On the day of the Great Heat, within the sandalwood-carved hall of the Capital’s Chamber of Commerce, the sound of cicadas through the gauze windows felt exceptionally noisy. Dressed in a dark blue brocade dress, Jiang Wan sat in the Marquis Mansion’s designated seat, her gaze sweeping over the smirking Steward Wang opposite her. Beside him sat the heads of the Li and Zhang families; the three men whispered to one another, occasionally casting provocative glances her way.
"Miss Jiang, it has been a long time," Patriarch Li began, turning a jade thumb ring in his hand. "I hear the Marquis Mansion has been restructuring its assets lately. I happen to have a business proposal for you."
Jiang Wan smiled faintly. "Please speak, Uncle Li."
Chapter 127