up staying for an entire month. Lady Zhao had made several attempts, both subtle and direct, to have the child returned, but Hè Chun stubbornly refused. She now regarded Zhe Wan with hostility, believing she was behind his decision.

Zhe Wan found Hè Chun utterly perplexing. He didn't seem overly concerned about De Ge's upbringing, yet he wouldn't give him to Lady Zhao. She was his biological mother, whom he respected often. Why couldn't he bear to part with his son?

She turned to him, "I've been occupied lately and don't have the time to look after him. You said he's timid and has learned from Mother Yu, but he can't be without a nanny, right? It would be reassuring to entrust him to our mother."

Hè Chun was about to ask if she would never be done with her work or if there were no more business deals. But then he remembered the Duke of Xunguo's request. Zhe Wan still needed to continue visiting the Duke's residence.

Rubbing his head in frustration, he exclaimed, "Why are there so many matters to attend to!"

Zhe Wan thought the issue had been settled. However, De Ge refused to go to Lady Zhao.

For some reason, he clung stubbornly to the pillar in front of Cangyun Pavilion, causing Mother Yu to weep beside him.

Hè Chun was taken aback, "You don't want to go to your grandmother?"

Brother Chuan nodded.

He Chun asked, "Why? Doesn't your grandmother treat you well?"

Brother Chuan recalled what Mother Yu had said.

"Your father needs to see you more often for him to notice you."

Brother Chuan wanted to see his father. Even though his father had a terrible temper, he still yearned for his presence.

Moreover...

He looked up at his unfamiliar mother.

With her around, Father's anger would be subdued.

If he were to stay with his grandmother, he wouldn't get to see his father as often. His father didn't seem to like him and wouldn't take the initiative to visit.

Brother Chuan remained silent. He Chun was at a loss and turned to Zhe Wan, "Let's stay at the Cangyun Pavilion then."

Zhe Wan didn't insist, saying, "Then we'll visit Mother during the day and return to Cangyun Pavilion at night."

She then urged, "Didn't you agree to consult a tutor? If you can't manage, I'll ask Sister Yu to help."

He Chun replied, "Understood!"

Mother Yu listened on the side with a heart full of sorrow. The world only heard the laughter of new couples but not the tears of the old. Zhe Wan had only been married for three months, yet Young Master had already started bickering and joking with her.

Would they become a loving couple like he was with the big missy?

Mother Yu hugged Little Chuan tightly. She felt as if she were in an icy abyss and wrote an urgent letter to Lady Zhe that same night.

But Zhe Wan wasn't concerned about what Mother Yu was doing. Her attention was fully on the letter in Chan Yue's hand.

Chan Yue entered the courtyard with a calm expression but knelt before Zhe Wan with a pale face.

"Young Lady, I think I've caused trouble."

Zhe Wan helped her up and took the letter. She saw that it was written by her elder sister.

The letter was open. She glanced at Chan Yue, who cried, "The envelope wasn't sealed, and there were no writings on the outside."

She was deeply frightened. "I found it in the storage room. It's almost the end of the year, and Mother Ming asked us to sort through the chests and trunks. Originally, I was supposed to go with Wen Yue and the others, but Su Shan wasn't around, so Mother Ming took them to the greenhouse. I cleaned alone, and I was afraid that if I wasn't careful, Mother Ming would scold me."

Since she had been the one cleaning by herself, there would be no one else to blame if something went wrong.

Still, she tried to defend herself. "That's why I checked even the corners. Some of the chests in the storage room belonged to the previous young mistress. While I was cleaning meticulously, I discovered this letter under the table's edge."

"At first, I didn't think much of it since there were no writings on the envelope, so I opened it. Little did I know... It was written by the original eldest young mistress."

Zhe Wan hesitated for a moment, then asked Chan Yue to close the door before sitting down to examine the letter under the lamp.

The handwriting was scribbled messily. It seemed like the writer was in a troubled state of mind, with the writing disjointed and many spots where ink had bled through the paper.

However, with just a few lines, Zhe Wan's heart raced with alarm.

The first line read: Mama, I'm too tired. The roses outside the window are blooming beautifully, but I have no interest in looking at them.

"I haven't taken the medicine you sent. I don't want to take it, nor dare I."

"I'm still young."

"I have no desire to compete with Song Yueniang. Why would I do so?"

