But she knew in her heart that Yuan Chun's marriage was still undecided, and she was getting older. If she delayed any longer, it would be even harder for her to find a good family.
She couldn't help but sigh, "If only Your Majesty could lend a hand a little more..."
Aunt Xue lowered her voice and said, "Sister, I heard that Feng's soap business is making a fortune."
"If Yuan Chun can win the Empress's favor, what future will she have to worry about?"
Lady Wang shook her head with a wry smile: "Who can fathom Her Majesty's thoughts?"
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Yuan Chun was checking the household expenses in the accounting office.
Since taking over as housekeeper, she has drastically reduced expenses and reorganized personnel.
Although the deficit in the government has not been fully covered, at least it is no longer as tight as before.
She rubbed her aching temples, looked up at the window, and saw Wang Xifeng leading several shop assistants in through the side door, followed by several horse-drawn carriages loaded with goods.
Ping'er, with her sharp eyes, spotted Yuan Chun from afar and quickly bowed, saying, "Greetings, Miss."
Wang Xifeng also walked over with a smile: "Sister, are you busy?"
Yuan Chun smiled faintly: "Second sister-in-law, have you brought in new goods again?"
A hint of smugness flashed in Wang Xifeng's eyes, but she feigned modesty and said, "They're just some trinkets, not worth mentioning."
She paused for a moment, then added, "If you have some free time, sister, why not come visit me? I recently made a new batch of jasmine soaps; they have an excellent fragrance and are perfect for young ladies."
Yuan Chun nodded in agreement, watching Wang Xifeng leave in a flurry, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
Once upon a time, she was a highly regarded female official in the palace, but now she is confined to this deep courtyard, with only account books for company.
However, Feng Ge'er lived a very prosperous life after getting close to the Empress.
Baoqin, who was standing nearby, noticed her dejection and said softly, "Miss, if you are tired, why don't you rest for a while?"
Yuan Chun shook her head, picked up her pen and continued recording the accounts, her tone calm: "The affairs of the manor cannot be delayed."
As night deepened, the Jia mansion fell silent.
Yuan Chun sat alone by the window, holding a jasmine soap given to her by Wang Xifeng in her hand, its faint fragrance lingering around her nose.
She recalled Wang Xifeng's spirited appearance during the day, and felt a pang of bitterness in her heart.
If she hadn't made that mistake back then, would she be the one standing in that position now?
Baoqin gently pushed the door open and came in, saying softly, "Miss, it's late, you should rest."
Yuan Chun came to her senses, put the soap into the box, and said calmly, "I'm going to sleep now."
She blew out the candle and lay down on the bed, but tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The moonlight outside the window was like water, spilling onto the bedside and casting a cold glow on the floor.
Yuan Chun closed her eyes and silently thought: Perhaps, this is fate.
That night she had a dream in which she became a concubine, and the emperor treated her like a precious jewel, bestowing upon her the title of Virtuous Consort.
The Emperor granted her special permission to return home to visit her family, and Huifang Garden was renamed Grand View Garden, serving as the Imperial Concubine's villa for her visit.
As a concubine, everyone in the Jia household, young and old, obeyed her orders, and she enjoyed immense prestige for a time.
I don't know how long I was dreaming, but then I heard Baoqin's voice: "Miss, Miss... Madam wants to see you."
Yuan Chun woke up suddenly.
I have no recollection of what I did in the dream.
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