Transmigrating into a book, seducing him to rise to power

As soon as Su Jingyao stepped off the carriage, her unique charm instantly attracted the attention of the tea girls hawking their wares outside the Mingxiang Yige Pavilion.

Their eyes lit up instantly, filled with surprise and anticipation.

As the luxurious carriage slowly drove onto the street, they secretly wondered if there were any distinguished guests. If they could get such important people to patronize their teahouse, it would attract many customers.

One of the tea girls immediately put on a warm smile and hurried over.

"Madam, would you like some tea?"

"Is your teahouse run entirely by women?"

Su Jingyao was wearing a veil, so her expression was not visible, but her voice was faint.

Before the tea girl could answer, the manager of Cuilan Tea House came running over, his face full of a fawning smile and his back slightly bent.

"Madam, if you'd like some tea, why not come to our Cuilan Tea House? We've been open for several years, and we have the best tea in Yicheng here."

"Judging from your appearance, Madam doesn't seem to be a local. She must come and try the most authentic tea in Yicheng."

As he spoke, the shopkeeper extended his hand, gesturing for the customer to proceed.

The tea girl standing nearby immediately raised her eyebrows, clearly not in a good mood either.

Seeing the shopkeeper across the street blatantly trying to steal customers, he immediately turned fierce and put his hands on his hips.

He said loudly, "This lady can go wherever she wants. Besides, in the whole city of Yi, how come only your Cuilan Tea House has authentic tea? Our Mingxiang Yige not only has good tea, but also all kinds of flower cakes that women love, as well as storytelling, singing and playing various entertainments."

"Most importantly, we have a unique tea-brewing technique. Would you like to try it, madam?"

Finally, the tea girl put on a friendly smile again and asked Su Jingyao earnestly.

Su Jingyao looked up at Mingxiang Yige. The decoration was more in line with female aesthetics, with soft colors and exquisite layout, giving it a unique elegance.

However, there were hardly any guests inside at the moment. If Su Jingyao went in, she would probably be their first guest.

Su Jingyao had already made her own plans, so she naturally wouldn't change her mind because of a few words from the manager of Cuilan Tea House. Without hesitation, she went straight into Mingxiang Yige.

Seeing this, the manager of Cuilan Tea House was so anxious that he stamped his feet. He wanted to say something more, but Su Jingyao gently raised her hand, and Miaoxia immediately stepped forward and stretched out her arm to stop the manager.

The tea girl was very excited to see this lady of high status actually enter their teahouse, and she hurriedly followed behind her, enthusiastically introducing her to everyone.

While speaking, he led Su Jingyao to the best spot in the lobby with the best view.

"You haven't answered my question yet. Is your teahouse run by women?" Su Jingyao asked again after sitting down.

The tea girl thought the lady looked down on women doing business, and the smile on her face froze instantly, replaced by a troubled expression.

But she still bit her lip and said truthfully, "Madam, this teahouse is indeed run by four women who all come from a remote town in Yicheng and met for some reason."

"One is a widow whose husband passed away a few years ago; the other three women... have divorced their husbands."

These tea girls also came out to make a living because of various reasons and their discord with their husbands' families.

Although she had long been able to accept the whispers and pointing fingers at them, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at this moment, and a hint of loneliness flashed in her eyes.

After Su Jingyao sat down, she said slowly, "Bring some of your signature tea and flower cakes."

Seeing that the lady did not react much to their experience, but instead directly ordered tea, the tea maid's face instantly lit up with a smile. She hurriedly and happily agreed, and quickly retreated to prepare.

Su Jingyao's advice to Jun Zechen regarding women's freedom of marriage had some effect, but in this deeply rooted feudal era, it was still difficult to resist the powerful traditional ideas.

A woman can get a divorce, but she will inevitably face strange looks from others.

The key to stopping such prejudice lies in women's ability to be independent and self-reliant.

Just as Su Jingyao was deep in thought, the tea maid brought out tea and flower cakes.

Su Jingyao removed her veil, revealing skin as smooth and lustrous as cream. She handed the veil to Miaoxia, who was sitting opposite her. Miaoxia took it and carefully put it away for her.

She took a sip of tea, lowered her butterfly-like eyelashes, and concealed the thoughts in her eyes.

The taste was indeed quite good, and the craftsmanship was exquisite.

Maybe......

She can help these women, using them as an opportunity and a springboard to strongly encourage women to be independent and self-reliant.

Su Jingyao accompanied Jun Zechen on his southern tour to observe the people's conditions, and the needs of women were naturally of great importance.

Even if she could not completely change the status of women in the dynasty during her lifetime, she could lay a solid foundation for the improvement of the status of women in future generations.

