The third woman noticed the shock on Yang Haiyan’s face.

However, she assumed that Yang Haiyan was surprised by her identity as someone who came out of the palace.

She had a slight sense of superiority and continued, “I have nowhere to go, so I naturally returned to Qingshui Village. At my age, I’m not thinking of getting married; I just want to enjoy my old age in peace at home. But my uncle and aunt want to matchmake for me.”

She found it laughable; what man would want to marry a 40-year-old woman?

If they genuinely cared for her, suggesting a good match would be fine, but the ones they proposed were hardly suitable.

“I only wish for a quiet place to avoid their interference. I want to serve the master until I die. If the madam is willing, I will be loyal to you. Don’t worry, the women I served in the palace were all imperial concubines of the late emperor. After his death, the emperor vacated a Buddhist hall in the palace for those concubines to live out their old age. Therefore, I did not cause any trouble while in the palace.”

Yang Haiyan wanted to laugh at the notion of “no trouble.”

In reality, it was quite the opposite.

She usually skimmed through novels rather than paying close attention to every detail, and since she had read so many, she wouldn’t remember every plotline.

But as she encountered this scenario, it all came back to her.

The woman before her had indeed come from the palace, but her identity was not that simple.

In the novel, she was favored by Yang Dahua and became her wet nurse.

After Han Zhen was promoted to a captain, Yang Dahua naturally came to buy people, and this wet nurse appeared as one of the author’s arranged “benefactors” for the female protagonist.

After following Yang Dahua, this wet nurse helped her a lot.

Initially, she maintained a polite distance, teaching Yang Dahua basic etiquette and rules.

However, later on, she was moved by Yang Dahua’s diligence and determination and began to assist her more actively.

As a maid from a humble background, Yang Dahua had not learned proper etiquette well, but once the wet nurse began to teach her, it transformed Yang Dahua’s demeanor.

Thus, the novel often depicted scenes where, despite her humble origins and average looks, Yang Dahua possessed an extraordinary grace, which won over the male lead, Han Zhen.

This graceful demeanor allowed her to silence the esteemed ladies of the upper class.

Additionally, the wet nurse had another identity.

After following Yang Dahua, she also brought along a young grandson, claiming he was adopted and would support her in her old age.

In reality, this grandson was a prince, the illegitimate child of the emperor and a palace consort.

After the emperor’s death, this prince, with the backing of Han Zhen and the Yonghe Marquis family, ascended the throne.

Yang Dahua, having raised him, enjoyed immense favor.

The novel concluded around this point.

Yang Haiyan recalled this plot and felt at a loss for words.

Now that Han Zhen hadn’t been promoted to captain, Yang Dahua wouldn’t come to buy people, so what would happen to this wet nurse and the future emperor?

However, no matter what, Yang Haiyan didn’t want to cut in on Yang Dahua’s opportunities.

Therefore, she wasn’t interested in interfering with the wet nurse and the prince’s affairs.

Whether their fate with Yang Dahua would continue was beyond her concern.

Additionally, she didn’t want Qin Fang involved in the struggle for the throne; Han Zhen was the male protagonist, so nothing would happen to him.

While the male lead radiated glory, Qin Fang did not.

Although there’s a saying that one must risk much to gain much, for a modern person living in a world of equality, the ancient notions of status and wealth were not what she needed.

To put it bluntly, the richer one was, the more humble their life became, as they had to bow to anyone of higher status.

Why bother?

Wouldn’t it be better to live a simple life with Qin Fang?

She felt that their life here was good enough—Qin Fang could be his captain, while she managed her modest shop. Peaceful and tranquil.

Steadying her thoughts, Yang Haiyan said, “I’ll buy you after all.”

She pointed to the second woman, the one from the family of the second-rank official, named Xiao Lian. “From now on, I’ll call you Wet Nurse Lian.”

Upon hearing this, Wet Nurse Lian quickly expressed her gratitude, “Thank you, madam, thank you!”

Yang Haiyan said, “Matron, let’s go with Wet Nurse Lian and Yu Zhaodi. However, before I buy them, I’d like the county doctor to check their health to ensure they don’t have any diseases. If they’re healthy, that’s great; I’ll cover the consultation fee. But if there are any illnesses, I can’t take them, and the consultation fee will naturally be your responsibility.”

The matron didn’t oppose this; she had grown accustomed to such requests, as Yang Haiyan wasn’t the only one to make them. “Alright, I’ll go invite the doctor immediately.”

The doctor arrived promptly to examine Wet Nurse Lian and Yu Zhaodi.

The results showed they had no illnesses, though they were a bit frail, which Yang Haiyan didn’t mind.

After all, was she really going to expect the teahouse to have their servants in perfect health?

After Yang Haiyan completed the paperwork, she and Qin Fang set off with Wet Nurse Lian and Yu Zhaodi.

The wet nurse from the palace watched as Yang Haiyan took Wet Nurse Lian and Yu Zhaodi away, feeling somewhat disappointed.

She could tell that this madam was no ordinary person; she had seen all sorts of nobility in the palace, including the emperor himself and many consorts.

Although this madam’s looks weren’t the most striking among beauties, her overall demeanor was exceptional.

