Before I could finish, Xiao Huang suddenly flipped over in Xiao Mei’s hand, breaking free from her restraint, and pecked her hand, drawing blood. The culprit bird flew back to General Shen’s shoulder.
“Serves you right,” General Shen walked out without looking back, unclear whether he was referring to the bird or Xiao Mei.
Xiao Mei, with tears in her eyes, glared angrily at his back.
However, General Shen turned back, taking out a small porcelain bottle and placing it on the table. “This is medicine. We’re even.” Then he walked out.
Xiao Mei grabbed the bottle and threw it hard at General Shen’s back, hitting his neck. “I don’t need it!”
General Shen’s back paused for a moment, then continued walking.
Jiang Yunqiao coughed. “General Shen is like this, not good at expressing himself. Miss Xiao, don’t take it to heart.”
Xiao Mei was still furious. Yuan Xiao barked twice, and Xiao Huang on General Shen’s shoulder stumbled, almost falling off.
After this farce, Xiao Mei became even more desperate about men. If you consecutively encounter a soft, useless scholar with a golden exterior, a cunning palace heir with a gorgeous appearance but a heart full of malice, and a cold, unromantic, venomous-tongued general, anyone would be heartbroken.
Yuan Xiao, on the other hand, regained its confidence. After defeating the provocative parrot Xiao Huang, its walking posture became much more confident and aggressive. Its appetite even increased to twice its usual amount, and it took on a protective stance at the bookstore, daily guarding the entrance and scrutinizing visitors.
This made the already weak business of the bookstore worse. Despite my best efforts to convince the overconfident dog to sit under the table, the bookstore’s business continued to decline. Although the An family didn’t rely on the bookstore’s income, poor business made me feel incompetent, which was not a mark of a good daughter-in-law. The father-in-law said nothing, and An Jin didn’t care, but I felt responsible.
Not good at management, I consulted my husband An Jin. An Jin suggested various ideas.
To revive the bookstore, I had to swallow my pride and agree to his demands.
After the beast got his way, he lay on the bed in a shape completely contrary to his image, shaking his head and saying, “One must play to their strengths to benefit.”
I suddenly understood but felt deeply aggrieved. Just for these words that the master had long taught, this beast had gained many advantages, which was truly regrettable.
So I put up a sign at the bookstore, writing: “This store specially invites Yuan Xiao, the Thirteenth Prince, to preside. Anyone purchasing books can receive an autograph from Yuan Xiao; those buying five or more books can get a unique beauty-related consultation; those buying ten or more books can receive a beautiful portrait on gold paper.”
At the same time, I hung a curtain inside the store and had Que’er dress as a man, pretending to be Yuan Xiao.
The bookstore’s business suddenly increased beyond my expectations. The next day, there was a queue. I never expected Yuan Xiao to have such influence in Yan Feng City or that the attraction of a beautiful person had reached such a level.
The most popular option was the consultation with Yuan Xiao. Que’er held the pre-prepared notes I had written, categorized with information about various beauties. She just needed to hand out the notes without speaking, which would prevent exposure while maintaining Yuan Xiao’s mystique.
After re-reading the article, I identified some content that doesn’t contribute to the plot or the main theme. Here’s the edited article:
After making these arrangements, I realized I might have potential as a secret agent.
I sat outside the curtain, collecting money with each consultation, finally experiencing the joy of counting money until my hands went soft, feeling extremely satisfied.
Among the visitors were many familiar faces. The owner of the opposite steamed bun shop, shyly asking about Qin Yu from the Chu Women’s Hall’s favorite gifts, was chased away by Yuan Xiao. When I didn’t exist, there would be a painful price to pay.
Even Song Sitian’s brother, that playboy, came. He hesitated for a while, then quietly asked if the Palace Heir liked men.
Even Lin Shusheng, who would usually haggle over a thirty-coin “Liu Sheng Poetry Collection”, bought five books at once. I looked at him in shock, but he withstood the pressure of my gaze and stood firmly in the line in front of the curtain.
When his turn came, he finally blushed, carefully asking with his fingers: “May I ask the Prince’s age? Are you married?
I will now translate the text into English:
I shuddered. A sparrow from behind the curtain passed out a note, which he treasured for a moment before looking disappointed and holding it in his palm as he left.
The note read: “Forbidden to ask questions about anyone other than Yan Feng’s beauty. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Fortunately, I was well-prepared for the passionate “Thirteen fans”. I didn’t expect it would actually come in handy.
In the end, even Su Hui came. Golden hairpin, jade ring, purple silk dress, with a charming smile.
Su Hui’s arrival caused a small commotion among the queuing crowd. I led her to the bookshelf, away from the line. She laughed elegantly, exchanged a few friendly greetings, and praised the bustling scene in the bookstore.
Just as I was about to exchange some pleasantries, Yuan Xiang suddenly barked twice at her.
She was slightly startled and stepped back.
“I’m so sorry, did I scare you?” I apologized. “My dog only barks at two types of people. One is beautiful women,” Su Hui smiled, about to be modest, but then heard my next words, “and the other is villains.”
Her expression stiffened.
I chuckled lightly, “Don’t underestimate it. Miss Su, did you also come here for the Thirteen Gongzi?”
She shook her head. “I came to apologize to the madam about the embroidery workshop incident.”
The embroidery workshop incident?
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 An Jin’s obvious compromise at the embroidery workshop naturally raised Su Hui’s suspicions.
Hesitating between the paths of a shrew and 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, 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 there’s a beautiful girl like you by his side, he won’t even look at me.”
She looked at me for a moment, seemingly sighing in relief. “Madam, you’re overthinking. Although An-ge has always been caring towards me, we are currently just friends. You are his legitimate wife; he would never disregard you.”
The implication was: Yes, your husband is interested in me, but I’m still considering whether to accept.
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.”
Yuan Xiang, seeing my strange expression, started baring teeth at Su Hui. She was so scared she stepped back and quickly turned towards the curtain.
“Is the Thirteen Gongzi inside? He once painted for me. May I meet him?” As she spoke, she reached to pull the curtain.
