Chapter 1

◎One day he became the son of a disgraced official◎

The capital city has four major districts, all of which are places of great fortune. The Jiang family alone occupies two of these districts. Regardless of the other profitable businesses under the Jiang family's name, just by controlling the North District and the Water District, they can be called the richest merchants in the capital. Not to mention that the Jiang family sent their eldest son to the palace a few years ago, and now they are deeply favored, and the Jiang family has become imperial merchants.

Good things often come with difficulties, and many people are naturally envious. Not to mention that Jiang Shangyi, the head of the Jiang family, has handed over all the business to his eldest daughter, Jiang He, which makes everyone sigh that Jiang Shangyi wants to cut off the Jiang family's future.

Who is Jiang He? He used to be the number one scoundrel in the capital, a good-for-nothing who spent his days loafing around, riding horses, and fighting cocks. He was a complete playboy. Three years ago, he suddenly ran away to Wudu City and disappeared without a trace.

Unexpectedly, just as the Jiang family was at the height of its power, news suddenly came that she had returned to the capital. Jiang Shangyi even announced that she was old and frail and would hand over the Jiang family to Jiang He before retiring.

"The Jiang family has so much money, I heard that their house is full of gold and silver, and they have countless servants. Is Jiang Shangyi really willing to hand over such a large family business to a spoiled brat? Isn't he afraid that Jiang He will squander it all?"

"You won't let Jiang He study hard in Wudu City for three years just to take over the family business? In the end, I don't know why Jiang Shangyi is willing to let his eldest daughter suffer in such a far place. That's Jiang He, the former tyrant of the capital, and she actually agreed to it."

"Speaking of why Jiang He left, I do know a little... It's all because of Xue..." The man was getting into it, his tone tinged with a touch of wistfulness, completely unaware that the person next to him had taken a few steps back, as if they had seen something terrifying.

The man instinctively shut his mouth, intending to ask his friend beside him, but was suddenly swept to the ground by a strong gust of wind. His teeth loosened a bit, and several layers of dust rose from the ground.

A boy of about fifteen years old, dressed in white, stood with his hands on his hips, glared at the two of them, and shouted, "Gossiping in the street! You're a bad guy!"

The boy seemed to know some martial arts. In the Fengman Dynasty, women were respected and men were considered beautiful for their gentleness. Few men would study martial arts anymore, let alone become bodyguards.

Moreover, judging from the boy's expression, he seems to be somewhat mentally unstable.

"I didn't notice, aren't these two the most gossipy people on this street?" Jiang He's laughter was clear and bright, her eyes smiling as she looked at the people on the ground.

The two people looked somewhat familiar, but three years was too long, and she couldn't remember who they were anymore. However, given her temper, they deserved to be beaten up.

Gossiping is one thing, but I can only blame myself for running into her.

It seems that during the three years she was away from the capital, some people no longer take the name Jiang He seriously.

However, when Jiang He saw the face of the person on the ground, her good temper immediately subsided. It was truly a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road.

"Since you love gossiping so much, why don't we just pull it off?" Jiang He's boots stepped in front of the person who had been beaten to the ground. The black boots were very clean, but the soles were covered with a thick layer of mud, indicating that he had traveled a long way back.

"Remember Xue, take these two people back, cut out their tongues, and treat them well. Also, inform Lord Su of the Jingzhao Prefecture that I have a grievance to report."

“Jiang He, you’re still incorrigible. Do you think the Jiang family’s status as imperial merchants makes you so great? You’re just a lowly merchant. Even if you kill me, Xue Lingyu won’t give you a second glance.”

"Tsk..." Jiang He curled her lips and lightly shook the folding fan in her hand. She acted exactly like a spoiled brat from three years ago, but her eyes had obviously changed. She seemed to have been reborn. "This reminds me that the Jiang family is nothing special. It is I, Jiang He, who will deal with you."

The person on the ground was already in a sorry state, and the person standing next to her seemed to be nailed to the spot, staring dumbfounded at what Jiang He had done, their hands sweating profusely.

Jiang He is acting more recklessly than she did three years ago, and seems to have a vague idea of ​​what she knows.

Miss Feng, the daughter of the Prefect of the Feng family, gossiped about Jiang He on the street. Jiang He, who happened to overhear this, reprimanded her in the street and even threatened to pull out her tongue. Afterwards, she was taken to the Jingzhao Prefecture, and the matter was brought to the attention of the authorities.

They thought that Jiang He's three years in Wudu City would at least temper his spirit, but he became increasingly eccentric and unscrupulous, which made those who had held some hope for the Jiang family shake their heads and sigh.

It seems the Jiang family is doomed at Jiang He's hands.

