She mistakenly got into the bridal sedan chair and married a sickly but powerful minister, becoming

Shen Qingtan clenched the embroidered handkerchief in her hand. To some extent, the First Madam's premonition was correct.

Zhao Jue was jealous of the power of Zhao Yi's maternal clan. In his previous life, he was responsible for transporting the grain he had collected to the northern border. However, something went wrong, and General Qi and his two sons died on the battlefield.

The First Madam was greatly shocked by this and relinquished control of the household, handing over the management of the family to the Second Madam, who then withdrew from public life.

Shen Qingtan had a gut feeling that this was inextricably linked to Zhao Jue or the person behind him.

General Qi was a loyal and capable minister of the Great Zhou Dynasty. It would be truly unworthy for him to die because of someone's scheming.

Putting aside personal grudges, Shen Qingtan was also unwilling for Boss Qin to sell the grain to Zhao Jue.

“Mother, good people are always blessed.” Shen Qingtan comforted her gently, “Grandfather is brave and mighty, and my two uncles are also talented and valiant. They will surely return victorious.”

The First Madam could not rest easy until good news came from the front lines.

“Good people are always blessed by heaven…” The First Madam looked haggard and gave a bitter smile: “But it’s no match for the mischief of villains.”

“This world isn’t all villains. I always believe that there are more righteous people than villains. Although Zhao Jue has gathered the grain, as long as he hasn’t received it, there’s always a chance for things to change. Perhaps things will take a turn for the better.” Shen Qingtan noticed that the First Madam was frowning and pressing her temples, probably because of a headache.

Shen Qingtan went around behind the First Madam and massaged her forehead: "That day I overheard your conversation with your husband in Jingde Hall. He took leave from his wedding and has no official duties. He has things to do these days, probably raising military rations. Maybe there will be good news soon."

"I hope so." The pressure on her forehead was just right, and the First Madam's headache was relieved slightly. She leaned back in her chair and sighed, "You are a newlywed. As an elder, I should take care of you in everything. Now it's the other way around, and you have to worry about my affairs."

“Mother, you are being too polite.” Shen Qingtan had been married into the Duke’s mansion for four days, and in those few days, she felt the sincerity of the First Madam towards her: “We are a family. We share the same fate, and we share the same fate. No one can be an outsider. We should work together.”

The First Madam's heart stirred. Shen Qingtan was gentle and virtuous, yet also intelligent and insightful.

"You haven't had breakfast yet, child. Set out the food first, and let's not talk about these upsetting things." The First Madam held Shen Qingtan's hand and instructed the maid to serve the food.

The eldest son's house had its own small kitchen, where breakfast was already prepared. The maids quickly set the meal on the table.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law ate breakfast in silence. Perhaps because they had something on their minds, the First Madam did not taste the food and only ate two bites hastily before putting down her chopsticks.

Shen Qingtan didn't eat more than a few bites before putting down her chopsticks.

Seeing this, the First Madam said in a kind tone, "Tan'er, I heard that Yi'er is not feeling well. Please take good care of her during this time. There is no need for you to come here to pay your respects."

She was so worried that she couldn't sleep or eat, and she really didn't want her emotions to affect Shen Qingtan.

A bride should have no worries, all troubles gone, and live a peaceful and comfortable life.

Madam Shen knew that Shen Qingtan was a filial daughter and was afraid that she would misunderstand, so she smiled and said, "You come to pay your respects early every day, which means I have to get up early too and can't sleep in."

Shen Qingtan looked at the First Madam in surprise, then realized that the First Madam had a habit of practicing the Five Animal Frolics in the morning, and knew that this was just a made-up excuse, just to be considerate of her.

A warm feeling welled up inside her, giving rise to a profound sense of satisfaction.

In her past life, she longed for kind and loving parents-in-law and a gentle and considerate husband, but unfortunately, she met a tragic end and did not die a peaceful death.

Having been given a second chance at life, she had no expectations for marriage, but unexpectedly found the marriage she desired.

-

Back at Lanxue Garden, Liuyue mysteriously carried the trunk from yesterday back into the house and placed it at Shen Qingtan's feet.

"Second Madam, Second Master came yesterday, and I took the trunk away without having time to discuss it with you. So I haven't burned the things yet." Liu Yue opened the trunk and took out a list from her sleeve: "All the items you gave to Third Master have been counted, except for one sachet with a horse riding on auspicious clouds."

Shen Qingtan glanced at the black lacquered box with carved necklace patterns, her expression calm and her heart undisturbed.

From a young age, she admired gentlemen who were refined and elegant, and disliked warriors who wielded swords and were covered in sweat.

When the Marquis's mansion betrothed Zhao Jue to her, Liu Yue learned that he was not good at studying and could not compare with the second master of the mansion, so she abandoned her studies and went to pursue martial arts.

