The Tofu Queen: A Modern Woman's Ancient Kingdom Journey

The first thing Jiang Huaiyu did upon arriving in the capital was to buy a house!

Buying property in the capital wasn't as simple as handing over silver. Your background had to be spotless, and you needed sufficient funds. Even then, you couldn't just pick any location.

The capital was divided into four districts. The northern district housed the imperial palace and royal gardens, separated from the other districts by a moat, yet still nestled within the city's bounds.

The eastern district was known for its prestige. Toss a brick there, and it might hit a minister, noble, or someone with imperial ties. The famed Wuyi Lane was home exclusively to those of extraordinary wealth and influence.

The western district catered to merchants, including foreign traders. It was designed with practicality in mind—rows of homes faced each other, each with a backyard. These properties served both as residences and storefronts, making the area lively and ideal for business and leisure alike.

The southern district, by contrast, was where commoners lived. With many newcomers entering the city, its streets were lively with vendors selling food and trinkets.

Jiang Huaiyu opted to explore the southern district. It suited her needs, and she didn't want to draw unnecessary attention. But first, she needed a yabao—a local agent. In Dayun, buying property without one wasn't just difficult; it was illegal.

After asking around, she was directed to a cheerful-looking middle-aged woman.

"Oh, you're here to buy a house? You've come to the right person!" the woman said, her enthusiasm palpable. "Where were you thinking of settling, madam?"

"The southern district," Jiang Huaiyu replied with a small smile.

"Great choice! The southern district has so much character. There's even a highly regarded academy nearby. They say the instructor is a renowned scholar!" The yabao expertly wove compliments into her sales pitch. She pulled out a ledger. "Do you have any specific requirements? I'll find you the perfect place!"

Jiang Huaiyu considered this for a moment. "I'd prefer a quieter neighborhood, no complicated neighbors. The house shouldn't be too rundown, and I'd like to avoid properties directly on the street."

The yabao nodded thoughtfully. "What about size? Do you have a preference?"

"A standalone property with a courtyard, or perhaps a two-entry courtyard house," Jiang Huaiyu replied, thinking of the space she'd need to manage her projects.

The yabao flipped through her records, then lit up with excitement. "You're in luck! There's a two-entry courtyard property for sale—two side wings, a study, a spacious kitchen, and servant quarters. It even has a wide courtyard with a tea flower tree! Take a look." She passed over a detailed sketch of the property.

Jiang Huaiyu studied the drawing carefully. It was simple yet clear, giving her a vivid picture of the house.

It was perfect—facing south, not too large or small, with ample space for her and Tangbao to grow into. Once settled, she had no intention of moving frequently.

"Take me to see it," she said, tapping the sketch lightly.

The yabao beamed, pocketing the keys before leading Jiang Huaiyu toward the southern district. Along the way, the woman skillfully tried to glean more about her client's background, as was common in her line of work.

When they arrived, Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but be impressed. The house was well-situated—not too secluded yet far enough from the main road to ensure peace and quiet. A perfect balance.

The yabao unlocked the door, revealing a short corridor that led to a shadow wall. Beyond it, a small staircase descended into a courtyard.

The courtyard was spacious, flanked by side wings and a grand main hall. In the center stood a tea flower tree, its green leaves lending the space a touch of vibrancy.

"Shall we see the main hall?" the yabao suggested.

Jiang Huaiyu nodded, stepping inside. The hall was stately, though sparsely furnished, with simple carvings on the beams.

The kitchen and servant quarters showed signs of use but were in good condition. Jiang Huaiyu didn't mind. It was to be expected.

"How much?" she asked.

"One hundred and eighty taels of silver," the yabao replied, her smile widening.

Jiang Huaiyu hesitated briefly, considering haggling, but realized it would be futile. Properties like this were sold under official oversight, leaving little room for negotiation.

She produced a fifty-tael note. "This is the deposit. Draft an agreement. I'll return tomorrow to complete the transaction."

"Of course!"

Back at the agency, Jiang Huaiyu signed the necessary papers and returned to her inn. After a day of dealing with property matters, she was starving. She quickly ordered a hearty meal and devoured it before drawing a hot bath.

As she washed away the day's fatigue, she couldn't shake a lingering sense of exasperation. Much of her travel expenses had been thanks to that elusive Qin. He hadn't even repaid her!

She glanced at the corner of her bundle, where a jade token peeked out. With a sigh, she tucked it away again. Forget it. Money can always be earned.

"Time to save money," she muttered.

The next morning, she finalized the house purchase and received her deed. She now had a home in the capital, a place for her and Tangbao to settle.

Just as she was about to leave the agency, she noticed a frail, dirty girl being led inside.

"What's this?" she asked.

The staff explained that the girl had been selling herself to pay for her father's burial. A kind merchant had paid for the funeral and left funds for the agency to find her work as a servant.

Jiang Huaiyu was struck by the girl's clear, resolute eyes, a sharp contrast to her gaunt frame.

"How much for her contract?" Jiang Huaiyu asked.

The yabao blinked in surprise. "Three taels of silver."

Jiang Huaiyu handed over the money without hesitation.

The girl was speechless, unable to fathom why this elegant woman would choose her.

"Come with me," Jiang Huaiyu said gently, holding the girl's contract.

The girl hesitated only briefly before nodding.

As they stepped into the bustling streets, Jiang Huaiyu led her to a shop to buy clean clothes. First, the girl needed a bath. Then, their new life could begin.