Bai Jinyan had been clever since childhood and was exceedingly skilled in accounting. Under Old Lady Bai's tutelage, she mastered the art of business and began to independently manage the family's affairs at the age of fifteen. Through her hands, the Bai family's business largely avoided losses, and within a few years, it flourished, earning a sterling reputation throughout Cangzhou Residence.
The Yang family had likewise risen through commerce, and seeing such an outstanding and excellent niece, they took the initiative to request a marriage alliance, strengthening the bond between the two families with nuptial ties.
The Yang family originally sought to marry Bai Jinyan as the main wife for their eldest son, intending her to become the principal daughter-in-law of the main house. However, Bai Jinyan had her own plans. While she agreed to the marriage, she was unwilling to marry Dalang of the Yang family but instead chose Yang Boyan, the third son who was three years her junior.
