A Glimpse of the Eleventh
Sitting in the carriage, Su Lingzhao couldn't help but keep thinking about the strange behavior of the zither player.
Although the zither player was beautiful, her direct gaze was sharp and menacing, making one's heart pound. Wang Pan'er, however, only said that she was introverted and didn't like to talk, and her concern seemed genuine.
In Su Lingzhao's view, this was not an introverted demeanor at all; she must be hiding some ulterior motive, acting coquettishly and seductively in front of Wang Pan'er.
As Su Lingzhao pondered, he suddenly felt a jolt of realization. He frowned, shivered, and realized he was probably overthinking things.
Wang Pan'er risked her life to save him from the bear's jaws in the mountains, so she must be in love with him. Besides, she had a handsome lover before, and although he didn't know why his father sent people to investigate his whereabouts, it was unlikely that he would suddenly change his tastes and become entangled with another woman.
It must have been that zither player who seduced Wang Pan'er first; Wang Pan'er was bewitched by her pitiful appearance and fell for her trick.
He recalled the fairy tales his mother told him before bed when he was a child. The fox spirits in those stories didn't just seduce men; when they met a woman they liked, they would use all their charms to deceive her.
Next time I go to see Wang Pan'er, I should remind her to be careful of this scheming musician.
Meanwhile, at the suburban farm, the scheming Qin Nu herself was being questioned by Wang Pan'er.
When Su Lingzhao was the only one present, Mu Chuan pretended to be in pain, but as soon as Su Lingzhao left, he resumed his indifferent attitude.
Fortunately, it was just a small crack in my nail, not serious, and it will heal quickly.
But before the old wounds had healed, new ones were added. After Wang Pan'er finished bandaging him, she looked at Mu Chuan, who had no expression, and was still furious.
She mischievously pinched Mu Chuan's injured fingernail lightly: "Does it hurt?"
Mu Chuan glared at her: "I'm not dead."
"Then why do you still play the piano like that?"
“Jealousy,” Mu Chuan said matter-of-factly. “The way he looks at you isn’t innocent; it’s practically drooling.”
Wang Pan'er asked the heavens speechlessly: "Merchants value profit over sentiment. Even if he's stupid, he can still make people cry with just a little effort."
“That was a mistake,” Mu Chuan emphasized. “I shouldn’t have agreed to let you approach him in the first place. No, I shouldn’t have asked you to infiltrate the Chamber of Commerce to gather information at all.”
"..."
It's completely nonsensical; everyone's talking past each other.
Wang Pan'er stopped the conversation. Dealing with Su Lingzhao was already exhausting enough, and she didn't want to repeat the pointless exchange. She pulled up a chair and let Mu Chuan sit down beside her; "Let's continue eating."
Mu Chuan said disdainfully, "I won't eat what he's eaten."
"Serving chopsticks!" Wang Pan'er pointed to a pair of chopsticks placed on the right side of each dish, then added a bowl of rice to Mu Chuan's bowl. "Every grain is hard-earned; we mustn't waste food."
Mu Chuan raised his right hand, which had just been bandaged.
Wang Pan'er instantly understood that this meant she needed to be fed. Resigned, she picked up Mu Chuan's bowl and began to pick up food.
What can you do about the child you spoiled? You can only play the game of taking turns feeding Mu Chuan again, which is so sweet that the girl who has something to ask for permission on the side feels her teeth ache.
After rinsing her mouth after the meal, the young woman finally found a suitable opportunity to interject, "The second young master of the Su family sends gifts every day, and the storeroom is almost full. The master needs to take stock of it."
Wang Pan'er didn't have a hoarding habit. The house on the estate that was designated as a storeroom wasn't very big. According to her lifestyle, it would be enough for her until she became a grandmother. Who would have thought that a generous young master would suddenly appear out of nowhere?
The woman in charge set up wooden frames in the storeroom to organize and categorize all kinds of items, and even created a register.