She was disappointed at the time. She was still young, and every time Zhao Jue came to talk to her, she didn't want to talk to him. However, due to etiquette, she had no choice but to deal with him.

Later, seeing that he loved reading, was very knowledgeable, and had unique and insightful views on books, she gradually changed her opinion of him and began to admire his talent.

Madam Shen instructed her: "Tan'er, Zhao Sanlang treats you well, so you can't neglect him. You are now engaged and will spend your lives together. He prepares gifts for you on every holiday, and you should return the favor with gifts. We can't be impolite."

Every woman has expectations for her married life, especially since Zhao Jue is both talented in literature and martial arts, and treats her extremely well.

Not knowing what gift to give Zhao Jue, she asked Madam Shen what gift to give to Marquis Chengen. So she followed Madam Shen's example and embroidered a sachet for him.

Over the past decade, this much has accumulated.

Liu Yue held the sheet in her hand and asked hesitantly, "Second Grandmother, are we really going to tell the old lady?"

"Making a fuss about a sachet in front of the old lady will only make others laugh at us for making a mountain out of a molehill, and it will only displease the old lady." Shen Qingtan would not leave any trouble behind. She beckoned Liu Yue to come closer and whispered a few words in her ear.

Liu Yue was taken aback for a moment, then covered her mouth and giggled, assuring him, "This servant will take care of this matter."

Shen Qingtan glanced at the trunk; it seemed she had never embroidered anything for Zhao Yi.

Make him a garment?

-

Inside the quiet and elegant teahouse, Boss Qin sat in an ebony carved armchair, anxiously waiting for someone.

"Knock knock!"

A knock sounded, and the next moment, the tightly closed door was pushed open from the outside in.

Boss Qin saw an elderly man who was nearly seventy years old enter.

He wore a square scarf with wide sleeves, was in high spirits, and stood upright, still retaining the charm of his youth.

Boss Qin suddenly stood up and bowed respectfully to Duke Zhao: "Your Excellency, please have a seat."

Duke Zhao scrutinized Boss Qin for a moment, noticing his enthusiasm without any hint of obsequiousness, before taking a seat and saying in a friendly tone, "You invited me here today for the matter of military provisions?"

"Indeed." Boss Qin poured tea for Duke Zhao, not daring to look him in the eye. "I have heard that there is a shortage of food in the northern border. I happen to have 150,000 shi of grain on hand and am willing to do my part to donate it all to the soldiers."

It was 50,000 more shi than originally planned.

Duke Zhao stared sharply at Boss Qin, making Boss Qin break out in a cold sweat and almost unable to hold on any longer before turning his gaze away and taking a small sip of tea.

He suddenly asked, "I entrusted this task to Zhao Jue. He should have contacted you grain merchants. Why don't you donate it to him directly?

Boss Qin was sweating profusely. He knew that the Duke of Zhao was a first-rank official who had been in the officialdom for decades. He had seen all kinds of conspiracies, tricks and monsters.

"My lord, to tell you the truth, your second mistress has been kind to me. It was through her that I met General Zhao."

It turns out that the person Second Grandma was supposed to marry was General Zhao. Now she has become General Zhao's second sister-in-law, and General Zhao has married Second Grandma's own sister.

If I were to have dealings with General Zhao and give him grain without asking for a single copper coin, those who know about my relationship with Second Madam would probably misunderstand that Second Madam and General Zhao have an improper relationship.

I figured that since the supplies would go to the soldiers in the North regardless of who received them, I took it upon myself to contact you without authorization.

Boss Qin dared not lie, but he also dared not tell the whole truth. He needed to be seven parts truth and three parts falsehood to make the lie seem real.

A look of surprise flashed across Duke Zhao's eyes; he hadn't expected that Boss Qin and Shen Qingtan had some connection.

Before he came, he had investigated Boss Qin. The drought was spreading and there was a food shortage in various places. Other grain merchants raised prices, but Boss Qin insisted on the original price. With his mediation, the other grain merchants lowered the price of grain to only 20% higher than before the food shortage.

It was precisely because of his character that the Duke of Zhao came to see him.

“It’s not easy for you to do business. You’ve spent a lot of time and effort collecting the grain. Although you have considerable wealth, you have to support a lot of people.” Duke Zhao put down his teacup and gestured for Boss Qin to sit opposite him. “It’s good that you have this intention. Give me whatever price the grain is worth.”

Boss Qin breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "You don't need to give me silver. If it's convenient, could you exchange it for salt permits for me?"

Duke Zhao teased, "You just said you didn't want a single copper coin, but now you're making demands so readily. Were you waiting here all along?"

"My lord, I truly wish to donate grain to the soldiers." Boss Qin wiped the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and said with an embarrassed smile, "When I first came to the capital to do business, I offended some people. At that time, I only knew Second Madam, and she couldn't help me."