"Ama, I'm exhausted. Please don't push me anymore."

Zhe Wan took a deep breath and looked at Chan Yue. "Did you finish reading?"

Chan Yue nodded. "Yes."

She appeared anxious and uneasy. "Young Lady... I really didn't mean to read it."

Zhe Wan now understood why Chan Yue had suddenly vanished from the manor in her previous life.

Although she couldn't recall who Chan Yue was, Zhe Wan knew that in her previous life, this maid hadn't been as proactive as she was now in offering herself to her.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have remembered such a person.

Who did she intend to give this letter to?

She suddenly asked, "Why did you choose to side with me on the very first day?"

Chan Yue knelt again, her voice trembling, "It's… because this servant noticed that Miss Zhe Wan was calm and composed when ordering food on her wedding night. I also saw how much you appreciate vegetarian cuisine."

That kind of gaze couldn't be faked. Following such a master would never be a mistake.

She had taken a gamble. And it proved to be the right choice.

Zhe Wan understood.

Chan Yue felt that she could rely on her. Then, who did she depend on in her previous life?

Mother Tang?

Whoever it was, they didn't stay in the end, and no one knew where they were sold.

Zhe Wan sighed. "It's alright, it's not a big deal."

Chan Yue nodded through her tears. Zhe Wan comforted her, "There's nothing to worry about. It's just a letter. Perhaps Eldest Sister had a disagreement with Mother."

Yet she never knew that her elder sister could be so troubled and write such letters in private.

She carefully stored the letter away, intending to revisit the flower album, but found herself lost in thought.

What kind of person was Elder Sister Zhe Yan?

...

There was almost a decade's difference between Zhe Yan and Zhe Wan.

When Zhe Wan was around five or six, Zhe Tan had already been married off. But Zhe Wan vaguely remembered that her elder sister had always been praised by others.

She was beautiful, gentle in nature, filial, and known for her grace, tranquility, and intelligence.

Indeed, she was all those things.

Zhe Wan had also benefited from her elder sister's kindness in her early years. She couldn't bring herself to say anything negative about her.

Rain began to fall outside the room.

The rain fell intermittently, and she propped her chin in her hand, sitting by the window and reaching out to catch the droplets. The water was cold, and she couldn't help shivering, but suddenly, memories of Mama Yu and Mama Tang's praises for her elder sister flooded her mind.

"When the young lady was still around, there was never any chaos in the household."

"She managed the affairs of the estate even when she was three months pregnant."

"The young lady had the kindest heart. When the tenants on our outer lands faced disaster, she forgave their rent for an entire year."

Everyone adored her. Even Madam Zhao and Song Yueniang would later remark, "How wonderful Ayan was, it's such a pity."

When Chao He Chun scolded his son, he'd say, "If you were half as good as your mother, I'd be content."

Over the past fifteen years, Zhe Wan had mentally painted a portrait of her elder sister - serene, flawless.

Upon entering the room, Chao He Chun noticed her melancholy expression. He chuckled and said, "Are you not living comfortably? Why do you wear such a worried look?"

She was no longer in charge of the household affairs, and there was no pressure from Chao Ge to raise him. Every day, she merely visited Duke Yun's residence to chat with Duke Yun's wife - what a pleasant task.

Observing him, she had to tend to matters outside and then attend to their son.

He recalled a phrase he'd overheard at some banquet: Women from such prominent families truly lead lives of innate bliss.

Now, it seemed there was some truth to that.

Usually, Zhe Wan would engage in conversation with him, but today, she didn't utter a single word.

He Chun had just finished teaching Chuan-ge how to write; the boy had improved significantly, his characters now complete and not too crooked.

Thus, He Chun was in a fairly good mood. Unbothered by Zhe Wan's silence, he asked, "Is it something to do with Lady Yun Guo Gong that's troubling you?"

Zhe Wan lifted her gaze, giving him a cold stare.

He Chun jumped in surprise. He frowned, "What's gotten into you?!"

Zhe Wan: "Get out!"

This time, He Chun was genuinely enraged. Upon returning to his study, he slammed objects around, "I really have no words for her! It's only because I don't hold grudges against her!"

A stubborn temperament! One moment, everything is fine, and the next, she's coldly scolding others.

Who was it that said she was kind and honest? Complete nonsense!

...

The following morning, He Chun rose early to attend court and noticed that the lights in the Cangyun Pavilion had been lit all night long.

