It was just that she’d never imagined business could be done this way.

According to her previous understanding,

a medicine hall was a thankless and laborious business.

It required a storefront, Physicians with superb Medical Skill, a Shopkeeper and apprentices to coordinate, a steady supply of medicinal ingredients, and so on.

Every single step had to be followed methodically, with no room for the slightest carelessness.

But according to the *Baicao Hall Expansion Charter* that Chen Yi had provided,

this Hundred Herbs Hall could operate without Physicians, or at least they wouldn’t need to be exceptionally skilled; a basic understanding of medical principles would be sufficient.

They would primarily sell common prescriptions and medicinal ingredients.

Profits would mainly come from various medicinal teas and pills that promoted the health and well-being of the common folk.

All of this left Xiao Wan’er somewhat astonished.

Whether it was Hundred Herbs Hall’s business model or its method of using profit-sharing to win over the Noble Families across the Nine State and Three Prefectures, it was all unlike anything she had ever encountered.

After thinking for a moment,

Xiao Wan’er grasped the key points and spoke up. "I have two questions, and I hope Young Master Chen will enlighten me."

"First, is it not unbalanced to only sell pre-made formulas? After all, a thousand people require a thousand different remedies."

She was clear on the matter of selling medicinal teas and certainly didn’t see a problem there.

Her only concern was that the pills, unable to be prescribed for specific symptoms, would cause people to miss their opportunity for treatment.

Chen Yi listened but didn’t respond immediately, merely gesturing for her to continue.

Xiao Wan’er paused. "My second question concerns the more remote regions. Cooperating with the Noble Families is not the issue."

"But all sorts of problems will inevitably arise. How can Young Master Chen guarantee they won’t line their own pockets, or even set up their own competing businesses?"

Chen Yi nodded to himself upon hearing this. The first question was one thing, but the second one hit the nail on the head.

’At the start of the partnership, those great families, unaware of the potential profits, might just let Hundred Herbs Hall develop on its own.’

’But after seeing the profits, it’s inevitable that some would be tempted to take desperate measures.’

With this in mind, Chen Yi grunted in acknowledgment and said, "Eldest Miss, you can rest assured about the matter of the pills."

"My Hundred Herbs Hall has been open in Shu State for over a month now, and there have been no issues with the pills sold."

"Later, I will have Wang Ji deliver Hundred Herbs Hall’s detailed ledgers. You will understand as soon as you see them, Eldest Miss."

"As for the second question..."

After a brief thought, Chen Yi continued, "Merchants chase profits, and the Noble Families are no exception."

"It’s likely impossible to completely avoid the problem you mentioned, Eldest Miss, but it can be managed through exclusive formulas, profit incentives, and force."

He then explained the details of these three methods one by one, his expression turning serious as he said,

"Everything has its pros and cons. My expansion charter for Hundred Herbs Hall is designed for one thing: to spread across the Great Wei’s Nine State and Three Prefectures as quickly as possible."

"When that time comes and the momentum is on our side, a few petty villains won’t be able to block our path."

’To be precise, as long as the Imperial Court doesn’t intervene, the competition between the Noble Families and Hundred Herbs Hall will remain within the scope of "commercial warfare."’

’Problems of that nature could, for the most part, be solved with force.’

—A combined effort from Jianghu Sects, Medical Saint Hands, and the private armies of the Noble Families.

Xiao Wan’er was silent for a long time after he finished. Once she understood everything he had said, she finally let out a soft breath and remarked with admiration,

"Young Master Chen, your thoughts are so meticulous and far-reaching. Wan’er is truly impressed."

"However, this matter is of great importance. I cannot make this decision alone. I need to consult my grandfather before I can give you an answer."

Chen Yi nodded. He had expected as much.

’After all, this wasn’t about expanding Hundred Herbs Hall throughout Shu State Prefecture City, but across the entire Shu State, and even the whole Wei Dynasty.’

’The many aspects involved were tangled and complex, and the number of connections and personal networks that would have to be mobilized was beyond counting.’