Everything within sight was clear and distinct, and even Mu Chuan exclaimed in admiration: "This little girl Xiao Yao is really something. Every single employee from Qianji Wanying Pavilion is a talent."
Wang Pan'er smugly chimed in, "That's my adopted sister!"
Looking at the beaming Wang Pan'er, Mu Chuan laughed and said, "You're so good at raising livestock, why don't you expand further and build a whole farm? That way, you can supply the shop with your own meat."
"Don't give bad advice." Wang Pan'er composed herself. "You know your stuff. Take a look at these with me, sort out the ones that have no collectible value and sell them, and keep the ones that have collectible value, in case we need them urgently later and can exchange them for money."
Mu Chuan agreed, and while picking and choosing items on the wooden shelf, he taught Wang Pan'er to sharpen her eyesight and distinguish the quality and value of the items. As they were examining the items, they stopped in front of a roll of cloth.
Mu Chuan carefully cleared a space and gently unfolded the cloth, revealing blue cloud patterns of varying shades.
"So exquisite!" Wang Pan'er exclaimed. This was the kind of material that could be displayed in the center of a museum. "What kind of material is this?"
Mu Chuan stroked the fabric, examining it for a long time. His brows furrowed more and more, and finally he said in disbelief, "Yun Jin."
Seeing Mu Chuan's solemn expression, Wang Pan'er asked curiously, "I'm ignorant, is Yun brocade a very rare material?"
“It’s not that it’s rare, but that only the Weaving Bureau can weave this brocade.” Mu Chuan pointed to the pattern on the fabric and explained it to Wang Pan’er. “It’s made of tribute-grade mulberry silk as the base, and brocade woven with gold and silver threads and bird and animal hair. If I’m not mistaken, the auspicious cloud pattern is made of peacock feathers.”
Wang Pan'er was so shocked that her mouth gaped open: "How expensive must it be?"
"It's priceless but unavailable," Mu Chuan replied. "This is a special supply for the royal family, and only the Imperial Textile Bureau has the looms. The looms for Yun brocade are almost as tall as two-story buildings. It's not something ordinary people can afford to display, let alone allow to circulate in the market for merchants to trade."
"So it's highly likely that Su Lingzhao didn't even know the value of this roll of cloth; he just thought it looked nice and simply took it out of his own storeroom and gave it to me?"
"This is the only possibility."
“That’s serious.” Wang Pan’er looked away from Yun Jin and looked at Mu Chuan with a worried expression. “Does it involve the imperial court?”
Mu Chuan nodded: "The production of Yun brocade is extremely rare. The only portion that flows outside the palace is the portion that His Majesty rewards high-ranking officials, and even then, it is only awarded to officials of the third rank. There is not enough for those below that rank."
Wang Pan'er became increasingly alarmed as she listened: "Then the smuggling case you're investigating, wouldn't the mastermind behind it point directly to the capital?"
Mu Chuan rubbed his temples: "Yes, and the other party's official rank is above the third grade."
Wang Pan'er fell silent.
In the complex and intricate political arena, she, an ordinary citizen who had never been involved in politics, was unable to offer any insights: "It seems I really can't help you this time."
“How could I not be of any help?” Mu Chuan rolled up the brocade. “This brocade can be considered a very important piece of evidence; it’s your prize. But now I need to take it with me.”
Wang Pan'er waved her hand, signaling Mu Chuan to put away the brocade: "Hmm, only a third-rank official is qualified to obtain this kind of cloth. I dare not wear it. If I wear it, I'll become a moving target."
"Why wouldn't you dare?" Mu Chuan pulled over another roll of cloth that looked much more ordinary, cut off a piece to wrap around the brocade, "I have quite a lot stored at home, you can choose whatever you like then, and if you still can't find one you like, I'll go ask His Majesty for one."
Goodness, I expected someone to have a powerful background, but I never imagined it would be this powerful.
