Chapter 87 This girl looks somewhat familiar

"Let's go," Xie Yanzhi said calmly.

Yuan Qing then drove the carriage towards the alley ahead.

Later, someone spread the word that these fragrant beads could both retain their fragrance and nourish the body.

Many people come to the shop to buy.

Their Su family's fragrant bead shop naturally saw its business flourish.

The appointed time for the spice shop arrived, and Uncle Wang drove his oxcart, swaying precariously, to deliver the spices.

In the past few days, the shop has been ordering a lot more spices and herbs, from a small bag to a large sack.

Uncle Wang stopped the oxcart in front of the shop and saw that Madam Fang had a cloth wrapped around her head today, and her jet-black hair was tied into a braid and placed to one side.

She wore a moon-white apron around her waist, her sleeves rolled up, and was intently kneading incense balls.

"Madam Fang, your spices have arrived." Upon hearing this, Shen Qingnian looked up and smiled, washed her hands in the copper basin beside her, and then wiped them on her apron.

Seeing Uncle Wang struggling to lift the large bag of spices and staggering into the house, they saw him.

She walked over quickly and took the spices from Uncle Wang.

"Uncle Wang, let's carry it in together."

Upon hearing this, Uncle Wang felt somewhat embarrassed.

He's getting old now, and it's becoming difficult for him to do these heavy jobs.

When he delivered goods to other shops, he was always scolded because the shopkeepers thought he was too old and frail to be of any use.

Only Madam Fang never said a harsh word to him, and even helped him carry spices.

He was naturally very grateful.

After the two carried the spices into the courtyard and placed them there, Shen Qingnian took out a small piece of silver and handed it to them.

"Uncle Wang, this is the money for the delivery."

When Uncle Wang saw this, he repeatedly refused, saying that the little work he did didn't require so much money.

In the end, Shen Qingnian forced the money into his hand: "Keep it for Dong-ge'er to go to school."

Dongge'er is Wang Bo's grandson. He is very clever and quick-witted. He came here once with Wang Bo.

A round head and big eyes.

It shows two cute canine teeth.

He even chased after Shen Qingnian, calling her "Fairy Goddess".

Such children always wear wrinkled old clothes.

This made Shen Qingnian feel extremely distressed.

Thinking of his son and daughter-in-law who had died young, and how poor Dongge had been going hungry while following him, and how it would cost a lot of money for him to go to school, Wang Bocai did not refuse.

Wiping away her tears, she said, "Thank you so much, Madam Fang."

Looking at Shen Qingnian's smile, Uncle Wang couldn't help but sigh, wondering who would be lucky enough to marry such a wonderful girl in the future.

After seeing Uncle Wang off, Shen Qingnian continued to knead the incense ball, occasionally raising her hand to gently wipe her forehead and cheeks.

Ling'er's arms were already sore, and she swung them around, exclaiming that kneading the fragrant dough was hard work.

Watching Shen Qingnian kneading the fragrant dough ball gently and softly, with a smile on her face, she was very satisfied with her masterpiece.

"Miss, I can't even stand kneading these fragrant dough balls when I do rough work all day. How do you manage to do it with your delicate hands?"

Shen Qingnian glanced at Ling'er and smiled: "You're just too impatient; you can't do delicate work."

With such hope for the future, Shen Qingnian felt like she had inexhaustible energy.

She hopes that one day she can open a few more shops in Yunzhou and carry forward her maternal grandfather's fragrant beads.

Thinking of this, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, revealing a beautiful curve.

She walked into the back courtyard and saw the sycamore leaves dancing lightly in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the leaves and fell on Shen Qingnian's face, leaving a bright color.

Suddenly, she noticed a piercing gaze.

She looked up, but there was nothing outside the courtyard.

At that moment, Xie Yanzhi was watching her from upstairs.

She seemed to be struggling to knead the ball, and he saw her frequently lift her sleeve to wipe the sweat from her forehead.

After massaging for a while, as if she had finished, she turned around, washed her hands, and then alternately pounded her arms with her hands.

Xie Yanzhi pursed his lips. Is this the life Shen Qingnian wanted?

For a few copper coins, he worked himself to exhaustion.

At this moment, a woman entered the shop, seemingly wanting to buy a string of fragrant beads for the little girl beside her.

Shen Qingnian smiled warmly, talking to the lady and the little girl, displaying the demeanor of a female manager.

Finally, the woman bought the little girl a string of lotus-pink fragrant beads.

He then saw her see the woman and the little girl off, and then she put the copper coins in her hands into the money box. She looked radiant, lively, and vibrant.

Xie Yanzhi couldn't help but feel that, compared to her weak and timid appearance at the Jingnan Marquis's residence, perhaps this was her true self.

Her joy and anger were so distinct, so captivating to him.

Shen Qingnian instinctively felt a burning gaze on her back. She turned around again and saw the curtain on the opposite building move.