’With Xiao Wan’er’s current status and authority, it would be difficult for her to undertake such a task.’

However, by Chen Yi’s estimation, this venture, which relied on both Hundred Herbs Hall and the Xiao Family Medicine Hall, would ultimately fall on Xiao Wan’er’s shoulders.

’When that time comes, I’ll inevitably have to meet with Xiao Wan’er again as "Chen Yu." ’

’Hmm... Looks like I’ll have to find a way to be a hands-off boss.’

"There’s no rush on this matter. It won’t be too late to make a decision after you’ve consulted the Marquis, Eldest Miss."

After he spoke, Chen Yi thought for a moment and couldn’t help but add a reminder,

"However, this plan is of the utmost importance. I hope you will be careful not to let it be stolen by anyone with ill intentions, Eldest Miss, to avoid unforeseen complications."

"And who might these people with ill intentions be, Young Master Chen?"

"...The Liu Family, for example."

Chen Yi had wanted to mention the second and third households of the Xiao Family, but on second thought, he figured the old Marquis would already be on guard against them, so he only brought up the Liu Family.

Xiao Wan’er understood. She smiled and said, "Rest assured, Young Master Chen. Wan’er understands the stakes."

Chen Yi nodded. "That’s good."

Seeing that their official business was concluded,

Chen Yi pretended to glance at the sky outside, then cupped his fists. "I have intruded enough for one day. I will take my leave now."

Xiao Wan’er froze for a second, surprised. "Young Master Chen, I’ve already arranged a banquet in the garden for you today. You..."

Before she could finish, Chen Yi had already risen and bowed. "I must ask for your forgiveness, Eldest Miss."

"I have matters to attend to this evening, so I cannot linger. Please forgive me."

Seeing this, Xiao Wan’er knew she couldn’t insist he stay. She instructed Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun to carry the trays and escort him out of the wooden pavilion.

After a few more politeries,

Chen Yi, along with Wang Ji and Zhang Dabao, directly boarded the carriage and departed from the Xiao Family estate.

’Finally, I can breathe a sigh of relief.’

’If I stayed any longer, with no serious business to occupy Xiao Wan’er’s attention, there’s no guarantee she wouldn’t notice something was off.’

’It was better to leave early.’

Wang Ji glanced at his expression. "Boss, was there no..."

"’No’ what? You seem to have a lot of free time lately. When we get back, I’ll find something for you to do."

"Uh..."

"Hm?"

"This subordinate obeys."

"Mm."

Such a nonsensical conversation naturally reached the ears of Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang, who were behind them.

Although they didn’t understand why that Boss Chen was being so harsh with Wang Ji, they knew that Xiao Wan’er was being a bit strange.

It was because, at that moment, Xiao Wan’er was staring blankly at the departing carriage.

Her eyes still held a hint of doubt and inquiry, as she still felt a sense of familiarity about this person, Chen Yu.

「After a long while.」

Xiao Wan’er felt a chill and subconsciously pulled her cloak tighter around herself, turning to head back to Jiaxing Garden.

As she glanced toward Spring Lotus Garden, she couldn’t help but ask,

"Huatang, Tingyun, don’t you two think that Young Master Chen is very similar to... my brother-in-law?"

"The young master?"

Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun followed her gaze toward Spring Lotus Garden and shook their heads in unison.

"Not at all, Miss."

"The young master is frail and scholarly, and not skilled in the Martial Arts."

"It’s true that the young master excels at Music, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting, but he is not well-versed in the ways of business. He could never have such deep foresight like Boss Chen Yu."

After listening, Xiao Wan’er nodded doubtfully, muttering to herself nonstop.

"Not alike... they’re not alike...?"

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Wan’er temporarily set aside the strange feeling in her heart and gave an order,

"Huatang, when my brother-in-law gets back, please invite him to Jiaxing Garden for dinner."

"We’ve prepared so much food; it would be a shame to let it go to waste..."