Qin Fang usually dressed casually; aside from the close-fitting clothes made of fine cotton by Yang Haiyan, his outer garments were mostly made of coarse cloth.

He trained and practiced martial arts in the military camp, where good fabric couldn’t withstand wear, and if it tore, it would be a waste of money.

Coarse cloth was cheaper, and due to its roughness, it was more durable.

However, today he was dressed more formally; the black embroidered robe made him look even more handsome.

Compared to his usual sternness, he exuded more presence today.

Yang Haiyan personally placed a black jade hairpin on his head: “This looks just right.”

He had a commanding presence, unlike an ordinary military officer.

Over the past two months, he had gone from knowing how to read to understanding the history of the Qi Kingdom and familiarizing himself with the law, and then spending a month reading military books.

He had indeed changed a lot.

To put it bluntly, he had undergone a cleansing and sublimation.

In a more refined manner, one could say that knowledge is a treasure; it expanded his horizons, changing his perspectives and views.

In addition, influenced by Yang Haiyan’s values and views on life, when he steps out now, who can still say he’s a poor kid from the countryside?

Compared to the young masters from wealthy families, as long as he doesn’t speak, his stern expression can be quite intimidating.

Qin Fang has always been rough on himself; even when celebrating at the general’s residence, he doesn’t care much about his appearance.

In his opinion, a man should earn money to support a woman and children—what do those frills matter to him?

However, today, as he steps out with his wife, he is particularly concerned about his image, fearing being overshadowed or that others might say he doesn’t deserve her.

Nervously, he asks, “Is this okay?”

Yang Haiyan responds, “Seeing you makes my heart race, I’m afraid some young lady will take a liking to you. What do you think?”

Hearing this, Qin Fang can’t help but laugh: “I don’t want anyone else; I only want you.”

When she was wealthy and he was poor, she never looked down on him.

So, for the rest of his life, he wouldn’t let her go.

Qin Fang adds, “You look good too.”

Isn’t she beautiful?

After the winter disaster, she has taken good care of herself, looking fair and delicate.

Not only her, but look at the servants around her; who isn’t well cared for?

Even the two sons of the Lu family, drinking goat’s milk daily, have grown strong.

Her outfit today is no different from usual—a milky white jacket, a bright red skirt, and a black cape on top.

This kind of attire keeps her warm.

Her earlobes, full and adorned with a pair of pearls, match the pearls in the golden hairpin in her bun.

On her delicate wrist, she wears a jade bracelet, complemented by exquisite makeup, making her face flawless.

Not only is Qin Fang captivated, but even Granny Lian, who has seen many beauties, was momentarily stunned.

However, Granny Lian was not surprised by Yang Haiyan’s looks; the Yuan family had been officials of the second rank, and it was common for the children of noble families to be beautiful.

What amazed Granny Lian was Yang Haiyan’s makeup; even she praised how well it was done.

“Let’s go,” Qin Fang said, taking her hand.

Today, Qin Fang brought along a Kunshi (a type of horse), while they rode, Yang Haiyan took a donkey cart with Granny Lian, driven by Uncle Hong.

The piercing north wind carried sand, rustling through the air.

Yang Haiyan and Granny Lian, sitting in the donkey cart, could hear the sound; it would startle anyone if it were late at night.

Yang Haiyan held a hand warmer and was wrapped in a blanket, making herself curl up.

They didn’t know how long it had been when the cart stopped.

Yang Haiyan asked, “Are we at the county town?”

Riding ahead, Qin Fang didn’t hear her.

Granny Lian peeked out of the cart: “We’ve reached the county gate; just verify our identities to get in.”

Hearing this, Yang Haiyan felt a twinge of nervousness.

If it were just the circle of people like Aunt Lu and Yang Dahua, she would navigate it with ease.

But outside, the class divisions were stark; she had to bow to everyone she met, and a hint of disrespect could lead to trouble.

While reading novels, she saw how Yang Dahua became the general’s wife, living in splendor for life.

But the path to that status was not easy, and it wasn’t something she could fully grasp just by reading.

Only by entering this world and experiencing everything could she understand the difficulties involved.

The donkey cart started moving again after identity checks.

After a while, they reached the general’s residence.

Qin Fang dismounted and walked to the donkey cart: “Yanyan, we’ve arrived.”

