After being jilted, the entire neighboring village was filled with deep regret.

When Bai came to Su Tai to inquire about the reason for the price increase of strawberry jam, she was so surprised to learn that Su Tai had expanded her business to the capital that she couldn't sit still and praised her repeatedly, "I have seen so many ladies in the inner quarters before, and to be honest, the most capable women in my impression are like my stepmother and Madam Zhu. I have always taken them as my role models and tried my best to be like them."

But now I realize they're only good because of their family background; the truly capable one is you!

Even if Bai Shi had no business acumen, he knew that once Su Tai revitalized the business in the capital, the Shen family's wealth would be just around the corner, and the Ma family, the number one family in Moshi Town, would probably have to step down.

Su Tai shook her head modestly, "Sister Bai, what are you talking about! I didn't initiate this business. I was just helping a relative out. In reality, the goods didn't increase, and I still ended up with the same amount of money!"
I have no ambition to be a millionaire. Just doing small-scale business, having some spare money, and living a happy life is enough for me.

Bai nodded repeatedly. She believed what Su Tai said. If Su Tai really had ambitions, the Shen family wouldn't still be holed up in the village, and Su Tai certainly wouldn't be without even a maid or servant.

She breathed a sigh of relief and tentatively asked, "If you expand your business to the capital, will the county still have time to take care of you?"

Su Tai immediately understood what she meant, and her smile deepened. "Sister Bai, do you want to expand your business to the county town?"

Bai nodded frantically, then explained helplessly, "You know my family's situation. My father and stepmother are not as energetic as before because my eldest brother died."

My father is doing better now; he's just not as eager for quick success as before, as for my stepmother…”

Bai leaned close to Su Tai's ear and whispered, "I heard that my stepmother is ill. It's strange. When I went back to visit her, she actually asked me about my well-being and even mentioned some of the few funny things that happened to me when I was a child. What do you think she's trying to do when someone who used to be indifferent to you suddenly changes her attitude like that?"

Bai couldn't understand it, and her husband didn't understand women. Whenever she spoke up, he would say that his stepmother had figured it out, which almost made her furious.

After much thought, she realized that Su Tai was the only person she could confide in, so she took the opportunity to voice her doubts.

Su Tai looked surprised when she heard this. "To put it bluntly, don't be angry, but in my impression, Madam Bai is not a good person at all, and so is her maid Li. The two are birds of a feather. My aunt used to serve in Madam Bai's courtyard and was often given a hard time by Li."

According to my aunt, Granny Li was like a knife in Madam Bai's hand. Wherever Madam Bai pointed, Granny Li would stab. Relying on Madam Bai's support, Granny Li acted recklessly in the Bai mansion, suppressing maids and servants, and not allowing any servant to be superior to her.

If even a servant is so petty and malicious, how much better can the master be? It's true she disliked you before, but her sudden change in attitude probably has ulterior motives.

"But... what could she possibly want from me, a concubine's daughter?" Bai Shi couldn't understand this point.

Su Tai shook her head. "Who knows! Now that she has lost her legitimate son, she has to plan for her future. Don't you still have an older sister? What's her situation?"

Madam Bai sighed again, "My elder sister married well, and everyone was very envious. Unfortunately, her womb was not cooperative, and she gave birth to three daughters in a row, so her husband's family did not treat her well."

All I know is that she was constantly worried about having a son, and eventually she did, but her health completely deteriorated. She was bedridden for over a year and then passed away.

Su Tai was stunned. "So, Madam Bai's two children are both gone?"

Mr. Bai nodded.

Su Tai suddenly had a bad feeling and couldn't help but remind her, "I think you shouldn't go to your parents' house if you don't have anything to do. Madam Bai's biological children are all gone, but her illegitimate children are perfectly fine. Especially you, who is in charge of the household, has sons and daughters, and is living a happy life. I don't believe that she won't think of her daughter when she sees you. What if she suddenly has an attack on you one day? You won't even be able to dodge it!"

Bai was so frightened by Su Tai's words that her face turned pale, and she dropped her teacup. Seeing that she was frightened, Su Tai quickly reassured her, "I was just saying it casually, it's all a guess, it may not be true."

Bai murmured absentmindedly, "No, I think you're right. No wonder she was the only one whose attitude towards me changed so drastically when I went back to visit my stepmother the two times I did. Granny Li still didn't give me a good look. Unless Granny Li knows that my stepmother isn't genuinely good to me, she doesn't need to pretend!"

"My dear sister! You've really helped me a lot! I must thank you properly."

As she spoke, she hurriedly picked up a new cup to pour water, but her hands trembled uncontrollably, completely betraying her.

Su Tai breathed a sigh of relief, took the teapot, and poured water for her.

Bai returned to the Ma residence.

Ma Xingteng rushed over immediately, "Madam, what did Shen Yi's wife say? Can the price be lowered?"

Bai looked at Ma Xingteng with tears streaming down her face, her whole body trembling like a leaf.

Ma Xingteng was shocked and rushed forward to grab her arm with concern. "What happened? Who bullied you?"

Unable to hold back her sobs, Bai burst into tears, releasing all the fear in her heart. "Husband, what should I do?"

Ma Xingteng quickly picked her up around the waist and limped back to the courtyard.

After Bai had cried herself out and calmed down, Ma Xingteng asked her what had happened.

Bai blurted out Su Tai's analysis, then hugged Ma Xingteng's sleeve tightly. "Husband, what Su Tai said must be true. She's very capable and can understand people's hearts. My stepmother has ill intentions. What should I do?"

Ma Xingteng patted Bai's hand with a solemn expression, his eyes darting around rapidly. "If it's really as Su Tai said, you absolutely can't go back to your parents' home anymore."

“But Moshi Town is not far from Zhaohua County. My stepmother is ill, my father’s health is not as good as before, and my aunt is still alive and well. I can’t stay away from home forever. What if she sends someone to ask me to come over? I can’t refuse.” On her way back, Bai had thought of many ways, but there was no way to satisfy both parties.

Ma Xingteng thought for a moment and pondered, "Filial piety is of paramount importance. If the Bai family uses filial piety to pressure you, we really can't resist. So the best way is to avoid them."

In that case, I'll have someone send you and Madam Sang back to the countryside. We'll tell everyone that Madam Sang is sick and has a big fight with Father at home, so you have to accompany Mother-in-law to seek medical treatment. We'll leave quietly and not tell anyone.

Furthermore, I will personally go to the county town to speak with my father-in-law. It would be best if your aunt could go to a nunnery to eat vegetarian food and chant Buddhist scriptures, at least far away from your stepmother. I will also arrange for someone to watch over her. By the time your stepmother realizes what's happening and tries to control you again, it will be too late.”

Bai was completely at a loss, and did whatever Ma Xingteng told her to do.

Ma Xingteng immediately went to the courtyard of the wealthy Ma family. The father and son discussed the matter for a long time and finally released Madam Sang. (End of Chapter)