Reborn into a papermaking dynasty, He Xianjin offered services, promoted ripple effects, and sold concepts—leading her team to grow bigger and stronger. In her second year as the de facto decision-maker of the Chen family, a position earned through sheer capability.

The nanny who helped her dress said, “Master, rouge on the cheekbone severs fated ties.”

He Xianjin, expressionless: “Paint it sharper.”

…

One of the strange tales of the eighteenth year of Zhaode: The imperial merchant Chen family, monopolizing the court’s banknote printing business, was headed by a young girl of a different surname, brought in by a concubine.