The thirty-fourth year of Jingyan reign As autumn passed, the cold winter season set in. Since the opening of Miss He’s first coffee shop, which became famous throughout the capital, three years had gone by. Her coffee shop was selling so well that it expanded branches to other cities. The second, third, and fourth branches were all in the capital. The fifth branch was in Fengfu City. Now, there were over twenty branches spread across the major cities of the Yan Region, and more than fifty branches had opened in other regions. Miss He Zhenzhu expanded her coffee plantations to several cities, both within and outside the region. However, coffee seeds were also cultivated by other investors, leading to the emergence of small coffee shops. Nonetheless, the Fu Zhenzhu Coffee Shop remained a favorite among the middle and upper classes due to its pleasant atmosphere and, most importantly, its coffee infused with spirit energy. Other investors, despite their attempts to imitate, could not grow coffee with spirit energy. Therefore, their coffee shops catered to common people with limited funds, offering coffee at a lower price. Miss He Zhenzhu and Miss Li Si became the most renowned women in their circle. Their annual income was beyond estimation, with their businesses spreading across various cities and neighboring regions. Besides coffee shops, they also owned fabric stores and weaving factories. The Fu Zhenzhu fabric shop became famous in several regions. Miss He and Miss Zhao sent skilled managers to oversee their branches. There were rumors that the managers at Fu Zhenzhu fabric shops earned up to twenty thousand taels, leading people to speculate about the actual profits of Fu Zhenzhu Shop each year. Some claimed that their wealth exceeded the treasuries of several regions combined, and some even said they could buy an entire region. However, no one knew the true extent of their wealth. Last year, a flood in the eastern part of the Yan Region caused great distress among the people. And there was not much left in the royal treasury due to the recent war. They were depleted during the region’s recovery. With a desire to help, Miss He and Miss Zhao d five thousand carts of rice and dry food to those in need, earning high praise from the emperor. Miss He and Miss Zhao were both intelligent women, knowing how to make an income for themselves. They had kind hearts and compassion for the needy. Beautiful in both their appearances and their hearts. Their families, He and Zhao, were indeed blessed with good fortune. Because of the praise from the Emperor, their reputation spread throughout the region, and women everywhere looked up to them as role models. This sparked a trend among women of all classes to seek employment. Previously, high-class women usually relied on their husbands or fathers for monthly allowances. But now, many young ladies and even some titled wives began to take up small jobs to earn income. Some young ladies started working to buy their desired items without waiting for their father’s allowance. This trend saw more women leaving their homes to engage in work. Some succeeded in business, while others, lacking perseverance and knowledge, faced disappointment and financial loss. After the Crown Prince proposed allowing women to attend the royal school and take the civil service examinations like men, this issue sparked extensive debate in the court for several months. Eventually, it was resolved when the Emperor agreed to permit women to study and take the examinations, just like how men were able to do. Thus, increasing women’s societal roles significantly. Little did anyone know that it was actually Miss He who had suggested this idea to the Crown Prince for consideration. Thus, Yan Region became the most progressive in granting opportunities to women. One late afternoon in a southern city. At Fu Zhenzhu Coffee Shop, located outside the city walls. People were sitting in the pavilions, some engaged in casual conversation, others played chess and composed poems, while some painted. The shop hosted knowledgeable scholars and local nobles discussing various issues, as well as wandering martial arts warriors passing through. The employees respectfully welcomed everyone. A young employee noticed two men with similar features entering the shop. One was around his twenties, with sharp features and determined eyes. He wore a typical martial arts warrior’s cloak with a small tailorbird perched on his shoulder. The other, about 16-17 years old, resembled the first but appeared gentler and more composed, looking like a refined young master. Upon closer inspection, a small, green, single horn snake was coiled around his wrist. As the two entered, the young employee hurriedly greeted them. “Welcome, Masters. Please come inside. What would you like to drink? We offer a variety of beverages including fruit juice, tea, coffee, and various sweets and snacks.” “Two black coffees and a few snacks, please.” Once the employee left, He Yu turned to his older brother and excitedly said, “Big Brother, look at this! Big Sister is amazing. She has opened so many coffee shops, they’re famous all over every region. Do you know, I’ve traveled through three regions and seen her coffee shops everywhere? Each one is very successful.” He had just returned to Yan Region after