As soon as Jiang He caused trouble over there, someone immediately reported it to Jiang Shangyi.

Jiang Shangyi is the head of the Jiang family. The Jiang family has been merchants for generations and were not originally qualified to intermarry with the gentry. However, she married the youngest son of the Jiedushi of Hexi and had a son and a daughter. Therefore, she is not a simple merchant in the ordinary sense.

Given the Jiang family's social standing, it wouldn't have been difficult to marry Jiang He to the son of a fifth-rank official; it would have simply required a larger dowry. However, a few years ago, Jiang He took a fancy to the eldest son of the Xue family, who was the grand-nephew of the Grand Tutor. Although the Grand Tutor had no daughters, he was highly respected by His Majesty, and the Xue family also held a first-rank title.

In the capital, only the princess could be considered a match for Xue's status as the eldest son of the Xue family.

Jiang Shangyi had tried to persuade the Xue family to part with half of the Jiang family's wealth as a betrothal gift. If his daughter was ambitious, it might be possible to arrange the marriage. However, the eldest son of the Xue family was also a proud man who looked down on the Jiang family's social standing and said that he would never enter a merchant family in his life.

As soon as Jiang He returned to the Jiang family, the housekeeper summoned her to her mother's study. Upon entering, she knelt on the ground and performed a proper salute.

The mother and daughter had not seen each other for three years. Jiang Shangyi loved all the children born to her husband very much. It would be a lie to say that she did not miss Jiang He. However, as a woman, if she could not become an independent adult for a long time, she would not be able to protect her from the wind and rain for the rest of her life. Therefore, she could only cruelly abandon her in Wudu City and ignore her.

Besides, it was Jiang He herself who requested to go to Wudu City back then.

Compared to three years ago, Jiang He's appearance hasn't changed much, but she's noticeably taller and thinner. Her eyes, however, are much more determined, and she no longer shows any trace of the spoiled brat she had three years ago.

Jiang Shangyi nodded in satisfaction, then said sternly, "He'er, do you know why I summoned you so urgently?"

Upon entering the mansion, without even having time to change clothes, he immediately summoned the person over.

What else could it be for? Jiang He knew perfectly well.

“I ordered the guards to beat up Miss Feng, and I also ordered someone to take her to the Jingzhao Envoy’s office. If Mother is angry, He’er is willing to accept the punishment.” Jiang He did not talk back as before, but instead appeared amiable, which made Jiang Shangyi not know where to start.

However, although Jiang He said this, she only temporarily suppressed the unruly spirit in her eyes.

Jiang Shangyi sighed after a long while, then put his hand to his forehead and said, "Alright, alright. Now that you're back, let's settle your past grievances. After some time, I will officially hand over the Jiang family's business seal to you."

This means that the matter will not be pursued further.

Although Imperial Censor Feng was well-versed in literature, her daughter was not a kind-hearted person. She had clashed with Jiang He many times in the past, and it was even rumored that she was involved in a murder case. It is unknown whether it was ultimately let off lightly. This time, it can be regarded as a lesson to her. After all, the Jiang family now has His Majesty as their backer, and not someone who can be easily offended.

Jiang He nodded in agreement, and Jiang Shangyi felt a little relieved to see that she was indeed different from before.

Three years ago, Jiang He was only sixteen years old. Now she is almost twenty, which is the age to get married. Jiang Shangyi has been looking for suitable families over the years, but according to Jiang He's temperament, she has to take a look herself.

Jiang Shangyi recalled the matter that the eldest son had mentioned to her when she entered the palace a few days ago, and couldn't help but sigh in her heart. Finally, she gave Jiang He a word of advice.

Now that you're back, go and pay your respects to your father first, and then choose a day to visit your brother in the palace.

“Yes, Mother,” Jiang He said, pursing her lips, her long eyelashes concealing the slight emotion flickering in her eyes.

Jiang Wanyi, the eldest son of the Jiang family, was summoned to the palace two years ago to serve as a fifth-rank palace attendant. Half a year ago, he was promoted to a second-rank palace attendant and is deeply favored by His Majesty.

Jiang He still remembered that before she left, her brother had never mentioned any intention of entering the palace.

Jiang He went to see her father with her thoughts in mind. The head of the Jiang family was born into the Hexi Jiedushi family, a legitimate official family with a century-old heritage and rich foundation. Jiang's father was gentle and virtuous. If it weren't for the family's misfortune that year, which required a large sum of money, such a first-class official's son would probably not have been willing to enter a merchant family.

However, over the years, Mr. Jiang has never shown any slackness towards the merchants. He is kind and honest, and is respected and admired by the entire Jiang family.

After not seeing his daughter for three years, Jiang's father was so excited that he almost cried. He talked to Jiang He for a long time, but in the end, the topic still came back to her marriage.

