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Lu Residence, Capital City.

It was early winter, and the air had grown frigid. A few coals burned in the brazier, but they were far from enough to warm the room. Jiang You’an sat painting, and before long, she had to stop to breathe warmth into her chilled hands.

The cotton curtain was lifted. She glanced up to see Qiulan entering and frowned.

“Did you quarrel with those housekeepers again?”

Qiulan’s face was downcast as she dusted off her clothing with a handkerchief. “I only asked for a few pounds of coal, but they refused outright and said all sorts of unpleasant things—one even chased me out with a broom.”

Jiang You’an shook her head. “I told you not to bother. Those women are all snobs. None of them would curry favor with a poor relation like me.”

Qiulan sighed, then peered at Jiang You’an’s painting and praised, “Miss, this painting is truly beautiful. It should fetch a good price.”

“We’ll hang it up at the shop and see. But business hasn’t been great lately—the last two pieces are still unsold.”

With her days of fine clothes and rich food long gone, Jiang You’an could only rely on her own skill, eking out a meager living by selling her paintings.

She carefully rolled up the artwork, and with Qiulan in tow, prepared to head out.

But before they reached the gates, the noise from the front courtyard reached their ears. Qiulan went to inquire and returned with news—the eldest young master had returned from his assignment.

Jiang You’an’s expression shifted. “Why is he back so soon? I thought he wouldn’t