Ji Man had already gone out to inquire about the status of Shuji Rouge Store. The formerly, extremely prosperous business that had a store in every province, had closed down. There were rumors that Shuji Rouge Store’s female shopkeeper had been locked away in the imperial prison, and the government had seized all of her property without providing any reason. Regardless, the people here had made their own knockoff versions of cold cream, and there were all sorts of varieties available. 

  After two decades of schooling and hard work, she was bankrupt. She had majored in chemistry in college and knew how to make a couple of chemical products. When she graduated, she could only get a job as a salesperson without any special qualities. Now that she had become unwillingly involved in the struggle for power and didn’t have a source of money, she could only start her struggles for money again. 

  Fortunately, her starting point was pretty high. Because everyone else thought she was Marquis Jingwen’s relative, a lot of things would go smoothly. After thinking over her plan over the course of several days, Ji Man clenched her jaw and said to Dengxin, “Bring me a pair of scissors.” 

  — 

  Marquis Moyu’s main estate in the capital. 

  After the new emperor ascended to the throne, all sorts of bestowed items were sent to this estate. Many people had tried to come over to ingrate themselves and to try to climb up socially, but Ning Yuxuan didn’t want to see them. He had the housekeeper send away all of these visitors for him. 

  Liu Hanyun continued to remain in the other estate, so the estate only had Xia-shi, Qi Siling, Mu Shuiqing, and Wen Wan. After he divorced Nie Sangyu, the position of the main wife became empty. Qi Siling and Wen Wan both thought that they should be the one that got promoted to that position. Thus, they were always trying to appear in front of Marquis Moyu. 

  Today, Ning Yuxuan was in his study and silently drawing. 

  Standing on the side, Mu Shuqing slightly sighed and said, “Who could have imagined this ending? Still, Madam is a sensible person and didn’t lash out at you.” 

  “Do you really think that she doesn’t resent me at all?” Ning Yuxuan chuckled and started to paint the facial features for the person in his painting. “Even though she was happily smiling, who knows how upset she was actually feeling? In the past, every time she greeted me with a gentle expression, she was clearly secretly cursing at me.” 

  Those eyes had always seemed as if they could see through everything. She thought that she had hidden her scorn and disdain very well, but he had clearly seen through her true feelings each time. 

  Mu Shuiqing deeply looked at him before pursing her lips and saying, “My lord, there’s still one more year left of your mourning period for Old Madame. Based on the new emperor’s behavior, if you continue to not have a main wife, he’ll definitely bestow a marriage to you as soon as the mourning period ends.” 

  “En. Who do you think would be a suitable main wife?” Marquis Moyu casually asked. 

  Mu Shuiqing answered, “Mistress Xia-shi is the heir’s biological mother, but her words and actions are too vulgar. She’s not suitable to be a wife. Mistress Wan has always received my lord’s love, but she’s not as composed as Mistress Ling. It’s only that Mistress Ling……” 

  Qi Siling had been the one that exposed Nie Sangyu’s business, and the direct cause behind why the marquis had divorced her. 

  “She’s not suitable.” Ning Yuxuan lightly harrumphed. He embellished the painting with two peonies. “Wan-er isn’t suitable either. She can’t manage a household with her easily ruffled emotions.” 

  “Then, what is my lord’s intention?” 

  Ning Yuxuan considered before saying, “For now, let’s bring Hanyun back first. I heard that she has a younger cousin in Jing Province that’s an official.” 

  Mu Shuiqing clearly understood his intention and nodded. 

  — 

  Ji Man was disguised in a man’s attire and currently sitting on the third floor of the biggest rouge shop in Jing Province. Holding a token that signified she was from Marquis Jingwen’s household, she calmly drunk tea. 

  She didn’t have a better option. She needed a way to earn money and selling products for women was the quickest way. This time, she had made eye cream and hand cream. After a lot of trial and error, she had finally produced the cream in these two boxes. At most, these two creams had a minor effect of preserving youthful skin. The crucial point was based on advertisement. Very often, a woman’s skin care products had a subjective effect that was more affected by her expectations than objective reality. 

