"This is never going to end," Ji Xiaoxiao cursed under her breath, and slowly opened her eyes.

Ji Xiaoxiao sat cross-legged on the bed cultivating the "Great Dao of Demonic Charm". With the improvement of her realm and the increase of her profound internal strength, she could hear the panting and cursing of Jian Guangyang and Jian Gongxin, a father and son, even from a distance of a hundred meters.

"Granny Zhang." Ji Xiaoxiao called over Granny Zhang.

"Madam, what is it?" Zhang Mama curtsied.

"Go open the gate to the courtyard; our Marquis and his son are arriving soon."

Ji Xiaoxiao was fed up with the father and son, who would kick the door at the drop of a hat, as if the door of Wutong Garden was something that grew out of nowhere and didn't cost any money.

"Yes, Madam." Zhang Mama was full of questions, but as a servant, she knew what she should and shouldn't ask. She knew how to advance and retreat, and she had her own sense of propriety.

When Granny Zhang opened the courtyard gate and looked up, she exclaimed, "Oh my, it really is the Marquis and the Heir Apparent!"

"My lord, my son." Granny Zhang bowed and stepped aside to let the two in.

Jian Guangyang and Jian Gongxin walked straight into the main hall, where a servant brought them tea.

"Where is the Zeng family?" Jian Guangyang sat down in the head seat.

The maidservant bowed her head and said, "Madam is washing and changing her clothes. Please wait patiently, Lord Marquis."

Jian Guangyang picked up a teacup from the coffee table and slammed it down at the maid's feet.

With a clang, the maid screamed in fright, trembling like a leaf.

"Get out of here."

Upon entering Wutong Garden, Jian Guangyang's pent-up anger erupted.

Ji Xiaoxiao arrived late, and before she even entered the main hall, Jian Guangyang's roar resounded through the sky, clearly reaching her ears.

"My Lord." Ji Xiaoxiao stepped out and entered the main hall.

"Why did you only arrive now? Zeng, do you really think you're someone important?" Jian Guangyang said.

Ji Xiaoxiao kept her eyes straight ahead, as if the broken porcelain, tables, chairs, and branches beneath her feet did not exist. She walked forward step by step, her demeanor dignified and her expression graceful.

"Your Excellency's presence at Wutong Garden is an honor to our humble abode. How could I possibly greet you with such disheveled appearance? I have taken extra time to freshen up, and I beg Your Excellency's forgiveness."

While pleading for forgiveness, Ji Xiaoxiao sat down gracefully.

The servants, quick-witted and astute, promptly brought out the snacks that Ji Xiaoxiao loved.

"Lord Marquis, Young Master, would you like some? These pastries are delicious." Ji Xiaoxiao held the pastries and ate them slowly.

Jian Gongxin moved his mouth, but his father didn't speak, so the junior could only sit there.

Having smashed quite a few good items, Jian Guangyang's anger and frustration dissipated considerably. He sat down in a cheerful mood, his dark, old face glaring angrily at Ji Xiaoxiao.

"The Zeng family."

"Yes, my lord. What are your orders?"

The two turned their heads and their eyes met.

Ji Xiaoxiao's eyes were innocent and pure, filled with doubt. Jian Guangyang coughed.

"I heard from Gongxin that Jinjinfang has run into trouble, is that true?"

Ji Xiaoxiao stopped talking and said, "This matter should be asked of the young master. Several months ago, I handed over the ownership of Jinjinfang to the young master. In the past few months, I have never asked about Jinjinfang. Whether Jinjinfang is good or bad, I do not know."

Ji Xiaoxiao turned to Jian Gongxin and asked, "Your Highness, how is Jin Jin Fang?"

Jian Gongxin couldn't stand Ji Xiaoxiao's hypocritical appearance and shouted, "Zeng Feizi, two days ago, I told you the whole truth about Jinjinfang. When Father asked you questions, you said you didn't know. How dare you lie to Father?"

Ji Xiaoxiao spread her hands, "But Jin Jin Fang is managed by you, Prince."

Jin Jin Fang is managed by Jian Gongxin. When Jian Guangyang asked about Jin Jin Fang, it was Jian Gongxin who should answer. As an outsider, she shouldn't interrupt or make irresponsible remarks.

Enraged, Jian Gongxin waved his hands, making a loud noise as they flew through the air.

"Alright," Jian Guangyang said, and Jian Gongxin obediently played the role of a good child.

“Mrs. Zeng, you must already know that Jin Jin Fang has run into trouble, is unable to make ends meet, and is heavily in debt. Jin Jin Fang is the source of livelihood for the Marquis of Weiguo’s mansion, and it is absolutely crucial that nothing be done to it.” Jian Guangyang spoke eloquently and gently persuaded Ji Xiaoxiao to see the error of her ways.

Jin Jin Fang was the source of livelihood for the Marquis of Wei's household.

Ji Xiaoxiao understood perfectly, but then what?

They squandered the original owner's money on a life of debauchery and supported their families, yet these heartless scumbags looked down on the original owner, constantly saying that the original owner reeked of money and was not presentable.

Despite her inner turmoil, Ji Xiaoxiao nodded solemnly on the surface, "Jin Jin Fang was established by me, and all the expenses of the Marquis's mansion come from Jin Jin Fang. If Jin Jin Fang closes down, it will indeed be harmful to the Marquis's mansion."

Jian Guangyang coughed to hide the embarrassment on his face.

"It's good that you know," Jian Guangyang said earnestly.

Ji Xiaoxiao hurriedly replied, "I know, my lord. I am your wife. I have borne you children and managed the manor. I have worked hard, even if I have not made any great contributions. If Jin Jin Fang collapses, you cannot abandon me."

“Mr. Zeng, you’re talking nonsense again, spreading alarmist rumors.” Jian Guangyang felt a pang of panic.

As the saying goes, it is easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality. If Jin Jin Fang goes bankrupt due to poor management, it will cut off most of the Wei Guo Hou Mansion's money. With delicious food and delicacies served every day, who can still eat plain porridge and simple meals?

Ji Xiaoxiao stood up, took a few steps, reached out and hugged Jian Guangyang's arm, swaying back and forth as if she were being coquettish, "My lord, from now on I will rely on you to support me."

With a heavy sigh, Ji Xiaoxiao said with emotion, "Now, I can finally live like an ordinary woman, relying on my husband and son for support. My lord, my heart... my heart is filled with joy. I no longer have to work so hard to support my family."

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