Families with well-informed grapevines learned that warm jade came from the Jinyang Marquis's Residence, and would-be buyers sought out Min and Jian Zhang. For a time, Min became an honored guest at every major Flower Banquet.
As for Jian Zhang, there was no need to elaborate. People bearing gifts streamed through his doors every day.
Min gave several sets of warm jade to relatives in her natal family, praising Ruonan to everyone she met for her clever hands, orchid heart, and refined mind.
Matchmakers nearly wore through the threshold of the Jinyang Marquis's Residence.
The warm jade that dignitaries outside could scarcely obtain for a thousand pieces of gold was already in use among the Elder Branch's young maids-and they used it to wash their hands.
As a result, whenever the residence's maids visited other households, the maids there showered them with flattery.
The maids from the Younger Branch and Third Branch dropped by the Elder Branch at every opportunity, just to wash their hands before leaving.
Truly, when one person attained enlightenment, even her maids ascended to heaven alongside her.
The Old Madam, Younger Branch, and Third Branch wanted to buy warm jade too, and Jian Ruonan fleeced them mercilessly.
The Old Madam begrudged the silver so much that she shut her doors and furiously cursed the Elder Branch for being unfilial, refusing to offer such fine things to their grandmother of their own accord.
Even then, she dared not curse too loudly, for fear Jian Ruonan would hear.
The Old Madam finished her tirade that morning, only for a maid from her courtyard to repeat every word to the Elder Branch that afternoon, all for the chance to wash her hands there.
Jian Ruonan put on her gloves and took a stroll through the Old Madam's courtyard. The