On the eighth day of the new year, the Jiang family was bustling. After the New Year's festivities, Yu Xi fell ill again, and her condition only elicited a brief inquiry from the Jiang family. Madame Jiang said to Master Jiang, "The doctor has seen Yu Niang and says that her body is not well, and she may not have much time left. You should go visit her when you have some free time, and comfort her heart with some words." No one knew how Master Jiang responded. All they knew was that the entire Jiang household once again recognized Madame Jiang's kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity towards others without being calculating.

  The weather was slightly warmer, and Jiang Wanru changed into a coarse linen servant's clothes. She stood in front of Jiyuan, who was standing in her room, and said: "I'm going out for a while, no matter who comes, you help me block them. However, generally, no one comes to my courtyard." Jiyuan looked at Jiang Wanru with a worried face and said: "Miss, why don't you wait until Muren has some free time and let him accompany you?" Muren was growing up, he was clever and had an exceptionally obedient temperament. He was favored by the Jiang family's outside manager, and sometimes would take him out to do things.

  Jiang Wanru heard Ji Yan's words and quickly said to her, "Next time you have the chance to see Mu Gen, don't talk nonsense about my going out. Ji Yan, I'm going out to find opportunities and broaden my horizons, so I won't be cheated by people in the future." Ji Yan listened and showed a disapproving expression, looking at Jiang Wanru and saying, "Miss, it's chaotic outside. Don't think about finding things to do, I'll do needlework to support us two in the future." These words made Jiang Wanru laugh, and she reached out to touch Ji Yan's head, praising her by saying, "Good, I'm waiting for you to support me. But I still have to go out."

  Jiang Wanru walked out of the Jiang family's back door, which was used by the servants. She had not yet reached adulthood and wore a young servant's clothes, looking like a handsome young boy. After leaving the Jiang family's back door, she turned onto the main street, where she looked around at the shops, reading the signs above the doors. Occasionally, when she looked too long, the shop owners would notice her and call her in to ask her questions. Jiang Wanru smiled politely, listening to their inquiries and requests, but ultimately had to decline their offers with a smile.

  Jiang Wanru carefully examined these shops, looking closely at the recruitment notices. She knew that most shop owners wanted young male employees who would sign long-term contracts, typically for ten years or more, and also take on an apprentice title. Jiang Wanru understood that once she had taken on this title, no matter how long the contract was, if the shop didn't go bankrupt and the owner still wanted her, she would have to continue working there. It was only natural for a disciple to obey their master's words. After inquiring with several shops, Jiang Wanru couldn't help but give up on the idea of becoming a shop employee.

  Jiang Wan took advantage of the quiet afternoon, when there were fewer people coming and going through the back door. She quietly slipped out from behind the Jiang family's residence and returned to her own courtyard. Ji Yan was in her room, and after glancing at her, she smiled and gently patted her chest, saying: "Miss, hurry up and have some food." Jiang Wan sat down to eat, listening to Ji Yan talk about things like the grass and flowers that needed to be planted in the courtyard. After finishing her meal, Jiang Wan wiped her mouth clean with a handkerchief, looked at Ji Yan who seemed to want to say something else, but was holding back, and smiled as she said: "Is there anything else you haven't mentioned? Take advantage of my free time now and speak up."

  Ji Yan glanced at her several times, speaking in a low voice: "After Miss left, the eldest young lady and Lian Shao came over. They said that it's been a long time since they've seen Miss, and they wanted to have a chat with Miss." Jiang Wan heard this and felt like her ears were playing tricks on her, mishearing what was said. She looked at Ji Yan and asked: "Ji Yan, did you mistake their polite words for them wanting to come talk to me?" Ji Yan shook his head towards Jiang Wan and said: "Miss, I didn't mishear. It was the eldest young lady and Lian Shao who both told me once each."

  Jiang Wanru felt that the couple was not a family, and they still had to put on a show in front of her, pretending to be good siblings and future in-laws. Jiang Wanru glanced at Jiyuan and asked, "How did you refuse them?" Jiyuan's face turned red as he looked at Jiang Wanru and said, "I did what Miss told me to do. I had them wait at the gate, then I knocked on Miss's door loudly and asked if she would see them. Then I listened for a while with my ear against the door. After that, I told them, 'Miss says no.'"

  Jiang Wanru couldn't help but laugh and praised Jiyin, saying: "Clever. However, this trick can only be used once, it can't be used again next time. Next time I go out, no matter who comes to see me and wants to talk to me, you just tell them 'Miss says she doesn't want to see anyone.' Then you lower your head, think of some unhappy things, and slowly say 'Miss says that if I go disturb her, she'll hit me with a stick'." Jiyin's mouth was agape as he stared at Jiang Wanru, saying: "Miss, if I say it like this, your reputation will be ruined..."

  Jiang Wan looked at Jiyuan with a glance, and only in her heart did she still have a good reputation. In fact, whether it was within the Jiang family or outside of it, she had long since lost any good reputation that could be discussed by others. Jiang Wan comforted her saying: "Saying something like this once won't affect my reputation. But this can only be used once." Jiyuan looked at Jiang Wan with some discontent, speaking in a soft voice: "Miss, you're still young now, and going out to find things isn't very useful." Her words gradually disappeared under Jiang Wan's seemingly smiling yet not quite smiling gaze.

  After Jiang Wan heard about Yu Xi's illness, she originally thought of visiting her. But before she could even move her legs, Qing Chun rushed over to tell her: "Miss, I've seen how well you treat your aunt, and I must say it's truly admirable. Your aunt is also aware of this in her heart, but every time she sees you, she can't help but think of many things. Her current condition can't withstand any more stimulation, so it's better for you to wait patiently until she says she wants to see you, and then you can go."

  Miss Jiang thought of what Spring had said, and her smile gradually disappeared. She thought for a moment and then said in a small voice: "The aunt who delivered the meal said that this morning, the madam's place ordered white porridge and green vegetables. It seems like there's nothing serious." Jiang Wanru looked at Jiyuan and saw the expression in her eyes, suddenly feeling amused, and couldn't help but laugh, actually letting a young woman worry about her emotions.

  "Ah, as long as Aunt can eat, that's good." Jiang Wanru took out a pen and dry cloth, and she brought over a water tray. She said to Ji Yan, who was standing still on the spot: "Didn't you say you wanted to do needlework to support me? Why don't you go get your needlework project and start working?" Ji Yan smiled and put down the food box, nodding at Jiang Wanru: "Miss, let me practice for a bit longer. I'll let my mother think of a way to help me take on work from Lin Auntie. Hehe, Miss, I trust you, that's why I told you the big secret."

  Jiang Wanmu looked at her with a bad temper and said, "I understand, this matter can't be known to others, or it will harm people, right?" Ji Yan nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, Lin's aunt will be beaten, maybe even killed." Jiang Wanmu pretended to be angry, staring at her with shining eyes and saying, "So I'm a master who harms people in Ji Yan's heart." Ji Yan had already walked to the door, saw Jiang Wanmu like this, and quickly turned back to say, "Miss, I didn't mean that."

  Jiang Wanting loved to see Jiyuan's anxious face, a bright red small face, tender and delicate. She let out a 'heh' sound, laughed and said: "Go quickly." Jiyuan opened the door, the courtyard gate slammed shut, and Mu Gen Niang was calling from outside: "Jiyuan!" Jiyuan hastily responded with a "Coming!" She ran to open the door with quick footsteps. Inside, Jiang Wanting put things on the table back in order again.