  This time, Ji Man wouldn’t act so foolishly. She was using a male identity to discuss business with Tianxiang’s shopkeeper. 

  However, as soon as the shopkeeper saw the token, she said that she had to discuss with her boss first, so Ji Man had been waiting here since then. Perhaps, they were concerned because it was a token from Marquis Jingwen. After all, this was Jing Province. 

  After Ji Man had waited for a time long enough to burn an incense stick, the response they gave her wasn’t disappointing. They said that as long as she could supply the goods, they would help her sell the products for a percentage of the profit. 

  The owner of the store very amicably said, “It’s only that we have a potential customer. He heard that you’re selling these unusual items and would like to meet with you. He’s called Sir Liu.” 

  Wearing a professional smile, Ji Man stroked the mustache that she stuck on her face and said, “That’s good too. This one enjoys making new friends.” 

  The owner of the store nodded, and the shopkeeper went down to call that person upstairs. It didn’t take long for a green-robed man in his twenties to appear. He courteously greeted, “This one is called Liu Rufeng.” 

  The corners of Ji Man’s lips twitched. She dryly laughed and said, “What a good name. This one is Ji Man.” 

  (T/N: Rufeng means like/as the wind.) 

  “Young Lord Ji, you have such a refined appearance. You look like a talented individual. Could we be friends?” Liu Rufeng raised his head. His face looked very honest and even had a hint of a scholar’s gentleness. “Young Lord, how about we move our conversation to somewhere else? The weather happens to be just right for an outing on the lake.” 

  If a total stranger suddenly ran up to you and said, “Wow, you look really marvelous. Let’s be friends, okay? Want to go on a boat ride with me?” Would you go with him? 

  Only an idiot would go with him! Ji Man maintained her smile, but she stood up and said, “It looks like it’s going to rain soon. How about we take a raincheck on that idea? This one also needs to go back home earlier today.” 

  Without waiting for Liu Rufeng to reply, Ji Man dashed back to Marquis Jingwen’s estate. She didn’t put down her worries until she passed through the front gate. Then, she turned around to look in Tianxiang store’s direction for a while and decided to go ask Errong if she knew Sir Liu. 

  However, right after she arrived outside of Errong’s courtyard, she heard two servants gossiping. Their words were especially unpleasant to hear. 

  Staying in Marquis Jingwen’s estate was basically relying on someone else’s charity. Towards outsiders, Errong said that Ji Man and Ji Zhu were her distant relatives and should be treated respectfully. However, the servants didn’t see these two people as true masters.

  Chapter 314 – It feels so nice to rely on someone’s reputation (1) 

  “Why is that Young Lord Ji so close with our junzhu, ah? She’s a pregnant woman.” 

  (T/N: This was first mentioned in chapter 63, but since this word doesn’t come up often, I’m repeating the explanation again. Junzhu is one rank lower than princess. The title of junzhu is usually given to a daughter of a first-rank prince. The title can also be bestowed by the emperor’s decree.) 

  “Alas, Sir Nie has already died. It’s only to be expected that some toad is going to be lusting after our junzhu. He’s just a destitute, insignificant fellow. Of course, he’s going to like our junzhu, who has everything except a husband.” 

  “He’s just living off a woman……” 

  Ji Man pursed her lips and strode over there. Grinning, she smacked the door that the two servants were leaning against. 

  Trembling, the two terrified servants got up. They looked at her getup from top to bottom in bewilderment. 

  “Is my older brother inside?” Still smiling, Ji Man stuck her lips towards Errong’s room. 

  The slightly older servant finally recognized who she was. Cowering, she said, “.…… Yes.” 

  Ji Man nodded and raised her foot to continue into the courtyard. Behind her, the two older female servants questionably looked at each other in unison. She didn’t hear their words, right? 

  Even half a master still counted as a master. If this Miss Ji held a grudge against them and Young Lord Ji succeeded in marrying the junzhu, wouldn’t they be doomed? 

  With an uncomfortable heart, Ji Man entered Errong’s room and saw that Ji Zhu and Errong were sitting together. The atmosphere seemed a stiff as if they had recently quarreled. 