“Since the news of your return to the capital spread, many matchmakers have come to our door. I have carefully selected a few good families whose sons are very suitable for you. You will be twenty in a few days, and it is time to put your marriage on the agenda.” Father Jiang earnestly advised. He knew all too well why Jiang He left for Wudu City three years ago, and he was afraid that Jiang He still had a knot in his heart.

These words were also a test, but Jiang He's expression was not amiss, and she replied, "If that's the case, then let's do as Father wishes. What Father thinks is good is naturally good."

Father Jiang patted Jiang He's hand and slowly smiled, "That's good then."

After Jiang He returned to the capital, she rested at home. However, the young lady from the Feng family was taken to the Jingzhao government office. Jiang He's guards were highly skilled in martial arts, and the Jingzhao government office had a very good relationship with the Jiang family. Feng Meiyu would be locked up for at least a few days, and even the Feng family could not rescue her so quickly.

Jiang He rubbed the web of her hand a few times; there was a noticeable scar on it. Even though she moved very gently, she couldn't help but feel a sharp pain.

This is a scar that will still hurt even after it heals, which almost caused her to lose a finger and become a cripple who can no longer use an abacus.

"Miss, should we go to the palace first or the Jingzhao government office?" Ji Xue spoke slowly, enunciating each word clearly. He was a child Jiang He had found in Wudu City. Although his intelligence was not as good as that of a normal person, his skills were excellent, so Jiang He took him in as her bodyguard.

Remembering Xue, he was still a young boy, looking rather chubby and innocent, but he was frank and honest and would never lie to Jiang He.

Jiang He sat in the carriage, patted his head, and said with a gentle smile, "Let's go to the palace first, and take a look at the Jingzhao Yamen on the way."

Jiang He imprisoned Imperial Censor Feng's beloved daughter in the Jingzhao government office. With nowhere to turn, she will surely file a lawsuit against the Jiang family in a panic, hoping that His Majesty will step in to resolve the matter.

Jiang He injured someone so badly just because of a few words of gossip on the street, which gave others leverage against her.

As the Jiang family's carriage traveled down the street, some people saw it and wanted to chat, but when they remembered that Jiang He had just sent them in, they all shut their mouths, and for a moment no one dared to provoke her.

Even after spending three years in Fog City, Jiang He was not one to be bullied by others.

The Jiang family is not what it used to be. If the eldest son of the Jiang family can conceive a twin and give birth to a daughter or a child, the Jiang family will become an unshakeable maternal relative. At that time, they will rise to a higher level and may be able to overshadow the other aristocratic families.

Jiang He has become arrogant now, and although he has made his point, no one can do anything about it.

When passing by the Jingzhao government office, Jiang He abandoned her desire to watch the excitement. She gave Ji Xue a few instructions and leaned back in the carriage, intending to close her eyes and rest for a while. However, Ji Xue had only been gone a short while when he hurriedly returned to report.

"Miss, I just came out and saw a handsome young man beating a drum to appeal for justice at the yamen gate. There are many people watching. Would you like to know what's going on? I, Xue, can use my lightness skill to fly over with you to see!" Xue clapped his hands and said happily.

"I only asked you to deliver a message to Lord Su, not for you to watch the show." Jiang He pulled back the carriage curtain and lightly flicked Ji Xue's forehead. She didn't have the heart to use force, but Ji Xue pretended to be in pain, covering his head and looking at Jiang He resentfully.

Jiang He stretched out her hand. "Let's go. I'm not interested in other people's business."

Even though Xue was very curious, he could only follow behind the carriage. However, driven by his curiosity, he craned his neck to look in the direction of the Jingzhao Yamen as he walked.

"I wonder what kind of injustice such a handsome young man could have suffered. Doesn't Miss have any curiosity at all?" Ji Xue said, somewhat annoyed.

Having not seen her brother for three years, Jiang He was now reunited with him, but the relationship between the emperor and his subject was different. As soon as Jiang He entered the palace, she saw Jiang Wanyi surrounded by palace servants. It was autumn, but he was wearing a fox fur coat. The palace was also heated by the floor heating. Jiang He was sweating on her back after only a short while, but Jiang Wanyi was still holding a hand warmer, which showed that he was afraid of the cold.

Although he was the eldest son of the Jiang family and grew up pampered, Jiang Wanyi's health was unusually weak. If it weren't for the Jiang family's wealth and the use of expensive medicines to care for him, he would probably have died young.

The palace is filled with countless treasures, and His Majesty cherishes Jiang Wanyi as his beloved. Although he is still sensitive to cold, his health has improved considerably.

