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

Upon hearing Liu Xiong's words, Huang Zhenzhu blushed slightly, and with a light spit, scolded, "There are so many people here, don't talk nonsense."

Liu Xiong's gaze was drawn to Huang Zhenzhu's face as if by a magnet, and he couldn't look away.

Huang Zhenzhu has lived a hard life since marrying him, never enjoying a single day of happiness. Pregnancy, childbirth, and household chores have all etched the hardships of life onto her face. Standing next to Huang Xiuxiu, she used to look several years older than her.

Every time Liu Xiong saw this, he felt guilty, thinking he was incompetent. If Huang Zhenzhu hadn't married him, she wouldn't have had to suffer like this. Moreover, Zhenzhu never complained about him because of their difficult life, nor did she compare him to her brother-in-law. She always silently supported him from behind.

In Liu Xiong's eyes, his Huang Zhenzhu should look exactly like this: radiant, confident, and composed. He glanced at the bottles and jars on the table; he recognized them—Nie Qianqian had mentioned they were cosmetics for women.

“Pearl, you’re naturally beautiful, you should dress up nicely. Buy whatever you want from now on, don’t worry about the money. The money I earn is for you and Tie Dan to spend.” Liu Xiong said in a deep, muffled voice.

Huang Zhenzhu rolled her eyes at him again, but the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.

She never felt that her life was hard. Although Huang Xiuxiu married well and her family was wealthy, Li Rong didn't take her seriously at all and treated her like a servant. Unlike Liu Xiong, who felt sorry for her suffering during the birth of her eldest son and always gave in to her, never arguing or bickering with her.

Their family used to be poor, but life is what it is, and only the person experiencing it knows whether it's hot or cold. She always felt that she had married the right person. Now it seems that she married extremely well.

Tiedan jumped out from behind Liu Xiong and ran around Huang Zhenzhu in circles until he was sure that the beautiful woman in front of him was really his mother. He suddenly threw himself into Huang Zhenzhu's arms and exclaimed, "Mother! Mother, you are so beautiful, much more beautiful than Auntie! You're like, like a fairy!"

Tie Dan dislikes his aunt; every time she sees him, her eyes are filled with disdain. Adults always think that children don't understand anything, but in reality, children are the most sensitive and can sense everything.

His aunt's older sister was even more annoying. She told him without any mercy that he and his mother were from the countryside, poor and unsophisticated. She said that his mother only married into the countryside and lived such a poor life because she was not as pretty as his aunt.

Tie Dan kept these thoughts to himself, afraid to tell Huang Zhenzhu for fear of upsetting her. In his heart, his mother was much prettier than his aunt, and now, dressed up like this, she was even more stunning.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Huang Zhenzhu could hardly believe that the radiant person in the mirror was actually herself. She couldn't help but mutter to herself, "I really wish this makeup was a permanent feature on my face."

Watching this scene, Nie Qianqian smiled and said, "I will teach you the makeup techniques. From now on, when you help out at Yueji Pavilion, you will need to be familiar with all the makeup products in the store. Otherwise, how will you introduce them to the customers? As long as you put your heart into makeup every day, you will be able to have such exquisite makeup looks in the future."

Liu Xiong was completely confused and asked, "What Yueji Pavilion?"

Huang Zhenzhu then told Liu Xiong about it. Liu Xiong and Liu Yan both knew about Nie Qianqian's collaboration with Master Jiang, but they didn't expect it to progress so quickly, with even the shop location already chosen. Liu Xiong was genuinely happy for Huang Zhenzhu; he could tell she was very interested in these matters.

"Mother, we're going to a banquet at the Jiang residence tonight, so I'll do your makeup too," Nie Qianqian said, pulling Liu Yan down to sit.

As Nie Qianqian applied her makeup, she explained to A Ling and Huang Zhenzhu, "Mother's cheeks are thinner than Aunt's, so applying blush here will make her cheeks look fuller."

When Nie Qianqian does makeup for different people, she doesn't use the same makeup products and techniques indiscriminately. Instead, she adjusts the techniques according to each person's characteristics.