This made Shen Qingnian a little nervous. Was she being targeted again?

It wasn't until a white cat across the street jumped onto the window and meowed at her twice that her doubts were dispelled.

Soon, it was Madam Chen's 80th birthday.

Chen Jiangyuan came to the shop again.

When Shen Qingnian saw him arrive, she took out the incense beads.

Just as Chen Jiangyuan was about to put the beaded string into the brocade box, Shen Qingnian stopped him.

“Young Master Chen, this jadeite beaded string is extremely valuable; an ordinary brocade box won’t do.”

"Why?" Chen Jiangyuan asked, puzzled.

Shen Qingnian said, "The incense beads are made of spices and medicinal herbs. If you want them to last a long time, they must be stored properly."

Chen Jiangyuan had no idea that there were so many intricacies involved in making incense beads.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. Their Yunzhou City had never had incense beads before, so he naturally didn't know their wonderful uses and taboos, let alone how to preserve them.

However, after a moment's thought, he felt much better.

He didn't know, and his grandmother certainly wouldn't know either.

This is a good opportunity!

These days, although Madam Fang always had a smile on her face whenever she saw him, she was also overly polite to him, as if she was deliberately keeping her distance.

Chen Jiangyuan deliberately frowned and said, "I didn't expect there to be so many intricacies to these incense beads. They're giving me a headache."

"I wonder if Madam Fang would be willing to come with me to the manor so that I can tell my grandmother in detail about the wonders and taboos of the fragrant beads?"

The thought that such a valuable string of fragrant beads might be ruined due to improper storage made Shen Qingnian feel very sorry.

She put a lot of effort into making these fragrant beads.

But sending her to the Chen residence seems inappropriate.

Chen Jiangyuan saw her concerns and thought for a moment before saying, "If it weren't for Grandmother's mobility issues, I wouldn't dare trouble Madam Fang to make this trip."

Is that so? Well then, I'll go with Young Master Chen.

Shen Qingnian nodded and said, "I am willing to go with Young Master Chen, but I don't want others to see it and spread any bad rumors."

Seeing that Shen Qingnian was willing to go, Chen Jiangyuan said happily, "Don't worry, Madam Fang."

After having Ling'er look after the shop, Shen Qingnian went to Chen Jiangyuan's residence.

Today is Madam Chen's 80th birthday, and the entire household is decorated with festive cheer.

Upon entering the Chen residence, one immediately notices its exquisite scenery.

As soon as Shen Qingnian stepped into the Chen residence, she saw a winding stone path under her feet, sometimes straight and sometimes curved.

The surrounding simple white walls were covered with vines.

The further you walk in, the more lush the flowers and trees in the courtyard become, with some crabapple blossoms dotting the landscape like specks of rouge, giving one a sense of being far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world.

Shen Qingnian was somewhat amazed. The scenery of the Chen residence was truly exquisite. No wonder Chen Jiangyuan also had that elegant temperament.

Chen Jiangyuan led Shen Qingnian through the courtyard to the waterside pavilion and stage.

Everyone was watching the play with great interest.

Chen Jiangyuan glanced around and saw the old lady sitting alone on the central platform of the waterside pavilion, humming along with the leading lady in blue on stage.

He then had the servant beside him quietly whisper a message to the old lady.

When Madam Chen turned her head and saw Chen Jiangyuan arrive, her eyes lit up with a smile. When she looked at the person wearing a veiled hat beside her, her smile deepened.

"Yuan-ge'er is here?"

Chen Jiangyuan stepped forward, stood in the middle, and bowed with his hands clasped, saying, "Grandson wishes Grandmother a long and healthy life, as long as the sun and moon shine brightly."

As he spoke, he presented a wooden box with both hands.

Madam Chen was so pleased with Chen Jiangyuan that she couldn't stop smiling. When she saw the wooden box, her eyes were filled with undisguised joy.

The wooden box was made of her favorite agarwood, which was very rare.

She became increasingly interested in the contents of the box and immediately opened the lid.

I could smell the fragrance of agarwood, and the round, black beads were glossy.

"What is this?" the old lady asked Chen Jiangyuan.

Chen Jiangyuan looked at Shen Qingnian, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes brimming with pride.

"This string of beads was made by this Madam Fang. If Grandmother has any questions, it would be most appropriate to ask Madam Fang."

Upon hearing Chen Jiangyuan's words, Shen Qingnian stepped forward and curtsied to Old Madam Chen, saying, "May Old Madam enjoy good health and longevity."

The old lady said lightly, "Thank you, Madam Fang," while actually scrutinizing Shen Qingnian.

When she performed the curtsy, she slightly bowed her head, clasped her hands, and slowly bent her knees. When she rose, her posture remained upright, with a smile and lowered eyebrows, showing respect while retaining a girlish grace.

Unlike the typical merchant's wife, who exudes a mercenary air, this young lady possessed the dignified grace of a refined lady.

