After Yan Xiao followed Mu Yunniang's people into the city, she went straight to Duobaoge.

Yan Xiao's true appearance was revealed in Jiangbei City, where she was considered stunningly beautiful. Although her current appearance, though not bad, is completely incomparable to her former self.

So after she entered the city, no one recognized her, and no one paid any special attention to her.

As soon as she entered the Treasure Pavilion, a maid came out to greet her.

"Miss Lou, you've finally arrived! Our manager has been waiting for you for a long time."

Yan Xiao was almost taken aback when she heard this address. After she realized it, she thought Shen Muzhi was really thoughtful, even changing her surname for her.

But what should she be called? Lou Yanxiao? She really didn't know the original owner's real name; it wasn't mentioned in the book. She'd have to find out later.

She didn't want to change her name; she was just afraid of being exposed.

She had already thought things through, but her expression remained unchanged. She nodded slightly and followed the maid toward the backyard.

Some customers who were shopping in the store glanced at her casually and then looked away; no one paid any attention to her.

As soon as she entered the backyard, Mu Yunniang greeted her with a smile:

"Madam, you're finally back."

When Yan Xiao saw Mu Yunniang, she thought of Situ Nanzhao, and her gaze towards Mu Yunniang inevitably carried a hint of pity and disappointment.

She nodded slightly and followed Mu Yunniang into the inner room. As soon as she sat down, Mu Yunniang had tea and snacks served.

"Madam must be tired from your journey. I have already arranged for a room and hot water to be prepared for you. Please take a good rest after you have washed up."

Yan Xiao was indeed a little tired, but with his special abilities, he could easily adjust himself.

She waved her hand slightly and said while eating:

"Thank you for your trouble, Yunniang, but it's no need. I'll just eat something and rest for a while. How's the soap business been while I was away from Jiangbei?"

Mu Yunniang offered a few more words of encouragement, but seeing that Yan Xiao truly had no intention of resting, she placed an account book directly in front of Yan Xiao, her words tinged with delight:

"Madam, this is the income from soap sales over this period. Please take a look."

Upon hearing this, Yan Xiao immediately took the item to examine it, while Mu Yunniang continued speaking as she looked at it:

"As soon as the soap hit the shelves, it was snapped up by those ladies and young women."

I listened to my wife and only ordered that much each day, not a single extra piece. Unexpectedly, the ladies and young women not only did not lose interest, but were instead aroused with an even more fervent desire to buy.

Nowadays, many people start to compare themselves with others, taking pride in having one more series of products than others. Our soaps are not hard to sell at all.

Not only that, merchants from some towns have already inquired with me about purchasing their goods. Now our only problem is increasing production.

As she recounted her current situation, she observed Yanxiao's expression. Seeing the joy on Yanxiao's face as she looked at the account book, she tentatively asked:

"My husband wrote to me a few days ago saying that Tongqianbao is also interested in cooperating with you, and he will come over in the next few days to discuss the details with you. I wonder what you think?"

Mu Yunniang was merely Situ Nanzhao's mistress, and didn't even know who the lord of Tongqian Fortress was. Naturally, she was unaware that others had learned of Yan Xiao's whereabouts through her and had already met with Yan Xiao beforehand.

"I know about this."

Yan Xiao didn't hide anything and said frankly:

"I have met with your lord and we have reached a cooperation agreement. Now we are just waiting for Situ Nanzhao to come and discuss the next steps."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yunniang's eyes widened, and her tone was filled with surprise and doubt: "Madam has met the Lord of the Fortress?"

"Mm." Yan Xiao nodded.

"That......"

Mu Yunniang clearly wanted to ask something, but she swallowed the words back before they could be uttered.

Yan Xiao raised an eyebrow: "Aren't you curious?"

Mu Yunniang shook her head, a hint of bitterness in her eyes.

She was naturally curious, but she knew her own status and was not qualified to pry into the affairs of the fortress lord. If she could know, Situ Nanzhao would have no reason not to tell her.

Yan Xiao immediately saw what she was thinking. Although she understood that she was influenced by her environment, she could not agree with it.

"Yunniang, a person's life is only a few decades long, and youth is gone forever. Do you really intend to continue wasting your time like this?"

Mu Yunniang frowned slightly, a bitter smile playing on her lips:

"I was born with a lowly life, and it is fortunate that my husband has shown me mercy. At least I am not lacking in food and clothing. As for anything else, how could someone like me dare to dream of such things?"

Yan Xiao's face fell when she heard this. If it were anyone else, she would have given up by now, but since it was Mu Yunniang, she had more patience.

Regardless, the upgrade of her healing abilities, though not intentionally done by Mu Yunniang, was still a direct result of her efforts.

She also played a role in facilitating business dealings with Tongqianbao.

She is a person who clearly distinguishes between gratitude and resentment and hates owing favors to others. Seeing her so depressed and frustrated, she wanted to lend her a hand.

A thoughtful look flashed across her eyes, and after a moment's hesitation, she said:

"Yunniang, we are destined to meet. How about I show you the way?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Yunniang looked puzzled, and was about to ask when Yan Xiao continued:

“I told you before that you are rich and good-looking, and you can raise a child on your own even if you want one. I wasn’t just saying that.”

You and I both know that people look down on mistresses, and their children are often looked down upon from a young age. Are you really willing for your child to be born inferior? Even if you are, would your child be willing to be?

I understand your difficulties. If you are willing to be my assistant in the future, I will protect you. It's much better than being someone's mistress.

"Whether you want to marry someone else or not is fine with me. When you get old and retire, I'll take care of your pension. Isn't that better than waiting for a man who never comes home without any status or recognition?"

Mu Yunniang never imagined that Yan Xiao would say these things to her in her capacity as a person. In the end, her relationship with Yan Xiao was just a business partnership.

As for whether Yanxiao was trying to poach her because she valued her abilities, she didn't think she was that shameless.

If Yan Xiao wanted to, what kind of talent couldn't General Shen find for her?

She could tell that Yan Xiao was speaking from the heart, but this kind of thing was too unconventional, and she had been with Situ Nanzhao since she was a child, so she was used to this kind of life.

Now that she has been suddenly changed, she is somewhat unable to accept it, yet she cannot ignore the faint stirring in her heart.

Seeing the struggle in her eyes, Yan Xiao softened her tone:

"Everyone has a different definition of their own life, and what I think may not be right. What matters most is that you feel happy."

You don't need to rush to give me an answer. Wait until you've thought it through before making a decision. Whatever your choice, as long as you don't regret it, that's fine.

However, I'm letting you know beforehand that I don't give people a second chance.

Upon hearing this, Mu Yunniang looked at Yan Xiao with gratitude in her eyes. After pondering for a moment, she replied seriously:

“I know that Madam means well, but I have been with him for so many years, and it was all of my own free will. Suddenly being asked to make this choice makes me very confused. I want to wait for him to come back and talk to him before making a decision.”

“Okay.” Yan Xiao nodded in understanding, showing no displeasure.