  Errong was pouting. Seeing her friend coming inside, she gained renewed confidence. Tugging her over, she said, “Sang…… Man-er, help me persuade your older brother. He wants to join the army.” 

  As a fiefdom, Jing Province naturally had its own army. Nie Qingyun had originally been a scholarly official, but he had some knowledge of fighting. If he wanted to lay down the brush and take up the sword, he possessed the skills to do so. Although it would be arduous, the army was the best place if you wanted to climb up the ranks. 

  Turning her head to look at her older brother, she saw that his expression looked very earnest and without the slightest intention of changing his mind. As soon as he joined the army, he wouldn’t be able to keep Errong company anymore. Right now, Errong was pregnant, and it was inevitable that she would feel unhappiness towards his decision. 

  After hesitating for a while, Ji Man held Errong’s hand as she said, “It’s good that older brother has aspirations of his own.” 

  Discontent, Errong asked, “Why can’t he just wait for a little bit longer? My pregnancy is already at this point……” 

  Ji Zhu felt as if he was being put into a difficult position too. He absolutely didn’t want to live by mooching off from a woman. It was exactly because Errong was pregnant that he wanted to quickly establish himself with a career, so that he could marry her again. This way, other people wouldn’t gossip about her behind her back. Moreover, he had a great vengeance to payback. 

  Ji Man sighed and said in a neutral tone, “There are times when a woman really needs her man by her side. If those times clash with his aspirations, there’s no point in fighting to the death against something that can’t even be considered a romantic rival. Even if you feel bad, his career related stuff wouldn’t feel bad. If you want to be a good woman, why don’t you try a different method? Support him more. Know when to advance and retreat with him.” 

  “How should I support him?” Errong frowned. “Once he joins the army, he won’t be coming back.” 

  Ji Man poked Errong’s forehead, moved closer, and whispered into her ear, “Even if the army, it’s still Jing Province’s army. Why are you worried that you won’t be able to see my older brother?” 

  Errong slightly paused as if she had understood something. After doubtfully looking at Ji Man for a while, she finally nodded. 

  Ji Zhu let out a sigh of relief, and a small smile finally appeared on his face. 

  After Ji Man said a few more reassuring words to Errong, she asked, “Do you know a person called Liu Rufeng?” 

  “En, I heard my father mention him before,” Errong said, “I heard that even though he’s young in age, he’s an expert at dealing with people. He was only twenty or so when he got the position of military supervisor. My father said that he’s a promising youth.” 

  That type of person was called an expert in deal with people? The corners of Ji Man’s lips twitched. Her eyes turned, and she said, “Does he have a lot of contacts?” 

  “En.” Errong nodded. “Why are you asking about him?” 

  “It’s nothing. I met him when I went shopping today.” Ji Man stroked her chin as she thought. “I thought he was a lecherous skirt-chaser. It seems that I misunderstood him then.” 

  When Ji Man had mentioned earlier about the creams that she had made, Errong had been interested. But, since her friend was pregnant, Ji Man didn’t feel comfortable with letting her use the products. 

  With bright eyes, Ji Man looked at Errong and asked, “Since it’s like that, can I invite Sir Liu over here as a guest?” 

  “Sure, you can invite whoever you want. Besides, not much has been happening in the estate.” Errong blinked, then she turned to look at her and said, “Once you’ve made more of these creams, I can invite some ladies from noble families over to try them. 

  Ji Man agreed. Ah, it was such a nice feeling to have a supporter to rely on. She had originally thought that starting over from scratch would take a lot of effort, but in Jing Province, Marquis Jingwen was the big boss. Relying on this relationship as well as having Errong recommending her products, her skincare products could directly rise from a grassroots product to a high-end product for the nobility class. 

  As Ji Man calculated how to allocate the rest of her money, she returned to her room to look for Dengxin. Ning Yuxuan had packed banknotes in the bundle he had given her, so she still had plenty of money. After doing a rough mental calculation, she set aside part of that money for materials to make the creams and containers to store the finished products as well as another portion that would be used for advertising expenses. 

