Fushun led the youth out of the estate.
Back in the study, Jiang Yunzhi picked up his brush, hoping to write something to calm his thoughts. Yet the tip hovered over the paper for a long time, ink pooling and spreading in widening circles. Frustrated, he threw the high-quality wolf-hair brush onto the desk and sank into the wide rosewood chair. His brows knitted tightly, his mind in turmoil.
Only days ago, Jiang Yunzhi had been able to console his mother, assuring her everything would be fine. But when it came to managing the family business himself, the arrogance he'd carried as the Jiang family's young master for over twenty years evaporated.
The family had once been an esteemed bureaucratic household. When his father retired from official service, the plan had been to live a quiet, prosperous life in the countryside. That changed when an imperial decree arrived, arranging his sister's marriage to the Third Prince. Seizing the opportunity, Jiang's father uprooted the family to the capital to bask in the glory of being connected to the imperial family. He even ventured into commerce.
The Third Prince, celebrated for his military exploits, had no shortage of influential allies in court and admirers beyond it. This paved the way for Jiang's father, who enjoyed a smooth, effortless climb in business. He simply provided funds, reaping rewards with minimal effort.
But everything crumbled when Jiang Yunzhi's sister disappeared on her wedding night. Without their tie to the royal family, the Jiang family was cast out. Once the merchants realized the Third Prince's cold indifference, the Jiang family faced wave after wave of exploitation. Their business shrank, court disputes multiplied, and significant losses followed.
The memory of those disdainful expressions from other merchants and the mounting losses in the family accounts made Jiang Yunzhi's head throb. Worse still, the family estate was burdened with a growing number of poor relatives seeking refuge, their expenses adding to the strain. Yet Jiang Yunzhi had no idea how to address this drain on resources.
If Jiang Huaiyu were indeed his sister—his long-lost Jiang Yunyu—he had planned to appeal to her with emotion and logic. Whether she had been abducted, lost her memory, or eloped, he intended to bring her back. Even if she had to fabricate a story, returning her to the Third Prince's side was crucial.
But that plan had turned to dust.
"Knock, knock."
The sound of someone knocking at the study door snapped Jiang Yunzhi from his thoughts. He shouted irritably, "Do none of you respect me anymore? I said I'm not to be disturbed! You can't even announce yourselves properly before knocking?"
The finely carved wooden door creaked open, and the silhouette behind the frosted glass came into view. Jiang Yunzhi's anger subsided when he saw his mother enter with a frown.
"Yunzhi, why such a temper?" she scolded.
"Mother…" Jiang Yunzhi stood, sighing. "If you needed something, you could have sent someone to call for me. Why come yourself?"
Ignoring his attempt to pacify her, his mother said, "I ran into Fushun earlier. He mentioned you've seen someone who looks very much like Yunyu recently?"
Jiang Yunzhi sighed. "Her features are similar, yes, but her demeanor and behavior are completely different. I had someone test her. She's nothing like our Yunyu. It's not her."
"You fool!" His mother's voice rose sharply. "Yunyu resisted marrying the Third Prince back then. Who's to say she didn't fall for some impoverished scholar and elope? If she's returned to the capital after nearly a year, it's only natural she's changed. Perhaps she's deliberately hiding her true self to avoid being recognized!"
"That's unlikely. She's registered as the head of her own household and has a one-year-old child," Jiang Yunzhi explained. "I've investigated her. She's made a name for herself in business, even if she's not widely known. She collaborates on soap bean and spice businesses and is now planning to open a tavern."
A flicker of greed crossed his mother's eyes, and she spoke quickly. "That's all the more reason to bring her back into the family. Even if the Third Prince rejects her, as her brother, you're duty-bound to help her manage such a vast business. A woman alone can't handle it!"
Jiang Yunzhi's hand clenched, crumpling the paper on the desk. He hadn't even considered her soap bean business until the youth mentioned it. The spices were common knowledge to anyone paying attention, but her growing ventures impressed him.
Knowing his sister's temperament, Jiang Yunzhi doubted that a woman capable of working with powerful merchants and nobles was the same as the poetic, delicate Yunyu he remembered. But his mother's words planted seeds of temptation.
"Does she have any family?" his mother pressed in a hushed tone.
"She must be my sister," Jiang Yunzhi declared. "Your daughter, the Jiang family's legitimate daughter!"
Had this been the Jiang Yunzhi of a few years ago—a governor's son or a wealthy heir basking in his family's prestige—he would have scorned such a dishonorable scheme. But now, with no other options, the thought of reclaiming Jiang Huaiyu's success for the family felt like a lifeline.
If she were reinstated as his sister, she wouldn't need to remarry the Third Prince. Even if she became his concubine or consort, as long as her wealth was folded into the Jiang family business, it would be a win.
Jiang Yunzhi hardened his resolve. "Mother, we must plan this carefully. There's no room for error."
At home, Xiaocao immediately noticed something was off with Jiang Huaiyu. Typically cheerful, today she seemed distracted. Taking Tang Bao from her arms, Xiaocao asked gently, "Madam, why are you back so late today?"
Zhuzhu had mentioned not finding her at lunch, which had unsettled the household, though Jiang Huaiyu's calm demeanor usually reassured them.
"Don't ask," Jiang Huaiyu sighed. "Xiaocao, do you know of any temples or monasteries nearby known for their spiritual power?"
Xiaocao blinked in surprise but answered quickly, "I've heard the Qingxu Temple on Huafeng Mountain is quite renowned. The abbot there is said to be a master at dispelling misfortune."
Jiang Huaiyu nodded thoughtfully. "Find out how to get there. On a quiet day, we'll rent a carriage and pay a visit to burn incense."
She wasn't truly superstitious, but recent events had unsettled her. The thought of seeking a blessing for peace of mind didn't seem so ridiculous anymore.
"What about the mooncake arrangements?" she asked, washing her hands as she turned to Xiaocao and Aunt Xu.
"I've already coordinated with Lin Steward and Young Master Jin's butler," Xiaocao reported confidently. "The mooncakes have been delivered to their estates."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled in approval. Mooncakes might not become as iconic as her soap beans, but by tying them to the Mid-Autumn Festival, she could create lasting demand. She envisioned a future where mooncakes were synonymous with the holiday.
"Well done," Jiang Huaiyu said. "When the shop opens, it'll be your task to spread the word that these unique cakes are ours. Do you think you can handle it?"
Xiaocao's eyes lit up. "Yes, Madam! I'll do my best!"
Turning to Aunt Xu, Jiang Huaiyu asked, "And how are the supplies coming along?"
"Perfectly," Aunt Xu replied, beaming. "The sellers know we're offering 10% above market price. Even if I'm picky, they accommodate us. Every ingredient is top-notch."
Satisfied, Jiang Huaiyu nodded. "Good. If you ever feel overwhelmed, let me know. We can hire extra hands."
Aunt Xu chuckled warmly. "Madam, you're too kind."
Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly. "Let's also prepare for the Qingxu Temple trip. If I have to deal with a few more incidents like today, I may even consider hiring a martial artist for protection."
The two women exchanged curious glances but refrained from prying. What could have rattled the usually composed Jiang Huaiyu?