In the backyard of the Prince's Mansion, hundreds of flowers bloomed in vibrant colors, dazzling the eye.
This amazed the four of them.
Mo Qingrui clicked her tongue.
“Uncle Jiu is really generous. Did you see that Red Mountain tree? There’s only one in the entire capital. Uncle Jiu personally took care of it for half a month before it survived. Now he’s letting Sister Jiang move in. If it were anyone else, they would probably have their heads twisted off if even a single flower or branch was damaged.”
Among the many shops operated by Fu An'an was a flower shop.
He nodded in agreement.
"The one the princess mentioned is indeed priceless, but none of the flowers in this courtyard are cheap. Jiang, how do you take care of these flowers? They bloom so beautifully. If the gardener in my flower room could learn even a little bit of his skills, I wouldn't be so frustrated that my heart aches every day."
Lian'er was delivering snacks into the pavilion when she heard this. She smiled and said, "My lords, my young lady has no knowledge of tending flowers and plants. Besides, these are the prince's treasures, and he wouldn't dare touch them on ordinary days."
Mo Qingrui licked her handkerchief and teased sweetly.
"Is Uncle Jiu so harsh? Sister Jiang, you shouldn't stay with him anymore. Go to my Princess's Mansion, and I will treat you to the best wine and food every day."
Fu An'an joined in the teasing.
“Your Highness cannot use your power to abduct someone. Although my mansion cannot compare to the county princess’s mansion, there are many handsome men in my mansion. Jiang Meizi will definitely like them.”
One was charming and flirtatious, the other was feisty and spoiled; when they teased each other, no one could help but blush.
Even Jiang Qingwan couldn't resist, and the tips of her ears turned slightly red.
At this moment, Zhu Huaijun pointed in surprise to the earthen urn that was still smoking not far away.
"His Highness forbids you from touching the flowers, but allows you to burn earthenware pots in the garden?"
Fu An'an burst out laughing.
"Lord Huai, you've hit the nail on the head. This smoke and fire is a major no-no for growing flowers. Do you think His Highness is worried about the flowers or spoiling our Jiang sister?"
Jiang Qingwan's face turned red as well.
If this continues, things will really get complicated.
"You've all sent invitations to visit, are you here to admire the flowers? Then I'll head back inside."
Mo Qingrui quickly took her arm.
"You mustn't tease my sister anymore, it's embarrassing. Come on, come on, try some of my sister's pastries and fragrant tea, you definitely can't get them anywhere else."
The group then entered the pavilion together.
Tea was bubbling away over the charcoal fire. These people were all regulars, and Jiang Qingwan had a good impression of them, so she specially added a trace of spiritual energy to the tea and personally poured them a cup.
Lu Ning's cough had improved considerably, and his eyes lit up immediately after taking a sip.
"Is this Tianshan Snow Bud? How can it be so fragrant? It's even better than the tributes from the palace."
Although the individuals came from different backgrounds, they were all from wealthy families. Fu An'an, the only one with a merchant's status, was a well-known female merchant in the capital. Her ancestors were wealthy merchants from Jiangnan, so her family naturally had many fine things.
It was quite stunning at that moment.
Mo Qingrui also took a sip. Although she didn't have Lu Ning's tea-tasting skills, she could still taste the refreshing fragrance, which was very pleasant.
"This tea is truly exceptional, young lady."
The other three had a slight thought and instantly understood.
Fu An'an drank the tea in one gulp and then poured herself another cup.
"I've benefited from your presence, so I must drink a few more cups today. Don't try to compete with me."
Mo Qingrui playfully patted her.
"Now that we've acknowledged Jiang as our sister, we'll have plenty of time to meet in the future. Judging from your impatient look, you've been drained of your energy by the handsome men in the manor. Why don't you ask Jiang to give you a few more protective talismans?"
Fu An'an was taken aback by her words and coughed softly, covering her mouth with her handkerchief.
Jiang Qingwan asked Lian'er to refill the water.
Nothing was added this time.
"Your bodies can't handle too much, let's switch to black tea."
Zhu Huaijun was slightly taken aback, his expression showing considerable worry.
"An'an, you have to be careful, don't ruin your health."
Fu An'an blushed deeply at her earnest concern.
Jiang Qingwan spoke leisurely.
"She is in good health. The mansion is just for show. The real peach blossoms have not yet arrived, so there is no need to rush."
Fu An'an was stunned, then looked at her anxiously.
"I...I still have a destined partner?"
She was heartbroken by that man, but deep down, she wasn't as cold and hard as stone.
As for the handsome men in the mansion, most of them were guards, servants, accountants, and stewards, while others were minor officials and concubines kept by her.
She, a woman, managed such a large family business, and her methods of recognizing and employing people were something she would never share with outsiders.
A sly glint flashed in Jiang Qingwan's eyes.
With a small hand outstretched, she said, "A marriage charm, one thousand taels."
Fu An'an saw through her deliberate act and huffed in embarrassment and annoyance as she complained.
"You all saw it, they dared not tease Jiang Meizi and His Highness the Ninth Prince again, and now they've gotten their revenge."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Jiang Qingwan possessed extraordinary abilities.
But when it comes to life experience, the myriad aspects of human nature, and a clever and shrewd mind, she is no match for these older sisters.
Her ear tips flushed red again, like a cat whose tail had been gently poked, her claws curled up, but her heart was soft.
Upon hearing the mention of talismans, Lu Ning suddenly stood up and bowed to Jiang Qingwan.
"The elder sister thanks the younger sister for the amulet."
The playful atmosphere instantly dissipated.
Jiang Qingwan raised her hand to help her up.
"I've taken the money, so you don't need to thank me."
These past few days, although Mo Qingrui and the others were worried, they didn't dare to ask any further questions.
Upon hearing her mention it, Fu An'an quickly pressed for details, "Was that little slut chased away?"
Lu Ning shook her head, her originally delicate eyes now showing a hint of determination and coldness.
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