Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 638 - 638 639 Definitely In First Place_1

Chapter 638: Chapter 639: Definitely In First Place_1 Chapter 638: Chapter 639: Definitely In First Place_1 Lady Jin ground her teeth in frustration, fuming with rage. Was she being dragged into some conspiracy against her daughter or what?

“Just some small-scale business operations, nothing much to talk about, right? Surely you aren’t telling me that the grand Marquis Mansion has to rely on a tiny theater to support its household expenses!” Lady Jin said, scarcely able to hide her annoyance.

The Empress shook her head and said, “It’s not just that one property under the Princess’s name. I’ve heard that the renowned Yuyang Embroidery House, which even won a grand reward for creating an embroidered piece for Lady Rong, belongs to her as well. Even the Dongxing Building has her stake in it. The Princess is indeed very capable. With the current situation, I fear that not to mention the Marquis Mansion, even if several families including yours were combined, they still wouldn’t be as wealthy as she is. The Marquis’s son indeed has a good eye.”

Lady Jin’s face went pale, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Qiao Muniang. How could this woman be so capable?!

At the right moment, Qiao Xin interjected, “Your Majesty, you may not be aware, but nowadays, the early-ripening fruits and vegetables in the Daqian Dynasty, whether they’re for the palace or the noble families, all come from the estates under our Princess’s name. I’ve heard that the ladies are particularly fond of the new variety of yellow watermelons that has recently become popular. Though it’s already autumn, the Princess still has some growing in her greenhouses. Perhaps she could personally deliver some to your doorsteps soon.”

There was a moment of stunned silence among the crowd. To be frank, the ventures under Qiao Muniang’s name were among the hottest trends in the Daqian Dynasty. They never imagined that a woman could achieve such feats in just a few short years. In terms of wealth, none present could claim to be richer than her!

Still reluctant to accept defeat, Lady Jin huffed, “It’s improper for a woman not to devote herself to her husband and children, instead flaunting herself in public, pursuing such endeavors, forgetting all about traditional female virtues. Those unaware would think that the Marquis Mansion has gone mad for money, showing no sense of family propriety!”

Jian Yue’s face turned cold, “My Ze’er took the battlefield at fifteen, became a commanding general at eighteen, and by twenty-five, he was a well-known God of War General feared by many nations. The woman fit to be my son’s wife is certainly not one to sit idly at home like a vase, useless. Of course, given that Lady Jin’s son is known for frolicking and living a life without purpose, marrying someone like Muniang would indeed be a waste. Better to find a docile and obedient vase for him.”

Lady Jin’s face turned the color of liver, pointing at Jian Yue but too angry to speak. The Jin Family’s status in the Capital was comparable to Marquis Mansion, but her greatest regret was that her son simply couldn’t measure up to someone like Ze’er, spending his days in idleness, truly infuriating to no end!

Before entering the palace, Muniang knew she was in for a tough battle and had properly prepared herself. Although she knew that Jian Yue would speak in her favor, she hadn’t expected such high praise, which made her feel slightly embarrassed. But seeing Jian Yue speak so highly of her was reassuring, and Muniang felt relieved.

Muniang was not someone to be trifled with, and neither was Jian Yue; naturally, no one dared to stir any more trouble. The idle chit-chat that followed was tedious, and Muniang sat there dutifully, hardly bothering to join in.

That was until a eunuch arrived, announcing he was sent by He Fangfei.

The Empress’s expression soured immediately, “What’s wrong with Lady He?”

Muniang was taken aback; He Fangfei had acted fast, achieving the rank of a full-fledged concubine and becoming on par with Lady Rong in less than half a year.

“May I report to your Majesty, Lady He is feeling a bit under the weather today, a touch of chill with a headache, and thus cannot attend,” replied the eunuch.

It was clearly an excuse, an unwillingness to attend coupled with a show of status. The Empress was displeased but waved it off, “Then let it be.”

With the mood for viewing chrysanthemums somewhat spoiled, the Empress lost interest in small talk and simply said, “I’m tired as well. You all may continue to explore at your leisure; I will go back to rest.”

Everyone hurriedly got up, “We bid farewell to my Lady.”

The crowd dispersed, but the little eunuch whispered to Muniang, “Lady He invites you to the palace for a chat.”

Muniang looked around, Jian Yue had already gone to admire chrysanthemums with some noble ladies she was on good terms with, taking advantage of the opportunity. She nodded and followed the little eunuch.

He Fangfei had recently been promoted to the position of Lady and naturally became one of the main figures in the palace, receiving the Fenfang Hall as her residence.

“Muniang, you finally came, I’ve missed you terribly. When I heard you arrived in Capital City, I was wondering when you would enter the palace. Now, finally, there is a chance,” Muniang walked in and He Fangfei greeted her with a smile, pulling Muniang to sit down.

“You look quite well, even daring to neglect the Empress’s favor. It seems things are going pretty well for you now,” Muniang said with a smile.

“Humph, that old woman initially coaxed me into joining her against Lady Rong. Now, we are on the same side, but it doesn’t mean I’m under her control. If I don’t show her some attitude regularly, she truly believes I’m a mouse she can easily manipulate.”

“You have your own schemes, and you’re a smart one. I naturally won’t say much, but still, one must be cautious in all matters within these palace walls.”

“Muniang, haven’t you heard? His Majesty was furious because your husband took the Qilian Kingdom’s hostage on his own initiative. Although the Emperor’s anger seemed to have subsided a few days ago, it suddenly flared up again recently. I dare not mention it in front of him for fear of stirring his ire, no doubt those with Lady Rong are scheming behind the scenes!”

“My husband has his own plans for this. Considering the current situation, you’d better refrain from bringing it up, to avoid displeasing the Emperor and suffering losses.”

“I know my limits, don’t worry,” He Fangfei assured.

Having not seen each other for so long, naturally, they had a lot to talk about. They chatted on and on for quite a while, but as time pressed on, Muniang took her leave. On her way out, she handed He Fangfei a letter from He Family’s parents, which excited He Fangfei immensely, prompting repeated thanks.

He Fangfei was a friend, but also a friend of convenience. Such friendships required sharing only half one’s heart; the other half was about restraint, either using what delighted her to control or what she feared to suppress her. Unless the circumstances were truly dire, Muniang naturally would not resort to the latter.

After this trip to the palace, Muniang’s reputation spread throughout the Capital. Invitations to various banquets came like snowflakes, and even though Muniang’s stomach was becoming round from all the food, she still found a chance to visit the Dongxing Building. It was essential to see the state of affairs there.

Muniang specifically set aside a morning when it should be the least busy, neither mealtime nor the time for performances, but unexpectedly, it was still as busy as a marketplace.

“Oh, the owner has arrived, please come inside quickly. Miss Qiao is here too,” the servant hurriedly welcomed Muniang inside. Muniang nodded her head, then said, “Hmm, have Zhong Yulang come…”

Before she finished speaking, a loud, boisterous voice interrupted, “This young master lays it out here today! If I’m not at the top of the list when the results are posted tomorrow, I’ll write my name backwards!”