In my previous life, I was the most downtrodden legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's residence. My birth mother died young, and my stepmother, under the guise of "it's for your o...
Su Jinli reached for the rouge box and gently opened it, revealing Su Qingyao's newly developed "Zhuangyuanhong" rouge. The rouge's hue was as vibrant as the morning glow, as if the most vibrant colors of the morning sky had been frozen within the small box. It exuded a delicate floral fragrance, so subtle and enchanting that it transported one to a garden in full bloom.
"Sister, your craftsmanship is getting more and more sophisticated." Su Jinli exclaimed, her eyes full of admiration and appreciation for Su Qingyao.
"Of course," Su Qingyao raised her chin proudly, her eyes gleaming with confidence, "Don't you see whose sister she is?"
Jiang Yan walked over to Su Jinli and helped her put on the pearl hairpin. His movements were gentle and skillful, as if he was handling an inestimable treasure. He leaned close to Su Jinli's ear and whispered in a voice as soft as a feather, yet filled with endless doting: "Madam, what new things do you want to do in the future?"
Su Jinli tilted her head, thinking intently. Her mind played out a series of pictures, a dreamlike vision of the Jiangnan waterside villages. The bluestone pavement gleamed with a warm sheen in the drizzle, black-sailed boats gently swayed on the blue waters, and the misty streets seemed shrouded in a mysterious veil, brimming with poetry and romance.
"Hmm..." Her eyes suddenly lit up, as if she had discovered a new world, with excitement flashing in her eyes, "How about we open a branch in Jiangnan first, and then let you play the role of the top courtesan in the next volume?" After saying that, she blinked mischievously, and her eyes revealed a hint of cunning and expectation.
Jiang Yan was stunned at first, then he couldn't help but burst into laughter. He hugged Su Jinli's waist tightly, as if to hold her tightly in his arms. He kissed her forehead lightly, the kiss as soft as a feather, but full of affection: "As long as it is what my wife wants to do, I will go through fire and water for you."
Outside the window, snow had begun to fall again, flakes drifting down like goose feathers. They landed on the red lanterns in the bookstore, casting a warm and soft glow that seemed to add a dreamy touch to the bustling scene. Inside, everyone burst into laughter, as if the entire world were immersed in this joyful atmosphere.
Young Marquis Su excitedly recounted the scene of the Emperor's announcement of the title. His voice was brimming with energy, each word brimming with pride and joy at this glorious moment. He gesticulated with joy, as if bringing the scene to life before everyone. Su Qingyao, on the side, aptly complemented the Empress Dowager's praise for Su Jinli, her words filled with pride and satisfaction for her sister.
Su Jinli leaned against Jiang Yan's chest, quietly listening to her family's laughter and joy, her heart filled with happiness and contentment. She had never imagined her life would undergo such a dramatic change. The grievances and pain that had once etched her heart were now like passing clouds, dissipated in the long river of time, leaving no trace.
She and Jiang Yan, a couple whose bond began through street sugar painting, have written their own legendary story in the streets of Dajing, relying on their wisdom, courage, and unwavering love. They have carefully brewed the bitterness of their past lives into the sweetest honey of this life, and the flavor of this honey permeates every corner of their lives, filling their lives with the flavor of happiness.
As time passed, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan, filled with honor and joy, embarked on their journey to the palace to receive their reward. The carriage slowly rolled through the streets of the capital, the scenery outside the window like a moving painting. The streets were adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the people's faces were filled with festive joy. The atmosphere was filled with the rich flavor of the New Year. Su Jinli and Jiang Yan sat in the carriage, hand in hand, their hearts filled with longing and anticipation for the future.
Soon after, the carriage slowly pulled into the imperial palace. Inside, the palace was resplendent with gold and jade, its carved beams and painted buildings embodying the majesty and grandeur of the imperial family. Led by a eunuch, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan arrived at the Empress Dowager's palace. The Empress Dowager sat on a phoenix chair, looking at the couple with a kind smile.
"Su Jinli and Jiang Yan, the two of you have, through your wisdom and hard work, created legendary careers in the marketplace and made outstanding contributions to the spread of Dajing's culture." The Queen Mother's voice was kind and solemn. "I hereby honor you as the 'Legendary Couple of Dajing'. I hope you will continue your efforts and contribute to the cultural prosperity of Dajing."
Su Jinli and Jiang Yan quickly knelt down to express their gratitude: "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. We will definitely live up to your expectations."
Afterward, the eunuchs presented the gifts. There were precious jewels, gorgeous silks, and other royal treasures symbolizing honor. Su Jinli and Jiang Yan accepted the gifts, their hearts overflowing with gratitude.
After leaving the palace, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan didn't return home immediately. Instead, they strolled through the palace gardens. The snow had stopped falling, and the entire garden was covered in silver, resembling a fairyland. Holding hands, they savored this rare tranquility and beauty.
"Jiang Yan, do you think we really did it?" Su Jinli looked up at Jiang Yan, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Yes, we did it. All this is inseparable from your hard work and wisdom." Jiang Yan looked at her gently, his eyes full of love.
"No, it's the result of our joint efforts." Su Jinli said with a smile, "In the future, we will create more legends together."
"Okay, let's do it together." Jiang Yan held Su Jinli's hand tightly, as if promising her everything for the future.
After returning home, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan shared the good news with their family. The family gathered together to celebrate this special moment, filled with laughter and joy, looking forward to a better life in the future.
In the days that followed, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan began preparing to open a branch in Jiangnan. They researched and searched for a suitable location, carefully selecting books and stationery, and thoroughly preparing for the opening. Simultaneously, Jiang Yan began preparing for his role as the oiran. He read extensively and studied the mannerisms of an oiran, striving to perfectly portray the character.
As time went by, the Jiangnan branch finally opened. On opening day, the store was packed with people, creating a bustling atmosphere. People flocked to visit this renowned bookstore from Beijing, praising the books and stationery. Su Jinli and Jiang Yan watched the bustling scene, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Jiang Yan's performance as the oiran was also a huge success. His performance was so lifelike that he fully displayed the oiran's charm and tenderness, earning him rounds of applause from the audience.
With the efforts of Su Jinli and Jiang Yan, Jinyun Bookstore's reputation grew, not only in Dajing, but also in neighboring countries and regions. Their story became a legend, inspiring countless people to bravely pursue their dreams.
In this era full of opportunities and challenges, Su Jinli and Jiang Yan, relying on each other's companionship and support, continue to write their own wonderful lives. Their love is like fine wine, becoming more fragrant with age; their careers are like bright stars, shining eternally in the sky of history.