’That profile...’

’It really does look like... my brother-in-law.’

Fortunately, after her initial stupor, Xiao Wan’er didn’t let her composure slip.

When Chen Yi didn’t speak, she beckoned with her hand and instructed in her usual tone,

"Boss Chen, since this is our first meeting, I hope you will accept these small gifts."

As Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun placed the trays on the table beside him, Chen Yi inclined his head in thanks. "Thank you, Eldest Young Lady."

A glance from the corner of his eye was enough. Even without lifting the red cloth, he could tell from the shapes underneath that they were the zither and long blade he had mentioned before.

Xiao Wan’er smiled. "Lately, I must thank your Hundred Herbs Hall for all the help you’ve given our Xiao Family Medicine Hall."

"From the sale of the herbal teas alone, the Xiao Family has earned a share of fourteen thousand taels of silver this month. It is I who should be thanking you."

"You’re too kind," Chen Yi said, lowering his head slightly. "My Hundred Herbs Hall is still new and lacks influence. We must rely on the support of you, Eldest Young Lady, and the Xiao Family."

"If Fairy Tingyun hadn’t intervened to help us before, my Hundred Herbs Hall would have surely suffered a devastating blow. For that, I am eternally grateful and will never forget it."

Xiao Wan’er paused at his words. She glanced at Xie Tingyun, then said hesitantly, "Ultimately, this matter arose because of my Xiao Family."

She then explained the whole affair with Liu Jing and Linglan Pavilion.

"Young Master Chen, you were not aware of the circumstances. In truth, it is the Xiao Family that has wronged you."

Chen Yi glanced at her. Seeing her earnest expression, he let a faint smile touch his lips.

"As they say, adversity reveals true friendship. If not for this incident, Hundred Herbs Hall and the Xiao Family Medicine Hall would not have our current, mutually beneficial partnership."

Seeing that smile, Xiao Wan’er’s expression grew a little strained again.

This time, she didn’t continue the topic of their two medicine halls. Instead, she changed the subject, asking, "If I may ask, Young Master Chen, where is your home?"

Chen Yi looked away, the smile fading from his face. He replied calmly,

"I was orphaned at a young age. I simply followed my master, studying the Medical Dao in the mountains. You could say I have no fixed home."

Xiao Wan’er was taken aback for a moment. But his words also dispelled the stray thoughts in her mind, and she mentally chided herself for asking such an inappropriate question.

"My apologies, Young Master Chen. It’s just that you resemble an old acquaintance of mine, so... please, forgive my impertinence."

’An old acquaintance?’

A chill went down Chen Yi’s spine. ’I’ve been so careful. Could she have seen through my disguise?’

’Impossible.’

’Bluffing is against the rules, Xiao Wan’er. Don’t try to scare me like that.’

"There’s no need to be so formal, Eldest Young Lady. I am but a commoner, a man of the Jianghu, in a manner of speaking. I am not worthy of such polite treatment from you."

"You’re too modest, Young Master Chen. I was worried my own etiquette was lacking."

"Not at all..."

Watching the two of them exchange stiff pleasantries, Xie Tingyun, who stood to the side, started curling her toes in embarrassment.

Even Shen Huatang was filled with doubt.

She had served Xiao Wan’er for many years.

She had seen many similar scenes.

But normally, Xiao Wan’er was always poised and magnanimous. While appearing polite, her words and expression actually kept people at arm’s length.

Never had she been so... restrained.

Shen Huatang looked at Xiao Wan’er’s slightly unnatural expression and felt that something was very strange.

And then there were those two words from before: "old acquaintance."

She racked her brain but couldn’t think of anyone who bore even the slightest resemblance to this Boss Chen Yu.

All in all, the current situation felt bizarre.

Chen Yi, of course, also sensed that something was off.

After her repeated probing, how could he not realize that Xiao Wan’er had spotted some cracks in his facade?

Thus, after a few more pleasantries, Chen Yi decided to cut to the chase.

Taking advantage of a pause in the conversation, he respectfully presented the "Baicao Hall Expansion Charter" that he had at hand.

"I have come today with another matter to discuss with you, Eldest Young Lady."

Xiao Wan’er motioned for Shen Huatang to accept it. When she saw the title, she recognized Wang Ji’s handwriting. Suppressing the strange feeling in her heart, she asked,

"The ’Baicao Hall Expansion Charter’? Young Master Chen, have you brought the wrong document?"

Chen Yi shook his head slightly. "Why don’t you take a look first, Eldest Young Lady."

Hearing this, Xiao Wan’er hesitated for a moment, then opened the booklet and began to read.

At first, she assumed it was a document concerning Hundred Herbs Hall’s internal affairs and read it rather casually.

But after only a few lines, her expression grew serious.

It took her nearly the time it takes for half a stick of incense to burn to read it all carefully. When she was done, her face was an unconcealed mix of astonishment, excitement, and gratitude.

After flipping through it quickly one more time, she calmed the tempest in her heart and looked at Chen Yi, asking earnestly,

"Young Master Chen, what’s written in here... is it all true?"

"Do you truly intend to partner with my Xiao Family to open branches of Hundred Herbs Hall all over Shu State, and even throughout the Nine State and Three Prefectures of the Great Wei Dynasty?"

Chen Yi turned his head to look at her, his expression serious. "What you say is correct, Eldest Young Lady, but with one small clarification."

"Within the borders of Shu State, the Xiao Family’s reputation is quite high, which will be beneficial for opening trade routes in the various state capitals and counties. Naturally, you can provide patronage to Hundred Herbs Hall."

"Therefore, within Shu State, the Xiao Family will be responsible for handling the state and county government offices, the local noble families, and the Jianghu powers. In exchange, Hundred Herbs Hall can share fifty percent of all its profits with the Xiao Family."

He paused, and seeing Xiao Wan’er listening with rapt attention, he continued,

"Outside of Shu State, however, the rules will naturally have to change."

"For instance, in the neighboring Western State, Jiao State, and Guangyue Prefecture, if the Xiao Family is confident it can provide patronage for Hundred Herbs Hall, you can also receive a fifty-percent share of the profits."

"But the Wei Dynasty is vast. Some places are near, and others are far."

"In places like Jiangnan Prefecture and the Capital Prefecture, which are teeming with merchants and noble families, as well as faraway places like the Northern State, Ji State, Meng State, and You State, we will need to cooperate with powerful local clans."

"In any state capital where the Xiao Family’s influence cannot reach, the profits will need to be shared with the local noble families who can provide that patronage."

Chen Yi’s explanation was detailed, and Xiao Wan’er naturally understood his meaning.