Ascending the Jade Tower
The sole heir of the Imperial Grand Tutor’s family lost both parents, leaving behind only a daughter. Yet on her journey back to the capital, she was ambushed by villains and narrowly escaped death—thanks to the timely intervention of a righteous stranger, the danger passed without lasting harm... Su Tang knew that the noble young lady in the distant Grand Tutor’s residence at the capital was an imposter. Still, since she had survived by borrowing this body, she was determined to do something in return: perhaps nurture the little husband she saw upon first opening her eyes, or perhaps turn the capital’s rumors into reality... A tale of two resilient souls and redemption. Featuring hidden identities, system mechanics, transmigration, commerce, political intrigue, and revenge.
Ascending the Jade Tower
“If you can’t pay five taels of silver for your stall’s residence tax today, then hand over your secret recipe instead!”
The oily shout mingled with the spicy, pungent scent, making one’s eardrums throb.
Su Tang gripped her soup ladle, casting a sidelong glance at the corner of Master Zhao’s mouth, where a gold tooth gleamed.
Behind him, three burly men eyed her copper pot with hungry glares, like hyenas starved for three days.
She’d known setting up her spicy hotpot stall would attract the attention of the local bullies, but she was prepared—
Su Tang lowered her lashes, turned slightly, and called softly toward the tightly closed gate behind her, “Your daughter-in-law is incompetent, Father, forgive me for troubling you.”
Her gentle, delicate voice was as soft and sweet as a spring blossom, so unlike the bold shouts she’d used for hawking these past days.
For a moment, even the air seemed to still.
Then the courtyard door swung open and a tall, burly figure emerged.
His wide eyes bulged, a scruffy beard covered his face, and his hair was tied up haphazardly with a hemp cloth. His rough hands and patched, earth-colored clothes gave him a rugged look. Each step he took seemed to make the whole town tremble. When he spoke, his deep, booming voice carried clear across half the town: “Would Master Zhao kindly repeat that? How much is the residence tax?”
Master Zhao and his men shrank back a few steps, but catching sight of the growing crowd, he straightened up and barked, holding up five thick fingers, “Five taels o
