A peasant girl travels through time with a hospital, rising to become an empress.

In the Zhao residence, Master Zhao sat upright in his study chair, his brows furrowed into a deep frown. He slammed his teacup down on the table with a loud bang.

"Jiaojiao, I've already told you that we'll be heading back to Beijing in the next few days. Your mother just gave birth, which is a sensitive time for her. I told you not to run around, but why didn't you listen!"

Zhao Xuanmu dotes on this daughter very much; otherwise, Zhao Jiaojiao wouldn't be so spoiled.

But at such a crucial moment, Zhao Jiaojiao was still so immature, which really annoyed Zhao Xuanmu.

He recalled what Doctor Qian had said that day and sighed heavily, “Jiaojiao, you are no longer a child. Your younger brother is still an infant. You should share your father’s burdens.”

Zhao Jiaojiao had just returned from Jinxiu Pavilion, feeling utterly humiliated. She had hoped to find some comfort from her father, but instead, she was met with a scolding. Her lips pressed into a straight line.

"Father, why did you sell Jinxiu Pavilion? You have no idea how humiliated I was today when I went there to choose clothes. I ran into a country bumpkin and made myself look bad. I was so angry I wanted to..."

Before Zhao Jiaojiao could finish speaking, Zhao Xuanmu interrupted her, "At a time like this, you still have the mood to pick out clothes and care whether Jinxiu Pavilion has been sold? You're getting angry with a country girl. Who are you and who are she? When will you grow up!"

Zhao Jiaojiao's eyes instantly reddened, tears welling up, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall.

This time, Zhao Xuanmu didn't soften his tone. Instead, he pointed to the door and said, "Go back to your room, pack your things, and we'll set off tomorrow. You're not allowed to leave the house before then!"

"Oh, you're not a child anymore. When we get back to the capital, I'll find you a good marriage..."

"I don't want to get married..."

"What woman doesn't get married?"

"Then I want to marry someone like Brother Chu."

"you···"

Zhao Xuanmu was taken aback upon hearing this, then pointed at Zhao Jiaojiao, "Jiaojiao, why are you still thinking about that person from the Chu family? I have already found out his identity. How could someone like him be someone we can associate with! You should give up on that idea immediately!"

Zhao Jiaojiao retorted, "Aren't we going back to the capital to wait for Father to inherit the family business..."

Zhao Xuanmu interrupted again, "Even if you inherit the family business, you're still far inferior to other families in terms of social standing!"

In this world, social status is like an insurmountable chasm.

Merchant families may seem prestigious on a daily basis, but in the eyes of true aristocratic families, they are nothing more than profit-driven individuals.

"Marriage is about matching social status, and career advancement also depends on family background. If we insist on marrying into the Chu family, not only will the Chu family look down on us, but others will also laugh at us for overestimating our abilities."

Zhao Jiaojiao couldn't hold back her tears this time. A large tear slid down her cheek, and she ran out crying.

Zhao Xuanmu watched Zhao Jiaojiao's retreating figure, feeling a pang of pity. But there were some things he had to say; it was better for Zhao Jiaojiao to be heartbroken now than to fall deeply in love later.

He had just scolded his daughter for arguing with a peasant girl, but wasn't his own family and the Chu family also of vastly different social standing?

"Why···"

The crossroads and Jinxiu Pavilion were packed with people.

Huang Zhenzhu, along with Liu Yan, Liu Xiong, Grandma Ma, and two children, were picking out clothes in the bustling crowd.

Jiang Botao wanted to give Nie Qianqian and her family a free meal, but Nie Qianqian waved her hand and refused. However, Jiang Botao insisted, "Today's events were due to the poor hospitality of Jinxiu Pavilion. As the owner of Jinxiu Pavilion, I have a responsibility to ensure that Madam Nie does not suffer any loss. How about this, we will charge 10% of the price for today's items as a small token of my appreciation."

Jiang Botao originally thought that Nie Qianqian would refuse again, but to his surprise, Nie Qianqian agreed immediately after hearing the answer.

Jiang Botao still didn't understand Nie Qianqian's ruthless nature. While she wouldn't go so far as to offer everything for free, a 90% discount was still too good to pass up...

Liu Yan came to Nie Qianqian's side to help her measure a dress, when she overheard Jiang Botao and Nie Qianqian agreeing to only charge 10% of the price. Always honest and upright, Liu Yan quickly returned to the crowded and noisy crowd and whispered in Huang Zhenzhu's ear, "10% off!"

The surrounding area was noisy, and Huang Zhenzhu was excited. The people around her were so happy because the clothes were 50% off, but theirs were only 10% off! It was so cheap! Cheaper than the clothes they usually bought.

With many people around, Huang Zhenzhu didn't say much, only uttering one word: "Buy!"

Liu Yan nodded and continued searching for suitable clothes on the shelf.

Looking at Liu Yan and Huang Zhenzhu, who were engrossed in choosing clothes, Nie Qianqian couldn't help but sigh, "No woman can resist the temptation of a big discount."

Grandma Ma, who was accompanying them, felt embarrassed. She was just a fellow traveler and not a family member of Nie Qianqian, so she felt awkward about taking advantage of such a 90% discount.

But Grandma Ma wouldn't be willing to pay half price...

Grandma Ma's family relies entirely on the money earned by Da Ma and Xiao Ma working at Liu's restaurant, which is not as substantial as the money in Liu Yan and Huang Zhenzhu's pockets.

Both of my sons are getting married, so I can't waste money.

Grandma Ma carefully touched a royal blue dress. The dress was made of the finest silk, with a smooth, silky feel. It was embroidered with delicate lotus patterns, the petals layered upon each other, lifelike, and shimmering with a soft luster. It was clearly not something an ordinary family could afford.

Grandma Ma handled the fabric with extra care, afraid that her rough hands might tear it if she used too much force, which would be a huge loss.

She thought to herself, "This is truly the finest material! In my entire life, I've never even touched such fine clothes, let alone worn them."

While Liu Yan was picking out clothes, she noticed Grandma Ma's behavior and noticed her concerns, so she spoke to Nie Qianqian about it.

Grandma Ma always came to help out at home and had long developed a close relationship with the Liu family. When Nie Erzhuang caused trouble before, Grandma Ma was the first to stand up and reprimand Nie Erzhuang and support Liu Yan. Liu Yan has always been very grateful to Grandma Ma.

After hearing Liu Yan's words, Nie Qianqian looked at Grandma Ma and saw her holding a corner of a piece of clothing, carefully examining the pattern on it, and gently touching the clothing.

Nie Qianqian had an idea. She went to the shelf, picked out three pieces of clothing, and handed them to Grandma Ma.

"Grandma Ma, Da Ma and Xiao Ma have worked so hard with us. With the New Year approaching, this is a small token of my mother's appreciation. I'm giving you and Da Ma and Xiao Ma each a set of clothes. If you see anything else you like, feel free to buy it. Master Jiang said that all of us can enjoy a 90% discount!"

After saying that, he winked at Grandma Ma.

Grandma Ma looked at the clothes that Nie Qianqian was holding and placing in front of her.

Grandma Ma has lived most of her life with many hardships and setbacks. She is an extremely strong person. In the past, she would endure her illnesses and refuse to seek treatment. But at this moment, her eyes welled up with tears.