  The next day, Ji Man got up when the sky had just brightened and took Dengxin along with her to the marketplace. After three streets, she finally found a female manager for a restaurant. This woman had just gotten up.

  Chapter 315 – It feels so nice to rely on someone’s reputation (2) 

  (T/N: The author changed the name of the rouge store from Tianxiang to Mohong.) 

  This woman had voluptuously red lips. Just from her stance, Ji Man could see that she was a sharp and bold woman. However, this wasn’t important. The important part was that her skin wasn’t very good. Her dry hands had cracks and calluses. Ji Man gave her a small container of hand cream. 

  “What is this?” The female restaurateur looked at Ji Man skeptically. 

  Smiling, Ji Man brought out Marquis Jingwen’s household token for her. She also took out a flier. “This is a newly released product from Mohong. We’re looking for people to try it. Seeing that you’re such a beautiful woman, it’ll provide us helpful word of mouth advertising if this cream turns out effective for you. That’s why I’m giving you a sample.” 

  It wasn’t clear if it was because Ji Man was a persuasive speaker or if it was because she was using Marquis Jingwen’s household token, but the female restaurateur happily accept the cream and said that she would definitely use it. After that, Ji Man found a female brother owner, anfemale innkeeper, a female shopkeeper for a fruit store, and other women that would be useful in providing publicity for her products. As soon as each of them saw Marquis Jingwen’s household token, they each happily took the creams and said they would use it. 

  Just as she had finished her task and was about to go to Mohong, she bumped into Liu Rufeng again. 

  Instead of fleeing in panic like yesterday, she saluted him. “Sir Liu.” 

  Smiling, Li Rufeng responded in kind. “This one had acted too impudently yesterday.” 

  “It’s this one that failed to recognize your importance,” Ji Man said with a smile, “It was only after this one returned home that this one heard from the junzhu that you’re a promising youth and it would be good to make friends with you. This one has only recently come to Jing Province and though you were……” 

  “That’s alright.” Shaking his fan, Liu Rufeng very gently said, “The weather is good today too. There’s a gathering of scholars at Qianbai today. Brother Ji, would you be interested in going?” 

  Ji Man’s eyes brightened. This Liu Rufeng was truly an important person. Could it be that this person wanted to get closer to Marquis Jingwen, so he was being extra helpful to her? 

  Ji Man shamelessly said, “It’s so rare to get an invitation from Brother Liu. How could this one refuse? Let’s go then. It’ll be good to widen one’s horizons. It’s okay if my servant girl comes with us, right?” 

  Liu Rufeng glanced at Dengxin and said with a smile, “Sure. Brother Li, your servant girl is quite pleasing to look at.” 

  Feeling slightly annoyed, Dengxin kept her head lowered as she followed Ji Man. She didn’t like impetuous people. Unfortunately, it was likely that she would meet plenty of these types of people if she followed her master outside to do business. 

  To Dengxin’s surprise, Ji Man pulled her into her arms and grinned. “Isn’t that so? She’s stunningly beautiful, right? Once I’ve saved up enough for bridal gifts, I’m going to marry her.” 

  With her hair tied up in a jade hair accessory and dressed in a masculine black robe, Ji Man pulled off a convincing image of a Casanova. She was just a bit shorter than the average man. She had painted her eyebrows thicker and pasted on a mustache. Even knowing all this, Dengxin still ended up blushing when her master embraced her. 

  Liu Rufeng loudly laughed. He turned his head and said, “Brother Ji, this way please.” 

  Business had to be done slowly, and people had to be slowly handled too. Ji Man followed Liu Rufeng to Qianbai, and he introduced to her many men that she could collaborate with. When they finally left, he even said, “Jing Province isn’t a big place. Even if you make a fortune here, it won’t be a big fortune. Brother Ji, are you interested in going to the capital?” 

  Without even considering, Ji Man replied, “Not interested.” 

  Liu Rufeng was quite surprised. “Why? The capital is the most flourishing place to be. Brother Ji, if you want to do business, that place would naturally be the best. Moreover, this one has a couple of friends there too. If you ever need help, feel free to ask me.” 

