Chapter 46: A Terrifying Purpose

“I believe you understand as well, Sister—a daughter, once married, is like water that’s been thrown out. Now I have only two paths before me, and I'm sure you already know which one I've chosen. That makes this matter exceptionally thorny; at best, someone will be hurt, at worst, it could cost us both our lives.

Moreover, I must see this through in utter silence, without the master ever finding out. I want to ensure he is no longer deceived, that the Qian family’s bloodline is truly passed on, not replaced by trickery and theft.

Seeing Hua Qinci remain silent, Shang Jinxiu continued, 'Of course, if the master truly cannot have a child of his own, I won’t ask for more than is possible. My only wish is for his safety and his acceptance of the truth. If all goes as planned, I will give you this amount.' She raised her slender, jade-like hand and shook her fingers.

Hua Qinci still said nothing, her eyes lowered, long lashes like a fan fluttering gently. Golden sunlight scattered across her pale face, shadows veiling her eyes where fleeting glimmers appeared, almost too subtle to notice.

Shang Jinxiu knew deeply that this was not merely a difficult task—it was perilous. For the past three years in the Qian household, she had lived in constant vigilance. Without such caution, she would have ended up like the previous Mistress, who died under false accusations with no explanation.

Her decision to meet with Hua Qinci today was not only due to the latter’s extraordinary medical skill.

That day, at the city gate, she had witnessed Hua Qinci save a beggar with her own eyes. She had then arranged for someone to keep watch over the little beggar, investigating Hua Qinci’s background while also observing her movements personally.

The beggar’s festering, maggot-ridden wound, after being treated by Hua Qinci, began to heal. She had even sent someone to examine the wound, confirming that there was no deception at play.

That beggar, too, had not been a plant sent to boost her reputation. After her people returned from Hua Qinci’s village, her interest only deepened. They reported on Hua Qinci’s deeds in her hometown and brought back the ginseng root she kept, which turned out to be a counterfeit.

What Shang Jinxiu admired most was Hua Qinci’s ability to use that very root to escape danger, earn silver, and build a reputation—all while keeping herself completely unscathed.

She suddenly felt she had met a kindred spirit, which was why she continued to observe how Hua Qinci would respond next.

When Hua Qinci stepped forward to defend the very villagers who had just beaten and cursed her, Shang Jinxiu made her decision—Hua Qinci was the ally she needed, the one who could help her turn the tide.

Although Shang Jinxiu was born into a wealthy merchant family, her mother had only one child—herself. Thus, she had had no choice but to become the sacrificial lamb, marrying Master Qian and assuming the role of his principal wife.

As the saying goes, 'When you marry a rooster, follow the rooster; when you marry a dog, follow the dog.' Since she had married Master Qian, she had resolved that he would be her husband for life. She would never take another, nor dally with any other man. Raised in such an environment, she held nothing but contempt for women who did.

Nor did she wish to be like her mother, foolishly devoted to a philanderer.

Now that she was mistress of the Qian household, she was determined to fulfill her duties as such.

Hua Qinci was not only clever and skilled in medicine, but also loyal and principled. After so many years, she was the very person Shang Jinxiu had been searching for.

After a long silence, seeing that Hua Qinci had yet to speak, Shang Jinxiu added, 'To be honest, Sister, if you are afraid of that den of dragons and tigers, and do not wish to help me, I will not force you...'

Her words were not yet finished when Hua Qinci suddenly stood up. 'Thank you, Sister. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave.'

Her reaction was as if she had been waiting precisely for those words, and Shang Jinxiu was very satisfied.