[Gold Powder GL] True Elegance Comes with Knowledge - Chapter 25

“When did our family decide to open a tailor shop?” As they left the hospital, Qingqiu glanced at Yan Hui, smiling with a hint of mischief.

“Well…” Yan Hui rubbed her nose sheepishly. “I was planning to talk to Auntie about it first. But with one unexpected thing after another, I never got the chance. Still, if you help persuade her, I’m sure she’ll agree.”

“Why would you need me?” Qingqiu chuckled. “My mom adores you. One word from you is more effective than ten from me.”

Oof, that was a little bitter!

Yan Hui smiled and added playfully, “She only spoils me because of you. If it weren’t for you, who am I to deserve her special treatment?”

“At least you know how to talk.” Qingqiu tilted her chin. “Helping you persuade her isn’t out of the question. But how do you plan to thank me?”

“You want a thank-you gift for such a minor favor? You’ll need my help one day too. What then?” Yan Hui grinned.

“Then of course, I’ll thank you in kind.”

“Alright,” Yan Hui nodded. “Since there’s no dodging it, how about I treat you to a nice meal?”

“We ate out just yesterday. If we do it again today, the family might complain.” Qingqiu replied. “Let’s have dinner at home. Afterward, you can take me to the opera. How about that?”

Yan Hui sighed in defeat. “You’ve put it that way—how can I say no?”

Qingqiu blinked and smiled smugly.

Yan Hui wasn’t particularly fond of Chinese opera. Although she respected it as part of the national heritage, for someone from the modern era, it could be difficult to appreciate. Sitting in a theater or watching it on TV wasn’t too bad—there were subtitles to help understand the story. But current local performances didn’t offer that kind of convenience. If you couldn’t understand the lyrics, half the charm was lost.

Movies were slightly easier to follow. The actors spoke clearly, and the plots were generally more engaging. While still a bit rough compared to modern films, they had their merits.

Of course, Qingqiu knew all this. Her request was a bit of playful troublemaking.

But Yan Hui still agreed. While she often advised Madam Leng not to stay cooped up at home, they rarely had time for outings themselves. Their studies were demanding, and Qingqiu also had to write novels to earn money. Over the past six months, the pressure had been immense. Now that Qingqiu wanted a break, Yan Hui naturally wouldn’t refuse.

After dinner at home, Yan Hui brought up the idea of opening a shop, with Qingqiu chiming in to support her. Madam Leng hesitated for a while but eventually nodded in agreement to give it a try.

This was mostly because the family wasn’t under financial strain. Otherwise, even the mere thought of potential losses would’ve made Madam Leng back away from the idea entirely. But with Qingqiu now bringing home dozens of yuan every week, money wasn’t so tight anymore, and Madam Leng felt more at ease.

And once she heard the shop would be co-owned with the former Madam Jin, she was even more reassured.

“She’s not ‘Madam Jin’ anymore,” Qingqiu said. “She published an announcement in the paper today—she’s officially divorced. From now on, she’s Miss Wu.”

Madam Leng didn’t read newspapers and was taken aback by the news. With concern, she asked, “Divorced? So suddenly?”

To someone of her generation, marriage was a lifelong commitment. Although she understood that society was changing and more people were divorcing, hearing it happen to someone she personally knew was still a shock.

Yan Hui explained, “Because Mr. Jin secretly bought a house for his mistress and kept her as a concubine.”

“Oh…” Madam Leng was stunned, unsure how to react.

Of course, Mr. Jin was at fault. But in her mind, it was common for men to have multiple wives. Divorcing over it was hard for her to comprehend—especially given the prestige of the Jin family.

Yet, as a mother—one who had once entertained the idea of Qingqiu marrying into the Jin family—she couldn’t help but put herself in Miss Wu’s shoes. If it were her own daughter suffering such injustice, wouldn’t divorce be the right choice?

With that thought, she actually felt relieved that Qingqiu and Yanxi hadn’t ended up together. Miss Wu came from a respected family; her father had been a Qing Dynasty scholar. Even she couldn’t escape mistreatment in her marriage—how could an ordinary girl hope for better? It would’ve been a mismatch anyway.

