After bidding farewell to the kind passersby, Jiang Huaiyu found a tavern, ordered a few dishes, and sat down. There was no point rushing back on an empty stomach, though outwardly calm, her mind was anything but serene.
Jiang hadn't expected this twist. Instead of encountering the Jiang family as Jin Chong had suggested, she'd stumbled upon a vile scoundrel. She debated whether it was time to toughen up, ensuring that next time, she wouldn't need He Congjun to intervene—she'd kick her way out of trouble herself.
Her arms still felt sore. The tension from earlier was finally settling, and with it came the aches of exertion.
The simple dishes were served—stews and stir-fries. She ate slowly, occasionally feeding small bites to Tang Bao. The chatter around the bustling tavern blurred into a cacophony of voices until a distinct, clear tone broke through, drawing her attention.
"Have you heard? Quite a few things have been happening in the capital lately."
Heads turned toward a young man with delicate features and a sharp, polished manner. Like a storyteller, he tapped his chopsticks against the table, commanding attention.
"There's a merchant who's made quite the name for herself recently. Surely you've heard of her, but do you know the real story?"
"Go on!" The crowd cheered, intrigued.
The young man's clear voice carried through the room with precision. "This merchant is no ordinary person. She's not some towering man but a stunningly beautiful lady!"
The room hummed with interest as he continued, his enthusiasm growing. "Now, it's true that we don't hold to those outdated traditions of confining women to the household, but this lady? She's extraordinary. The way she earns money, it's as if she has a treasure trove at home. In mere months, she's built an empire, if not amassed a fortune!"
He sighed dramatically, shaking his head with exaggerated regret. "Alas, this heavenly beauty is already married, with a child who's learned to walk!"
Jiang Huaiyu nearly snapped her chopsticks in half. Clearly, this youth had caught wind of her name but had spun his own version of events. Though his words weren't disparaging, she despised being the subject of casual gossip, especially in a tavern, where her life was reduced to entertainment.
"Kid, what's with the sigh? Don't tell me you're dreaming of becoming her lover!" A loud guffaw followed from a man nearby, sparking a ripple of laughter.
Jiang Huaiyu was about to throw down a coin and leave when the youth erupted, indignant. "You know nothing! I meant that if she weren't tied down by a child, she'd be the greatest merchant alive!"
Gone was his polished facade, replaced by the genuine anger of a youth unwilling to be mocked, his cheeks reddening with emotion.
"Tch. A woman should stick to her home, painting her face and raising kids. If she's out there doing business, neglecting her family, she's no good!" The man who'd taunted him wiped his liquor-drenched beard, speaking with self-satisfaction as the room quieted, waiting for someone to respond.
"And what kind of 'good' are you, then?"
The voice was calm yet icy, cutting through the tension. All eyes turned to the corner, where Jiang Huaiyu stood, her son in her arms. Her expression was serene, but her tone held a sharp edge.
The bearded man hesitated. Seeing her delicate form, his initial guilt faded, replaced by bravado. He slammed the table. "What I said isn't wrong! Women should stay at home, supporting their families. A woman flaunting herself in public is shameful!"
Jiang's gaze was piercing, her voice low and steady. "A person's worth lies in living with honor and conscience, not in following the narrow confines of someone else's words. Since when does your opinion dictate a woman's destiny?"
"It's just a story! What does it have to do with you?" The man retorted, his face flushing with anger.
"It's my story," Jiang replied. "You insult me and all women with your crass words. Tell me, if someone belittled your mother or sister publicly, would you laugh it off?"
"I…"
Before he could stammer out a reply, she pressed on, her voice rising. "The great Emperor Yun once declared before his court: 'Who says women are inferior to men?' And you—what weight do your words carry that I should bow to them?"
The man's hands trembled around his cup, but Jiang wasn't finished. Her delicate frame exuded an unyielding force. "I've built my success through hard work and determination. What have you achieved, other than ridiculing others? If you think so little of me, what does that say about you? How many stones would your worth tip on a scale?"
Her words struck like thunder, leaving the tavern in stunned silence. Then, a woman's voice broke the quiet with a cheer, followed by others, men and women alike. The bearded man slunk away in shame, unable to meet her gaze.
Jiang Huaiyu sat down, a faint smile playing on her lips. The fiery exchange had left her invigorated, though the room's lingering stares reminded her of the audacity required for a woman to speak out so boldly in such a setting.
