After inspecting the current state of Yuanyitang, Yanxiao was quite satisfied, and naturally, she was also satisfied with her follower Zhao Qian.

"That's good. There are still some details I'll tell you about later. Do a good job for me, and when I make a lot of money in the future, you'll definitely get your share of the rewards."

Zhao Qian was working so hard because he wanted to curry favor with Shen Muzhi through Yan Xiao, and he didn't really care about the benefits Yan Xiao promised.

But with Yan Xiao's words, his hard work last night wasn't in vain, and he quickly and excitedly replied:

"It is my honor to serve you, Madam. I dare not ask for any reward."

Most people in this world are driven by either profit or fame. Zhao Qian's words are just something to be taken lightly and not taken seriously.

However, this person is quite pragmatic, and she finds him quite useful. As long as he does his job well, she won't be stingy with the benefits he deserves in the future.

Yan Xiao glanced at the sky, calculated the approximate time, and then gave the instructions:

"That's all for now. Remember to invite Ma Youcai over after lunch. If anyone wants to watch from the sidelines, just ignore them as long as they're not causing trouble."

"yes!"

Zhao Qian quickly agreed, but showed no intention of leaving.

"Is there anything else?" Yan Xiao asked, puzzled.

Zhao Qian was indeed unsure about something, and upon hearing Yan Xiao's question, he quickly sought instructions:

“Madam, there are many speculations about your identity outside. I wonder if we should keep some things from you.”

Yanxiao had never really thought about this.

Shen Muzhi has not yet reached her peak. It is true that she can be guaranteed a comfortable life, but she cannot be allowed to squander money recklessly.

It's not that Shen Muzhi is stingy, but rather that this is the time to support the army, and Shen Muzhi himself is already overwhelmed with money. It's already quite good that he can ensure she has enough to eat and wear.

Besides, in the future, even when a married couple asks for money, they have to be mindful of each other's feelings. She and Shen Muzhi will divorce sooner or later, so asking for money will be even more awkward.

So now all she wants to do is make money, lots and lots of money. With her skills, someone will definitely come to her for expensive medical treatment.

However, in this world without human rights, having ability but no power to protect oneself means that in the end, not only will one not be able to make money, but one may also be coerced and may not even have freedom.

There is no shortage of people in this world who kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.

This is why she insisted on finding a powerful backer; even a three-year-old understands the principle of "it's good to have a big tree to lean on."

However, her current situation is indeed somewhat awkward.

She wouldn't be willing to save lives and heal the wounded without expecting anything in return, like Jiang Xinrui, to earn a reputation for Shen Muzhi; she didn't have that kind of awareness.

But if word gets out that Shen Muzhi's wife is a money-grubber, that would be hard to talk about.

She doesn't care about those empty titles, but should she at least consider the face of the powerful figures behind her?

Zhao Qian saw Yan Xiao's expression change repeatedly but didn't reply, so he just waited quietly on the side.

Just when she thought Yan Xiao wouldn't answer, she heard Yan Xiao say:

"Don't pay much attention to what others say. Let them say whatever they want. In public, just call me Doctor Yan. Tell the people in the General's Mansion to keep their mouths shut and pretend they know nothing when asked."

This is the best solution Yanxiao can think of right now: neither deny nor admit it, let outsiders say whatever they want.

The mix of truth and falsehood adds to her mystique, and thus increases her market value.

As for Shen Muzhi, given his character in the original story and the kindness she showed him, he would probably turn a blind eye as long as she didn't go too far.

That's enough.

Zhao Qian was unaware of Yan Xiao's intentions and simply followed orders.

"Your subordinate understands."

Yan Xiao glanced at her Yuanyi Hall again, told Zhao Qian some details that needed to be changed in the future, and then returned to her courtyard.

As lunchtime approached, Chen Qiyue rushed to her room, cheerfully shouting as she ran:

"Sister-in-law, I'm back! Look what good things I brought you!"

Yan Xiao asked, somewhat puzzled, "Why are you back so early?"

As soon as she asked the question, she turned around and saw Tangdou and Wanzi behind Shen Qiyue, each carrying gift boxes of various sizes. Qiao Jiaojiao, who had gone out with Shen Qiyue, was nowhere to be seen.

Just as she was wondering, she heard Shen Qiyue say, somewhat reluctantly:

"Don't even mention it. Sister Qiao said she would take me out to have fun and eat well, but she ran out of money before we even finished walking down one street. Otherwise, how could I have come back so early? There are still so many things I haven't bought."

"Forehead......"

Even someone as ruthless as Yan Xiao looked at Shen Qiyue with a hint of astonishment in his eyes:

"All of these were bought with her money?"

"Yes, yes, I've saved all the money my brother gave me, so I can give it to my sister-in-law in case of emergency."

After excitedly finishing her story, Shen Qiyue noticed that Yan Xiao was looking at her strangely, which made her feel uneasy. She quickly added:

"It wasn't me who asked her to buy it for me; she persuaded me repeatedly before I agreed to go out. She also told me not to be polite with her."

Yan Xiao didn't mean to blame Shen Qiyue; she was just a little unaccustomed to seeing the little white rabbit suddenly turn into a little fox.

Although she didn't really want to admit it, the saying "One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black" naturally came to her mind.

Yan Xiao coughed lightly to cover his distraction, then nodded without batting an eye and began to ramble on in a serious tone:

"Hmm, I know you're shy. It must be that Miss Qiao was too enthusiastic for you to refuse. Miss Qiao is really generous. You should get closer to her in the future."

"Yeah yeah!"

Shen Qiyue nodded repeatedly, as if her sister-in-law was right, and hurriedly had Tangdou and Wanzi put all the good things she had bought on the table, unpacking them while seeking praise:

"Sister-in-law, look, look! These are all good things, things we've never seen before. I bought two portions for each of us."

Hearing this, Yan Xiao was gratified but also very curious about Qiao Jiaojiao's expression, what her expression would be when she paid the money, and whether she would vomit blood.

She was really curious!

The two sisters-in-law divided the spoils without a care in the world, completely unaware of the fascinating expressions on the faces of the four maids in the room—a truly colorful display.

Qiao Jiaojiao, who was being thought of by Yan Xiao, returned to her residence with a stiff face. Upon seeing her mother, she finally couldn't hold back her emotions that she had been suppressing all the way.

She threw herself into Granny Li's arms, and then, to Granny Li's utter bewilderment, burst into tears.

Her crying was so heartbreaking that anyone who heard it would be moved to tears; anyone who didn't know better would think that Granny Li was about to pass away!