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

As soon as Nie Qianqian's carriage arrived at the entrance of Qiyue Tower, she saw Liu Yan standing alone in the cold wind, staring blankly in the direction where Tang Jincheng's carriage had gone.

Her stray hairs were ruffled by the wind, and her eyes were vacant; she didn't even notice that the carriage had long since disappeared.

Nie Qianqian's heart skipped a beat: Could it be that her mother's eyes were really filled with affection for Lord Tang?

She recalled what Grandma Ma and Huang Zhenzhu had said during their casual conversation: Tang Jincheng, as an official appointed by the imperial court, was knowledgeable and upright. He managed Qinghe County very well and organized the area. When the epidemic area was dangerous, he dared to go deep into it himself, showing both courage and wisdom.

Who wouldn't be tempted by a man like that?

Sighing inwardly, Nie Qianqian got off the carriage, quickly stepped forward, and took Liu Yan's hand. Her hand was icy cold. She led her into the shop.

"Mom, it's so windy outside, why are you standing here? Come inside and warm up."

When Liu Yan saw that it was her daughter returning, a smile appeared in her eyes, and she followed her daughter's lead and walked inside.

As soon as she entered the front hall, Nie Qianqian asked, "Mother, I saw Lord Tang's carriage when I came back. Did he come to have dinner with you again today? What interesting things did he tell you?"

Liu Yan paused, remained silent for a long while, and then said softly, "He said... he will be transferred to the provincial capital soon."

Nie Qianqian instantly understood the reason for Liu Yan's disappointment; it turned out that they were facing a long-distance separation.

Her feelings about Lord Tang and her mother's affair were already complicated: on the one hand, she always felt that Lord Tang was "stealing her home"; but on the other hand, she also knew that Lord Tang was a rare and good match, and if her mother really fell in love...

Of course she would support her; she would never want her mother to regret it because of worldly reasons such as family opposition, class differences, or the gap between rich and poor.

Nie Qianqian held Liu Yan's hand and said with a smile, "Mother, I was just about to tell you! After the New Year, I'll go to the provincial capital first. One reason is to accompany Director Zhang to treat that distinguished guest, and the other is to check out the market in the provincial capital and find a suitable location. Once I've found out the situation, we'll open Qiyuelou in the provincial capital!"

"Drive all the way to the provincial capital?" Liu Yan's eyes widened in surprise, and she gripped Nie Qianqian's hand tightly.

Opening such a large restaurant in Fulin County was the limit of her imagination in her lifetime.

What kind of place is the provincial capital? It's a place where high-ranking officials, wealthy merchants, and tycoons gather. How could a family like theirs easily set foot there?

"Of course I'll go!" Nie Qianqian said naturally.

"Think about it, lately my uncle keeps saying that more and more out-of-town customers are coming to Qiyuelou Restaurant. They all come because of its reputation, and they rave about it after they finish eating. It would be such a waste to keep such a good business confined to Fulin County!"

She paused, then analyzed in detail: "The competition in the provincial capital is fierce, but we can do research first, adjust the dishes according to the local tastes, and develop new dishes. Moreover, the provincial capital is vast and diverse, and we can see cuisines from all over the country. This is not only a good opportunity for Qiyuelou to expand, but also for us to improve!"

These words were like a spark, instantly igniting a small flame in Liu Yan's heart.

Developing new dishes, refining flavors, and making Qiyuelou even more presentable are all things she is truly willing to dedicate herself to.

Thinking about it this way, going to the provincial capital was certainly a good thing to look forward to. Her fingertips curled up quietly, and a hint of excitement rose in her heart.

But she herself couldn't say whether this joy was for the new future of Qiyue Tower, or for being able to see Lord Tang again in the provincial capital.

This joy was not hidden for long before she quietly suppressed it. She couldn't even tell her closest friend, Qianqian, about these feelings.

Tang Jincheng was like the sun hanging in the sky to her, so warm that she wanted to get closer, but would the sun linger for a weed on the ground?

She was a divorced woman, uneducated and inexperienced in the ways of the world. How could she be worthy of such a high-ranking official? The thought had barely crossed her mind when the light in her eyes dimmed.

Although Liu Yan didn't say anything, Nie Qianqian had already sensed her mother's concerns from Liu Yan's evasive eyes and hesitant demeanor.

It's simply because they feel that their status and vision are too far behind those of Lord Tang, which is why they dare not take another step forward.

Nie Qianqian didn't say anything, but she secretly made up her mind: she would protect her mother's love.

Lacking experience and perspective, she took her mother to explore every street and alley of the provincial capital, showing them the diverse charms of this bustling world.

Lacking money and wealth, she expanded her business, accumulating enough wealth to give her mother the confidence to carry on her grand wedding procession.

As for social status, there are many examples of wealthy women marrying into the families of high-ranking officials. As long as the family is wealthy, their social status will naturally rise accordingly.

If there is still prejudice that merchants are of low social status, then let Gu Xiao fill that gap. Gu Xiao is her man, and naturally he will protect Liu Yan's love with her.

In truth, Liu Yan was just an ordinary woman of this era, bound by worldly rules and prejudices her entire life. Simply advising her to "think more positively" and "not worry" was neither realistic nor useful. Rather than spouting empty platitudes, it was better to let Liu Yan transform herself through concrete actions. She would then have enough confidence to stand confidently beside Lord Tang.

On the other side, Tang Jincheng's carriage slowly drove back to the county government office. Along the way, he closed his eyes and leaned against the carriage, not saying a word.

Seeing his master's expression, Afu asked with concern, "Sir, are you worried about living with Aunt Yan in a different place in the future?"

Tang Jincheng slowly opened his eyes. "Yes and no."

This left Afu completely bewildered, and he pressed for an answer: "Sir, what do you mean by that?"

“I naturally don’t want to be separated from her,” Tang Jincheng said, gazing at the street scene passing by outside the window. “But that’s not what I’m really worried about. What worries me is that Liu Yan can’t get over that hurdle in her heart. When she’s with me, she always wears a thick shell, which must make her unhappy.”

Upon hearing this, Afu immediately understood the adult's troubles.

He considered things from Liu Yan's perspective and then explained, "My lord, it's only natural that Aunt Yan is like this. You are an official of the court, and she is an ordinary citizen. How can an ordinary citizen not be trembling with fear when facing an official? Even when I first started serving you, I was careful every day, afraid of doing something wrong and displeasing you. It was only after several years that I understood your temperament and gradually became more natural."

He paused, then added, "I've noticed that Aunt Yan is much more comfortable around you these days, and she's speaking more freely. I believe that in a little while, she will be able to completely let down her guard."

Tang Jincheng listened and slowly nodded, but remained silent.

After a long pause, he whispered, "I have patience."

The voice was very soft, as if answering Afu, or as if talking to oneself.