Transmigration Of An Assassin

The next morning, Tang Shushui woke up refreshed, his face soft and tender like a peeled egg, while Jiang Yanwei sat on the edge of the bed with noticeable eyebags, rubbing his temples in silence.

Tang Shushui was in a particularly good mood. The fashion show was only two weeks away now. Ever since Li Shiqing had sat down with him to go over every detail before he opened the boutique, he had thrown himself into the work advertising, designing, promoting nonstop. And now, it was finally close.

In his life, aside from his family, he only had two real passions: cooking and designing. If someone had asked him to choose, he would have picked fashion without hesitation. But life had its own plans. Because of the family's situation back then, he'd had no choice but to rely on food. Even so, after spending nearly a year running a business in ancient China, he had come to understand one thing clearly: power, status, and guanxi connections were everything. Money could get you a seat at the table, but without status, you would never be taken seriously.

He didn't like talking to his family about it, but the truth was, not every noble he met was as polite and refined as they looked. Many of them were sharp-eyed and calculating. On more than one occasion, he had found himself in uncomfortable and even dangerous situations. At times, he seriously considered giving up the restaurant and walking the official path. But that, too, was blocked. While ger were technically allowed to take the imperial exams, they were rarely, if ever, granted official positions afterward.

No matter how powerful he liked to think he was, there were limits. He couldn't singlehandedly change the laws or the rigid norms of this empire. All he could do was swallow the bitterness and push forward. He still planned to take the keju next year to change his status from merchant to scholar, to pave a better path for his family and fulfill the original body's wish. But the way things were going, with the disrespect and pressure increasing from the nobles, waiting another year felt like an eternity.

That was why fashion became his best route. If he could turn his designs into luxury something truly sought after, something that whispered power and elegance then even without status, he could still demand respect. If the dresses and accessories he made became coveted items among the elite, he could use that desire to build his own standing.

So he gave it his all. He trained and maintained the workers and models, ran promotional events, and spread word through every possible channel. The upcoming fashion show had already drawn attention from several high-ranking noble ladies and ger.

"Shushui gege seems really happy today," Jiang Chuhua said as he picked up a meat bun, his face round and content.

"Yes, what happened?" Jiang Chaoxiang asked curiously, looking up from his bowl of congee.

"Your gege is about to open a boutique, so from now on, you'll all be spoiled young masters and young ladies," Tang Shushui grinned, reaching out to flick their foreheads playfully.

"I'm going to be a young master?" Cai'er asked, his cheeks puffed up, head tilted to one side in innocent confusion.

"Yes, Cai'er. Your auntie is about to hit the jackpot," Tang Shushui said, laughing at how adorable he looked.

"Look at how he spoils them," Madam Jiang teased lightly, glancing at Chu Fang across the table.

"Don't be jealous, Mother. You'll also be a proper lao furen soon," Tang Shushui replied with a wink, making the whole family laugh.

Breakfast that morning was warm and lively. After the meal, Tang Shushui and Haohao headed into town at ease. The restaurant was well-staffed now and didn't require his presence every day, so he used the extra time to check on the fashion show preparations.

The event was to be held in the back courtyard of a teahouse Tang Shushui had rented for the occasion, a place known for its elegant bamboo walkways and quiet pond views. It was frequented my reputable young ladies and young masters.

 When they arrived, a few of the hired workers were already there, setting up the raised platform that would serve as the runway. Several bolts of embroidered fabric were spread out on one of the benches nearby, catching the morning sun, deep red silks, pale blues, and a striking ink-black gauze that shimmered faintly in the breeze. It was a very attractive sight.

Tang Shushui walked slowly through the courtyard, inspecting the layout. After a while Ren De greeted him with a bow. "Boss, the tailors said today they should be all finished with the last batch of hanfus and shoes" 

Shushui nodded, his eyes scanning the placement of the platform. "Tell them to double-check the hems of the hanfus and the soles of the shoes. This is going to be a luxury boutique so it should show that. No careless mistakes will be tolerated."

"Yes, boss." Ren D responded respectfully, before withdrawing.

In one corner, a group of models were practicing their walk, graceful steps, turn, pause. One of them stumbled slightly, and a thin girl next to her murmured, "Too stiff. Relax your shoulders."

Shushui stopped beside them and watched quietly for a moment before offering a few adjustments. "Your hands should float, not hang. Think of carrying water, steady, but with care."

The girl tried again, this time smoother. He gave a small nod of approval and moved on.

Nearby, Haohao was already chatting with the teahouse steward, about refreshments for the guests. "We won't serve food, just light desserts and tea. We'll cater it ourselves, so there's no need to trouble you." Haohao said. "These noble ladies' tongues are sharper than their earrings." He continued to grumble.

That made Tang Shushui laugh. He understood perfectly. How many grievances have they suffered from entitle nobles? It seemed to leave a small psychological mark on Haohao. "Prepare extra sweets. The iced osmanthus jelly might impress them." Tang Shuishui comforted slightly.

After making rounds and making sure everything was coming together perfectly, Haohao and Tang Shushui made their way to their restaurant to eat.

"Yuan Fang is moving out with Old Lady Shen. How do you feel about it?" Haohao asked as he sipped a cup of hot longjing tea.

"I guess I feel a bit sad," Tang Shushui said honestly. "But Yuan Fang never really settled into the family. You could tell he always felt like an outsider. Now that Old Lady Shen's time is nearing its end, I think he's trying to fulfill her wish of seeing him married. And that's okay."

Haohao nodded, relieved. "I was a bit worried. I know how much you value family. I didn't want you to feel abandoned."

"I did what I could," Tang Shushui said, taking a sip of tea. "I helped Yanwei repay their kindness. I gave them enough silver to live comfortably for a lifetime. That's more than enough."

Author's note

Hi lovelies! I'm just working on tying up some loose ends to reel the story in and make it more enjoyable. Since this was my very first story, it's a bit all over the place, but I hope these fixes help it feel more polished. For context: Shen Yuan Fang and his grandparents were taken in by Tang Shushui when he built the house because they helped Jiang Yanwei. Now they're moving out since Yuan Fang is getting married and to fulfill his grandmother's wishes. Enjoy!