I then figured she was engaged to General Zhao, so I asked her to ask him for help. If General Zhao helped, it would be through your connections, so Second Madam immediately refused.

She said you are upright and honest, and handle affairs impartially. The higher your position, the more you cherish your reputation; you will not abuse your power to oppress others, nor will you easily owe favors to others.

The old Duke frowned slightly, initially suspecting that Shen Qingtan was worried that Zhao Jue would take credit, so he instructed Boss Qin not to cooperate with Zhao Jue.

The thought arose, but he immediately rejected it.

If Shen Qingtan gave the instruction, he could have made Boss Qin sell the grain to Zhao Yi and credit Zhao Yi for the achievement.

In this way, it really was Boss Qin who acted on his own initiative.

Boss Qin, observing the situation, said, "Since you're going to give me money, even if I talk myself hoarse, you won't take the grain for nothing. I might as well be straightforward, so you'll feel better."

Duke Zhao could easily tell that Boss Qin was flattering Shen Qingtan and helping her gain favor with him.

As the saying goes, businessmen are all about profit, but this Boss Qin is a kind and righteous man.

Duke Zhao was happy to record this favor: "If you didn't want to sell grain, we couldn't force you. But you took the initiative to sell grain to me, which is a favor. If you encounter difficulties in the future, you can send a message to me."

Mr. Qin was flattered: "Sir, this is absolutely not allowed..."

Duke Zhao teased, "So you're not happy now?"

"Hehe." Boss Qin rubbed his hands together and said embarrassedly, "Well, I happen to have a favor to ask of you."

Duke of Zhao: "..."

"General Zhao asked me to buy grain, and I told him I had some. Yesterday, I visited General Zhao at the Duke's Mansion and unexpectedly learned that Second Madam had married Second Master Zhao." Boss Qin sighed and said, "In order to avoid suspicion, I acted like a petty person and went over his head to give you the grain directly. This was a breach of trust and a major taboo in business."

With his sharp mind, how could the Duke of Zhao not understand the meaning behind Boss Qin's words?

Boss Qin broke his agreement with Zhao Jue and planned to have him cover for him.

Even if Zhao Jue resented Boss Qin for this, if he knew, he would step in to protect him without Boss Qin having to plead for him. It was really not worth Boss Qin exchanging this matter for a favor.

Are you sure you want this request?

"I am sure!"

"..."

The Duke of Zhao was unable to give a favor for the first time, and couldn't help but wonder: How did Boss Qin accumulate such a fortune?

Not shrewd at all.

Does he even realize the true value of the favor he's doing for someone?

Despite his thoughts, Duke Zhao understood that Boss Qin was probably unwilling to accept this favor, so he couldn't help but feel a little more appreciative.

"My granddaughter-in-law has a good eye for people."

Duke Zhao sighed, which was tantamount to acquiescing to Boss Qin's request.

-

Zhao Jue emerged from Baixiangzhai with a gloomy expression. He had originally thought that once he had raised enough silver, he could buy the grain and then go to the Duke of Zhao to report his achievements.

To everyone's surprise, Boss Qin claimed he had no grain on hand. Only after being pressed did he finally reveal the truth. Someone, jealous of his ability to sell grain at a high price, reported him to the authorities.

The northern border was short of food, and the Duke of Zhao was extremely busy with this problem. When he heard that the Qin lord was raising prices on the spot because of the shortage of military supplies in the north, he was not having it. He immediately stepped forward and transported the grain away.

The attendant's face was equally grim: "Third Master, what should we do?"

What else can I do?

Even if the grain was bought by others, Zhao Jue could still use his methods to snatch it back.

Now that the grain is in the hands of the Duke of Zhao, is he going to go and snatch it from the Duke of Zhao?

Let alone robbing him, he wouldn't even dare to ask the Duke of Zhao.

Otherwise, the Duke of Zhao would surely have reprimanded him: "You are too eager for quick success and instant benefits, which is why you were manipulated by a merchant and spent tens of thousands of taels of silver to buy grain. That's bad enough, but you didn't even get the grain and you even alarmed the government. You are simply incompetent."

Zhao Jue glanced coldly at Bai Xiang Zhai, suspecting that Shen Qingtan had reported Boss Qin. However, Duke Zhao did not give Boss Qin a single copper coin, resulting in a direct loss of 100,000 taels of silver.

Even if Shen Qingtan were a fool, she wouldn't do something like killing eight hundred enemies while losing a thousand of her own.

"Go home."

Zhao Jue returned to the Duke of Zhao's mansion in a fit of rage. On his way to Mingde Hall, he saw groups of servants whispering among themselves: "Have you heard? Second Mistress lost a sachet. I don't know which thief stole it."