Upon suddenly hearing these words, everyone in front of Jinxiu Hall was stunned, and Cuirong finally remembered who this well-dressed woman was—
The trusted Mama Cheng beside the Prime Minister’s wife!
She had seen her before when accompanying her mistress to visit the Pang family. No wonder she had found this mama familiar. However… the Prime Minister’s wife had always lived a secluded life, rarely even attending banquets. The only reason Cuirong’s mistress had the chance to meet her was because of the young master-in-law. How did Miss Gu come to know this Madam Pang?
And she could even have someone come to deliver gifts on a day like this!
Cuirong’s expression turned dazed, while the others were even more shocked. Even if they didn’t recognize this Mama Cheng, just hearing the title “Prime Minister Pang” was enough—it referred to none other than the current Prime Minister!
For a moment, whispers filled the air in front of Jinxiu Hall. Outside, several people dressed as household servants quietly dispersed in different directions.
With Lanyin’s grand opening, it was only natural that many had their eyes on it.
But just as Shi Yu had guessed, noble families were all shrewd. Even if some sympathized with Lanyin, when it came to maintaining social connections, status and family background were always the most important factors.
Although Lanyin was the daughter of a marquis household, she was not favored within her family. Moreover, the Changxing Marquis Manor was far away in Lin’an, making it difficult to intervene in many matters. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have suffered such humiliation despite her noble status.
Though the Chengbo Manor had declined, it still held a noble title. As for Xiao Ye, though his recent actions had been reckless and absurd, he had once been one of the most renowned young talents in Bianjing. If he were to rise again, those who had defended Lanyin today would undoubtedly face retribution from the Xiao family.
The Xiao family was not to be trifled with, but they also couldn’t afford to disregard Lanyin.
After all, Lanyin had built a good reputation in Bianjing over the past three years and had many friends. If someone supported her from behind, they would have to carefully weigh whom they should align with… Thus, various noble families had discreetly sent servants to observe the situation today.
If the gifts from the Duke of Lu’s household had already tempted them, the presence of someone from the Pang family truly shocked them!
The commotion outside was growing.
Inside was no better.
Aside from the guests being attended to by Shopkeeper Sun, even Shi Yu was visibly startled. She stared at Lanyin in a daze and asked, “Mistress, why would the Pang family send someone?”
She clearly remembered that her mistress had only met this Madam Pang a few times and had barely spoken to her.
Why would they send gifts?
After a brief moment of surprise, Lanyin quickly regained her composure. She had already guessed the reason, but upon thinking about it, she pursed her red lips slightly and said nothing. When a servant came in to deliver a message, she simply nodded. “I understand.”
Seeing his tense expression, she softened her voice to reassure him, “Don’t be afraid, it’s fine.”
The servant had never encountered such high-ranking figures before, and upon hearing that the visitor was from the Prime Minister’s household, he was naturally terrified.
But hearing Lanyin’s gentle tone, the unease in his heart seemed to be smoothed away by an invisible hand. He steadied himself, took a deep breath, bowed to Lanyin, and left. By the time he stepped outside, his expression was much calmer than before—no longer hurried and flustered.
The visitors were still waiting outside.
Even though Lanyin knew who had sent them, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to keep them waiting. With a sigh in her heart, she spoke, “Let’s go out as well.”
Saying this, she rose from her chair.
Sure enough, as she stepped outside, she saw several figures standing at the entrance, completely out of place with their surroundings.
The leading woman smiled upon seeing her, stepping forward to greet her and even attempting to bow. “Miss Gu.”
But Lanyin refused to accept the gesture. Before the woman could bend her waist, she quickly stepped forward to support her and politely said, “Mama Cheng, there’s no need for such formalities.”
Although she had no interactions with the Pang family, having served as the matriarch of the clan for several years, she had naturally long since inquired about the backgrounds of the noble families in Bianjing. She knew that the elderly woman before her, Mama Cheng, was someone Madam Pang had brought from the Yuan family. With decades of shared history, Mama Cheng enjoyed Madam Pang’s deep trust and held a significant position within the Pang household.
Lanyin was somewhat surprised that Madam Pang had sent Mama Cheng to deliver gifts. The presence of Mama Cheng, as opposed to any ordinary servant from the Pang family, carried a completely different weight.
In the short time she had stepped out, she noticed several servants in the distance, dressed in household attire, leaving. She knew exactly who had sent them and why they were departing at this moment.
However, this only deepened Lanyin’s sense of indebtedness to Qi Yubai. She truly felt unworthy of such regard and generosity from him.
It seemed that he had long anticipated the situation that would unfold on this opening day and had made arrangements in advance. He always thought several steps ahead, leaving nothing to chance, much like how he had handled matters in court that day for her divorce… He was always like this, quietly clearing away difficulties for her without her knowledge.
When she learned of Qi Yubai’s actions that time, Lanyin felt gratitude.
And now…
Beyond gratitude, she also felt a sense of helplessness. She didn’t know how to reciprocate his support and sacrifices.