He harrumphed, but continued walking. Inside the room, Chan Yue was helping Zhe Wan dress. "Madam, are you going to read the county records again today?"

Zhe Wan shook her head. "No... Today, I want to visit the storehouse."

She had suddenly become curious about her elder sister.

She was willing to spare some time for her.

Those few words in the letter had stirred up memories she'd rather forget.

The letter mentioned taking medicine.

What medicine should she take?

Zhe Wan recalled the secret recipe that Li Yiyang had once secretly given her. "This is what I painstakingly stole from Madam's chamber. It was this very medicine that enabled Eldest Miss to conceive Young Master Chuan. It brought forth a male heir in one stroke."

She still remembered that prescription.

One liang of incense ash, one liang of Guanyin soil, one liang of water from a spring without a source, and one liang of crushed Phoenix tree leaves.

They were to be kneaded into pills, dissolved in water, and consumed daily for seven consecutive days.

It was indeed an unpleasant drink.

She didn't want to consume it. She had taken so many medicines that she had given up on herself.

But the concubine coerced her, kneeling before her and begging, scolding, "After all these years, you still haven't given birth to a single child. How can I possibly sleep soundly? You've left me with no hope!"

"A woman who can't bear children will be a laughingstock. If you don't have your own child, there won't even be anyone to claim your remains in the future!"

"If you refuse to drink it and don't give birth, then Su Shan will..."

At the mere thought of those words, Zhe Wan's body trembled uncontrollably.

Chan Yue, frightened, supported her, "Young Lady, what's wrong with you?"

Zhe Wan regained her composure and forced a gentle smile, "It's nothing."

That nightmare was already in the past.

Did her elder sister also have nightmares? Her hand slowly traced over the trunks she once used as she paced between them, deep in thought.

—Was the medicine mentioned in her letter referring to that prescription?

Zhe Wan personally spent the whole day sorting through the trunks in the storeroom, but apart from the letter, she found nothing.

Mrs. Yu played with Little Chuan in the courtyard while frequently glancing at the storeroom.

Little Chuan couldn't help but follow her gaze. When Mrs. Yu realized this, she quickly picked him up, "Little Chuan, let's go back inside."

Little Chuan was reluctant. He pointed at the storeroom, "Mother is there."

Nanny Yu replied, "She's occupied at the moment."

This reminded Chuan Ge of the task Sheng Ge had entrusted him with. "Your mother's flower crowns are truly beautiful. Could you ask her to make one for me?"

Chuan Ge didn't give an immediate answer but was determined to fulfill this request.

Yet, several days had passed, and he hadn't mustered the courage to ask her.

Sheng Ge hadn't visited either, so Chuan Ge couldn't admit his failure.

Lowering his head, Chuan Ge felt helpless as Nanny Yu carried him away without resistance.

When Zhe Wan returned to the main chamber, she noticed him peeping through the crack in the door.

Startled, Zhe Wan paused in her steps and furrowed her brows. "Where's Nanny Yu?"

Chan Yue answered, "She just went to the kitchen. Mother Fang should be supervising him now."

Mother Fang was loyal to Madam Zhao and didn't keep such a close eye on Chuan Ge.

Zhe Wan pursed her lips and whispered to Chan Yue, "Tell Mother Yu to take Chun Ge more often to play with Ying Jie and Sheng Ge."

Despite Song Yueniang's control over keeping Ying Jie and Sheng Ge away from Cangyun Pavilion, Mother Yu had still confined herself and Chun Ge within the courtyard without venturing out.

Undeterred, she returned to her room and scribbled down two characters on a piece of paper: 'medicine' and 'exhaustion'.

If the medicine referred to the one she consumed, she could understand her elder sister's sentiments. It was both a fear and unwillingness.

As for exhaustion...

She sighed, "How could it not be tiring to be the eldest daughter-in-law of the Duke of England's household?"

She had cried from exhaustion countless times. Yet, everyone claimed that she didn't appreciate her blessings and was inferior to her elder sister.

"Chen Ayan would never leave such matters for tomorrow."

"Whatever Chen Ayan does, she handles it effortlessly, unlike you who are always so drained."

Zhe Wan slowly savored a flower pastry.

It turned out that even the eldest sister could grow weary.

After much contemplation, she realized she had overlooked the most crucial question.