Ah Ling and Huang Zhenzhu listened intently, their eyes fixed on Nie Qianqian's every move. Although Tan'er was exhausted from running around all day, she forced herself to stay alert and listened carefully to Nie Qianqian's makeup techniques.

Just as Liu Yan finished her makeup, she heard Jiang Wenxuan's voice coming from outside: "Aunt Liu, Uncle Xiong, Sister-in-law Qianqian, I've come to pick you up!"

Jiang Wenxuan and Gu Xiao walked into the house together. When Tuantuan saw her father return, she immediately ran over and hugged his leg, clamoring for a hug.

Liu Yan, Liu Xiong, Huang Zhenzhu, Tie Dan, Tuan Tuan, Qiao Lao and others followed Jiang Wenxuan to the Jiang residence, while Grandma Ma, Da Ma, Xiao Ma and others stayed at Qiyue Tower.

As Liu Xiong helped Huang Zhenzhu into the carriage, he muttered to himself, "Tonight, let Tuantuan and Tiedan sleep with Liu Yan. We'll get back and rest early, hehe."

Upon hearing this, Huang Zhenzhu's face instantly turned bright red, and she quickly reached out and pinched Liu Xiong's waist.

The group arrived at the Chiang Kai-shek residence, disembarked from the carriage, and looked up at the main gate. A plaque with large, gilded characters hung high above, bearing the words "Chiang Kai-shek Residence." The gate was wide and imposing, with thick, sturdy pillars on both sides, their vermilion lacquer bright and eye-catching.

Upon entering the gate, a spacious courtyard comes into view. The ground is paved with smooth bluestone, and in the center of the courtyard, an artificial mountain rises abruptly from the ground, with undulating peaks and interconnected holes.

Jiang Wenxuan flicked his sleeve and pointed: "My father said this can ward off evil spirits."

The group continued walking inside, and before entering the main hall, they saw a blue brick screen wall. On the screen wall, a lifelike gilded pixiu was depicted, with nine gilded coins held in the mouth of the beast's head in the shape of jade pendants.

Jiang Wenxuan explained, "My dad said this can bring wealth."

The Jiang residence was no less grand than the Zhao residence, only the style was different.

The Zhao residence exudes an air of refined elegance, while the Jiang residence displays an air of "I am very rich" in every aspect.

Nie Qianqian, Gu Xiao, and Old Qiao didn't find the decorations of the Jiang residence particularly special, but Liu Xiong and Huang Zhenzhu were dazzled and overwhelmed by the sights.

Huang Zhenzhu whispered to Liu Xiong, "These wealthy families are really different. I've really broadened my horizons."

Liu Xiong was equally moved. He had never seen such a luxurious and magnificent mansion before, and couldn't help but say, "When we make a lot of money, we'll build a mansion like this too."

Huang Zhenzhu felt that Liu Xiong was getting too cocky and daring to think about anything, but she was still secretly pleased.

The group entered the inner hall, where a sumptuous feast was already laid out. Jiang Botao still wore her signature gold hairpin, which gleamed in the candlelight. Jiang Botao was a sociable person, spoke tactfully, and possessed high emotional intelligence; soon, the atmosphere at the banquet became very harmonious, and both hosts and guests were delighted.

Taking the opportunity, Nie Qianqian brought up the matter of Qiyue Tower's recruitment: "Master Jiang has extensive connections in Fulin County, so we'll have to trouble you to keep an eye out for people to recruit."

Jiang Botao agreed without hesitation; it was a trivial matter for him.

Jiang Botao raised his wine glass, walked up to Gu Xiao, and said, "My son has been well taken care of by you during this time. If he can pass the imperial examination, I will definitely come to your door to express my gratitude."

Gu Xiao said, "Mr. Jiang, there's no need to be so polite. Wenxuan is my... friend."

Jiang Wenxuan was drinking with Liu Xiong when he heard Gu Xiao say "my friend." He was stunned for a moment, then his eyes welled up with tears.

"Brother Gu, what did you just say? You admitted that I'm your friend? Waaaaah, I'm so touched!"

As he spoke, the grown man, sobbing, rushed over to hug Gu Xiao.

Seeing this, Gu Xiao quickly took several steps back, filled with regret. Was it too late to pretend he didn't know this person...?