Chapter 78: Han Xiyin’s Discontent and the New Owner of the Teahouse

Xu Nian was utterly perplexed. She had no idea where Shen Yan’s hostility toward her stemmed from. While she never expected everyone to be fond of her, she also saw no reason to tolerate baseless malice.

“Ladies, you are overthinking this. Not only is this merely a trivial quarrel among young women, but even if Assistant Magistrate Shen were to make a mistake in the future, the laws of the Sheng Dynasty would govern him. How could there be any talk of making things difficult?

However, Miss Han, let me give you a piece of advice. You can either move to another private room now or leave with your entourage. If you continue making a scene here and someone witnesses it, you might lose your dignity as a high-ranking official’s daughter. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

As she turned to leave, Xu Nian glanced at Shen Yan once more and smiled faintly. “I may not know what Miss Shen is after, but using such underhanded tactics—be careful, or one day you might suffer the consequences yourself.”

Shen Yan, who had been dabbing at her tears with a handkerchief, suddenly paused. She lowered her head, hiding the dark look in her eyes.

Han Xiyin, though unwilling to accept defeat, knew that continuing this argument was pointless. Not to mention the armed guards stationed at the door, if word of this reached her cousin’s ears, she would undoubtedly be punished.

“Hmph. We’re leaving.” Losing interest, Han Xiyin stormed out of the teahouse with her group in tow.

“Xiyin, are you just going to let this go?”

The one who spoke was the green-clad girl who had previously confronted Xu Nian. Though her father was merely a wealthy merchant in Wansheng County, her uncle held the position of Deputy Prefect, making her one of Han Xiyin’s closest companions among the girls.

“Of course not. Isn’t my mother hosting a flower-viewing banquet in a few days? I’d like to see if she can still be as arrogant when she loses face in front of all the noble ladies.”

“Miss Han, today was my fault. If only I had ignored Miss Xu when I saw her…”

Han Xiyin found Shen Yan’s timid demeanor utterly annoying. However, remembering her impressive craftsmanship, she softened her tone. “This matter has nothing to do with you. Just make sure to prepare what I asked for. This banquet is being held specifically for my cousin. I won’t tolerate any mistakes.”

Shen Yan’s lips curled into a soft smile as she replied gently, “Miss Han, rest assured.” This was her only chance to get close to that person, and she would make sure not to waste it.

Back in the private room, Xu Nian paid no further attention to the commotion outside. Just then, the sounds of a lively performance drifted up from downstairs.

“Nian Nian, some people simply aren’t worth your sympathy.”

Xu Nian chuckled without responding. Was she truly being soft-hearted? No—she was merely afraid that one day, she would let power and influence dictate her judgment, that she would condemn others based solely on her personal likes and dislikes.

“Nonsense. I’m just worried that if I go too hard on them, they’ll run home crying and complain to their parents. That would ruin my reputation.”

Luo Jin’an looked at the stubborn yet soft-hearted young girl before him and affectionately tapped the tip of her nose.

“It’s fine. From now on, I’ve got your back.”

“Smack!” Xu Nian slapped away the mischievous hand and feigned annoyance. “Watch the show properly. Stop touching me.”

Luo Jin’an felt wronged—he had only moved his fingertip. Still, he obediently sat upright and turned his attention to the stage below.

At that moment, the shopkeeper stepped onto the stage, bowed to the audience, and cheerfully announced, “Today is a joyous occasion for Jingxin Pavilion! All tea and refreshments are free for our esteemed guests. We hope you will continue to support us in the future!”

Curious, Xu Nian leaned forward to get a better look below. The whole scene suddenly gave her the feeling of ‘Tonight’s tab is on Young Master Zhao!’ She couldn’t help but chuckle.

Luo Jin’an watched as Xu Nian eagerly leaned forward to enjoy the commotion, his hands subtly supporting her from behind to prevent any accidents.

An old patron in the crowd laughed heartily and asked, “Shopkeeper, what’s the happy occasion today? Share it with us so we can all bask in the joy, eh?”

“That’s right!”

The shopkeeper grinned so widely his eyes nearly disappeared.

“Today, our new owner has officially taken over Jingxin Pavilion. As a token of appreciation, all tea is free today, so everyone can join in the celebration!

“Moreover, knowing how much our guests love the Four Joy Troupe, the new owner spared no expense in purchasing the entire troupe! From now on, you can enjoy Spring Madame’s performances here every single day! Hahaha!”

“Oh my, this new owner is truly generous! Just for that, I’ll be bringing my old friends here every day from now on! Hahaha!”

“You mean you’re here for Spring Madame, aren’t you? Hahaha!”

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

As soon as the legendary Spring Madame stepped onto the stage, all the playful banter and teasing ceased. Every pair of eyes was locked onto her, eagerly awaiting her performance.

Xu Nian didn’t know much about opera, but the performer’s poise, stage presence, and voice captivated her, making it impossible for her to look away.

“Nian Nian, do you like watching opera?” Luo Jin’an asked.

Resting her chin on her hands, Xu Nian murmured, “I don’t fully understand it, but I think Spring Madame is incredible. If there were a way to record her voice and movements, I believe future generations would call her a master of opera.”

Luo Jin’an chuckled indulgently. “You might be the first person to praise an opera performer so highly.”

Xu Nian straightened up and pointed at the audience below, speaking seriously, “Not just me. Them too. Even if they don’t admit it out loud, even if deep down they still look down on opera singers, their eyes and ears don’t lie. At least for this one performance, Spring Madame has conquered them with her talent.”

Luo Jin’an gazed at Xu Nian’s earnest eyes, as if a fire burned within them, softening his heart even more. He pulled back her pointing finger and smiled.

“Alright. She has real talent and has won over the audience.” He paused for a moment, then lowered his voice and added, “Just like you—you’ve won me over.”

Xu Nian quickly withdrew her hand and scolded with a mix of sternness and embarrassment, “Watch your words! Don’t corrupt the children!”

Meanwhile, the so-called ‘child,’ Xu Ling, was busy clapping excitedly by the window, completely uninterested in their conversation.

Luo Jin’an, unfazed by Xu Nian’s flustered reaction, called over a guard and pushed a wooden box toward her.

“Since Nian Nian likes this place and likes Spring Madame, why not become the new owner of Jingxin Pavilion?”

Xu Nian was stunned. She looked at the box, then at Luo Jin’an’s smugly amused expression. She hesitantly opened the box and flipped through its contents.

Inside were the property deed for Jingxin Pavilion, the indenture contracts for the Four Joy Troupe, employment agreements for the shopkeeper and staff, and even the financial records detailing the teahouse’s operations.

She swallowed hard and cautiously asked, “This teahouse… it isn’t yours, is it?”

Luo Jin’an sighed helplessly. “Do you think I’d waste my energy managing a little teahouse?”

Xu Nian internally scoffed—what a rich and lofty god of wealth. A teahouse this fine wasn’t even worth his attention.

“How much silver did you spend on this teahouse? I’ll pay you back someday.”

Luo Jin’an smiled like a honey-stealing monkey.

“If you really feel guilty about it, then how about accompanying me for a few strolls while I’m here?”

“Wouldn’t that be taking advantage of you?”

“My advantage… Nian Nian can take it however she likes.”

“Uh…”

Xu Nian looked at Luo Jin’an’s serious expression and couldn’t help but suspect she was overthinking things. Why did it feel like she had just been flirted with again?