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

The rhetorical question, filled with doubt and disdain, struck Jiang Zheng'an's heart with each word.

Jiang Zheng'an was stunned for a moment, as if he had been frozen in place, and his expression became awkward.

Nie Qianqian's lips curled slightly upward, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her voice was soft yet firm:

"Young master is clearly from a prestigious family, having grown up with a silver spoon in his mouth. In such a wealthy and influential family, women have no worries about food and clothing and do not need to worry about making a living. They naturally have the leisure to appreciate flowers and play the zither, gradually developing the refined demeanor that the world regards as a lady."

“But I am completely different from them. I come from the countryside and do not follow the rules. I only follow my heart. If I were to adhere to the fussy etiquette of a lady, I would probably have starved to death on the streets long ago! Young master, you have not experienced the suffering of the common people. To speak so easily and preach like this is to truly lose the magnanimity and understanding that a gentleman should have.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zheng'an froze on the spot. He had lived a life of luxury and ease since childhood, and had never heard such blunt and sharp words before. He had never been refuted or lectured by a woman so mercilessly.

Although Nie Qianqian's words seemed to make some sense upon closer examination, his pride and self-esteem, cultivated since childhood, made it impossible for him to admit it, and his anger suddenly flared up.

He was indignant. He had traveled a long way to investigate the corruption case so as to benefit the people. How could she make him sound like a spoiled brat who was ignorant of the world and only knew how to talk nonsense?

He was just trying to give her a friendly suggestion, but he never expected the woman to be so eloquent and articulate.

At this moment, his initial admiration for Nie Qianqian vanished instantly, and he felt that this country girl was completely different from his gentle, virtuous, and well-educated younger sister.

In his view, such a fiery temper would surely lead to great losses for him in the future because of his sharp and outspoken personality.

Jiang Zheng'an said coldly, "Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together."

Nie Qianqian replied calmly, "Goodbye, don't bother seeing me out."

Jiang Zheng'an's face was not ashen. He bowed to Director Zhang, then took his leave.

Nie Qianqian watched Jiang Zheng'an's departing figure without taking it to heart. She first gently comforted the somewhat dejected Director Zhang, promising that Doctor Qian would appear later. Then, she led Fu Niang and Tan'er into the pharmacy and devoted herself wholeheartedly to preparing the medicine.

Nie Qianqian knew all the medicinal herbs in the pharmacy like the back of her hand. She could accurately know how many ounces each herb should weigh by simply lifting it in her hand, without needing to use a weight.

With practiced ease, she quickly grabbed various medicinal herbs and soon prepared the medicine. She handed it to Fu Niang and said, "This is a month's supply of medicine. Keep it safe."

Seeing this, Tan'er quickly brought over a cup of tea and said softly, "Sister Qianqian, please rest for a while and have some tea."

Nie Qianqian nodded and was about to reach out to take the teacup when Ah Ling rushed in like a gust of wind.

As soon as Ah Ling saw Nie Qianqian, the corners of her mouth drooped instantly, and her big eyes filled with tears. She looked just like a little dog that had been lost for a long time and had finally found its owner, so aggrieved that it seemed as if tears were about to burst out of her eyes at any moment.

Ah Ling had long considered Nie Qianqian as her master, but not only did her master not take her home, she also left for many days. She felt as if she had been abandoned.

These days, she waited all day, hoping that Nie Qianqian would appear soon. She was so eager for her to see her, but when Nie Qianqian finally came in, she saw Tan'er serving her tea.

She pouted. Why were there other maids serving their master?

Ah Ling looked at Nie Qianqian pitifully, then at Tan'er: "Master... Sister Qianqian, why have you been gone for several days... Who is this?"

Ah Ling is simple-minded, and her emotions are written all over her face without any attempt to hide them.

Her eyes held a mixture of dependence and grievance towards Nie Qianqian, as well as curiosity and wariness towards Tan'er. Her appearance was both pitiful and somewhat amusing.

When Nie Qianqian saw her like this, she inexplicably felt like she had become a "scumbag" who was cheating on Ah Ling and finding a new lover.

Ah Ling stepped forward, picked up the teapot, and poured Nie Qianqian a cup of water. "Sister Qianqian, drink mine!"

Nie Qianqian shook her head. Ah Ling was really childlike. She drank Ah Ling's tea in one gulp and introduced them with a smile: "This is Tan'er, and this is Fu Niang. I have taken over Guangjuxuan, and they are the newly recruited managers of Guangjuxuan."

As Nie Qianqian spoke, she gently patted A-Ling's shoulder, as if to comfort her.

When Ah Ling heard this, her big eyes widened. The newly hired manager, wasn't that just a waiter?

She felt a little relieved; her master still only had her as his maid. Thinking of this, her previously dim eyes instantly brightened.

“Ah Ling, Guangjuxuan has been busy lately, so I need to take care of things there. Why don’t you come and stay with me at Guangjuxuan? There are some things I need your help with.”

Ah Ling couldn't hide her smile upon hearing this, and immediately bowed, her mood brightening from gloomy to sunny.

"I will listen to you... I will listen to Sister Qianqian."

Great! I can finally go home with my owner!

Tan'er was also observing A-Ling, trying to guess her identity. From her words and actions, it was not hard to tell that Tan'er should be the master's maid, and the master liked her very much.

Tan'er gave A-Ling a friendly smile. She felt no jealousy towards A-Ling. On the contrary, she felt that A-Ling had followed Nie Qianqian earlier than her, so their relationship must be closer. She thought she must get along well with her.

After Nie Qianqian finished getting the medicine for Fu Niang, she explained her initial ideas for the renovation of Guangjuxuan to them and asked them to go to the East and West Markets and the Cross Street to see if they could find what she wanted.

Tan'er and Fu Niang received their orders and asked Nie Qianqian about the details of what she wanted. Without wasting a moment, they set off for the market.

This shows that Tan'er is indeed a meticulous and capable worker. When Nie Qianqian gives an order, she will break down the task, ask about the details, and make sure she understands it before doing it. Seeing how energetic they are, Nie Qianqian can't help but sigh, it's so good to have someone to help, otherwise she would have to do this work herself.

She has already sent a message to Da Ma and Xiao Ma, asking them to come to Fulin County tomorrow and stay at Qiyue Tower with Grandma Ma. Once everyone has arrived, she will hold a meeting to explain everything that needs to be done next.

Nie Qianqian is no longer alone; after this period of time, she has found companions.

She thought about the members of this small team: there was Qiao Lao, who was the strongest in terms of physical strength; Gu Xiao, who was the brains of the team; Liu Yan and Liu Xiong, who were constantly growing; Da Ma and Xiao Ma, who were down-to-earth and capable; Tan'er, who was smart and ambitious; and A Ling, who was simple but extremely loyal.

Everything is the best arrangement.