Mama Cheng, unaware of her thoughts, was slightly surprised by Lanyin’s form of address. However, being a wise woman, no matter how surprised she was, she wouldn’t comment on it at this moment. She gracefully allowed Lanyin to help her up, smiling as she said to Lanyin, “Madam happened to be going to the Great Buddha Temple for worship today; otherwise, she would have come to join the festivities herself. She said to invite you to our home for a simple meal whenever you find the time.”
As she spoke, she subtly observed the woman before her.
Having previously seen the wife of the Chengbo heir, she naturally recognized her. However, as the Xiao and Pang families had little interaction, her understanding of Lanyin was limited. She only knew that Lanyin conducted herself admirably and enjoyed a good reputation among the noble circles.
That Master Qi would favor this Lady Gu was somewhat unexpected for both her and Madam.
In Bianjing, countless noble ladies wished to marry him, and even Madam had once considered betrothing her daughter to him. Who would have thought that Master Qi would ultimately choose a divorced woman… As it pertained to Master Qi’s private affairs, despite her surprise, she refrained from commenting.
Her casual, familiar demeanor with Lanyin further astonished those around them.
Lanyin understood that the Pang family was leveraging their influence for her benefit. Even though she wished not to owe Qi Yubai any further, given the circumstances, she couldn’t possibly slight herself or the Pang family. Thus, she smiled and replied, “Thank you for making the trip today, Mama. Please convey to Madam that I will visit your residence as soon as I find the time.”
Dealing with wise individuals was always more straightforward.
As she spoke, Lanyin invited Mama Cheng inside for tea, and Mama Cheng accepted without refusal.
The two entered the shop together. Only after stepping inside did Mama Cheng realize what kind of business Lanyin was running. Seeing the exquisite, shimmering garments in novel designs, even someone as well-versed as she was momentarily dazzled.
“Miss intends to sell ready-made clothing?” she asked Lanyin.
The Yuan family was also in business, and since she came from the Yuan family, her vision was naturally different from that of ordinary women.
Lanyin did not hide her intentions and explained her plans in detail.
“So that’s how it is…” Mama Cheng murmured softly before sighing in admiration. “Miss has a brilliant mind.”
She had always known that Lanyin was capable of managing household affairs, but she had never expected her to have such a talent for business. These garments were so exquisite that even the noble ladies in the palace might not have seen anything like them. Using these high-end designs to attract attention and establish Jinxiu Hall’s name before moving into the ready-made clothing market—once the reputation was built, even if other shops sold similar garments, people would instinctively take pride in wearing Jinxiu Hall’s clothing.
Just hearing this plan made her want to go back and suggest to her mistress that they entrust all the household servants’ seasonal wardrobe orders to this Miss Gu.
Lanyin, hearing her praise, remained humble. “It’s nothing special—just a means to make a living.”
Mama Cheng chuckled. “If this is just making a living, I’m afraid the merchants in this city would all starve.”
These past few days, even her mistress, who rarely left the house, had heard of the overwhelming success of Lanyin’s restaurants.
Saying they were earning gold by the day was no exaggeration.
And now, there was Jinxiu Hall.
Mama Cheng couldn’t help but wonder—at this rate, in a few years, would the wealthiest person in the city need to be reassigned?
Once inside the private room, elegantly dressed attendants came in to serve tea. Mama Cheng immediately noticed that their etiquette had been professionally trained—whether walking or pouring tea, they were no different from the maids of prestigious noble families.
The surroundings were tranquil and tastefully decorated, and even the tea cups and fruit platters were chosen with care.
Her earlier praise of Lanyin’s cleverness had not been exaggerated.
This Miss Gu was truly capable. Most commendable of all was her temperament—calm and composed, never arrogant or impetuous. No wonder that Lord Qi was so fond of her.
Thinking of Lord Qi, Mama Cheng took her tea and said to Lanyin, “What I said earlier was not false. My lady truly wishes to invite you to our residence as a guest.”
Her expression was warm, without the slightest hint of condescension or arrogance.
Lanyin understood the goodwill behind her words. It was precisely because she understood that she hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Before she could say anything, a commotion sounded from outside. Through the half-opened window, she could see several more carriages arriving in front of Jinxiu Hall.
Mama Cheng said, “More people bringing gifts.”
No sooner had she spoken than a series of voices rang out from outside—
“The Ministry of War’s Minister Li congratulates Boss Gu on a prosperous grand opening!”
“The Rui Marquis Manor congratulates Boss Gu on a prosperous grand opening!”
“The Xu family from Zhuque Alley congratulates Boss Gu on a prosperous grand opening!”
“The Li family from Black Tortoise Alley congratulates Boss Gu on a prosperous grand opening!”
…
More and more people had come, including several marquis manors and high-ranking officials’ residences. Naturally, Lanyin had to personally step forward. She informed Mama Cheng before heading outside under her watchful gaze.
About the time it took for an incense stick to burn, she finally returned.
“All done?” Mama Cheng asked.
Lanyin nodded and expressed her gratitude. “Many thanks to you and Madam today.”
