Time travel, quick transmigration

They arrived at the entrance of the secret passage without any obstacles. Looking at Shi Yan moving through the passage ahead, Aman felt a little dazed and unreal.

She said that Shi Yan was a rare and extraordinary woman in the world, and this was not flattery. Who wouldn't be filled with fear and anxiety upon learning of the outbreak of war and the rebellion of An Lushan and his followers? Yet, the Imperial Concubine she met was different. Moreover, she seemed to have foreseen many things. For example, she had previously earnestly persuaded her trusted maid, Xiao Die, and her husband, Shen Zhi, to leave Chang'an and return to Shen Zhi's hometown, Yangzhou. Furthermore, she wasn't particularly surprised or unexpected by An Lushan's rebellion. Besides these, there were many other instances.

For example, now that they are standing peacefully outside the palace, Ah Man looks at the desolate and bleak scenery around her and realizes that she is really outside the palace.

She really wanted to ask her mistress how she knew the secret passage out of the palace. But seeing Shi Yan put on the veil to cover her stunning beauty and her elegant demeanor, she swallowed her words.

"Let's go to Baocui Pavilion first."

As Shi Yan spoke, she walked forward, and A Man immediately followed.

Before long, the two arrived at a street. Looking at the vendors hawking their wares along the street and the pedestrians coming and going, at the bustling scene that had not yet been shrouded in the shadow of war, Aman couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion and melancholy.

Shi Yan easily found a carriage, negotiated a price with the driver, explained the destination, and then boarded the carriage with Aman.

The coachman drove the carriage through the market, and every now and then the shouts of foreign merchants could be heard from the open carriage windows to Shi Yan and A Man.

The two remained in the carriage in silence. Shi Yan was preoccupied with something, while A Man did not want to disturb Shi Yan's contemplation.

About half an hour later, the driver brought the two of them to the entrance of Baocui Pavilion.

The carriage stopped, and Aman lifted the curtain to make it easier for Shiyan to get off.

After Shi Yan got out of the car, A Man bowed and landed on the ground with ease.

"Aman, go and give the fare to that man."

Shi Yan glanced at A Man.

Aman nodded, stepped forward, and took out some loose silver to pay the coachman.

The driver accepted the money, thanked him, and drove the carriage away.

Shi Yan and the others lifted a corner of the curtain by the roadside and glanced at the Bao Cui Ge signboard. They couldn't help but recall the scene when they first asked Zhang Huang to find a location here to open such a shop.

"Time flies! It's been many years since I last visited Baocui Pavilion since I entered the palace."

Speaking of Baocui Pavilion, it was her asset. Zhang Huang had managed it well over the years and made a lot of money. When she discussed it with Zhang Huang, they agreed that they would split the profits in half. Apart from what was deposited in the bank, she also had her own personal assets, so she was quite a wealthy woman.

Thinking of this, Shi Yan shook her head and chuckled, then lowered a corner of the light veil from the curtain.

Aman walked to Shi Yan's side.

"Your Majesty, this is the Baocui Pavilion that you often mention."

"It looks quite elegant and grand."

Shi Yan smiled faintly without saying a word.

"Come inside with me. If you see anything you like in the inner room, I'll buy it for you."

Aman smiled and did not refuse.

"Ah Man thanks Your Majesty in advance."

As soon as the two entered Baocui Pavilion, the warm and honest waiter Douzi immediately stepped forward to greet them.

Shi Yan looked at Douzi through the curtain, took out a jade pendant from the pouch at her waist, and showed it to Douzi.

Douzi recognized the jade pendant. His boss, Chen Huang, had the same one. Moreover, everyone in the shop had heard Chen Huang say that there were two owners of Baocui Pavilion. One was him, and the other owned the same style of jade pendant. The jade pendant was a token of their trust.

Douzi, not daring to be careless, carefully examined the jade pendant. After confirming that it was genuine, she hurriedly and respectfully called out "Madam," then directed Shi Yan and A Man to sit in the private room in the back hall before going to invite Zhang Huang.

Shi Yan and A Man followed Douzi to the private room.

"Please have some tea, madam. I'll go and fetch our boss right away."

Douzi poured Shi Yan a cup of tea, stepped back a few paces, and said respectfully.

Shi Yan nodded and spoke in a gentle tone.

"Go ahead."

Seeing that Shi Yan concealed her face with a curtain, and although she was dressed simply, she exuded an air of nobility, Douzi couldn't help but feel a sense of respect and curiosity.

"I'll go right away."

As Douzi spoke, she lowered her eyes and left.

"Aman, if you're thirsty, just pour yourself some tea. If you're tired, just sit down. Don't be shy. You can relax a bit when we're outside."

Ah Man, who was used to being respectful of hierarchy, would never listen to Shi Yan.

Douzi went to the accounting office and found Chen Huang. She told him that Shi Yan was holding a jade pendant that looked exactly like his. Chen Huang first stared wide-eyed in disbelief, but after regaining his senses, he strode towards the private room with a look of deep affection.

Upon entering the private room, Chen Huang looked at the woman sitting there, dressed in luxurious clothes and wearing a veil. After confirming her identity, he bowed to her.

“Master, it really is you. It has been several years since we last met.”

"If it weren't for your discerning eye, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to showcase my talents and achieve what I have today. Perhaps I would still be struggling to make a living in the city."

As Chen Huang spoke, his eyes welled up with tears, his heart filled with gratitude for the trust, guidance, and reliance that Shi Yan had placed in him.

Shi Yan was surprised by Chen Huang's excitement and was also touched.

"Actually, you don't need to do this. I only contributed the initial investment and offered some suggestions. In reality, the fact that Bao Cui Ge has reached its current scale and is profitable every year is all thanks to you."

"Whatever you get, you deserve it."

"Sit down quickly."

Chen Huang sat down to the side as instructed.

Seeing Chen Huang's respectful attitude towards Shi Yan, Douzi, who followed Chen Huang in, became even more curious about Shi Yan's identity and couldn't help but raise her head to secretly glance at Shi Yan a few more times.

"Douzi, you go out first. Tell them not to come and disturb us."

Startled by being called out, Douzi quickly answered and bowed as she left the private room without daring to linger any longer.

After Douzi left, Chen Huang said to Shi Yan.

"Is there any important matter that brings you here, Master? Whatever it may be, I will do my utmost to fulfill your orders."

Shi Yan pondered for a moment.

"I have come here in person today because of something important. You must have heard about the rebellion of An Lushan, Shi Siming and others. The situation is unfavorable to our dynasty. An Lushan is advancing rapidly and will soon capture Luoyang. If Luoyang falls, Chang'an will also be in danger."

"In the next few days, keep a close eye on the developments of the war. If any refugees fleeing the war enter Chang'an, try to find a way to help them. When war breaks out, it is mostly the common people who suffer. It would be good to help them in any way you can."

"You can use my share of the money for expenses, and your share is entirely up to you. In the event of war, it will be very necessary for you to have some property to protect yourself."

"If there are any signs of instability in Chang'an, close Baocui Pavilion and give your subordinates some silver to send them away as soon as possible. You should also make plans for yourself and leave this dangerous place as soon as possible."