What the wet nurse didn’t realize was that the confidence stemming from the soul of a modern person and the air of authority cultivated from the hierarchical norms of ancient society were entirely different.

The wet nurse sighed as she watched them leave.

The matron approached and patted her shoulder, saying, “You’ll eventually find the right master. Just take your time. Besides, you’re living with me now, so your relatives won’t dare to bother you.”

The wet nurse nodded, “Yes, I’m sorry to trouble you.”

The matron replied, “What trouble? We have a good relationship; why would we need to mention such things?”

The matron believed the wet nurse’s words, but she overlooked one thing: a wet nurse who had lived in the palace for decades wouldn’t truly be outmatched by rural relatives.

How could that be possible?

Yang Haiyan asked Wet Nurse Lian and Yu Zhaodi to wait by the donkey cart while she and Qin Fang went shopping again. “Husband, let’s buy you a horse,” she suggested.

“No need,” Qin Fang replied.

“Yes, we should. Now that you’re a captain, you’re technically a seventh-rank official. Walking to the military camp every day isn’t practical. Our family is financially comfortable, so we should make these necessary purchases. There’s no reason to hide money and make ourselves suffer. Even if the money had dubious origins, ours is earned honestly,” Yang Haiyan insisted.

If it were money he earned himself, Qin Fang would naturally spend it, but this was his wife’s money, which made him feel a bit awkward.

Yang Haiyan understood his feelings and added, “From now on, all your salary will come to me, and the money for the horse will be treated as an advance on your salary. Besides, we’re married; what’s yours is mine, right?”

Qin Fang quickly responded, “Of course it is.”

Yang Haiyan smiled knowingly and then retorted, “Since what’s yours is mine, does that mean what’s mine is also yours?”

Qin Fang felt there was something deeper in her words but thought he might be overthinking it.

However, since his wife had said it, he decided not to refuse: “I’ll listen to you.”

Horses were quite expensive; even a regular one cost at least sixty taels of silver, while better ones could go up to several thousand or even tens of thousands.

However, a normal horse suitable for Qin Fang’s status was enough.

After purchasing the horse and the necessary saddle and gear, they spent a total of seventy taels.

Yang Haiyan sold a tael of gold to exchange for platform currency, and with her previous balance, she had a total of thirty-six thousand platform currency.

Then she bought one hundred taels of silver, paying the seventy taels, leaving them with thirty taels remaining.

Next, the couple bought several military strategy books and some clothes before heading home.

On the way back, Qin Fang said, “I’ll ride the horse back.”

First, the two wet nurses needed to take the donkey cart home.

Despite the age difference, it still didn’t feel right for him, as a man, to sit inside.

Secondly, he felt elated about the new horse and wanted to ride.

Hearing this, Yang Haiyan’s eyes brightened. “Then can you take me with you?”

Qin Fang paused, but he nodded enthusiastically, “Sure, let me help you up.”

Yang Haiyan could ride a horse; although she had been a homebody in modern times, she wasn’t introverted and occasionally engaged in activities.

After becoming a content creator and earning a substantial income each year, she often hung out with other bloggers at clubs, playing golf, and horseback riding.

However, she hadn’t mentioned her riding skills to Qin Fang, as the original character didn’t know how to ride either.

So, she pretended to be a bit nervous and clutched Qin Fang’s hand tightly. “Husband, I’m a bit scared. If I fall, you have to catch me!”

Seeing her vulnerable demeanor, Qin Fang’s protective instincts surged.

Men couldn’t resist such sights, especially when it was their beloved woman; it greatly satisfied his hero complex.

He assured her, “Don’t worry, I’ll catch you.”

Yang Haiyan immediately smiled, her heart filled with trust. “I believe in you, husband.”

Beside them, Wet Nurse Lian and Yu Zhaodi watched.

Yu Zhaodi appeared dull and honest, while Wet Nurse Lian seemed surprised.

She hadn’t expected this seemingly refined and dignified madam to have such a playful side.

Men often preferred the tender charm of a woman, despite claiming they admired virtuous and magnanimous wives.

This madam had managed to embody both traits.

Thus, women could often perceive each other’s true nature more clearly.

However, Wet Nurse Lian chose to ignore what she had seen, thinking that if the madam was well, then they, the servants, would also be well.

With Qin Fang’s “help,” Yang Haiyan mounted the horse and excitedly exclaimed, “Husband, I’m on! I’m so amazing!”

Qin Fang chuckled helplessly and comforted her, “Yes, yes, you’re the best.”

Saying this, he mounted the horse and instructed, “You should lean into my arms and cover your face to avoid the wind hurting you.”

With one hand holding the reins and the other around her waist, he called out, “Giddy up…”

The sudden command startled the horse, which immediately took off running.

Yang Haiyan was caught off guard and fell back into his embrace, unable to help but exclaim, “You’re so naughty…”

Qin Fang burst into laughter.

Seeing their master leave, Wet Nurse Lian and Yu Zhaodi climbed into the donkey cart, with Uncle Hong driving behind them.

In the cart, Wet Nurse Lian sat slightly closer to the front and struck up a conversation with Uncle Hong. “Brother, from now on we’ll be on the same side, so please take care of us.”