She nodded approvingly.

"Madam Fang, please tell this old woman what this is?" the old lady asked.

"This is something from my hometown, called 'fragrant beads,' which are made by grinding spices and medicinal herbs into powder."

The old lady looked at the incense beads in her hand again, finding it hard to believe that they were made of powdered spices.

The round, black beads were separated by some jade.

The green of the jadeite makes the black of the incense beads appear even more lustrous and translucent, while the black of the incense beads makes the green of the jadeite appear even more vibrant.

Madam Chen's previous beaded necklaces were all ebony or black; this was the first time she had ever seen one paired with jade like this.

Madam Chen repeatedly praised, "Madam Fang is not only highly skilled in making incense beads, but also has a clever mind."

At this moment, the opera performance on the stage ended.

Only then did everyone notice a lady wearing a veil standing with Chen Jiangyuan. One was a dashing young man, and the other was a gentle and refined lady; they were truly a perfect match.

Chen Jiangyuan was very happy to see that his grandmother liked Shen Qingnian very much.

"Grandson has invited Madam Fang over today to tell you about the wonderful uses of these incense beads."

The old lady then noticed that Chen Jiangyuan was looking at Shen Qingnian with a smile, his eyes filled with a rare tenderness.

Is there anything you don't understand?

Her grandson has probably taken a liking to this woman.

The old lady beckoned to Shen Qingnian, bringing her over, and took her hand, saying, "Madam Fang, sit next to this old woman and have a good talk with her."

As she spoke, she had a maid bring a stool and insisted that Shen Qingnian sit down.

Madam Chen's overtures made Shen Qingnian feel flattered.

She had originally agreed with Chen Jiangyuan that she would speak to the old lady privately after the banquet.

Right now, everyone is looking at her as if she were a new bride, making her feel extremely uncomfortable. She stands there, caught in a dilemma.

Seeing his grandmother like this, Chen Jiangyuan thought to himself that his grandmother was too anxious.

Fang Niangzi had only known him for half a month and had no romantic feelings for him yet.

By doing this, Grandmother, aren't you putting Madam Fang in a very difficult position?

After that, it became much harder for him to win her heart.

Chen Jiangyuan hurriedly said, "Grandmother, Madam Fang has important business at her shop, so I'll take her back first."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qingnian felt relieved and looked at Chen Jiangyuan with a sense of gratitude.

Just then, a servant came from outside the stage to report, "Madam, Master has returned and says that a distinguished guest has arrived."

The old lady knew in her heart that her son had sent a servant to inform her in advance that the distinguished guest was definitely not ordinary.

The old lady had just stood up with the help of her maid when she saw her son accompanying a distinguished guest.

Shen Qingnian lowered her head and followed the others in bowing. She heard the old lady say, "This old woman greets the young master."

She was startled. Why was it the Crown Prince again? Even now, hearing those two words still made her shudder.

She then thought again, there are so many princes in the world, it is not necessarily the prince of the Jingnan Marquis's mansion who will come.

Don't scare yourself.

Immediately afterwards, a clear, cold voice was heard: "Congratulations on Madam Chen's 80th birthday."

Shen Qingnian was all too familiar with the coldness in that voice.

She suddenly looked up and saw Xie Yanzhi just an inch away from her, the faint scent of cedar emanating from him lingering around her nose.

Her heart was pounding like a drum.

She then comforted herself, thinking that at least she was wearing a veil and hadn't made a sound, so Xie Yanzhi shouldn't recognize her.

At this moment, Governor Chen pointed to Chen Jiangyuan beside him and said, "Your Highness, this is my son, Chen Jiangyuan."

Xie Yanzhi looked up at Chen Jiangyuan and saw that he had a clean and handsome face with a smile in his eyes. However, compared to him, Chen Jiangyuan did not look as heroic.

Chen Jiangyuan had long heard that Xie Yanzhi, the heir of the Marquis of Jingnan, was a close minister of the emperor, and he thought that the heir should be much older than him.

Upon meeting him today, he was surprised to find that the heir of the Marquis of Jingnan was the same age as him. A feeling of admiration welled up in his heart, and he bowed and said, "Your Highness."

Xie Yanzhi nodded slightly: "Young Master Chen."

Afterwards, Xie Yanzhi sat down with Chen Jiangyuan and his son to discuss matters, completely ignoring Shen Qingnian beside him.

They didn't even seem to notice that there was a woman there.

After discussing things with Xie Yanzhi, Chen Jiangyuan felt he had gained a lot and admired Xie Yanzhi even more.

Shen Qingnian saw Xie Yanzhi sitting upright, aloof and noble.

One can't help but sigh, no wonder the world has been deceived by his appearance.

At this moment, he looked every bit the dignified and refined prince.

While the three of them weren't paying attention, Shen Qingnian quietly got up, intending to leave.

But a sharp voice came from behind: "This young lady looks somewhat familiar."