Unlimited Resources: Raising a Minister with a Space Supermarket-Chapter 392 - 365: Who Do You Like?

Yu Changhe arranged a match for Jiang Haiqiu and Sun Manxia, establishing their betrothal, and the wedding was set to take place after the autumn harvest.

The person she had her eyes on became her brother-in-law, which left Sun Manxi feeling uneasy, yet helpless. Fortunately, Jiang Haiqiu had a decent character and hadn’t spread the word about her private dealings with him, or she’d be embarrassed to face others.

It wasn’t that Sun Manxi thought Qi Shanbao was a bad person; she simply didn’t know many words, while Qi Shanbao was a scholar. She felt their differences were too vast—in short, it was her inferiority complex at play.

But now, she was already married to Qi Shanbao. With her sister also engaged to Jiang Haiqiu, she felt that past matters should be set aside, and people should look forward.

Madam Sun never expected Yu Xiaolian to return so soon, less than four months after leaving. When Sun Mancang ran to tell her that Yu Xiaolian was back, Madam Sun was completely shocked.

Her daughter hadn’t made it to Snow Mountain—something must’ve happened. If she had gone, she should have just arrived there by now.

Wasn’t she supposed to be fetching green woolly poppy? Why did she return halfway?

"Where is she? Where is Xiaolian?" Madam Sun asked urgently.

Sun Mancang replied, "At Zhenpin Pavilion, said she’ll be back soon for dinner."

Madam Sun placed Yu Ziqian, who was in her arms, on the ground and called to Granny Gao, "Make more dishes tonight, Xiaolian is back."

Granny Gao responded, "Yes!"

A while ago, Gao Yishui expressed interest in Zhao Erya and wanted to marry her. Thus, Granny Gao took the opportunity to mention this to Madam Sun, who said that Zhao Erya was originally bought by Yu Xiaolian and her marriage should be decided by Yu Xiaolian. Now, hearing that Yu Xiaolian was back, Granny Gao was overjoyed.

Upon returning to Luocheng, Yu Xiaolian first visited Zhenpin Pavilion. Meanwhile, Su Jingchen headed to Jianyin Academy. Although he missed the Spring Examination, since he was back, it was necessary to greet Director Zhao and pay him a visit.

During Yu Xiaolian’s absence, Zhao Erya had managed Zhenpin Pavilion meticulously, and under Song Qingrui’s leadership, Immortal Music House had become the most popular theater in Luocheng.

"Miss, during these months you were away, Master Zheng visited several times. The first time he came for chili seeds, the second for tomato, eggplant, and melon seeds, and the third time, he took all the glassware from our shop without paying. He said he’d settle the account with you once you returned." Zhao Erya wanted to settle accounts with Zheng Yuanfeng too, but Zheng Yuanfeng insisted they wait for Yu Xiaolian’s return.

"However, just two days ago, Master Zheng sent someone to say he was heading to the Northern Land on business. He might only return to Luocheng next year. He asked that upon your return, you list all the items’ prices and send them to Shan Yue Money Shop in New City, where the shopkeeper will settle the payment."

Yu Xiaolian nodded, indicating she understood. "Send me the price list later, and if it looks fine, I’ll have Sun Manyin go to New City to settle the account."

Zhao Erya said, "The brothers Manjin and Manyin are currently not in Luocheng; they’ve gone to Zheng City and haven’t returned yet."

Yu Xiaolian replied, "Then let Mancang go instead. It’s not urgent, it can wait."

Zhao Erya nodded and continued, "Miss, prior to the Spring Examination, Teacher Ying visited several times, and so did Head Zhao..."

Zhao Erya reported all recent visitors to Yu Xiaolian, and when she mentioned Princess Jin Fu Zihan’s name, Yu Xiaolian’s eyebrows moved—finally showing interest.

"What did Princess Jin come for?"

"Princess Jin didn’t say much, only mentioned that if you return, you should visit the Prince Jin Mansion." Zhao Erya stated truthfully.

Yu Xiaolian took a sip of tea, "Understood. Has anything significant happened in Luocheng during my absence?"

Zhao Erya thought for a moment, "Prince Jin fell ill; it’s said to be quite severe. The Prince Jin Mansion’s dedicated doctor couldn’t cure him, and the Emperor even sent two Imperial Physicians over, but it seems Prince Jin’s condition hasn’t improved."

"When did Fu Zihan seek me out?" Yu Xiaolian suddenly asked.

Zhao Erya replied, "It was shortly after Prince Jin fell ill, Fu Zihan came to find you personally."

Yu Xiaolian frowned—logically, with Prince Jin sick, Fu Zihan shouldn’t have time for old friends, so surely Fu Zihan has another purpose for visiting her.

What could it possibly be?

A sense of foreboding rose within Yu Xiaolian, perhaps Fu Zihan discovered something—could Miao Yingyao have spread the news of her possessing Longevity Gu?

Thinking of this, Yu Xiaolian felt somewhat troubled.

As the winds continue to whip, Yu Xiaolian feared that her days of quiet enjoyment were still far off.

Zhao Erya recalled a matter discussed with Madam Sun, "Well... Gao Yishui has taken a liking to me and asked my foster mother to arrange our marriage, but I haven’t agreed to this. So, if foster mother asks you, please don’t consent."

Yu Xiaolian raised an eyebrow, "Gao Yishui? He knows how to pick someone.

The choice is good, unfortunately, he’s not suited for you."

Gao Yishui is unsuitable both in person and family circumstances. Although Zhao Erya is outwardly a servant, Yu Xiaolian treats her as a sister. If Zhao Erya later finds her true love, not only will Yu Xiaolian return her indenture contract, but also prepare a proper dowry, sending her off as family, continuing to support her as a maiden family.

Yet, Zhao Erya once said she wouldn’t marry because she lost her innocence at Baihua House in Yangcheng. Yu Xiaolian hopes she can come to terms with this herself, as her inner demon is something only she can resolve.

Zhao Erya’s face darkened, "Actually, someone like me doesn’t suit anyone."

On the wedding night, if the spouse were to know she’s not a virgin, who knows how they’d belittle or humiliate her. Zhao Erya has imagined this scenario many times, deciding she’d rather never marry to avoid such awkwardness.

Yu Xiaolian furrowed her brow, "Could it be you think Gao Yishui is so good and feel you are unworthy of him? Are you fond of him? If you fancy him..."

Zhao Erya hurriedly waved her hands, "No, no, I’m not fond of him! 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Oh... no, not... I don’t fancy anyone!"

Yu Xiaolian chuckled, sensing something was up!

"Look at you, with your obvious denial. Who have you taken a liking to? Speak up!

I share all my secrets with you; if you don’t tell me, it means you don’t see me as a true sister."

Zhao Erya took two steps back, "You’ve been traveling all day, you must be exhausted. Please rest; I’m heading downstairs, there are guests waiting!"

Zhao Erya swiftly retreated in a rush.