Wang Pan'er clicked her tongue twice: "You're just revealing your entire fortune to me like this? Aren't you afraid I'll pester you to death for wealth and status?"
Mu Chuan accepted the brocade and continued to help Wang Pan'er check the shelves: "I'm just afraid you won't bother me."
Upon hearing this, Wang Pan'er unceremoniously hugged Mu Chuan's waist, hanging most of her weight on him: "Alright, alright, let's start wrapping now. My precious little darling, you'd better wrap him up properly."
Inside, they were flirting and teasing each other. The girl guarding the door outside was so disgusted by the commotion that her lips curled into a straight line.
Leisurely days pass quickly, and more than ten days have gone by in the blink of an eye.
Wang Pan'er removed the splint, moved her right elbow joint, and felt it was time to get back to work. Her dream of opening more branches was still waiting to be realized.
As soon as she appeared in the West Market, Master Su sent someone to deliver a visiting card, inviting her to visit his home.
Sending a formal invitation was quite a gesture, presumably to express gratitude for her saving his life.
Wang Pan'er replied to the servant that she would definitely visit on time.
When visiting someone's home, one must dress formally. Wang Pan'er chose the most dignified-looking outfit, then had the maid who took care of her style her hair into a bun. Dressed impeccably, she went out the door.
Master Su prepared a table of fine wine and food, and greeted them from afar with a smile on his face, along with his second wife. Su Lingzhao followed behind his parents, looking quite shy.
This was the first time Su Lingzhao's mother, the second wife of the Su family, had met her.
Wang Pan'er's manners and etiquette were not as refined and proper as those of daughters raised in wealthy families, but overall they were passable and not enough to bring shame to the family.
Having not looked closely at Wang Pan'er's face before, Su Yuanwai took a closer look today, and then exchanged a glance with the Second Madam.
Wang Pan'er's appearance was not particularly striking, but her features were exceptionally expressive, carrying a touch of nobility. Her forehead was broad like a field, her earlobes were like pearls, her nose was like a hanging gall bladder, and her eyes shone brightly—every feature was exquisite.
Su Lingzhao is good-looking, but what good is good-looking? He has a standard oval face and big eyes, but his face is too thin to hold any flesh, a typical face that suggests a lack of wealth. If he were a woman, he might be good for someone's amusement, but as a man, he's truly undesirable.
Su Lingzhao has a face that suggests he is not blessed with good fortune, so he needs a wife like Wang Pan'er to bring him some luck.
He adopted a kind and amiable demeanor, and together with the second wife, raised their wine cups: "You are about the same age as my Ah Zhao, so I will call you Pan'er from now on."
Wang Pan'er quickly raised her wine cup as well: "Master Su, you are too kind. You are an elder. I have a special connection with the Second Young Master, so it is only right that I come to visit you."
After saying that, she drank the wine in her glass in one gulp.
Upon hearing that she herself said she and Su Lingzhao got along well, Master Su was overjoyed and also downed his drink. With a radiant face, he introduced the dishes on the table to Wang Pan'er: "Ah Zhao is foolish, but it is our family's good fortune to have such a smart friend as you."
This time, Su Lingzhao was obedient, pouring wine and serving food to the three of them.
After a few rounds of back-and-forth between Master Su and Wang Pan'er, they finally got down to business.
The second madam gestured to her maid, who placed a tray in front of Wang Pan'er and said, "This is a set of jewelry I made for Miss Wang, to thank Miss Wang for saving A Zhao's life."
The wooden box on the tray was open, inside were gilded hair ornaments and earrings, adorned with various jewels, very gorgeous, and at first glance, they were all very valuable.
Wang Pan'er nodded and put the box back on the tray: "Madam, you are too kind. Saving people is instinct. Besides, Young Master Su is a pure person who wanted to help a lone farmer with good intentions. Who could have imagined that it would be a brown bear's trap?"
