Chapter 157: No One Cares?

"I didn't expect it, really didn't expect it—now that I'm old, I can be young again."

"What does 'young again' mean? From now on, every day will be like this, youthful."

"Yes, yes, every day will be like this."

Wang Jiaru stood before her, "Grandmother, if you attend my grand wedding like this, won't the several grandmother‑level old ladies of the Wang family die of anger?"

"Hmph, I have to make them angry. Back when I entered the Wang family, they gave me plenty of grief."

Old Mr. Wang cleared his throat, "Alright, let's not bring up the past."

"Why shouldn't we mention it? Even now they still try to control us. Why must my grandchild's wedding be held at the Wang family?"

"Isn't it just to give our granddaughter face? That day the granddaughter and grandson‑in‑law who knelt in reverence were not them, but Zongsheng and his wife."

"If they dared cause trouble that day, don't blame me for turning against them. They got all the benefits, while we spent both money and effort and ended up with nothing."

For an ordinary person like her walking by the roadside, the soldiers didn't bother to stop for inspection; they gave a casual glance and moved on elsewhere.

Old Mr. Wang, realizing he was in the wrong, didn't argue with her and hurried over to lie down.

Qiao Mai squeezed her hand, "Don't worry, I'm here."

Upon hearing this, the old lady's face grew somewhat gloomy.

"Yes, yes, also give me that facial mask of yours?"

"Sure, would you like this skincare product?"

"Would you give me that bottle as a gift?"

The next day, the old lady and Old Mr. Wang went to the Main Family; Qiao Mai behaved obediently, letting the children play at home—except they couldn't go out the main gate, all other places were allowed.

This clinic is also called Mingren, and its owner must be very powerful, likely having branches everywhere.

She looks healthy, not like a patient; her clothes aren't shabby either—she's not here for treatment.

"She likes Ru'er's husband, but he doesn't favor her, swearing never to marry her. Even the emperor's attempt to grant a marriage fails, because Shun Prince is the emperor's brother, and the emperor can't interfere with this family matter."

"The wrinkles at the corner of the eyes seem to have become much shallower."

The old lady gently pressed her face with her hand, "This facial mask and skincare cream are really good; my face feels smooth, delicate, and tender."

Qiao Mai smiled, grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds from her cross‑body bag, and while walking, cracked them with a pestle.

"Oh, when Dad thinks of becoming an official in Jingcheng, I'll ask the Prince to speak favorably to the emperor then."

Madam Wang knew that if she kept silent, it would certainly never fall into her hands.

"Hmph, that's not even the biggest worry."

"That's not like sending five carts of good stuff."

"The Fu Family in Jingcheng was robbed."

"Come, Wang Jiaru's Servant Girl, handle it for me; tomorrow we'll go back to the Wang family and give them a piece of our mind."

Qiao Mai hurriedly said, "Old lady, we shouldn't get angry; anger not only makes one look older, it also affects lifespan."

"Ha ha!"

Only then did she smile contentedly, and Wang Jiaru attended to the old lady.

The street at that moment was empty, as if after invaders entered a village, everything lay in ruins.

The old lady was inexplicably drawn by her words, "I only ask that Jiaru smoothly and properly marry into the Wang mansion, and that's enough."

With so few people, wandering around is pointless.

Qiao Mai faintly curled her lip, "Their house being robbed has nothing to do with us."

"Servant Girl, your hair‑washing thing smells really good."

"Mm mm."

"Grandmother, we won't get angry; once the granddaughter secures her footing in the Wang mansion, we'll rely on Longji to intercede, moving Dad's official rank upward a bit."

"Mm, although the Wang family is decent, they're still a step behind them. It's not that we're afraid you'll cause trouble; it's that they're afraid they'll cause trouble for you. You don't know that the Fu Family's young lady is shrewd, unreasonable, and especially greedy—she covets good things regardless of whose they are, and will find any way to get them."

Since it's so close, that Fu Family miss won't marry Little Prince, and Jiaru's marriage affair won't be obstructed midway, right?