  “I want to earn enough to launch a business venture first. Brother Li, thank you for your help today.” Ji Man cupped her fist at him. After bidding farewell, she returned to the estate and had Dengxin go buy a work of calligraphy to send to Liu Rufeng’s estate and invite him over to Marquis Jingwen’s estate in the passing. 

  Having receiving Liu Rufeng’s care, it wouldn’t be appropriate to repay him with money, so she sent him a gift instead. 

  After that, Ji Man hired a group of workers and set up a small workshop outside the city. She started to seriously produce a series of skincare products. 

  The capital? She wouldn’t return there unless she absolutely prepared. 

  Two months later, Ji Man finally earned enough money to open a store of her own with its own signboard and no longer needed to sell her products through Mohong. 

  Because the creams were new items and only the rich would be able pay well, Ji Man focused on promoting her products to aristocratic families. By borrowing Marquis Jingwen’s household reputation, the sale of the skincare products went increasingly well. Girls from less well-off families would save up their monthly allowance for quite a while just to buy a box of these creams. 

  In Jing Province, knockoffs of cold cream had already flooded the marketplace and caused the price to drop from several silver taels to only five silver coins. In contrast, these skincare products hadn’t oversaturated the market yet, so these creams could be sold at a price of five to ten silver taels depending on box size. These creams were a revolutionary product for women in ancient times. In addition, an advertising campaign and the refined boxes that these creams came in helped their popularity. For a period of time, all of the older women from aristocratic families in Jing Province used the product. 

  Actually, the cost to make one box of cream was only two silver coins. 

  (T/N: Ten silver coins is one silver tael.) 

  Feminine beauty products were all exorbitantly expensive, but in order to make to make themselves feel better, these women willing allowed themselves to be gouged by these prices. 

  After busily working for two months until her business was on track, Ji Man handed over the daily management of her store to Dengxin while she paid visits to various families with Liu Rufeng. During these visits, she presented the hosts with all sorts of novel gifts. 

  For a store to do well, there were countless behind-the scenes influences. Originally, Ji Man wasn’t familiar with this type of stuff. Fortunately, Liu Rufeng knew and guided her with one thing after another, so everything went well. 

  Very quickly, Ji Man was once again living the life of happily counting her banknotes that came pouring in. 

  Errong’s belly was becoming bigger and bigger. Ji Zhu had already entered the army. Once Ji Zhu had achieved success, these two people could be reunited again, right? 

  As she was counting her banknotes, Ji Man’s hands paused. She suddenly really wanted to know how Ning Yuxuan and Wen Wan were doing right now. 

  A servant girl rushed inside. She was so agitated that even her voice had changed as she called out, “Miss Ji.”


  Chapter 316 – A creature that loves to sprout words about true love, has a lotus heart, and hidden arsenic (1) 

  Ji Man calmly and unhurriedly put the money back into a box before raising her head and looking at the servant girl as she asked, “What’s wrong?” 

  The young servant girl was so excited that her cheeks were flushed. Her eyes were glittering as well as showing a teenage girl’s bashfulness. “The heir has returned. The junzhu wants you to go to the receiving room.” 

  The heir? Surprisingly, Ji Man’s first response was wondering why Haohao was here. A moment later, she realized that the servant girl meant Ning Mingjie had returned. 

  She had heard the new emperor had bestowed a marriage to Ning Mingjie. He was now married to Kangyuan Junzhu. For Ning Mingjie to bring his wife to his ancestral home, it meant that the capital had already settled down, and the new emperor didn’t need him remain there to oversee things. 

  After thinking it over, Ji Man changed out of her men’s attire before following the servant girl to the receiving room. 

  The woman standing next to Ning Mingjie look very much like someone that was above worldly concerns. 

  There wasn’t much expression on Ning Mingjie’s face as he listened to his father speak. From time to time, he would nod. Hearing someone coming into the room, he turned his head to look. 

