Peng was shrewd and calculating, and Mo Lan had her own plans, so she refused without hesitation.

"No need for today. I'll go back to the inn and send a message home by carrier pigeon. Sister, just wait for the news. When the steward sent by my father arrives, we'll visit him together. Once things are settled, I should set off for the next prefecture."

Madam Peng then revealed an envious look and patted her hand, saying, "I'll do as you say. I'll go back and discuss it with my husband and mother. When you're free, I'll send someone to invite you, and we can get together again."

"Alright, farewell." Mo Lan clasped her hands in a fist salute, turned and left, returning directly to the inn.

As soon as I entered the courtyard, I saw Han Shuang already waiting. "Boss, it's all done. In addition to the Zhao family's original private army, the Zhao family head has agreed to recruit new soldiers. We will provide the money and food for the time being. Once the Yuan family is on the right track, we will have the two families stick together, so that neither of them can lose the other in the future."

The eldest brother is truly ruthless and brilliant. One is responsible for raising troops, and the other is responsible for making money. As long as they stick together, it's a piece of cake to contend with the Song family. However, the two families must also be honest with each other. If either side has selfish motives, it will lead to their own destruction.

"Yes, I've settled things here. Notify Xiang Kui to arrange things at the escort agency and come see me. From now on, the jade transport business will be handled by the escort agency." She planned to have Xiang Kui take over as the manager and accompany her to the Yuan family to discuss business. Since she was going to support the Yuan family anyway, she only offered conditions that would satisfy them, so that Madam Peng would think she was benefiting from her and could just secretly be happy.

"Yes, boss," Han Shuang replied, then turned and went out again to arrange the next steps.

Ten days have passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Mo Lan did not contact Peng Shi again. Besides wandering around on her own, she ran into Xiong Yanyan again and advised her to remain calm and composed in the face of trouble. She told her that if she wanted to secure her position as the principal wife and live a life of luxury without worrying about food and clothing, she should watch what she said.

Xiong Yanyan listened to Mo Lan's warning, and although she was not convinced, she had no choice. It wasn't until she met Mo Lan in the Yuan family's flower hall that she was so frightened that she almost twisted her ankle. She just stared blankly at Mo Lan, and in her panic, she tried to remain calm.

Even so, for the strict Peng, she couldn't help but frown, feeling that she had made her lose face.

"Sister Lan, please don't mind. This is my third brother's wife. She's only been married for half a year and is still a new bride, so it's understandable that she's shy in front of people." Madam Peng said, glaring at Xiong Yanyan. "What brings you to the flower hall, third brother's wife? If you need to see me, you can come to my courtyard later."

The message to evict her was clear, but Xiong Yanyan was so surprised by Mo Lan's sudden appearance at the Yuan residence that she didn't react at all.

Mo Lan was speechless. She had just warned him, yet he was still so easily frightened.

Madam Peng picked up a handkerchief and pressed it to the corner of her mouth, taking the opportunity to conceal the mockery in her eyes. What a petty person; even fine clothes couldn't change her timid and submissive demeanor.

Before he could speak again to send them away, Mo Lan beat him to it.

"So it's the Third Madam, my apologies." Mo Lan stood up, took two steps toward her, smiled at Xiong Yanyan, and then took out a piece of jade from her sleeve. "I came in a hurry and didn't bring any gifts, so please accept this small token of my appreciation."

Xiong Yanyan: "..."

What's going on?

Did you scare her and then try to bribe her?

Madam Peng stared at the jade in Mo Lan's hand, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes. She stepped forward, stopping the outstretched hand with an apologetic expression.