receiving a letter from their father, instructing him to come back. Coincidentally, he had met his big brother at the Tang Region border and traveled together. When they arrived at the large city, they decided to check out He Zhenzhu’s businesses, finding not only coffee shops but also fabric stores. Even the He family’s vegetables had become famous. “Yes, Younger Sister has always been talented in business,” He Ming replied with a smile. He was happy upon seeing his little sister’s and family’s success. “I even saw her bags in the Tang Region. Do you know, a young lady bought a bag for thirty thousand taels? At first, I thought she was joking, but it was true. Big Sister sells such expensive items, yet people still buy them. She’s quite the money-hunger merchant,” the younger brother continued to gossip, though his eyes shone with pride and admiration. “How could Younger Sister’s products be ordinary? I wonder how many characters she inscribed on that bag to sell it for such a high price.” His younger sister was talented and clever. Selling one bag could buy hundreds of mu of farmland. It was no exaggeration to say she had more money than the royal treasury. "Don’t just talk about your Big Sister. Aren’t your paintings just as expensive? You’re quite the money-hunger merchant yourself," He Ming said with a smile. At this point, Young Master He Yu had also gained considerable fame. His paintings were found either in the Fu Zhenzhu fabric store, the royal palace, or the manors of high-ranking nobles. Their prices were far from ordinary, likely two to three times more than Zhenzhu’s bags. "Whoa, Big Brother, my paintings take months to complete and even feature Painting’s Beast. How could I sell them cheaply? Every drop of paint comes from my very soul," He Yu said proudly. Throughout his travels, he constantly honed his skills, and about a year ago, he was able to create Painting’s Beast, which skyrocketed his fame. Additionally, he auctioned some of his paintings to raise funds for the needy, earning him a good reputation. However, his actions weren’t driven by the desire to gain fame, but a genuine desire to help those in need, understanding well the suffering of hunger during cold winters. The two brothers chatted leisurely in the coffee shop until a commotion erupted inside. It soon quieted down. Upon looking, they noticed the shop’s guards dealt with a troublemaker who caused the commotion in the coffee shop, sending him to the authorities. This coffee shop, known for its excellent coffee and ambiance, also maintained strict security. This indicated that Zhenzhu was a thorough thinker, she would never let the reputation she built being tarnished so easily. "Big Brother, do you know why Father has called us back? Any idea?" He Yu raised an eyebrow inquiringly. Both he and his elder brother had received letters summoning them home. The He family communicated through a widespread branch of money transfer shops, making it easy to stay in touch across different regions. "No idea." Having roamed the martial world for many years, this was the first time their father had called them back. Yet, he had no clue about the reason. With no other option other than following their father’s words, the brothers traveled home, albeit with a lingering concern that they might not be able to resume their travels once they returned. Nevertheless, they did not defy their father’s orders. At the capital of Yan Region, This new year, the weather was pleasantly cool, with a gentle breeze rustling through the willow leaves. Finally, He Yu and He Ming understood why their father had urgently summoned them home. It was because a joyous event was about to occur in the He family. There was big news in the Yan Region: the Young General of the Zhao family and Miss He Zhenzhu had decided to get married and become a family. This caused many young masters and ladies to cry for three days and three nights. Even though they knew that General Zhao already had someone in his heart, but how could they be happy upon hearing this news? They had admired him since he was a young man, but Miss He had swooped in and taken him away. How could they accept it? When the wedding day arrived, what stunned people even more was Miss He’s dowry. Although the He and Zhao manors were next to each other, the tradition of the bridal procession couldn’t be ignored. The bridal procession made a circuit around the main street before entering the Zhao Manor, but the dowry train was so long that the head of the procession met the tail. Chest after chest of money and fine fabrics were sent into the General Zhao’s manor. Miss He indeed evoked both admiration and envy from everyone. The saying that the He family’s wealth surpassed that of the royal treasury was not an exaggeration in the least. After the grand bridal procession passed, the wedding ceremony in the manor was further honored by the Emperor’s graciousness, as he sent the Crown Prince to represent him. He Lei, Madam Wang, He Yu, He Ming, and the close servants from Fengfu City all wiped tears of joy. Miss He, who they had seen since she was a little girl, was now married and starting her own family. How could they not be overjoyed? At the feast, many nobles and members of the royal family came to offer their congratulations. Even some martial arts warriors who knew