—When was this letter written?

What incident could have prompted her to pen such words?

...

Sun Sanniang noticed that Zhe Wan had been distracted lately.

Since Yuxiu wasn't around today, she personally brought a cup of flower tea she had recently concocted. "Are you preoccupied with something?"

Zhe Wan shook her head and replied, "Let's discuss the land purchase first."

Smiling, Sun Sanniang agreed. "Sure thing."

Both women were studying the county records. Reading was mentally taxing, and Yuxiu only pretended to appreciate literature but didn't genuinely enjoy reading. Thus, she had initially stated that she would only be responsible for providing the funds. Sun Sanniang, on the other hand, lacked the energy to read extensively due to exhaustion. It was Zhe Wan who stayed up late to finish perusing all the county records.

She remarked, "In Minnan, there are indeed areas with exorbitant land prices, but they are mostly confined to the Fuzhou region."

Zhangzhou Prefecture, Quanzhou Prefecture, Xinghua Prefecture... They are quite impoverished. As I've read in the county records, the imperial court has to provide annual subsidies for relief efforts there.

She unfolded a feng shui map and marked on it, "These three locations are ripe for prosperity, yet they have never flourished."

Later, it seemed as if an official was involved, initiating the idea of purchasing land for tea cultivation.

The land of Minnan suddenly began to rise prominently.

But for the inhabitants of Capital City, it was a bargain. Indeed, for them now, it was all the more so.

Born into an esteemed family, Sun Sanniang was well aware that purchasing barren lands now would yield a good sale in the future. But would they really sell when the time comes?

She gazed at Zhe Wan and noticed a fire seemed to be burning within her eyes.

Her eyes couldn't help but curve, "You want to buy it that much?"

Zhe Wan nodded.

She had a penchant for purchasing land.

That which one has never possessed is always desired.

Sun Sanniang replied, "Not only should you consult the county annals, but also the imperial gazette."

Zhe Wan had never imagined that she could even access the imperial gazette. The idea of consulting the county annals was already the result of much deliberation on her part.

She had even instructed someone to find a Minnan native to inquire about the situation.

Upon closer reflection, however, perusing the imperial gazette would undoubtedly be more efficient and swift. She brightened up, "I'll go back and search for it immediately."

Sun Sanniang interjected, "There's no need to look elsewhere. I have it at home."

She whispered softly, "Your family should have one too, but it's probably with the Duke of Britain. It's better to use mine, after all, you're both young ladies, while I'm almost an elderly lady."

Zhe Wan couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing this. For the first time, she whispered a mild complaint in front of Sun Sanniang, "The grandchildren of the Duke of Britain have been out in society for years, yet our titles haven't changed – I should've been addressed as 'Lady' long ago, but with 'Young Lady' preceding it, it makes the elder one seem even younger, doesn't it?"

Sun Sanniang couldn't suppress her laughter.

That evening, he even laughed several times. The Duke of Xunguo was delighted and thanked Li Hechun the next day. "Madam Li is truly remarkable. With just a few words, she made my wife happy for an entire day."

Li Hechun's face remained stiff. "That's really great."

He didn't want to mention her at all.

The Duke of Xunguo invited him for a drink again – Li Hechun accepted this invitation.

Taking advantage of the situation, he didn't engage in idle chatter but immediately complained under the influence of alcohol, "It's been years, Your Excellency should know that I'm not someone who abuses the Emperor's authority for personal gain."

"It was still bearable back then. When there were many tasks, I was busy with them, and at that time, my first wife had passed away, leaving me in deep sorrow. Being busy non-stop prevented me from grieving, and I didn't feel exhausted. But now, it's different. My young son has grown up and is afraid of me, not being close to me. When I'm occupied, I can't attend to him..."

The Duke of Xunguo was a cunning old fox. After getting what he wanted, he only offered a meal, refusing to commit to anything else. He patted Li Hechun on the shoulder and said earnestly, "This is the Emperor's test for you, and my word doesn't count. Since the Emperor said he would look out for you, everyone knows about it. If I don't push you a little harder, how will you interact with your colleagues? Will they treat you sincerely?"

Then, he smiled. "But both you and your wife are formidable. You know, Madam Li is now taking my wife to purchase land in Minnan."

"They've just finished reading the county records and are now in the study looking at the gazettes from Minnan."

"She's quite impressive."