“I’m truly sorry,” I smiled at Jiang Yunqiao and General Shen. “This dog is not well-behaved…”
Before I could finish, Xiao Huang flipped over in Xiao Mei’s hand, broke free, and pecked her, drawing blood. It then flew back to General Shen’s shoulder, looking proud.
“Serves you right,” General Shen said as he walked out, his comment unclear if aimed at the bird or Xiao Mei.
Xiao Mei glared at him, eyes teary. General Shen paused briefly, then placed a small porcelain bottle on the table. “This is medicine. We’re even.” He left without a care.
Xiao Mei grabbed the bottle and threw it at his back, hitting his neck. “I don’t need it!”
General Shen continued walking, unfazed.
Jiang Yunqiao coughed. “General Shen isn’t good at expressing himself, Miss Xiao; don’t take it to heart.”
Xiao Mei remained furious. Yuan Xiao barked twice, causing Xiao Huang to stumble on General Shen’s shoulder.
After this farce, Xiao Mei felt increasingly disillusioned with men. Encountering a soft scholar, a cunning palace heir, and a cold general led to her heartbreak.
In contrast, Yuan Xiao regained confidence after defeating the parrot Xiao Huang. Its posture became more assertive, appetite doubled, and it took on a protective role at the bookstore, carefully scrutinizing visitors.
However, this overconfidence worsened the already weak business of the bookstore. Despite my efforts to rein in Yuan Xiao, the decline continued. Although the An family didn’t rely on the bookstore for income, poor performance reflected poorly on me, which troubled me despite An Jin’s indifference.
Not skilled in management, I consulted my husband An Jin for help, which gave him the opportunity to make proposals. To revive the bookstore, I had to swallow my pride and accept his demands.
After the beast got his way, he lay on the bed, shaking his head and saying, “One must play to their strengths to benefit.”
I felt aggrieved. Just for these words that the master had long taught, this beast had gained many advantages.
So I put up a sign at the bookstore: “This store invites Yuan Xiao, the Thirteenth Prince, to preside. Purchase books to receive an autograph from Yuan Xiao; buy five or more books for a unique beauty-related consultation; buy ten or more for a beautiful portrait on gold paper.”
I hung a curtain inside the store and had Que’er dress as a man, pretending to be Yuan Xiao, the Thirteenth Prince.
The bookstore’s business increased unexpectedly. The next day, there was a queue. I never anticipated Yuan Xiao’s influence in Yan Feng City or the extent of a beautiful person’s attraction.
The most popular option was the consultation with Yuan Xiao. Que’er held my pre-prepared notes categorized by information about various beauties. She selectively handed out the notes, maintaining Yuan Xiao’s mystique.
After making these arrangements, I realized I might have potential as a secret agent.
I sat outside the curtain, collecting money with each consultation, experiencing the joy of counting until my hands went soft. Among the visitors were many familiar faces. The owner of the steamed bun shop shyly asked about Qin Yu from the Chu Women’s Hall’s favorite gifts. After glancing at a note, he left happily.
Miss Zhang from the jewelry shop excitedly inquired if An Jin would consider taking a concubine but was chased away by Yuan Xiao. When I didn’t exist, there was a painful price to pay.
Even Song Sitian’s brother, a known playboy, asked quietly if the Palace Heir liked men. I knew this playboy would eventually go down this path!
Lin Shusheng, who usually haggled over a thirty-coin “Liu Sheng Poetry Collection”, surprisingly bought five books at once. When it was his turn, he blushed and carefully asked: “May I ask the Prince’s age? Are you married?”
I shuddered. A sparrow from behind the curtain passed out a note, which he treasured for a moment before looking disappointed as he left.
The note read: “Forbidden to ask questions about anyone other than Yan Feng’s beauty. Thank you for your cooperation.”
I was well-prepared to deal with the passionate “Thirteen fans,” and it surprisingly came in handy.
Su Hui arrived, adorned with a golden hairpin, jade ring, and a purple silk dress, radiating charm and gentleness. Her presence caused a small commotion among the queuing crowd. I led her to the bookshelf, away from the line. She laughed elegantly, exchanged friendly greetings, and praised the bustling bookstore scene.
Just as I was about to chat, Yuan Xiang suddenly barked at her, causing her to step back.
“I’m so sorry, did I scare you?” I apologized. “My dog only barks at two types of people: beautiful women,” Su Hui smiled, ready to be modest, but then I added, “and villains.”
Her expression stiffened. “How interesting. But can a dog really distinguish between good and bad?”
I chuckled lightly, “Don’t underestimate it. Miss Su, did you come here for Thirteen Gongzi?”
She shook her head. “I came to apologize to the madam about the embroidery workshop incident.”
The embroidery workshop incident? The time when An Jin was disciplined by my mother and fell ill for three days?
I secretly laughed, thinking she had finally found an opportunity to probe into my relationship with An Jin.
The rumors about my discord with An Jin had indeed decreased recently, and his obvious compromise at the embroidery workshop had raised Su Hui’s suspicions.
Hesitating between acting like a shrew or a resentful woman, I chose the latter. I furrowed my brow slightly as if recalling a painful memory and sighed softly, “Miss Su, what brings you to say this? It was my mother who was in the wrong.”
Su Hui studied me for a moment and then softly said, “Madam, there’s nothing between An-ge and me. Please don’t believe those rumors.”
“I believe you,” I suddenly looked up, startling her. “Miss Su, I know you’re a good person. Please stop associating with my husband.”
She looked troubled. “Why must it be this way?”
“My relationship with my husband has never been good,” I said, on the verge of tears. “If a beautiful girl like you is by his side, he won’t even look at me.”
She seemed to sigh in relief. “Madam, you’re overthinking. Although An-ge has always been caring towards me, we are just friends. You are his legitimate wife; he would never disregard you.”
The implication was clear: your husband might be interested in me, but I’m still considering whether to accept. If you want it easier, you’d better understand the situation.
I covered my mouth, my shoulders trembling. “I-I knew it!”
Miss Su, Yan Feng has so many men. Why must you want An Jin?”
Su Hui said sorrowfully, “When the heart is set, feelings are hard to control. I hope the madam can understand us.”
I wanted to unleash Yuan Xiang but managed to restrain myself, my face reddening from the effort.
Su Hui apparently misunderstood and consoled, “Madam, life is full of disappointments. It’s better to be more open-minded.” While her expression was sympathetic, the corners of her mouth occasionally lifted, indicating she was in good spirits.
The one who will soon be disappointed is you, I thought.
Yuan Xiang, seeing my strange expression, began baring her teeth at Su Hui, who stepped back and turned towards the curtain.
“Is the Thirteen Gongzi inside? He once painted for me. May I meet him?” She reached to pull the curtain.
Before I could stop her, a clear male voice came from behind the curtain. “Please follow the rules here and don’t embarrass Thirteen.”
I was stunned. This voice was unfamiliar.
Su Hui awkwardly withdrew her hand. “Pardon me.”
In comparison, I felt ashamed. In the An household, everyone was capable, while I seemed to know nothing, like a freeloader.
Sparrow comforted me, saying, “Madam can paint and earn money.”
I suddenly understood and, reinvigorated, began to count the day’s earnings.