Yang Haiyan stepped out of the cart, supported by Qin Fang.

After she got down, Granny Lian hurriedly followed, maintaining a respectful distance behind Yang Haiyan.

“Lord Qin has arrived.” The steward at the entrance, who was familiar with Qin Fang, had known him for four years.

When Qin Fang first came to the military camp, General Ao was a captain, and this steward was his personal guard.

Although the steward had no official rank, Qin Fang was General Ao’s subordinate and was someone the general had supported.

Therefore, Qin Fang naturally treated him with respect: “Captain Wu.” His address reflected their past.

Upon hearing this, Steward Wu’s smile became even more friendly: “Lord Qin, the general instructed me to take you over once you arrived.”

Qin Fang: “Thank you. Then I shall trouble you?”

Steward Wu: “Lady Qin is here… Mama Tian, the maid from Lord Qin’s household, has arrived; please attend to her.”

He then said to Yang Haiyan, “Rest assured, Mama Tian is the steward next to our esteemed lady.”

Mama Tian was specially assigned to wait for Yang Haiyan.

Upon her arrival, she hurriedly greeted her with warmth and respect: “Greetings, Lady Qin. Please follow me; our esteemed lady has prepared a warm room to receive honored guests.”

Yang Haiyan declined, acknowledging her half-bow: “Thank you, Mama Tian. I’m sorry to have kept you waiting in this cold winter.”

As she spoke, she handed over the hand warmer, “Here, Mama Tian, warm your hands.”

Mama Tian received it gratefully, saying, “Thank you, Lady Qin.”

Granny Lian hurriedly gave her own hand warmer to Yang Haiyan: “Lady, be careful not to catch a chill.”

Mama Tian observed Yang Haiyan and Granny Lian, a bit surprised at first, but then she understood.

People who come from the Yang Academy, even if they are just servants, have very good manners and etiquette.

Moreover, so what if they come from humble backgrounds?

Now, she is the wife of a seventh-rank military officer, and that glory is just beginning.

One must remember that Qin Qianzhang is only twenty years old; with a bit of promotion, it’s only a matter of years.

Even if it takes a decade, a thirty-year-old fifth-rank general is quite a catch.

By then, this lady would only be in her twenties.

So her future wealth and honor are still ahead of her.

Mama Tian led the way, quickly arriving at the warm room where General Ao’s wife, Madam Ao Jiang, received guests.

Two servants, wearing thick jackets, stood at the door and quickly lifted the cotton door curtain to block the wind when they saw them coming.

After they entered, they lowered the curtain again.

The warm room was reasonably warm, with hot air wafting from the fireplace, and since it was so cold outside, they felt warm the moment they stepped inside.

Mama Tian invited Yang Haiyan to sit down: “Lady Qin, please take a seat. I’ll go inform the lady.”

Yang Haiyan nodded.

Mama Tian withdrew and called for a maid to bring tea.

Yang Haiyan felt even more nervous than before.

Despite appearing calm on the surface—having seen many scenes on television—experiencing it firsthand was different.

Though she possessed the memories of the original owner, and had seen grand occasions in those memories, memory and real-life experience were not the same.

When the maid brought the tea, Yang Haiyan picked up the cup and took a light sip—just a sip to moisten her dry throat.

Then she set it down, thinking it would be inconvenient to drink too much while out, as it would make using the toilet difficult.

However, she didn’t have to wait long before the warm room door opened, and a woman in her thirties stepped out, smiling broadly.

She had a bright and dignified appearance, and especially when she spoke, her voice was loud.

But before she spoke, she smiled, making one feel quite comfortable.

Madam Ao Jiang emerged from within, looking apologetic: “Lady Qin, I’m truly sorry; I was attending to guests earlier. Did you wait long?”

Yang Haiyan stood up and bowed slightly: “I’ve met the lady; it’s no trouble. This place is very warm, just perfect for warming up.”

Madam Ao Jiang laughed: “I’m not fond of the ways of scholars. Qin Fang is quite friendly with my husband, and I’m older than you by a good bit, so how about you call me ‘Auntie,’ and I’ll call you ‘Haiyan’? You’re sixteen this year, and I’m in my thirties, so it’s only fair that you benefit a bit from that.”