  Ji Man had cut her hair a lot shorter than before to make it easier to put her hair into a man’s hairstyle. So now, when she was dressing as a woman, her hair was only long enough for the simplest of hairstyles. She only had one hairpin in her hair, and she had randomly chosen an outfit to change into. She hadn’t applied any makeup either. She could have been mistaken as of the servant girls in the courtyard. 

  Ning Mingjie furrowed his brow. Just as he opened his mouth and wanted to say something, Errong tugged Ji Man over and said, “Older brother, do you still remember her? She’s a distant relative of ours. Her name is Ji Man, and her older brother is Ji Zhu. 

  Swallowing down the many words that he wanted to say, Ning Mingjie deeply looked at Ji Man before nodding his head and saying, “En.” 

  All in all, the point of this visit was Ning Mingjie bringing his wife home to show her to his father. Ji Man had only come here to take a look. It was enough for her to silently sit by Errong’s side. And yet, seeing Ning Mingjie, she couldn’t help thinking of the token he had tossed onto the ground on that rainy day as well as the dying screams from Nie Clan’s members. 

  There were many things that she hadn’t been able to think through. For example, why had Ning Mingjie been the official that supervised the execution? Out of everyone, why he had been the one that matchmake Pengyue and the second prince together? Why had he been the one that became Zhenyuan General in the end? Furthermore, when the emperor ruthless exterminated Nie Clan, why hadn’t Ning Clan been implicated at all? When all was said and done, these two clans had once been relatives by marriage. 

  Because these messy thoughts were running amok in her head, Ji Man inevitably showed an unpleasant expression. 

  Kangyuan Junzhu had already respectfully offered Marquis Jingwen tea and finished going through the social courtesies with Marquis Jingwen’s honored concubines. When she turned her head, she saw Ning Mingjie staring at Ji Man in a daze. 

  “My lord and husband?” Kangyuan Junzhu quietly called out. 

  Ning Mingjie returned to his senses and lightly smiled as he said, “Sit down and stay here for a bit. I have words I want to say to Errong.” 

  Kanguan Junzhu was a very sensible woman. After nodding, she obediently sat down by the honored concubines. 

  Ning Mingjie looked at Errong meaningfully, and Errong brought Ji Man with her as they returned to her courtyard. 

  — 

  Inside Errong’s courtyard, Ning Mingjie asked, “Are you doing well?” 

  Sitting by Errong’s side, Ji Man couldn’t resist laughing when she heard this question from him. “I’m still alive. How could I not be doing well?” 

  There was guilt in Ning Mingjie’s eyes. He pursed his lips and said, “I feel very regretful over what happened to Nie Clan too. Neither Yuxuan nor me expected that your business would be exposed. The new emperor used this excused to wipe out Nie Clan.” 

  So, he was saying that she had harmed Nie Clan and been responsible for it being wiped out? Ji Man looked at him in a daze. 

  “During that short period when Yuxuan sent you away, he was doing his best to mediate between the second and third prince,” Ning Mingjie said, “But, the second prince’s hidden forces were much bigger than we thought. At the end, no one had the power to stop him from doing anything. We could only follow him.” 

  “Heir, what is it that you want to say?” Ji Man raised her eyes to look at him. “Right now, I’m just an insignificant person. You don’t need to tell me that you’re feeling guilty.” 

  Ning Mingjie paused. He sighed and said, “I don’t know why. I just want to talk with you. What are you planning on doing for your future? I heard Yuxuan is going to…… promote someone to the position of main wife.” 

  After a pause, Ji Man nodded and said, “That’s good too. If he doesn’t put someone into that position, the new emperor will do it for him. Since it’s like that, he might as well choose someone that’ll be loyal to him.” 

  “What about you?” Ning Mingjie deeply looked at her. “Have you thought about…… coming with me?” 

  Shocked, Errong gasped, “Older brother!” 

  No matter what, Ji Man had once been Marquis Moyu’s woman. How could…… 

  Ning Mingjie pursed his lips. “I’m asking what she wants.” 

  Ji Man smiled. “Heir, you brought your newly wife back home to mess around with a little three. Does Kangyuan Junzhu know about this?” 

