After learning about this, Yan Qingqing had someone clarify the situation and also closed her doors to visitors during this period, refusing to accept gifts from wealthy businessmen.
However, an uninvited guest arrived at the Li family that day, and he came all the way from the prefectural city.
Yan Qingqing was somewhat surprised when the gatekeeper came to report.
However, they were quickly invited in.
The person who came was none other than the wife of Prefect Liu.
Yan Qingqing immediately had someone invite Madam Liu to the flower hall, which has now become an important place for the Li family to entertain guests.
When Yan Qingqing arrived at the flower hall, Madam Liu was sitting on a stool, leisurely drinking tea.
Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "Distinguished guest, you have come from afar. I am truly sorry for not welcoming you properly."
Upon hearing this, Madam Liu quickly put down her teacup, stood up, and said with a smile, "I apologize for disturbing you by coming here. I hope you won't blame me, Master Mingzhao."
The two exchanged pleasantries and greetings.
Then Yan Qingqing invited Madam Liu to sit down.
Madam Liu looked even younger than when Yan Qingqing met her in the prefectural city last year, which showed that she was living a good life.
After exchanging pleasantries, Madam Liu praised him directly, saying, "Ming Zhaoshuo is not only a magnanimous person, but he also devoted his entire fortune to the country and its people."
Not only me, but even my husband deeply admires you.
Yan Qingqing smiled upon hearing this; she couldn't take a few polite words to heart.
Although she did donate most of her possessions, not everyone praised her.
There were also some people who actually abhorred her behavior, but Yan Qingqing didn't care.
So he smiled and said, "Madam Liu and Lord Liu are too kind. It's all just hearsay. I was just doing my part."
Seeing that Yan Qingqing was not interested in the topic, Madam Liu changed the subject, saying, "Let's not talk about how Zhao Shuo is superior and how Madam Liu is inferior."
I'm two years older than you, so I've presumptuously called myself "older sister." I wonder if that's appropriate for you, younger sister?
What could Yan Qingqing say? She had already called her that; how could she refuse?
So she smiled and said, "Then let's listen to Sister Liu. I also think those official titles are a bit awkward."
Madam Liu was delighted to hear Yan Qingqing say this, so she leaned closer to Yan Qingqing and whispered, "Sister, do you think I've changed at all compared to before?"
Yan Qingqing glanced at her and smiled, "To be honest, there haven't been any major changes, but Sister Liu seems to look even younger than last year."
This is only a superficial change; the biggest change is actually in Madam Liu's personality.
Previously, Madam Liu was very timid and dared not speak loudly in front of Madam Shen.
When Yan Qingqing met her last year, Madam Liu was still very cautious. This year, she is not only more cheerful, but also speaks with great confidence. Could it be that she has been possessed, or that she has had her soul replaced like Yan Qingqing and is a time traveler?
Yan Qingqing immediately dismissed this possibility, thinking, "Where would there be so many time travelers?"
Yan Qingqing then calmly observed Madam Liu's expression.
Madam Liu laughed and said, "Oh dear, it's not just my sister who says so, all the ladies in the city who are on good terms with me say the same thing."
I got this thanks to my sister. Last year, she gave me a few sets of skincare products, and after using them, my face became so white and smooth. Even my husband complimented me several times.
Yan Qingqing: ……
Is this guy showing off his love in front of her? Doesn't he know she's a widow and can't handle any stress?
However, since the person had come from afar and was a guest, Yan Qingqing couldn't hold it against her.
So she smiled and said, "Sister Liu is living a really comfortable life, unlike me, who is busy with business and raising children every day. How come there is such a big difference between people?"
Madam Liu felt a little uncomfortable and said, "Sister, please stop making fun of me."
You are different from me. You have real skills, while I can only rely on my husband. I can only get better if he gets better.
For so many years, he had been overshadowed by Prefect Shen, and had been depressed and unhappy.
However, inspired by my sister's experience with the recent major disaster and epidemic, I took positive measures.
He not only received praise from the Provincial Administration Commissioner Mei, but also an award from the Emperor.
Only then did I feel a sense of triumph. "Little sister, please don't laugh at me."
Yan Qingqing finally understood where Madam Liu's confidence came from.
It turns out that Lord Liu has gained the attention of his superiors.
Prefect Liu was originally one rank higher than Assistant Prefect Shen, but because he lacked connections and backing, he was always overshadowed by Assistant Prefect Shen.
Madam Liu was naturally overshadowed by Madam Shen.
Now that Lord Liu has been given an important position, Lady Liu is naturally feeling proud and elated.
Since Madam Liu had already revealed everything to her, Yan Qingqing stopped hiding anything and directly inquired about the Shen family's situation.
Madam Liu naturally knew that Yan Qingqing and the Shen family were at odds, so she told Yan Qingqing about the recent situation of the Shen family.
Shen Hongyan was sent to the mountain to become a nun, and Madam Shen was naturally unwilling to let it go.
I heard that he's stopped making connections in the capital, and things aren't going as smoothly for Lord Shen as they used to.
The infighting in the Shen family's backyard intensified, and Magistrate Shen took in several more concubines.
I heard that Madam Shen bought one into the household, and Aunt Chen also introduced them.
The most shocking news is that the eldest son of the Shen family failed the imperial examination.
I heard that he had diarrhea on the day of the exam, and the whole exam room smelled terrible. Several students who were sitting close to him did not do well on the exam.
Lord Shen was furious about this and sold out several of the young master's maids.
Yan Qingqing felt very pleased to hear this. It was truly a case of wickedness being punished; it was just a matter of time.
However, Yan Qingqing didn't believe it was such a coincidence that Young Master Shen had diarrhea during the big exam.
It's just that we don't know who did it.
After Madam Liu finished recounting the Shen family's affairs in a vivid manner, Yan Qingqing laughed and said, "I'm stuck in this small county town and I didn't even know that so many interesting things were happening in the prefectural city."
Sister Liu is really well-informed.
Upon hearing Yan Qingqing's words, Madam Liu quickly replied, "Sister, you're busy with important matters; you don't have time to inquire about such trivial matters."
I'd also like to discuss a business deal with my sister, but I don't know if she'd be willing.
No one visits a temple without a reason, and Madam Liu was not a person with nothing to do. Yan Qingqing thought that perhaps this was Madam Liu's real purpose for coming.
So, without showing any emotion, she smiled and said, "Sister Liu, would you like to hear the story?"
Mrs. Liu smiled and said, "The cosmetics my sister gave me last year are of excellent quality."
Many ladies and young women in the city have come to me asking for it.
I'm thinking of opening a shop in the prefectural city. Don't worry, sister, I already inquired about it before I came. You have your own unique way of running a business.
I will strictly abide by this agreement, and all I want is the right to operate the prefectural city.
Yan Qingqing was delighted to hear this. It was like someone had brought her a pillow just when she was sleepy. She was planning to open a shop in the prefectural city.
However, since Madam Liu took the initiative, the initiative was now in her hands. Since they were all business people, why should she be polite?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com