Chapter 117

Chapter 117: A Far-sighted Vision

“You blind little fool! Are you waiting for an invitation? Go pour me some tea!” Qi Fei Yan’s eyes flashed dangerously.

Chun Chan quickly jumped to her feet, trembling as she fetched the tea.

Yet as soon as she handed the cup to Qi Fei Yan, the scalding liquid splashed onto her face.

Chun Chan cried out sharply, her hands flying up to her burning cheeks.

“You worthless wretch! Always painting your face, clearly waiting for me to leave so you can seduce the Young Master. Get out! You can’t even pour tea properly!” Qi Fei Yan snarled, then hurled the empty cup at Chun Chan’s head.

In the days following, Qi Fei Yan’s life at Lian Residence grew even more difficult.

Old Madam Lian and Madam Lian no longer showed her their past kindness, and Lian Wen Hui stayed busy with outside pleasures, returning only when he needed silver.

Men’s sweet words were like poisoned honey, enticing her even as she knew their harm.

Qi Fei Yan was just this sort of woman.

Thus, despite knowing exactly where Lian Wen Hui was squandering her silver, her heart still softened each time he coaxed her gently.

The silver he asked for rose from ten taels to dozens, draining her private savings swiftly.

The profits from her dowry shops were limited, after all.

Feeling gloomy, Qi Fei Yan decided to go out for a stroll.

The shops frequented by women in the Capital City were few. Unconsciously, Qi Fei Yan soon found herself outside the Priceless Cauldron Pavilion.

She stepped inside, immediately attended by an observant shopkeeper.

“Young Miss Qi, it’s been a while since your last visit! We have some new jewelry—shall I bring them out for you?”

Qi Fei Yan enjoyed such attention, and nodded slightly.

The shopkeeper eagerly presented the latest pieces.

But Qi Fei Yan’s eyes, accustomed to luxury, were critical. Though costly, these trinkets paled in comparison to even a tenth of Sheng Zhi Wan’s dowry jewelry.

Lost in thought, Qi Fei Yan barely noticed two richly dressed middle-aged men entering.

Priceless Cauldron Pavilion rarely had male visitors alone, much less two together.

She glanced briefly, noting their unfamiliar faces—likely merchants from outside the city, she thought.

She was about to turn away when she overheard their conversation.

“Brother Zhang, how is this bracelet’s quality? I don’t know much about such things, but my wife likes them. This time, I’ve come especially here to pick one out for her.”

“Indeed, Brother Hu! A man who treats his wife well attracts fortune from everywhere. Aren’t we earning silver precisely to provide a comfortable life for our families?”

“This bracelet is good indeed. I’ll also pick out this hairpin for your Sister-in-law—what do you think?”

Their affectionate chatter, as they called for the attendant, made Qi Fei Yan’s heart grow bitter.

Once, she had also dreamed sweet dreams about Lian Wen Hui.

But now?

His love was shallow and easily shared.

Feeling weary, Qi Fei Yan stood to leave, but paused as the two men paid.

Just one bracelet cost more than three hundred taels, and the hairpin over five hundred. Yet these men paid without a blink.

“A few hundred taels is nothing! With our current business, we’ll earn it back in two days. Nothing is more important than keeping our loved ones happy,” Brother Zhang said cheerfully, his eyes suddenly catching sight of Qi Fei Yan.

He hesitated, then bowed, saying, “Might you be Duke Qi’s Young Miss?”

Qi Fei Yan paused mid-step. “You know me?”

“I am Zhang Huai Ren, and this is Hu Shan. When we first arrived in the Capital, Lord Duke greatly helped us. You may not remember us, but we certainly recognize you!” Zhang Huai Ren spoke with genuine excitement.

Hu Shan added, “Without Lord Duke, we would not be here today. Sadly, our humble status prevents us from personally thanking him.”

Qi Fei Yan hadn’t expected these strangers to recognize her father.

She nodded curtly, dismissive. Even if she mentioned them, Father likely wouldn’t remember.

She prepared to leave again, but their mention of profitable business caught her attention.

Wasn’t the reason Grandmother and Mother-in-law treated her coldly precisely because they saw no benefit from Duke Residence anymore?

If she could earn silver just like Meng Yang…

Thinking this, Qi Fei Yan turned back, her eyes curious. “Tell me, what exactly is this profitable business you speak of?”

Zhang Huai Ren hesitated, glancing at Hu Shan. “Young Miss Qi, this business is somewhat complicated. You’re a noble lady who lacks nothing—why bother yourself with such lowly things?”

“Hah! Just now you spoke of gratitude toward my father. Now, merely a question and you push me away. What’s this—afraid I’ll snatch your business?” Qi Fei Yan grew displeased.

“This…”

“Young Miss Qi, please don’t make things difficult for us. It’s not that we won’t say, but though the profits are large, so are the risks.”

“Oh?” Qi Fei Yan raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Explain clearly, what business is this?”

Zhang Huai Ren gritted his teeth. “Young Miss Qi, if you truly need silver, I have one thousand taels here. Consider it repayment for Lord Duke’s kindness. But regarding the business, it’s better if you avoid it.”

He offered a banknote worth one thousand taels.

Qi Fei Yan’s pupils contracted.

She nearly reached out immediately!

Yet she quickly steadied herself, curiosity intensifying about their mysterious venture.

Earning hundreds of taels in just days—obviously lucrative enough to easily offer a thousand taels as gratitude.

What kindness? She didn’t even know them.

Such generosity could only come from wealth.

Seeing her determination, Hu Shan sighed, “If Young Miss Qi trusts us, consider this thousand taels as your investment. But entering this business requires at least two thousand taels. You’d need to add another thousand. Let’s meet at Gathering Worthies Teahouse in three days, and we’ll return your investment with profits then. How about it?”

Qi Fei Yan hesitated once more.

She could take the silver now and leave, or risk another thousand taels. What if they deceived her?

Back at Duke Residence, Mother often scolded her for being foolish and shortsighted. Perhaps now was the time to set her sights farther.

[But this additional silver—she definitely wouldn’t take from her own pockets.]