  “Little three……” Ning Mingjie was a bit confused. “What’s that?” 

  “It’s nothing important. It’s just a creature that loves to sprout words about true love, has a lotus heart, and hidden arsenic.” Ji Man continued to smile as she said, “I just want to live the rest of my life peacefully. I don’t want to be involved in another harem’s intrigues and struggles. Heir, thank you for thinking so highly of me.” 

  She had originally though that Ning Mingjie would bring her good news, but in the end, he just wanted her to follow him and be his concubine. Was she supposed to say thank you for the deep love that you feel towards me? When she was reading the original novel, she had quite like this man. But, when she saw his face that couldn’t possibly be more familiar to her, Ji Man just felt pained. 

  It was as if she was experiencing the same pain when she saw evidence of Xu Xi’s two-timing. 

  (T/N: Just in case it was too long ago, Xu Xi is Ji Man’s ex-boyfriend in modern-day, and Ning Mingjie looks exactly like him.) 

  There were traces of disappointment in Ning Mingjie’s eyes, but he continued to smile as he said, “I’ll be staying in Jing Province for a while. Feel free to tell me if you change your mind.” 

  Ji Man briefly laughed in response.

  Chapter 317 – A creature that loves to sprout words about true love, has a lotus heart, and hidden arsenic (2) 

  During the following days, Kangyuan Junzhu and Ning Mingjie stayed at Marquis Jingwen’s estate. From time to time, Kangyuan Junzhu would come by Errong’s courtyard to chat with her. Watching from the side, Ji Man though this junzhu, who was gentle without being too delicate and spoke sensibly, was a pretty good woman too. 

  The only problem was that Ji Man would encounter Ning Mingjie from time to time when she was walking in the garden or even when she was in her own courtyard. Whenever this happened, he didn’t say anything and just quietly looked at her. But, there were too many lingering emotions in his gaze. Even thought he didn’t say anything, the servant girls that passed by could see that there was something off. 

  Kangyuan Junzhu wasn’t slow-witted either. She could also tell there was something strange between them. 

  And so, Ji Man decided to take stock of her assets in advance. Other than the money she had invested into her store, she had over five hundred silver taels saved up and could be considered to be enjoying moderate prosperity. 

  Finally, the expected day arrived. Kangyuan Junzhu called her over to talk. 

  Looking at her with a mild gaze, Kangyuan Junzhu said, “I’m not willing to tolerate something that’s disagreeable to me, and I don’t want the general to take a concubine so soon either. Miss Ji, you’re a clever person. Do you understand my meaning? 

  Original translation is from fuyuneko dot org. If you’re reading this elsewhere, this chapter has been stolen. Please stop supporting theft. 

  Understood. Of course, she understood. With a neatly sitting posture, Ji Man said with a smile, “Even without the junzhu saying something, Ji Man already had thoughts of leaving a while ago. I’m just not sure where I should go so that I won’t be found.” 

  Kangyuan Junzhu considered for while before suggesting, “What do you think of Yong’an County?” 

  Yong’an County could be considered Kangyuan Junzhu‘s territory. She was Marquis Yong’an’s only daughter, thus he was extremely doting towards her and had even given more than half of his fiefdom to her. 

  Sounding as if she was being put into a difficult spot, Ji Man replied, “That’s doable. But, Junzhu, could you help me settle down there? In order to support myself, I’ll still need to continue doing business there.” 

  Kangyuan Junzhu nodded. “That’s not a problem. But…… Are you really willing to immediately leave?” 

  She had heard that it was only recently that this woman’s business in Jing Province had started flourishing. Until now, she had been relying on Marquis Jingwen’s household reputation. Kangyuan Junzhu had originally thought it wouldn’t be easy to convince Ji Man to leave and had prepared a speech in advance to try to persuade her. 

  Surprisingly, the outcome was that she had easily agreed. 

  “En.” Ji Man nodded. She would be able to do her business anywhere. It wouldn’t be a big deal to hand over her business here to Dengxin. It would also be beneficial for Marquis Jingwen’s household if she left here. This way, it would remove the possibility of Ning Mingjie doing something inappropriate in a moment of impulsiveness. 

