Chapter 1

It was in the middle of spring, and the warmth had just begun.

In Tong'an City, the peach and apricot trees bloomed overnight. Their delicate flower buds stood proudly on the branches, like snowflakes falling.

A luxurious carriage galloped down the bustling Zhu Fu Street, passing Li Ji Hu Teng Soup Shop on the east side of the street and Chen Er Niang's Cloth Shop on the west side. It sped all the way to Su Family Pharmacy at the end of the street, where the sound of horse hooves finally ceased.

It was well past noon, and all the shops on the street had opened their doors. Only the Su family apothecary remained closed.

A woman in her early forties, dressed in a light green satin waistcoat, stepped down from the carriage and gently knocked on the old wooden door of the apothecary shop, its paint chipped away.

Chen Erniang walked out of the liquor shop next to the apothecary, her eyes darting back and forth between the carriage and the women.

A moment later, he returned to the tavern and snatched up a teacup, gulping down a mouthful of tea. "The Zhenping Hou Mansion truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most prestigious families in the capital. Even their ordinary carriages are adorned with gold and jewels—so extravagant! I never imagined that Su Yao girl would have such good fortune!"

To say that the biggest topic of conversation in Tong'an City these past few days has been about Su shopkeeper's adopted daughter transforming into the heiress of the Shengjing Hou Mansion would be an understatement.

After meals and tea, we discussed this many times.

Everyone says Su Yao is now a sparrow that has transformed into a phoenix, flying to the top and becoming someone of high status!

Behind the counter, Ginger Li raised her head and turned to look at the carriages on the street, her brow furrowed: Wasn't Su Yao taken away by the Hou Mansion people the day before yesterday? How come she's here today?