Yang Haiyan remembered that in the storyline of the novel, when a certain prince ascended the throne, those who raised him—Han Zhen and Yang Dahua—naturally had lasting fortunes.

The Marquis of Yonghe was also promoted to Duke of Yonghe.

After all, the Duke had command over fifty thousand troops and had ties with Han Zhen, so they naturally aligned themselves.

How could General Ao be excluded?

Yang Haiyan regained her focus and replied to Madam Ao Jiang: “Then I’ll heed Auntie’s words. I was sold when I was young and have no memories of my family. My maternal family has no relatives left, so with you as my aunt, if the public servant bullies me, you must help me.”

Madam Ao Jiang appreciated her straightforwardness; she found those who were timid and spoke in riddles annoying. “Of course, if Qin Fang dares to bully you, just tell my husband to punish him. By the way, the distinguished guest I was attending to is still inside. She’s worried you would be waiting too long, which is why she asked me to come out and receive you. Would you like to go meet her?”

Yang Haiyan showed a hint of hesitation: “Will I be interrupting the distinguished guest?”

Madam Ao Jiang: “Not at all. Come on; you’ll eventually get to know her anyway.”

She said this while leading Yang Haiyan into the room.

Once they entered, the maid closed the door behind them.

If any guests came into the warm room, they would not know that there was another room inside.

The guest was sitting on a sofa with her back to them.

Upon hearing the noise, she turned around, and her bright appearance dazzled the eyes.

Until that moment, Yang Haiyan hadn’t understood what nobility was, but looking at this lady, she seemed to grasp it.

Nobility radiated from within, cultivated over time.

This kind of elegance was something someone like her, living in peaceful times, could not attain; it required the influence of time and environment.

Madam Ao Jiang said, “Haiyan, this is the wife of the Marquis of Yonghe’s son.”

The Marquis of Yonghe held a first-rank marquis title, while the Marquis’s son held a second-rank title.

Yang Haiyan hurriedly bowed: “I am Yang Haiyan, wife of Qin Fang, a Captain of General Ao’s army. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Marquis.”

The Young Master’s wife did not immediately tell Yang Haiyan to rise; instead, she sized her up, observing her from head to toe.

This appraisal was not uncomfortable because the Young Master’s wife’s gaze was filled with curiosity rather than scrutiny.

But it was only for a moment before she said, “Lady Qin, no need for such formalities. Speaking of which, we have a connection. I’ve wanted to meet you for a long time, but there’s never been an opportunity until today.”

The words of the Young Master’s wife were not insincere; the soap formula she purchased from Yang Haiyan had brought her considerable profits.

However, even with the profit, Yang Haiyan’s status as a thousand-man commander’s wife had not been enough for her to regard the meeting with great importance.

She was here not because of today’s banquet but because the heir had come, and he was privately meeting with Qin Fang.

The heir wanted to cultivate Qin Fang as his confidant, so she naturally needed to win over Yang Haiyan.

Before doing so, she had inquired about Lady Qin and learned that she was composed, knew the rules, and understood her place, which made the Duke’s wife even more pleased.

Madam Ao Jiang did not ask about the details but said, “That truly is a connection.”

Yang Haiyan naturally understood the Young Master’s wife’s meaning, but she couldn’t directly say she knew what she meant.

She could only feign a puzzled expression: “Young Lady, please forgive me; your words leave me quite perplexed. If I had seen you before, I surely would not have forgotten. However, I truly cannot recall where I might have met you.”

The Young Master’s wife laughed: “Indeed, we haven’t met before. However, I suppose it is a connection; what the Buddha speaks should not be revealed.”

Madam Ao Jiang commented, “You’re still playing riddles.”

Yang Haiyan smiled along.

The Young Master’s wife continued, “Please, sit down. I’ve heard that Haiyan has opened a snack shop in town?”

At the mention of this, Yang Haiyan stood up, first bowing to Madam Ao Jiang: “I came today bringing some snacks…”

Then she looked at the Young Master’s wife, “Since you inquired, I’ll take the opportunity to offer my respects.”

Mrs. Ao Jiang: “What’s the big deal? The other day, Old Ao came to your house for a drink and brought a little red bag. I’ve tasted the snacks inside, and they were delicious. After your pastry shop opened, I even sent my servant to buy them several times.”