When Wang Xifeng returned to the Jia family mansion in Jinling from the capital, it was already late.
She stepped into the Rongguo Mansion, travel-worn, clutching the prescription and five thousand taels of silver notes bestowed by the Empress in her sleeve.
Xiao Hong followed closely behind, holding the gifts bestowed upon her by the Empress in her arms, her eyes filled with undisguised joy.
"Grandma, should we go back to our room to rest first, or go directly to see the old lady?" Xiao Hong asked in a low voice.
Wang Xifeng didn't stop walking, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes: "Naturally, I should go see the old lady first. This deal was personally instructed by the Empress, and it can't be delayed."
Inside Rongqing Hall, Grandmother Jia was resting with her eyes closed on the couch, while Yuanyang gently massaged her shoulders.
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the door, followed by Wang Xifeng's clear voice: "Grandmother, your granddaughter-in-law is back!"
Grandmother Jia opened her eyes and saw Wang Xifeng rushing in, her face still showing lingering excitement. She couldn't help but smile slightly: "Feng'er, did this trip go smoothly?"
Wang Xifeng stepped forward and bowed, then took out the prescriptions from her sleeve and presented them with both hands: "Thanks to the old lady, your granddaughter-in-law has successfully completed her mission. Her Majesty the Empress has given me a business opportunity to run a soap business. This is the prescription bestowed by Her Majesty, along with five thousand taels of silver as capital."
These things need to be made public before they can be discussed openly.
Grandmother Jia took the prescription and looked at it carefully. Although she did not understand the intricacies of it, she could tell that it was extraordinary because of the neat handwriting and the fine ingredients used.
She looked up at Wang Xifeng and said slowly, "It is your good fortune that Her Majesty values you so much. You probably won't be able to take care of things in this mansion."
Wang Xifeng was prepared and quickly said, "Grandmother, you are wise. I was just about to ask you for your guidance. This business was personally instructed by the Empress, and I dare not neglect it. However, the affairs of the household are complicated, and it is really difficult for me to handle everything by myself."
"How about... we temporarily entrust the household management to Sister Yuanchun? She's just returned to the manor, and being from the palace, she's steady and reliable; she'll surely be able to handle the job."
After a moment of contemplation, Grandmother Jia's gaze lingered on Wang Xifeng's face for a long time.
Wang Xifeng looked calm and sincere.
After a long pause, Grandmother Jia nodded and said, "Very well, Yuan Chun has made a lot of progress in the palace over the years, so it's good to let her give it a try. Now that you've been given the Empress's job, do your best and don't let her down."
Wang Xifeng was overjoyed and immediately knelt down to kowtow: "Thank you for your consideration, Grandmother! Your granddaughter-in-law will do her utmost and never bring shame to the Jia family."
Grandmother Jia waved her hand, her tone suddenly becoming serious: "Feng'er, the Empress is willing to use you because of Yu'er. You must remember to be mindful of your actions and not be greedy, lest you ruin your future."
Wang Xifeng felt a chill run down her spine and quickly replied, "Your granddaughter-in-law understands and will certainly remember the old lady's teachings."
As Wang Xifeng emerged from Rongqing Hall, she breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.
She looked up at the sky; the moon was high in the sky, and the mansion was completely silent.
Xiao Hong whispered, "Grandma, shall we go back to our room?"
Wang Xifeng shook her head: "You go back first and pack your things. I'll go see Madam."
Xiao Hong was taken aback: "It's so late, Madam must have already gone to bed..."
Wang Xifeng sneered, "Rest? She's probably waiting for me right now." With that, she walked straight towards Madam Wang's courtyard.
Sure enough, the lights were still on in Madam Wang's courtyard.
Wang Xifeng gently knocked on the door, and a weary voice came from inside: "Who is it?"
“Madam, it’s me, Feng’er,” Wang Xifeng said in a low voice.
The door was quickly opened, and Madam Wang, wearing an overcoat, appeared, her face pale, but her eyes held a hint of expectation: "Feng'er, you're finally back! Has there been any news from Her Majesty?"
Wang Xifeng slipped into the room, closed the door, and then whispered, "Don't worry, Madam, Her Majesty will no longer pursue the matter of Sister Yuanchun."
Upon hearing this, Madam Wang's eyes reddened, and she almost burst into tears: "It was all my fault for being so foolish; I almost harmed Yuan Chun..."
Wang Xifeng helped her sit down and said softly, "Madam was only thinking of Yuan Chun. Now that Yuan Chun has returned to the mansion, you don't need to blame yourself too much."
Madam Wang wiped her eyes and suddenly grabbed Wang Xifeng's hand: "Xifeng, has Her Majesty said... what are Yuan Chun's plans for the future?"
Wang Xifeng sighed: "Madam, Yuan Chun can no longer return to the palace."
However, the old lady had already agreed to let Yuan Chun temporarily take over the role of housekeeper.
"Once things calm down, you can ask Uncle Lin to find her a good marriage. With Uncle Lin's connections, he certainly won't let Yuan Chun be treated unfairly."
A hint of joy flashed in Madam Wang's eyes. She had previously wanted Baochai to take over Wang Xifeng's management of the household, and now that the old lady had suggested letting Yuanchun manage it, that was perfect.
Then he thought of Lin Ruhai, the Governor-General of Jiangnan, whom he could curry favor with, and for a moment he felt relieved.
So he smiled and said, "Uncle Lin... yes, and your Uncle Lin! If we can ask him for help, Yuan Chun might still be able to find a good home."
Wang Xifeng nodded: "That makes sense. So, Madam, you need to stay calm and persuade Yuan Chun to focus on managing the household affairs. When the time is right, everything will fall into place naturally."
Madam Wang nodded repeatedly, as if she had grasped a lifeline: "Feng girl, it's all thanks to your guidance."
Wang Xifeng smiled slightly, a deep meaning flashing in her eyes: "Madam, you're too kind. We're family."
Madam Wang only thought about herself and Yuan Chun, but forgot that Feng Yatou had willingly given up her power to manage the household.
Leaving Madam Wang's courtyard, Wang Xifeng walked alone on the corridor, the moonlight shining on her shoulders, casting a cool and serene glow.
She looked up at the moon in the sky and thought to herself, "Yuan Chun, Yuan Chun, don't blame me. In this world, everyone looks out for themselves."
She finally got rid of the mess that was the Jia family.
The next morning, Yuan Chun was summoned to Rongqing Hall.
Grandmother Jia entrusted her with the management of the household. Although Yuan Chun was somewhat surprised, she did not refuse and respectfully accepted.
When no one was around, Madam Wang quietly took Yuan Chun's hand, her eyes filled with tears: "Yuan Chun, it's all my fault..."
Yuan Chun shook her head and said softly, "Mother, there's no need to blame yourself. It's already a blessing that I'm back. I will do my best to manage the household affairs and not disappoint you."
Madam Wang choked up and said, "Don't worry, after this period is over, I will definitely ask your Uncle Lin to find you a good marriage."
Yuan Chun lowered her head, concealing the sadness in her eyes, and said softly, "I will listen to my mother."
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