If you're going to be a virtuous empress, you should be a virtuous empress in name and in reality, not just a figurehead virtuous empress.

While leisurely sipping her tea, Su Jingyao pondered what to do next.

Before she knew it, more and more guests were sitting around her.

The female shopkeeper, dressed in yellow, looked at the lively scene with delight and excitedly said to the tea server, "This lady is truly beautiful, and her demeanor is exceptionally outstanding. Her presence here has attracted quite a few customers."

Su Jingyao was completely unaware of this, and was still thinking about how to effectively carry out this plan.

Suddenly, a tall man walked in arrogantly.

When the female managers of Mingxiang Yige saw this person, they all frowned and looked worried.

It was Young Master Li, the tyrant of Yicheng. The red-clad female shopkeeper took a deep breath, forced herself to remain calm, and immediately stepped forward to ask, "Young Master Li, would you like some tea?"

"Our Li family runs the Cuilan Tea House. Would you like to come here for tea?"

Young Master Li curled his lip, his face full of disdain.

"Women should be devoted to their husbands and raise their children. It is truly immoral for four women to run a teahouse. I advise you to close down as soon as possible, otherwise the Li family will not let you off the hook."

Young Master Li crossed his arms, raised his chin, and his arrogant demeanor was utterly repulsive.

He originally thought that Mingxiang Yige would be deserted since it had just opened today, but after carefully looking around the lobby, he found that there were quite a few customers. His anger instantly flared up.

Young Master Li shouted at the top of his lungs, "Today, Cuilan Tea House is offering half-price tea. Drinking tea is supposed to be an elegant affair. Aren't you afraid of tarnishing your scholarly reputation by enjoying tea in a teahouse run by women?"

Most of the customers who come to the teahouse are educated people who come with like-minded friends.

Upon hearing Young Master Li's words, everyone seemed somewhat hesitant.

But they have already ordered tea. If they leave now, wouldn't that be a breach of gentlemanly integrity?

Seeing the hesitation on their faces, Young Master Li continued his threat: "If you drink tea at Mingxiang Yige, you will be going against the Li family."

The guests who had come to the lobby attracted by Su Jingyao's beauty and temperament, wanting to try some of the tea at Mingxiang Yige, all showed fear upon hearing the arrogant tone of the young master of the Li family and dared not linger any longer.

After all, the Li family was a wealthy and powerful family in Yicheng, and they were someone they couldn't afford to offend.

Soon, only Su Jingyao remained in the lobby.

Several female shopkeepers stared at the empty lobby, feeling extremely angry but helpless.

"Young Master Li, we are operating normally. How dare you threaten our customers like this?"

Young Master Li glanced at them disdainfully, then ignored the female shopkeeper's question and swaggered directly to Su Jingyao.

"This lady is quite beautiful and must be of high status. If you enjoy tea, why don't we go to Cuilan Tea House? I'll treat you."

Young Master Li squinted, leering at Su Jingyao from head to toe.

Su Jingyao's expression remained calm, as if the person in front of her was invisible, and she did not give him the slightest look because of him.

Through the man's crude words, Su Jingyao gained a deeper understanding of the difficulties and challenges women face in doing business today.

Just as Miaoxia was about to get up and stop this young master Li, Su Jingyao gave her a look, and Miaoxia did not make any rash moves.

Seeing that Su Jingyao had no reaction, Young Master Li immediately scolded, "Do you even know who I am? Who in Yicheng doesn't treat me with utmost respect? Don't try to be stubborn!"

If it weren't for her outstanding appearance, he wouldn't have been so patient in talking to her.

"Judging from your appearance, you are married. However, you come alone to this widow's teahouse. Has your husband also died? I, for the sake of your beauty, will not mind and may take you as my concubine..."

Before he could finish speaking, Su Jingyao, with a cold face, splashed the tea in her hand directly onto Young Master Li's face without hesitation.

He probably doesn't want this mouth anymore!

Young Master Li never expected that someone in Yicheng would dare to treat him like this, and he instantly flew into a rage, shouting, "You!"

Just as he was about to raise his hand, a man in white strode in with lightning speed. He was agile and had sharp eyes. He kicked out with great force, instantly sending Young Master Li flying.

Caught off guard, Young Master Li fell heavily to the ground like a kite with a broken string, looking utterly disheveled.

The guards who were originally waiting in the shadows to protect the lady were about to rush forward, but the man in white could only remain still, keeping a high level of vigilance and closely observing the development of the situation.

Su Jingyao looked at the newcomer in surprise, never expecting to run into Li Jin in Yicheng.

They haven't seen each other for three or four years, have they?

Su Jingyao's eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions, including surprise and a hint of joy at a long-awaited reunion.