If it weren’t for the Pang family lending their influence, this situation wouldn’t have unfolded so smoothly.
The current prime minister, a veteran of two dynasties, deeply trusted by the emperor—who in Bianjing wouldn’t want to be on good terms with the Pang family? However, the Pang family had always been reclusive by nature. Even during her time in the Earl’s household, Lanyin had sent invitations to the Pang family on more than one occasion, but none had succeeded in bringing them to her home.
Now that the Pang family had personally stepped forward, others naturally wouldn’t miss this opportunity.
Yet, thinking about whose influence had prompted the Pang family’s actions, Lanyin’s heart grew even more unsettled.
Having spent decades in the inner chambers, Mama Cheng had long honed a keen eye. Seeing Lanyin’s expression, she could easily guess the reason. Her mind suddenly recalled the events of a few days prior.
Some days ago, Master Qi had paid a visit, seeking Madam’s assistance. By then, Madam had already learned of Master Qi’s feelings from the master of the house and had teased him with a smile, “Now that you’ve finally found a girl you like, even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I was already prepared to go and see her myself.”
Unexpectedly, Master Qi had responded, “Please don’t go.”
“Why not?”
“She is still unaware of my feelings. If you were to go, I fear she might be frightened, or worse, think that I am using my influence to pressure her into feeling indebted. Please don’t go. Just send someone to deliver gifts. Once others know the Pang family’s stance, they will naturally understand how to treat her.”
Having been with the Pang family for many years, Mama Cheng was naturally familiar with Qi Yubai. That was the first time she realized that this man, known for his aloofness, could be so deeply concerned for a woman. He had come to the Pang family to ask for Madam’s support to shield her from harm, yet he was so careful not to impose, meticulously planning every detail to avoid scaring her away.
It was truly a testament to his deep consideration.
But now, it seemed Master Qi’s concerns were not unfounded.
“Last time, when Master Qi visited, he told Madam that you were an old family friend and that he had received help from your elders in his youth. Otherwise, he and the old lady wouldn’t have had such an easy time in Jinling. Madam has always regarded Master Qi as a son, so helping him is akin to helping the Pang family. Therefore, Miss Gu, you need not worry,” Mama Cheng explained the reason for her visit today.
However, Lanyin did not feel relieved by this explanation.
In the past, she might have believed such words, but now, having learned of Qi Yubai’s feelings from Ting Yun, how could she still believe that he merely saw her as an old family friend or a cherished junior? She had been foolish; the Qi family had many old friends, yet she had never heard of Qi Yubai treating any of them with such care.
Lanyin still didn’t understand why Qi Yubai liked her or when his feelings had begun. But she knew that the man’s actions were not motivated by a desire to gain something from her or to pressure her into gratitude.
He did all this simply because he wanted to help her.
And it was precisely because she knew this that she felt even more indebted and found it harder to face him.
In this world, apart from her grandmother, no one had ever treated her with such selfless, unconditional kindness. From childhood, she had always faced challenges alone, never imagining that someone would stand by her side.
Yet, through his silent actions, Qi Yubai had told her, “Gu Lanyin, don’t be afraid. You have someone standing behind you.”
“Miss Gu?”
Hearing no response from Lanyin for a while, Mama Cheng called out again.
Startled back to the present, Lanyin masked her inner turmoil and replied, “If Madam doesn’t mind, I will certainly visit to trouble her someday.”
Upon hearing this, Mama Cheng’s smile deepened further, and she responded with a smile.
As the time was about right, she rose to take her leave. She did not let Lanyin see her off but, just before leaving, looked at the scene outside and said to Lanyin, “There are many in this world who fawn on the high and step on the low. Though they came today driven by profit, it is always better to form friendships than enmities.”
She said only this one sentence and did not speak further. After giving Lanyin a respectful bow, she was about to leave.
However, Lanyin asked her to wait a moment. She had a servant bring over the pastries that had been prepared earlier upon her instructions. Under Mama Cheng’s surprised gaze, she said, “Time was tight today, so I could only prepare some of the shop’s snacks. Please take them back for Madam to have a taste.”
“These snacks of yours are not something ordinary people can buy.” Mama Cheng accepted them with a smile, expressed her thanks to Lanyin, and then departed.
Lanyin stood by the window, watching as the carriage left. At the same time, she also took in the scene outside. Compared to the initial excitement of people just wanting to join the commotion, now, many of them were clearly tempted.
“Master!”
Shi Yu walked in, carrying a stack of gift boxes in her hands, followed by a group of servants, each holding something.
Lanyin turned toward the sound and instructed Shi Yu, “Make sure to record all the gifts received. They will come in handy when we return the favors later.”
Shi Yu responded with a cheerful acknowledgment.
She then had the items placed to the side before going off to fetch brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.
The commotion outside had yet to settle down. Instead, as the queue grew longer, it attracted even more people. Lanyin instructed her servants to send out some fruits and refreshments to those waiting, lest they grow impatient under the scorching sun. Just as she finished handling these matters, Shopkeeper Sun came rushing in excitedly.
“Master, great news!”