The more I thought about it, the more panicked I became, and for a moment I had no idea what to do.

Could it be that the family already knew this deal was unlikely to succeed, and that's why they sent him to test the waters?

That's right, otherwise why would my uncle, who clearly knew this was the Empress's business, still send him here to discuss cooperation?

In this situation, even if he closes the deal, it might not stay in his hands, and someone else might even steal the credit.

He, the unloved illegitimate son, was nothing more than a discarded pawn from beginning to end.

He slumped to the ground, his head throbbing with pain, completely at a loss for what to do.

"Fourth Young Master, what's wrong with you?"

He didn't return home all night, and when he came back, he still looked like he had been violated, which surprised the servants, who hurriedly went forward to help him up.

Zhou Tang suffered from a sudden attack of qi and blood to the heart, and also had a high fever. The moment he stood up, he felt dizzy and fainted.

In contrast, Jiang Jiuniang was much more relaxed. She set up a fire pit in the military camp, brewed tea, ate tea and barbecue, read novels, and occasionally checked her son's homework. She couldn't have been more content.

Seeing that she could make the military camp like a paradise, Peng Yuan also came to join in the fun. She was glad that Jiang Jiuniang had also come to the military camp, otherwise, she would not be able to go out after she became pregnant, and she would not know how bored she would be if she was alone in the military camp.

"Sister Jiu Niang, I heard there's been trouble in your business. What happened?"

After sitting down, Peng Yuan peeled a roasted sweet potato for herself and ate it, while also checking in on her family's business.

"It's nothing serious, it'll be resolved in a few days."

Jiang Jiuniang ate a slice of roasted orange, let out a comfortable sigh, and continued reading.

Peng Yuan became even more curious, so Jiang Jiuniang could only put the book away and tell her what had happened.

"ah?"

Peng Yuan's mouth dropped open: "Then what about our orders?"

"No rush. The biggest order is for the military. We worked overtime to finish it before the new year. We've only just started production, so a slower pace is fine."

"Besides, there won't be a shortage of wool forever; soon someone will come to us."

Peng Yuan still didn't understand. If they'd already been taken away, would they really come back to her?

What's wrong with that person?

However, seeing that Jiang Jiuniang had picked up her book again, she was too embarrassed to ask any further questions and continued eating her sweet potato.

Jiang Jiuniang thought she might be a little bored, so she gave her a book she had finished reading. Peng Yuan was immediately captivated and forgot all about business, focusing instead on reading about the heroine taking revenge on the scumbag man.

Three days later, I finished reading the book.

Lu Baichuan and the others hadn't returned yet, and Peng Yuan started to worry, fearing something might have happened. She couldn't help but run to find Jiang Jiuniang.

Jiang Jiuniang gave her another book and told her to read it slowly.

Peng Yuan was still a little anxious, but seeing that Jiang Jiuniang didn't seem worried at all, she held back.

Jiang Jiuniang was indeed not worried at all. When Lu Baichuan left, she gave him a signal pod to send a signal if anything happened. So far, she had not received any distress signals, so naturally everything was fine.

No sooner had Peng Yuan left than someone outside the tent announced, "Madam, that merchant from the other day has come again. Should we drive him away?"

Jiang Jiuniang raised an eyebrow. She couldn't hold back after only three days?

"No need to rush him, but don't pay him any attention either."

Jiang Jiuniang took a sip of tea, turned over, and continued reading.

The soldiers should have left and gone back. No matter how anxious Zhou Tang was, they ignored him.

"Brother soldier, I really have urgent business with the lady. Please let me know."

Zhou Tang couldn't wait to come over as soon as he recovered from his illness. He took it upon himself to buy the wool in Jiang Jiu Niang's name, which was not the family's wish. Moreover, the Empress was also involved in this business, so he absolutely could not afford to offend her. He had to transfer the wool in his hands to try to salvage some of his reputation.

In that case, Jiang Jiuniang might agree to his request for cooperation if she's happy.

But he never expected that Jiang Jiuniang would refuse to see him. What was the point of talking then?

The soldiers ignored him. He didn't want to go back like that and wanted to wait there, but the wind and snow were too heavy. He couldn't stand it for long and left in a carriage.

However, he did not give up and came again the next day, but Jiang Jiuniang still ignored him.

On the third day, Fang Yong returned and told him that the wool in the workshop had been used up.

Jiang Jiuniang said calmly, "Let everyone go home and rest well. Don't worry, give them paid leave, twenty coins a day."

Although it's not a lot, it's still a guarantee for everyone.

Fang Yong was somewhat shocked by her generosity, but he didn't say anything, respectfully agreed, and left.

When he left, he saw Zhou Tang outside the defense line. He didn't want to talk to him, but seeing that he was obviously not a local, he asked the soldiers on guard. He learned that Zhou Tang was the merchant who had taken all the wool under the name of Jiang Jiuniang. He was instantly furious, glared at him a few times, and then left.

It's been three days already, and Jiang Jiuniang still hasn't seen him. Zhou Tang's anxiety has reached its peak. A letter came from home asking about the progress, but he didn't dare to reply.

"Madam, Madam Lu! I have come here sincerely to discuss cooperation with you! Please grant me a meeting!"

For the sake of his future, he couldn't care less about saving face and started shouting at the top of his lungs.

The person was quite far from the camp, so it was impossible for them to hear him. However, the soldiers on guard were so annoyed that they went up to teach him a lesson.

"Gentlemen, please have mercy! I have money, I can give you money!"

As he spoke, he took off the pouch from his waist and handed it to the soldier, then pleaded, "Brothers, please help me pass on a message, it's really extremely urgent!"

The soldiers took the money, weighed the purses in their hands, exchanged glances, and decided to help deliver a message.

"Say what you want to send quickly."

Seeing that the soldier had finally relented, Zhou Tang was overjoyed and wept. He hurriedly got up from the ground and said, "I previously bought a lot of wool at a high price, and now I am willing to resell it to you at a low price. Please forgive my mistake and give me another chance."

He had initially thought the deal would definitely go through, and it was indeed more expensive than the price offered by Jiang Jiuniang. Although he was losing some money now, it was nothing compared to offending the Empress.

The soldier went back and told Jiang Jiuniang, who was so angry she laughed.

Who is this person?!

Previously, I wanted to scheme against her by impersonating her and collecting all the wool. Now that I know that the wool is stuck in my hands, I want her to clean up the mess. How dare I do that?

"Go tell that Zhou Tang that I don't care about his stuff and that he should get as far away from me as possible, or I'll unleash the dogs on him!"

I was already getting so angry about the scumbag in the novel that my stomach hurt, and now this guy is back! Can't anyone even read a novel in peace anymore?

The soldier knew she was angry as soon as he heard her voice, so he rushed back and beat Zhou Tang up, yelling, "You little brat, get out of here if you don't want to die! Don't drag us down with you!"