After catching up, Jiang Wanyi looked at Jiang He with a hint of hesitation, then covered her mouth and coughed lightly, saying, "These next few days, you should stay at home and learn from your mother how to manage the business. Don't keep disappearing without a trace."

“Brother, I understand,” Jiang He replied obediently.

Seeing that her brother looked well, Jiang He was relieved. Although she didn't know why her brother, who had no desires, had made up his mind to enter the palace, at least the Jiang family was now standing tall, and she was no longer as unruly as before.

The eunuch leading the way was Jiang Wanyi's confidant. He seemed very anxious to get Jiang He out of the palace, and his anxiety was undisguised. Jiang He slipped him some silver, and since she was Jiang Wanyi's younger sister, she finally got an answer.

"I'm afraid it's too late for Doctor Xue. Duke Xue has committed another crime, and they've caught him red-handed. His Majesty has been very troubled these past few days, and no one in the palace dares to breathe too loudly. Even the Noble Lady has to be served with utmost care. After we send Miss out, I'll have to accompany the Noble Lady to greet His Majesty."

"His Majesty seems to intend to deal with the Xue family." Jiang He's tone was indifferent, as if she were inquiring about something very casual, and it seemed that she was just curious and had no intention of investigating.

The leading eunuch said with a forced smile, "The Emperor's heart is hard to fathom..."

Ji Xue skipped and hopped all the way back, looking very happy. He had never seen what the palace looked like before, but today he was fortunate enough to feast his eyes on it with the young lady, and the noble lady even smiled at him!

The reason why Xue Kaixin remembered was simple. Jiang He could feel it even through the carriage. She lifted the curtain and glanced around. The capital city hadn't changed much, but this road seemed unusually quiet. She could faintly hear the booming sound of the drum being struck in the outer hall of the Jingzhao government office.

To return to the Jiang family, they would inevitably have to pass by the Jingzhao Yamen (the government office in the capital). When Ji Xue saw the figure standing at the yamen gate, he immediately grinned and clapped his hands, pointing at the person and eagerly saying to Jiang He, "Miss! This is that handsome young man. He's still playing the drum. It looks so fun! Can Ji Xue play too?"

Ji Xue's tone was very innocent, like that of an eight or nine-year-old child, who did not understand the meaning of the hall drum at all.

Since ancient times, only the wronged have been allowed to strike the drum in the hall, which is the only way for ordinary people to seek justice.

From a distance, it appeared to be a man striking the drum in the hall. After Xue finished speaking, he paused and swayed slightly.

The carriage wasn't far from the yamen entrance, and Xue hadn't controlled his voice when he spoke, so it was normal for that person to hear him.

"The Xue family's crime of smuggling salt is confirmed. Remember Xue, and don't meddle in other people's business."

Jiang He seemed to have no interest in that person. Without any hesitation, she lowered the carriage curtain, closed her eyes, and ordered the driver in a deep voice, "Back to the Jiang family."

Jiang He appeared calm, but her slender fingers beneath her sleeves slowly clenched into a fist, her knuckles turning bluish-red.

Xue Lingyu, her former sweetheart, has now become the son of a disgraced official.

A note from the author:

This story is supposed to be about a strong female lead and a weak male lead, with the male lead being somewhat delicate and always being bullied by the female lead. There is no situation where the male lead completely overpowers or surpasses the female lead.

The world is matriarchal, and there are many personal interpretations. If you don't like it, please click the "exit" button.

I have a certain number of drafts saved up, this is the first time I've saved up drafts, and I've put them in the backend.

◎Latest Comments:

[Waaaaah, such a beautiful cover, I want to hug and kiss you!!!]

[I'm tired, let's wait until it's finished.]

Is the female lead in this story very subservient? I was originally planning to wait until it was finished before reading, but as a fan of female leads, I can't accept her being too humble...

[Eyes sparkling. I'll water you more, and please grow strong, little sapling.]

Maybe we should just have a bad ending?

I just want to know why chapter 79 is a repeat. I paid for a repeat chapter.

[Nutritional Solution (1/1) Achievement Completed. There is a certain chance of it dropping as an update. Please keep up the good work!]

【

Hi, someone from Dandong called me today saying that they sent strawberries by air but mistakenly sent them by land, and then resent an air shipment. I'm not sure if it's the same one you sent, I just wanted to let you know.

[Ahhh, thank you so much! I've never been so lucky! Ahhhhhh!]

[This synopsis... isn't it just a typical romance novel where the male lead is changed to a woman and the female lead to a man...?]

Did you update today? Yes. Did you water it with nutrient solution? Yes.

Did they ever meet again?

[I love the male lead, keep it up, author!]

I'd like to ask if the two of them have met again, or if they've run into each other.

-over-