Young Master Li was kicked to the ground, feeling his blood rush to his head and his head spin with anger.

His face flushed and neck bulging, he roared, "You! You! You just wait! I'm going to call for reinforcements right now, and I'll make sure you suffer a terrible fate in Yicheng!"

He grumbled and cursed as he struggled to his feet and limped out of Mingxiang Yige, looking both disheveled and comical.

Su Jingyao composed herself and carefully examined Li Jin. She found that his appearance had not changed much; he was still as gentle and refined as ever, only more mature, with a hint of vicissitude in his eyes.

She slightly raised her hand and said, "Please sit down."

Li Jin sat down as instructed, her eyes slightly lowered, her eyelashes concealing the complex emotions within them.

"Did you specifically find him here?"

Su Jingyao asked directly, as she had never believed in coincidences.

Li Jin nodded gently, letting out a low "hmm".

He had been following the news ever since he received the news that His Majesty was on a southern tour with the Empress, until she arrived in Yicheng.

"Master..." Li Jin paused, seemingly choosing his words carefully, before continuing, "How has Madam been lately?"

"I am fine."

Su Jingyao's expression was calm and serene, her eyes revealing a sense of tranquility and contentment.

She is getting what she wants step by step.

During this southern tour, she didn't want to remain Jun Zechen's appendage forever. Even though her own abilities were limited, she was determined to protect this small teahouse.

There was a moment of silence between them, then Su Jingyao tilted her head slightly and asked with a gentle gaze, "Have you met any women you like in the past few years?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jin's eyes revealed a deep sorrow, like a bottomless pool of stagnant water, without a ripple.

No woman could get close to his heart.

Seeing his silence, Su Jingyao gently shook her head and sighed helplessly.

"Li Jin, you've trapped yourself. There are countless beautiful women in this world. If you're willing to open your heart to them, you can have a much happier and more fulfilling life."

Su Jingyao is selfish. When Li Jin was useful to her, she would never have tried to persuade him of these things. Instead, she would have tried every means to make him willingly use her.

But now several years have passed, and after this meeting, they may never cross paths again.

If it could help him let go of his past regrets, that would be wonderful. Li Jin's admiration for her might stem from the fact that she once saved him from dire straits, or it might be because she gave him a completely new life.

Li Jin sees her as his salvation, and therefore is unwilling to accept anyone else. He needs to learn to forgive himself.

Li Jin pursed her lips tightly.

If I could let go, I would have done so long ago.

Indeed, as she said, he never had the thought of opening his heart to anyone else, whether man or woman; he didn't want to care about anyone.

He doesn't want to make friends, doesn't want to get married and have children; he just wants to wander alone in his own world.

But since it was what she wanted, he never wanted to put her in a difficult position, so he agreed, "Okay."

Afterwards, Su Jingyao and Li Jin sat quietly, leisurely drinking tea and chatting together.

Su Jingyao shared some of her thoughts about the teahouse with Li Jin, who had been helping her manage her business. Li Jin was extremely talented in business, and with his assistance, the future operation of Mingxiang Yige would surely be very smooth.

The two talked in a harmonious atmosphere and enjoyed their conversation.

Meanwhile, Anshun, who was in the courtyard, was like an ant on a hot pan, extremely anxious and worried.

The guards who had just protected the lady rushed over to report that someone had caused trouble for her, but the matter was quickly resolved. Anshun breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this and stopped worrying about it.

But not long after, another guard came to report nervously that the lady was now having tea with a man and chatting happily, and that the man had also resolved the previous conflict.

This……

An Shun immediately looked troubled, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He secretly glanced at His Majesty, who was seriously dealing with the memorials sent from the capital at his desk.

After much hesitation, I finally mustered the courage to speak up cautiously.

"Third Master, Madam is currently having tea with a man at a teahouse."

Jun Zechen's pen stopped abruptly, leaving a dark ink dot on the paper.

His face darkened. "What's going on?"

Anshun dared not delay and quickly explained what had happened to his wife at the teahouse.

When Jun Zechen heard that she had been rescued by a man, a shadow of gloom flashed across his deep eyes, and his gaze darkened.

"What were those guards you sent doing? How could a stranger rescue the lady when she was being bullied?"

Jun Zechen was furious and suddenly stood up.

When Jun Zechen arrived at Mingxiang Yige, a large crowd of onlookers had already gathered outside.

Young Master Li, who had just left, arrived with a large number of guards, surrounding Su Jingyao and her group's table.

Jun Zechen walked a little closer, and when he saw the man sitting at the same table as Su Jingyao, his body stiffened for a moment.

It turned out to be him!

Jun Zechen's hands unconsciously clenched into fists. He shouldn't have let her out of his sight!