  The more important thing was that she had to continue being able to support herself. She wanted to remove herself from Ning Yuxuan’s purview. In order to gain the advantage, the enemy had to be in the light while she hid herself in the shadows. Liu Rufeng had been too helpful with his assistance, and she couldn’t help feeling doubtful. This person was probably sent over by Marquis Moyu. The feeling of always being kept under a close watch by Ning Yuxuan was really too uncomfortable. 

  Rather than saying it was Kangyuan Junzhu forcing her leave, it would be more accurate to say that she was using Kangyuan Junzhu so that her whereabouts could be completely concealed. 

  Since Ji Zhu and Dengxin now had their own ways of making a living in Jing Province, she could be at ease and focus on her own goal now. 

  — 

  “My lord, you’re the only person that I ever loved in this entire lifetime. Whereas you……” 

  “Her life is a life. Is my life worth nothing to you?” 

  (T/N: These are lines that Nie Sangyu says before she dies in the original novel. In this second attempt/cycle, Ning Yuxuan wouldn’t have heard these words before.) 

  Ning Yuxuan was startled awake from his dream. Opening his eyes, he was greeted with pitch-black darkness as he sat up and gasped for breath. 

  “Guibai.” 

  The doors creaked as they were opened. Guibai quietly responded, “My lord?” 

  After wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Ning Yuxuan furrowed his brow and asked, “How are things going in Jing Province?” 

  “General Ning went back home, and he brought Kangyuan Junzhu with him,” Guibai answered, “Madam’s business is doing well. Sir Liu has been helping her from the beginning, so everything should be going smoothly.” 

  “She’s not willing to return to the capital?” Marquis Moyu asked. 

  Guibai pursed his lips, “Sir Liu says he’s doing his best to persuade her.” 

  She was still under his purview, and he could know what she was doing. This was good too. Ning Yuxuan let out a long sigh and placed his hand on the empty pillow next to his. “Once I have free time, I want to go over there and see her.” 

  Guibai slightly furrowed his brow and said, “My lord, you probably won’t be able to leave here anytime soon.” 

  “I know.” 

  He draped an outer robe over himself and stood up. Somewhat irritably waving his hand, he said, “You can withdraw.” 

  Guibai made a sound of assent, and Ning Yuxuan was left standing alone by the window to watch the moon. 

  He really missed her a lot. Now that the limelight had slowly stopped shinning on him, he could bring her back, right? It would be fine if she changed her name, and it wouldn’t be a big deal if another person was added to his estate. There probably wouldn’t be a problem as long as he hid her well. 

  Nostalgically recollecting their last night together before they were separated, Ning Yuxuan felt a slight heat in his solar plexus. He hadn’t seen her in so long. He really wished that he could see her right now with his own eyes. He had only been able to hear and read about how she was doing from other people. He couldn’t even send a short message to her. What an awful feeling. 

  Ning Mingjie was luckier than him. He had an excuse to go Jing Province. In contrast, he was under Zhao Li’s control right now and couldn’t even take one wrong step. 

  He hadn’t been wrong. The second prince really was a more terrifying existence than the third prince. After Zhao Li had ascended the throne, he was tyrannical in the way he handled politics. Perhaps, it was because the second prince had grown up being bullied and humiliated. While working under Zhao Li, he almost didn’t have the energy to think about then messy feelings between a man and woman. 

  How long would it be until he could see Sangyu again? 

  — 

  Taking advantage of the night, Ji Man packed up her stuff. She tucked the token and travel expenses that Kangyuan Junzhu had given to her into her clothes. After taking one last look at Marquis Jingwen’s estate, she boarded the carriage. 

  — 

  During a moment when she was alone, she quietly slipped away and disappeared on the way to Yong’an County. 

  Translator Ramblings: I really like that Kangyuan Junzhu doesn’t act like a typical c-novel villainess that blame Ji Man for a man’s behavior. It was nice to see that they could have a calm discussion of how to resolve the problem that Ning Mingjie was causing.