Jiang Mingyi's departure from Anzhou Prefecture did not cause much of a stir.
Chen Bei was somewhat surprised by his friend's departure, but there was nothing he could do about it. Besides, he had passed the imperial examination in the autumn and had been confined to studying by Madam Xie during this period, so he didn't have much time to overthink things.
While other prefectures were on the verge of chaos, Anzhou Prefecture remained relatively peaceful.
When Chen Shu got married, Gu An'an sent a generous gift well in advance, but she herself did not show up.
Even Jiang Mingzhu was kept at home by her, so as not to let Madam Xie see it and make everyone unhappy.
"Chen Shu will be going to the army for training later, so you can find her to play then. There's no need to rush."
Jiang Mingzhu didn't say anything more. "Mother, why did you suddenly decide to learn to play the zither? Actually, Chen Bei's zither skills are better. Why don't you ask him to teach you later?"
"Madam Xie is determined to urge her son to make progress, so I dare not go to him lest Madam Xie say that I am hindering her son's progress."
Jiang Mingzhu covered her mouth and laughed when she heard this. "Madam Xie never understands what her children are thinking. Chen Shu has told me this before."
Gu An'an had no interest in listening to the private conversations between the girls. "Just listen casually. Madam Xie wouldn't treat her own children badly. It's just that parents love their children in different ways. Parents always have more experience and just want their children to avoid some detours."
However, parents are, after all, parents, and they mostly give orders to their children. In many cases, they don't actually know what their children are thinking.
"I know you're the best, Mother." Jiang Mingzhu snuggled in Gu An'an's arms. "Mother, I don't want to get married."
"Why are you bringing this up all of a sudden? You're still young, what's the rush?"
Chen Shu had only recently come of age and was indeed old enough to get married.
But Gu An'an didn't want that. She didn't want Jiang Mingzhu to get married so early. She wanted to wait a few more years until Jiang Mingzhu was older.
"It's okay if you never want to get married, I can support you."
Jiang Mingzhu laughed when she heard this, "Yes, I'll be my mother's protector. All I need is for her to give me some food."
As she was speaking, Bao'er ran in from outside, "Mother, what do you and Sister want to eat? I want to eat too."
When it comes to food, no one can run faster than little Jiang Baozhu.
Gu An'an laughed and pulled her youngest daughter into her arms. "Baby'er is so greedy, what will happen if she gets fat in the future?"
"No, I won't get fat. Mother, don't scare me, or I'll write to my brother."
Jiang Mingyi had been away for some time, and could only maintain contact with Medicine King Valley through letters.
Gu An'an usually didn't pay attention to Bao'er's letter-writing, so she couldn't help but laugh when she heard this. "What, do you need your brother to lecture me?"
“Bao’er wouldn’t dare, but I’ll ask my brother to coax me.”
The little girl was so clever and mischievous that Gu An'an couldn't help but rub her head. "What a clever little devil! Alright, you two go out and play. I'll have someone bring you some food later, and we'll make do with that."
She actually quite enjoys cooking for herself; it gives her a sense of accomplishment.
However, due to her recent busy schedule, Gu An'an has significantly reduced the number of times she personally cooks and prepares meals.
Bao'er was surprised to have to eat out again. She reluctantly went to Gu An'an and pleaded, "Mom, can't we cook for ourselves? I can help."
Jiang Mingzhu, however, was always sensible. "Mom is busy. If Bao'er wants to eat anything, I'll go buy it for you."
"Okay, let's go out and play." The little girl's mood changed faster than turning the pages of a book, and she disappeared in a flash, leaving Gu An'an both amused and exasperated.
She really is a little foodie; all she cares about is food.
Looking at the zither on the table, Gu An'an hadn't learned anything; she really wasn't good at any of the arts.
Gu An'an chuckled self-deprecatingly, then got up to go for a stroll. Before the Dragon Boat Festival, the puppet shop had launched a new zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) puppet, but it wasn't selling very well in the north. Instead, it was selling quite well in the Jiangnan region.
That's not surprising.
Festival dolls have become the signature product of Gu Ji Doll Shop. This year there is also an important Qixi Festival. What kind of dolls should we launch then?
Gu An'an hadn't made up her mind yet and planned to go and discuss it with Man Niang.
She sensed something was wrong even before she reached the puppet shop; it seemed someone was following her.
The people Jiang Yong'an placed around him wouldn't be so clueless.
Who is stalking her?
Moreover, it was in Anzhou Prefecture.
Gu An'an's first suspect was Madam Xie.
Madam Xie didn't like her very much, especially after Gu An'an's business became more and more prosperous in the past two years, Madam Xie disliked her even more.
Perhaps it was because he was too good at business that he stole the limelight from Madam Xie.
However, Gu An'an soon realized that she was wrong.
Today is her daughter's big day, and she didn't cause any trouble at the wedding. Why would Madam Xie want to make things difficult for herself? Wouldn't that be unlucky? If it's not Madam Xie, then who is it?
Gu An'an suddenly stopped and looked at the figure flashing past the alley entrance.
Not long after, the stalker was caught.
"Ask him what happened."
Gu An'an didn't even turn her head, showing no interest in the stalker.
However, the man was not giving up. "Gu An'an, you'll regret it if you arrest me."
The voice sounded somewhat familiar, prompting Gu An'an to turn around and look. When she saw the person being grabbed, she couldn't help but laugh, "So it was you."
Jiang Qiaoqiao had gained some weight and her figure appeared somewhat clumsy.
This scrutiny infuriated Jiang Qiaoqiao. "What are you looking at?"
"It's nothing, it's just that you're not doing very well. What about your mother? Is she still alive?"
This question left the angry person feeling as if their bones had been removed, leaving them without support. Jiang Qiaoqiao lowered her head. "How did you know?"
"I have no interest in you and your daughter. You can leave."
"I can leave, but give me back my things." Jiang Qiaoqiao tried to rush in front of Gu An'an, but she was stopped.
The guards were very responsible and stopped Jiang Qiaoqiao from doing anything.
Gu An'an turned around and looked at her. "Did I take anything from you?"
"Of course, don't think I don't know. I was the one who arranged for Xiao Wu back then."
This unwitting admission made Gu An'an laugh. "You sent someone to deal with me? Then wouldn't it be an act of kindness for me to let you go?"
Jiang Qiaoqiao's face immediately turned ashen. "Gu An'an, don't think you can scare me. Give me the things, and that will keep you safe."
What she wanted was probably the picture in the orchid token, but Gu An'an hadn't figured out what it was.
However, something that would make Jiang Qiaoqiao risk such a trip to get it from me must be something special.
"It's already burned to ashes. How could I possibly have it if you asked me for it?"
"How could that be? You're lying to me!" Jiang Qiaoqiao didn't believe it at all.
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