As she was pondering, Qingqiu added that Peifang was currently pregnant, and the shop was meant to keep her busy so she wouldn’t dwell on negative thoughts. Madam Leng immediately agreed. “That makes sense. Pregnant women shouldn’t overexert themselves, but having a little distraction can’t hurt. Once she’s discharged, bring her here.”

Even as she spoke, she had already begun mentally preparing for what would be needed to start the shop.

Though Madam Leng had never run a business herself, the Leng family had once owned farmland and shops. As the matriarch back then, she knew a thing or two.
—
Peifang hadn’t caught the crowd at the hospital that day, but aside from the Jin brothers and Wanxiang, there was also a certain Yang Banshan.

This old man spent his days networking and mingling. He knew just about everyone. So, when news of Peifang’s divorce broke, naturally people came asking him. While he initially meant to keep the matter quiet, a few drinks and some flattery later, he forgot even his own name—let alone any secrets.

Within days, rumors spread like wildfire: Peifang had stormed into Mr. Jin’s mistress’s home, caught them in the act, and, in her fury, landed herself in the hospital—only to announce the divorce in the newspaper.
It was clear the relationship was beyond repair.

With public opinion turning, even the Jin family couldn’t salvage things. Especially since Fengju had been slapped—twice! That had never happened to him before. Even with his parents pressuring him, he refused to apologize. And now that Peifang had gone public, reconciliation would only humiliate him further. Divorce seemed the cleanest solution.

Although Premier Jin and his wife were reluctant, both parties were resolute, so they had no choice but to accept it.

Besides, even they felt that Peifang had handled the matter poorly. They had anticipated a domestic argument, but not a public scandal. Even if the marriage were salvaged, it would only fuel gossip.

Not long after, Jin Fengju also published a statement in the papers, officially ending the matter.

After the dust settled, Madam Jin visited Peifang again.

She had assumed Peifang would terminate the pregnancy after the divorce. But to her surprise, Peifang intended to keep the child. Madam Jin, understanding the need to show the family’s goodwill, gave her a bankbook containing 10,000 yuan—for the child.

Leaning against her pillows, Peifang took her hand and wept. “If that money were from Jin Fengju, I’d throw it in his face. Since we’re divorced, this child has nothing to do with him. I can raise it on my own. But you and Father have always treated me kindly. Though I can no longer be a filial daughter-in-law, this child will still call you Grandma and Grandpa. Since this is your gesture, I’ll accept it on the child’s behalf.”

Her words moved Madam Jin deeply. She patted Peifang’s hand and said, “Take care of yourself. If you ever need anything, just send word to the house.”

She tucked the bankbook into Peifang’s hands and left.

Once she was gone, Peifang wiped away her tears, opened the bankbook, glanced at the balance, and smiled in satisfaction.

Perfect—enough capital to open the shop.

With everything settled, Peifang wasted no time. She was discharged that same day. The Wu family had already rented a quiet courtyard for her, cleaned and prepared. From the hospital, she moved straight in.
The next day, she returned to the Jin residence to collect her belongings.

She had called ahead, and Fengju made sure to be out of the house early. The rest of the family was present but awkward around her.

No one had visited her in the hospital—they all felt guilty. Especially Yanxi, who had witnessed the scolding and slapping, and now felt particularly awkward around her.

Peifang, however, seemed unbothered. In the past, she had seen them as family, and their deceit had hurt her. But now that the marriage was over, there was nothing to take personally. She greeted everyone politely and prepared to leave.

Only Huichang saw her out.

Peifang had already gotten into the car when their eyes met through the window—both women grew a little melancholic. They had once been close with no conflict between them. And now, with no connection left, they would inevitably drift apart.

“Miss, shall we go?” the driver asked.

Peifang suddenly stepped out of the car and pulled Huichang aside. She took a deep breath and said, “There’s something I doubt anyone else here will ever tell you. But I can’t bear to see you kept in the dark. I’ll be the villain this once.”

She leaned in and whispered, “The second young master keeps a small portrait on him. If you care to know, you can go look for it.”

Huichang froze, then understood. “Sister-in-law…”

“Not anymore,” Peifang interrupted gently. She patted her shoulder. “I’m just a few years older than you. If you don’t mind, call me ‘sister.’ And if you ever need anything, you’re welcome to come find me.”

She handed over her new address, then returned to the car and told the driver to go.

Huichang remained where she stood, overwhelmed by tangled thoughts.