Bai Qiaoyin has lived in the capital for many years. What kind of woman hasn't she seen?

She had dealt with the concubine from the Lin family who had entered the palace and gained favor before.

She knew everyone from imperial concubines and noble ladies to famous courtesans and the most renowned courtesans of the time, as well as women from all walks of life, including high-ranking officials and wealthy families.

If we're talking about someone with Gu An'an's personality, it's not like we haven't encountered them before.

In the beginning, she puts on airs and acts aloof to attract attention, but once she gets what she wants, she's no different from any other woman.

Gu An'an was no exception.

However, despite all her calculations, this widow probably didn't expect that war would break out on the border and that the Sixth Prince would leave Anping County.

The border war wouldn't last long in the harsh winter weather, so she had to get rid of this little widow before the Sixth Prince returned.

Previously, Bai Qiaoyin sent Twenty-Three to inquire about the situation, and he recounted everything that had happened. Gu An'an had many "enemies," and she was in constant trouble even without Bai Qiaoyin's intervention.

However, getting the prescription from this young widow is more important than getting rid of her before she's completely ruined.

Knowing that Gu An'an was setting up a stall again today, Bai Qiaoyin personally took charge.

"I thought Madam Gu wouldn't come again."

Gu An'an smiled and glanced at him, "It's true that Manager Bai doesn't want me to come again, but unfortunately I couldn't fulfill your wish."

The young woman in front of the stove raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, a flash of murderous intent appearing in her eyes. "Madam Gu, you certainly have a sharp tongue. But be careful what you say."

Her intention to blackmail was very clear.

Gu An'an wasn't surprised.

Those who send people to keep watch are no pushovers.

Recognizing the situation and abandoning illusions is the way to survive.

Gu An'an glanced at them indifferently, then scooped the cooked spring rolls and chicken meatballs out of the pot with a flick of her wrist. She then poured a spoonful of broth over them, added two drops of sesame oil, and a spoonful of vinegar.

The movements were fluid and graceful, a pleasure to behold.

After serving the soup to the diners, she turned to Bai Qiaoyin and said, "That's why I once told Young Master Lin that although I am just a weak woman, if someone bullies me, insults me, or tries to kill me, I, who have nothing to lose, am not afraid of anyone wearing shoes. I didn't expect Young Master Lin to take my words to heart, since his dog is barking incessantly here."

The next words made Bai Qiaoyin's face turn even paler, her murderous intent undisguised: "Madam Gu has quite the arrogance."

"That's right, why don't you give it a try, Manager Bai?"

Gu An'an picked up the strainer from the pot, and the soup she stirred up just happened to spill onto Bai Qiaoyin's boots.

The young woman took two steps back. "We'll see."

She's just a young widow, how could I be scared by her?

The diners were enjoying their meal, completely unaware of what was happening around them.

However, upon seeing this scene, Jiang Mingzhu couldn't help but feel a little worried. "Mother, is this woman here to cause you trouble again?"

I could tell before that this woman was just looking for trouble, but I didn't expect her to be so stubborn.

This made Jiang Mingzhu a little worried. After all, it's easy to dodge a spear in the open but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. This woman looked like a smiling tiger and was even more terrifying than the people in the old Jiang family mansion.

"It's alright, don't worry." Gu An'an comforted her daughter. "Go and get Bao'er and Mingxu something to eat. It's a bit cold today, so don't let their hands get cold."

Jiang Mingzhu nodded. "Then call me if you need anything, Mother."

What could possibly happen to Gu An'an? Actually, her business is going quite smoothly. So far, she's only encountered Bai Qiaoyin, who's been causing her trouble.

As for Grandma Jiang and the others, they don't count; Gu An'an hadn't really taken them seriously anyway.

After working for about half an hour, Jiang Mingyi returned, accompanied by Manager Qiu of the pharmacy.

"I'd heard that Madam Gu was doing business here before, but I've been too busy to keep an eye on things lately. Madam Gu is making a fortune!"

As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face. Since Gu An'an needed his help, she naturally wouldn't make things difficult for Manager Qiu. After exchanging a few pleasantries, the two got down to business.

"I wonder if Madam Gu wants to rent or buy it?"

Gu An'an brought a bowl of soup over for Manager Qiu to try, saying, "Then I've really come to the right person. Manager Qiu, do you have any recommendations?"

"It's hard to recommend, but I'm quite familiar with this small place." Shopkeeper Qiu laughed. "If you want to take over a shop here, it will cost more, but the advantage is that it's long-term and stable, saving you from the landlord picking and choosing, and you can even avoid troublesome things like rent increases."

Gu An'an certainly understood the reasoning behind this, and judging from Manager Qiu's words, he actually recommended buying the shop directly.

After thinking for a moment, Gu An'an said, "I don't have much money on me right now, so I need to check the price before making a decision."

Manager Qiu knew this person was shrewd. How could he not be generous? Just that musk alone had taken a thousand taels of silver from him.

Anping County is just a small county town; how much could a shop be worth?

"It's not expensive. Madam, have you seen that shop on the street corner? It's a bit bigger than that one, and the location is naturally better. It's just that everyone says that the other shop is a bit unlucky, so the price is much cheaper. That person was asking for eighty taels of silver."

This price is quite unexpected.

It was much cheaper than Gu An'an had imagined.

But then I thought, this is just a small, third-tier county town. If a shop really costs several thousand taels of silver, then that would be a problem.

Gu An'an is quite direct in business. "Then I'll trouble Manager Qiu to put in a good word for me. I want to buy this shop as soon as possible."

Manager Qiu, a middle-aged man with two jobs as a broker, readily agreed, "As for the courtyard where you will stay, that's easy to arrange. I wonder if Madam Gu has any requirements? I'll pick out a few more for you later."

Gu An'an thought for a moment, "I need a study, preferably in a courtyard with two entrances."

There weren't any other requirements.

Manager Qiu noted everything down, and after finishing the soup, he went to take care of the matter.

Jiang Mingyi watched him leave. "Aren't you going to ask someone else?"

The saying goes, "compare three shops before buying a house." Buying a shop or a courtyard is no small matter, and being so hasty doesn't seem to fit Gu An'an's usual way of doing things.

"Manager Qiu needs my help, he won't cheat me on this matter. Believe me or not, he won't ask me for my hard-earned money later."

Jiang Mingyi immediately understood, "As long as you get some good stuff and send it to his pharmacy, that's fine."

"You're a promising young man." Gu An'an laughed. "Go help clear the dishes. Once he secures the shop, you won't have to follow me around the streets anymore."

As a modern woman, she naturally didn't care, but these children were all natives, especially Jiang Mingyi, who was deeply influenced by Confucianism.

Not saying that showing one's face in public is morally wrong is already an understatement; it's like bowing down to money.

Although it's true that discipline should begin early when children are still young, it still needs to be done gradually, right?

Making someone with lactose intolerance drink milk is practically killing them.

Take your time.

Gu An'an wasn't in a hurry; she had plenty of time.