Changing Marriages - chapter 4

Chapter 4

With Huo Yao off to war, I did not remain idle.

My maternal family’s business is spread throughout the country, and they have several shops in Shengjing as well.

Holding the token left to me by my Concubine Mother, I went to the shop closest to the General’s Mansion and left a message, asking my maternal grandfather to send a trustworthy steward to meet me.

I thought I would have to wait a few days, but to my surprise, a young woman came to visit the very next day.

“I am Sun Nuo of the Sun Family’s main branch.”

She wore men’s attire, yet did not deliberately disguise herself as a man. Raising her arm, she greeted me with a cupped-fist salute:

“Currently, all Sun Family business in Shengjing is managed by me. If Second Madam trusts me, please instruct me as you wish.”

My eyes lit up.

I hadn’t expected that she was already managing the Shengjing business at this time.

In my previous life, I had met this cousin once.

It was the third year after I married Xie Yi’an. My maid had taken my jewelry to pawn, and my cousin recognized it as part of the dowry the Sun Family had given me.

She came to my door with a stack of silver notes, asking if I was in some kind of trouble.

Not wanting her to worry, I was about to find an excuse to cover up, but Madam Xie, having heard the news, rushed in and scolded me, saying I was degrading myself by associating with merchants.

My cousin was so angered that she left in a huff, but before she went, she still pressed the silver notes under the tea tray.

In front of Madam Xie, I ordered my maid to return the silver notes:

“Mother is right. Our Xie Family cannot use a merchant’s money.”

At that time, Xie Yi’an had just been appointed as Imperial Academy Doctor and needed funds to smooth things over.

His younger sister was also engaged to a noble family and required a generous dowry.

Yet I returned the money I had received.

Madam Xie was so furious she nearly fainted, smashing a teacup against my head, claiming her chest hurt, and made me serve her at her bedside all night with my injury.

No matter how she tormented me, I refused to seek out my cousin again.

Fortunately, the Old Madam did not share such prejudices.

When I told her my Concubine Mother was from the Sun Family, she laughed and praised the Sun Family’s fine jewelry, telling me to go with her next time to pick some out.

Thinking of this, I no longer hesitated and gave Sun Nuo a deep bow:

“Cousin, please lend me your aid.”