"Ah, spit! That was arranged with our family's money, and you're the fool!"

Arriving at a clinic, it was especially deserted today; even the attending Daifu was leisurely sipping tea.

They hadn't had lunch here; when leaving, Qiao Mai gave some of the snacks she prepared for the children to Zihan.

She retrieved a backpack from a pocket dimension, placing inside some Dendrobium, a few pieces of Ginseng, several Lingzhi mushrooms, and a packet of Sanqi, all fresh and unprocessed.

Madam Wang hurriedly said, "Don't act recklessly; your father said he likes the Prefect of Weicheng, where no one governs, it's very free, and besides, our workshops are all over there."

"What about your natal family?"

The two elders seemed as if they'd taken a calming pill; they both involuntarily believed Qiao Mai in their hearts.

"What's the matter?"

"We aren't afraid of him, but it's better to have fewer troubles; we are righteous, they are evil. Though evil can't overcome righteousness, their underhanded tricks are hard for us to deal with."

Everyone inside laughed; Wang Jiaru was also extremely envious, feeling that the skirt Qiao Mai gave her was no longer appealing.

"It's not easy for you either; look after your own child. You're weak now, but once the family rises and the child becomes an official, you can speak of having your own power."

"Why haven't you married?"

When Zihan left, she cried again; every time, as soon as she sees Qiao Mai, she doesn't want to go, as if Qiao Mai were her real older sister.

Some small storefronts were closed; those that remained open usually had a backroom.

"It's a coincidence, we're next to the Fu family."

"I'm telling you, don't take the children out lately."

The soldiers' silhouettes searched everywhere; Qiao Mai sneered, "You damn soldiers can search to the horizon, but you still can't find a single clue—it's all wasted effort."

Upon entering, the senior Daifu gave her a glance and then ignored her.

And those soldiers, merely performing routine duties, pretended to check and moved on; no one dared to offend the big figures.

Qiao Mai's inner thoughts have already clashed once.

So no one is in charge?

Of course.

After a short while, Mr. Wang's was also fine; after drying his hair completely, he looked in the mirror and was quite satisfied.

Qiao Mai gave a meaningfully deep smile, "You must believe me, there is nothing in this world that has ever stumped me."

After sending the person away, the old lady pulled Qiao Mai aside and began to speak.

Strolling casually on the street, she wanted to look for some species her space didn't have, and also check the prices in Jingcheng.

Where is the Wang Family's Main Family?

Who cares? She's not stupid; she doesn't dare to challenge the royal family, but she bullies those worse off than her family. Her father, her grandfather were favorites before the Emperor, and the family has only this one daughter, pampered beyond measure—she wants the stars but not the moon, she's already eighteen and still unmarried.

If you keep doing this, your face will stay like that, fresh every day.

And those few girls of the Wang Family have crooked hearts; they probably are crazy about marrying the Little Prince. That's what worries me most. The Wang Family may be good, but compared to these people in Jingcheng they're still far behind, especially in cunning—hard to guard against.

She then transformed, becoming an inconspicuous man.

It will definitely happen.

Got it. Before Jiaru's wedding, my child and I will try not to go out.

Who else?

Alright, this is called Face Mask; apply it once every five or six days, for half an hour each time.

But don't let me be offered away; I'll only dye for the two of you, I don't want to trouble anyone else.

Mrs. Wang stroked her hair, "Wang Jiaru's Servant Girl, if I get white hair, will you dye it for me?"

Don't be upset; that's what I said—whatever happens that day will happen.

Of course, it's just that the children are obedient.

If you use a piece, you might look like a little girl.

I heard that the notorious bandit left a note at their house, threatening them. The Fu Family is powerful in Jingcheng; apart from the imperial relatives, it's them.

If you like it, keep it for you and Grandmother to use; I still have a bottle.

The shop assistant hurried over to greet, "Brother, are you here to buy medicine or to see a doctor?"

"Selling medicine, will you buy?"

"Buy, as long as the medicine is good, I'll buy."

"Can you make the decision?"

(End of Chapter)