the He family came to congratulate them. Once the main ceremonies were completed, it was time for the couple to retire to their bridal chamber. Yong Saiweihao escorted Zhenzhu to the bridal chamber before excusing himself to see off the remaining senior guests. "Rest well. I’ll be back shortly.” "Yes, Brother Hao." She glanced at him with sparkling eyes. Her beautiful face blushed, and the young man couldn’t resist planting a gentle kiss on her smooth forehead before leaving, planning to return after the guests had left so they could rest together. It had been a tiring day for them both. However, once he was outside, the other generals and commanders were not going to let him leave so easily. How could they not celebrate the general’s wedding? Moreover, they were all well-acquainted with the Young Furen Zhao and were especially happy for him. It was already past midnight, yet the young man still couldn’t manage to excuse himself. He worried about Zhenzhu, fearing she might feel neglected because her husband wasn’t there with her on the wedding night. Seeing the groom’s restlessness, the generals and commanders finally let him go. "Ah, look, the new groom misses his wife already. Alright, alright, General, go back to your wife. I understand. I was like that when I first got married. Don’t overdo it, though," one burly general teased, causing a round of laughter. At last, Yong Saiweihao could leave. The young man hurried back to his manor, wondering if she had fallen asleep yet. He took a shortcut along the path to his place. However, when he arrived, he found only two maids sleeping soundly outside the room. Inside, the bed was made with the auspicious red bedding. It remained perfect, untouched. His heart sank—could she have left because she felt neglected? "Where has the Young Furen gone?!" He urgently asked the maids, waking them up. "Ah! Oh, Wasn’t the Young Furen go with you, Master? She left not long after you did.” "Which way did she go?" "Th... That way, Master," the maid pointed in the direction Zhenzhu had gone. The Young Furen had instructed them to wait there, and they hadn’t dared to disobey. Since other servants had gone with her, they obediently stayed behind as ordered. They had dozed off for just a short while, never expecting that so late at night, the Young Furen had not yet returned. Yong Saiweihao followed the path they pointed to. He found that it led to one of the extra reception houses. As he walked, he soon heard the loud chatter of both men and women, among which he recognized Zhenzhu’s voice. "Hahaha, really? I want to go too. Next time, take me with you, Big Brother." "I’m cominggg. I’m comingggg too," Li Si raised her hand, following her friend. Seeing the scene before him made him both angry and amused. In the small reception house ahead, about ten people were gathered, enjoying drinks and moon-gazing. There was no sign of the melancholy he had imagined. He Ming, He Yu, Li Si, Xincheng, Xin Xi, and several servants from the He family were all there. But the one who caught his eye was the woman in the red bridal gown. Her face was bare of makeup, her hair ornaments had been removed, and her long hair was tied loosely. The effects of the alcohol had her cheeks flushed red, and her usually bright eyes were slightly dazed. Even though she was still sitting, she swayed like a bamboo in the wind. Look at this. On her own wedding day, she was sitting here drinking with her siblings and friends. Surely, in the entire region, she was the only one who would do such a thing. The first to notice that he was approaching was He Ming. As soon as he saw his new brother-in-law, He Ming’s eyes widened. Whoa. Initially, he had only intended to invite his younger sister for a brief drink, but how had time slipped away so much? Look, the husband had come to fetch her himself. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝓷𝓮𝓽 "Ah, I’m so sleepy. I must excuse myself. Younger Sister, Big Brother is leaving now.” "Big brotherrrr, don’t go yetttt. Tell me more about the female warrior Song," Zhenzhu, clutching a liquor jar, laughed heartily. Big Brother was good at telling the story of roaming the martial world. She hadn’t seen him for so long and missed him dearly. "How about I tell you instead?" Zhenzhu raised an eyebrow slightly. Hmm? The voice sounded familiar. When she turned to look at the source, she found a person standing there with a stern expression. When she turned back to her siblings, she found that her drinking companions had vanished as if they had disappeared into thin air, including Li Si. How could they have disappeared so quickly? "Well? Do you want to hear the story or not?" "Ah, I don’t want to hear it anymore. I’m so sleepy," she said, laying down right where she was. Is there a technique of digging down the ground then disappear? I will practice that. Don’t wake me up. Please, don’t. Please, don’t. Yong Saiweihao could only hoist the drunken woman over his shoulder and carry her back to their residence. After that, the servants didn’t see the newlyweds leave their place for an entire day and night. General, you overdid it. The Young Furen is so small. Please care for the jade and be gentle to the flower. Read ‘Rebirth: This Farmgirl Has Spirit Fish Scales’ before anyone else with more Chapters at https://www.jinovel.com/en