The lady's eyes darted around. Her husband always complained that their son was naive and foolish; so what if he was just innocent? Her husband's standards were too high. She chuckled and took Wang Pan'er's hand, saying, "May I ask, Miss Pan'er, do you admire a man of such pure character?"
Wang Pan'er nodded: "It must be the one you like."
In her heart, Su Lingzhao was not a pure-hearted person at all. If one were to use "pure" to describe a person, whether it be Mu Chuan, Wang Xiaoyao, or Tao Shuo, they would all be far more fitting than Su Lingzhao. Saying that Su Lingzhao was pure was just polite talk; this mother in front of her really didn't know her child's true worth.
Her facial features were completely different from Su Lingya's, and it was obvious that they were not related by blood.
Based on the information from Wang Xiaoyao, she wasn't a proper wealthy lady; she was a concubine who rose to power by giving birth to an only son.
Wang Pan'er really looked down on their family's values. The curve of her lips was perfect, but the smile in her eyes didn't reach the bottom.
Master Su seemed to notice Wang Pan'er's slight embarrassment, and glared at his wife, signaling her to be mindful of her behavior. The wife was displeased, but dared not disobey her husband, and reluctantly withdrew her hand.
With a forced smile, Master Su placed Su Lingzhao's birth date sticker on the table: "Miss Wang has no family to rely on, so I'll be frank. Our Ah Zhao is fond of you. If Miss Wang is interested, why not get your birth dates matched and marry into our Su family?"
The original owner was a daughter disliked by her parents and did not know her own birth date. Wang Pan'er also could not determine whether the birthday on her ID card was her actual birthday.
Looking up, she saw Su Lingzhao's expectant eyes, sparkling, as if she was truly looking forward to marrying into the Su family.
Wang Pan'er smiled, took Su Lingzhao's birthday invitation, and did not refuse: "My birth date is unknown, so I'm afraid we are not compatible for marriage. If you and your wife do not mind, then I am lucky to have married into the Su family."
Her words were so gracious that the Second Madam couldn't stop smiling, and she became so smug that she forgot herself: "Once Miss Wang enters the Su family, she will enjoy endless wealth and honor. We have a steward in our inner quarters, so Miss doesn't need to worry about managing household affairs. Miss can wholeheartedly assist Ah Zhao in managing the family business, and then have a son as soon as possible to inherit our Su family business."
Su Lingzhao's mind was clearly not inherited from his father, the wealthy Su; the lady before him was exactly like him. With a few words, she revealed the Su family's true intentions completely.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Master Su's expression freeze, probably cursing the brainless woman beside him. Wang Pan'er guessed that the legitimate wife was unwilling to show up, and Master Su probably thought that the woman in front of him was Su Lingzhao's birth mother, so he brought her along to show the Su family's respect. Who knew she would let him down like this.
Managing the Su family business naturally meant giving up her own career. Perhaps in their eyes, since she married into the Su family, the medicinal cuisine restaurant would naturally become part of the Su family's possession.
With the addition of gene-based poverty alleviation, the purchase of reproductive organ usage rights, and being made a lifelong, free servant to the Su family, she encountered an ancient version of "one woman, three ways."
It's really a case of a small knife pulling a fart.
However, after going through so much trouble and nearly losing his life, he finally managed to get close to the center of power in the Su family.
She filled her glass: "I hope you will support me in the future."
Master Su watched silently as she and the second wife exchanged toasts.
Wang Pan'er adopted a completely obsequious attitude, and Master Su couldn't tell whether she hadn't taken the Second Madam's words to heart or had seen through them, but she still lowered her stance to please the two of them.
However, Wang Pan'er was in a wonderful mood. Anyway, she wouldn't actually enter the Su family's gate, and what they were planning was none of her business. All she needed to do now was to show that she wanted to climb the social ladder and get closer to the core of the Chamber of Commerce.
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