Gu An'an gained a lot from her trip to Songjiang Prefecture. In particular, Nie Jinzhen and her apprentice Mei Niang were experts in Suzhou embroidery. With their help, Gu An'an was able to purchase suitable fabrics and bring back a small boatload of goods.
It was a little regrettable that Nie Jinzhen did not go to Anping County with Gu An'an.
"I've long heard that Anping County is a good place, but unfortunately I'm too old to travel long distances. I'm originally from Songjiang Prefecture, so I'll just return to my hometown and be buried here."
Mei Niang was surprised that her master would not come with her, and she was extremely conflicted.
It was Nie Jinzhen who spoke up, saying, "Mei Niang, you are a filial child, but you are too soft-hearted. From now on, when you are by Gu Niangzi's side, you should learn more and observe more. Don't always think about swallowing your anger, understand?"
Patience won't buy He Ping a thousand years of peace; when it's time to rebel, you still have to rebel.
Mei Niang eventually went to Anping County with Gu An'an, and Gu An'an made arrangements before she left.
They purchased a small house and asked a shop assistant to help them find two honest and dutiful maids to serve Nie Jinzhen.
This arrangement is quite appropriate.
Gu An'an is now a major client, and the local fabric shops will help look after her to avoid losing this big customer again.
After settling in here, it was already early October when Gu An'an returned to Anping County, and the weather was getting cooler.
After being away from home for more than a month, Gu An'an first asked about the situation at home when she returned.
"Everything is fine. Mingyi has made great progress in his studies recently. When Scholar Sun came over for dinner before, he mentioned it. By the way, a few letters have arrived from the capital. They are for you."
The capital city?
Gu An'an didn't know many people in the capital.
She picked up the letters and looked at them. One was from Chen Bei, and the other was from Fu Lingshu.
There was another letter signed only with the word "Thank you." Gu An'an thought for a while before realizing that it was a letter from Madam Xie.
She opened Madam Xie's letter first.
The letter was simple, thanking her for taking care of Chen Bei before, and also asking what method she had used to get Chen Bei to change his old habits.
As the wife of the prefect, Madam Xie asked the question in a very tactful manner.
Gu An'an thought for a moment and then opened the letter Chen Bei had written.
The prefect's young master is still in the capital. He studied at the Imperial Academy for a while, but he would rather join the army than study. Unfortunately, his parents disagree, which Chen Bei resents.
The letter also mentioned some delicious food and fun places in Beijing, revealing a childlike touch in its writing.
Gu An'an replied to Chen Bei with a smile, but didn't rush to reply to Madam Xie.
It's only natural for a mother to care for her own child, but always relying on outsiders isn't a solution. Otherwise, Gu An'an will always be caught in the middle, and she'll end up pleasing neither side.
This letter is difficult to reply to, so Gu An'an plans to put it aside for the time being.
As for Fu Lingshu's letter, she opened it and read it. It turned out that Miss Fu's face had recovered. It was a thank-you letter, mainly to Jiang Mingxu.
Gu An'an thought for a moment and decided to send the letter to Medicine King Valley later.
"How has the store been while I was away?"
Liu Jiuniang replied with a smile, "It's nothing serious, just a few minor troubles, but I've taken care of them."
It was nothing more than Gu An'an's family causing trouble again, but Master Liang suppressed it.
"Oh, right, there's one more thing I need to tell you."
"What's wrong?"
Liu Jiuniang glanced at Xiao Wu, who was busy at work, and said, "It was someone who came looking for Xiao Wu a few days ago that scared the child quite a bit."
Gu An'an immediately realized who could frighten Xiao Wu. "I understand. I'll ask her about it later."
Orchid Gate.
Who else could it be but someone from the Orchid Gate?
Jiang Qiaoqiao couldn't have found Xiao Wu directly back then; there had to be someone in between.
But what does that person want with Xiao Wu?
Gu An'an felt somewhat uneasy; she needed to figure this out.
"These are Manniang and Meiniang. Ninth Sister, please arrange accommodations for them first."
Liu Jiuniang had just spotted the two people. One was incredibly beautiful and pitiful, while the other had a somewhat alluring charm. She wanted to ask them another question, but Gu An'an gave them a brief explanation and then left.
Xiao You explained, "The mistress has young masters and ladies at home, and she's not entirely at ease with them."
Mei Niang's eyes widened upon hearing this, while Man Niang, ever outspoken, remarked, "The master doesn't seem very old, yet he has so many children."
“Not by blood,” Xiao You thought for a moment and then added, “but not much worse than biological children.”
Even if we have children in the future, we won't mistreat these kids.
Man Niang laughed when she heard this. "No wonder our boss is so fond of rescuing people from dire straits. It turns out she's willing to help both adults and children. She's truly a great philanthropist."
Along the way, Xiao You became familiar with Man Niang's speaking style and knew that she meant no harm, so she didn't take it to heart.
Liu Jiuniang found the words of this alluring woman rather grating, but since she was someone Xiao Gu had brought back, she naturally had to make proper arrangements for her.
After asking them carefully, the two were temporarily settled in an inn.
"I'll find another place to stay in a few days, and then you can move in. Please bear with me for the next couple of days."
Mei Niang waved her hands repeatedly, "I'm not wronged."
For her, having a place to stay is already a blessing; how can she ask for more?
Man Niang, however, gave a forced smile and said, "It's all my fault for going to so much trouble, sister."
Liu Jiuniang felt that this person had a foxy air about him when he spoke, which she disliked very much.
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