Feigning composure, she summoned the waiter. "The bill, please."
"You don't need to pay, ma'am. Several patrons already covered it. In fact, our owner said your next visit is on the house!" The waiter beamed.
Nodding politely, Jiang left, weaving through the streets. Her earlier confidence gave way to exhaustion as she whispered to Tang Bao, her tone soft. "Son, grow up quickly. Next time someone dares speak like that, it'll be your turn to defend me!"
Tang Bao blinked his wide eyes and giggled, nodding earnestly.
She sought a peaceful, leisurely life, but that didn't mean she idled her days away. When she made soap beans, grinding dozens of pounds of herbs into fine powder was no easy feat, requiring significant effort and focus.
Her hard work wasn't to provide idle gossip for strangers or to save up a dowry to marry into someone else's family. Jiang Huaiyu knew she lived for herself, and no one had the right to dictate her choices—least of all men like that bearded brute, who viewed women as nothing more than livestock confined to the pen.
The day had grown strange, filled with one odd encounter after another. Deciding it was best to head home quickly, she scanned the street for a sedan chair. Just as she was about to hail one, the young storyteller from the tavern suddenly stepped in front of her.
"Madam Jiang..."
His delicate face was tinged with guilt as he lowered his head and said, "I was wrong earlier. I shouldn't have spoken so carelessly in front of everyone."
Jiang Huaiyu's expression turned cold, a glimmer of mockery flashing in her eyes. "You're awfully calculating for someone so young. Impressive. But I'm more curious about why you chose to target me. We've never even met."
The youth's head shot up, confusion and panic written across his face. "You've misunderstood! I merely overheard tales of a remarkable female merchant and exaggerated them while boasting to my friends. I never intended for it to spiral into this mess."
"Is that so?" Her calm demeanor showed not a trace of a smile. "I find that hard to believe. But no matter. If you've come to apologize, I reject it. You may leave now."
The young man was stunned.
Without waiting for his reaction, Jiang Huaiyu sidestepped him and made her way toward the sedan chairs. After negotiating a price, she climbed into one and headed home.
Sitting in the gently swaying sedan, she parted the curtain slightly to watch the streets pass by. Only when the familiar stone path to her courtyard came into view did she let out a small sigh of relief. Hugging Tang Bao tightly, she stepped down and entered her home.
Meanwhile, the youth who had feigned guilt earlier arrived at a stately mansion. Adopting a cheeky grin, he greeted the gatekeeper and was promptly led to the inner courtyard, where a man waited in the study.
"Well?" The man seated at the desk exuded composure, calmly setting aside his book. But the way he leaned forward betrayed his eagerness.
The youth chuckled. "You're not going to like this. Her demeanor, expressions, and manner of speaking are nothing like what you described. She's definitely not the same person. I'd stake my reputation on it—she wasn't faking."
"That can't be..." Jiang Yunzhi's brows knitted tightly together. "Are you sure you didn't make a mistake? Maybe the wet nurses or the others got it wrong. She must be my sister!"
"Who knows? But based on my observations, she's completely different from what your servants described—no trace of similarity in her behavior or speech." The youth shrugged nonchalantly.
Jiang Yunzhi knew the boy wouldn't lie to him, but disappointment still settled heavily on his heart. He'd seen Jiang Huaiyu on the street a few days ago. Though her features were familiar, her demeanor was unrecognizable, and the child in her arms only added to his hesitation.
After conducting multiple investigations, he'd pieced together her life following her departure from Wangjia Village. His suspicions had grown stronger—he was almost certain she was the sister who had vanished on his wedding night. But Jiang Huaiyu was now the head of her own household, with official records declaring her an independent entity.
Unwilling to act impulsively, he had sent someone to test her, hoping to confirm her identity.
If she was indeed his sister...
Jiang Yunzhi's face darkened with worry. He could return her to the Third Prince's manor, where she would resume her role as a prince's consort. The Jiang family's business was crumbling, and he was barely holding things together. If his sister simply fulfilled her obligations, living a life of luxury as a prince's wife, wouldn't that solve everything?
The youth cared little for Jiang Yunzhi's inner turmoil. Grinning cheekily, he said, "Well, Jiang Gongzi, I've done as you asked. Now, about my reward?"
"Fushun!" Jiang Yunzhi snapped, waving irritably at his servant before the boy could finish. "Take him to the accounting room and give him twenty taels."