Xiao Wan’er took a short rest.

The strange notion in her mind, triggered by Chen Yu reminding her of Chen Yi, finally began to fade.

Just as Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun had said.

Chen Yi was not skilled in Martial Arts. He was merely a delicate scholar who excelled at Music, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting—worlds apart from Chen Yu, the owner of Hundred Herbs Hall.

As for why she felt they were similar, after much thought, she could only attribute it to coincidence.

’It couldn’t possibly be for some outlandish reason like Chen Yu being Chen Yi’s long-lost brother.’

Seeing that it was still early, Xiao Wan’er instructed Xiao Wuge to focus on his etiquette lessons, then took the "Baicao Hall Expansion Charter" with her to Qingjing Residence.

In truth, she was not a decisive and efficient woman by nature.

Perhaps it was due to her frail health.

It had made her gentle since childhood, always thinking of others and rarely considering herself first.

Take the matter of Hundred Herbs Hall, for example.

The reason she was in such a hurry to see the Old Master was simply because she recognized the value of this charter.

If Hundred Herbs Hall could expand as rapidly as the charter proposed, it would bring the Xiao Family all benefits and no drawbacks.

Not only could it bring the Xiao Family considerable wealth and solve financial issues for the estate, the Dingyuan Army, and most future matters involving silver coins,

It was also a charitable act.

Healing the sick and saving lives could be considered an accumulation of good karma.

It would also improve the Xiao Family’s reputation.

Xiao Wan’er knew very well that for Noble Families, the latter was often more important than the former.

Upon arriving at Qingjing Residence,

Xiao Wan’er had Shen Huatang and Xie Tingyun wait under the eaves, not forgetting to instruct them,

"If anyone comes to visit, just say that Grandfather is unavailable at the moment."

She still remembered Boss Chen’s reminder to handle this matter with caution and discretion.

Xie Tingyun and Shen Huatang nodded and stood guard at the entrance.

Although they didn’t quite believe that Hundred Herbs Hall could expand across the Great Wei Nine State and Three Prefectures, seeing how seriously their Young Miss was taking it, they naturally didn’t let their skepticism show.

Afterwards, Xiao Wan’er went alone, holding an Oil Paper Umbrella, to pay her respects to the Old Master.

Qingjing Residence was not exactly quiet at the moment.

The torrential downpour inevitably made it feel a bit noisy.

The rain pounded on the slate paths, fell upon the flowers and trees, and dripped from the roof tiles.

The various sounds merged, making it difficult for Xiao Wan’er to hear the voices from inside the house. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"...The Young Miss is here."

It seemed someone had said that.

But when Xiao Wan’er walked into the main hall, she only saw the Old Master drinking tea alone in the living room.

She scanned the room, found nothing amiss, and smiled as she curtsied. "Your granddaughter greets you, Grandfather."

The Old Master, seated in the Grandmaster’s Chair, nodded with a smile and gestured for her to sit.

"The rain has been heavy and the wind cold these past few days. You should get out less. If you need something, just send a servant. I can go over to Jiaxing Garden myself."

"How could I let you do that? Grandfather, your health has just recovered. You need your rest as well."

"Besides, it’s fine if I’m unwell. If something were to happen to you, the other grand-uncles and uncles in the estate would surely blame me."

"Who would dare? You’re my granddaughter. Not just anyone can blame you."

"Grandfather..."

The conversation was rather heartwarming, but to an outsider, it would have sounded like two patients discussing their conditions.

After a few more pleasantries,

Xiao Wan’er took out the "Baicao Hall Expansion Charter" and placed it in the Old Master’s hands. "Grandfather, please take a look at this."

"This is..."

The Old Master looked at the booklet. He had, of course, heard of Hundred Herbs Hall and knew about the teas it sold.

And recently, due to the relationship between the Xiao Family Medicine Hall and Hundred Herbs Hall, he had even specifically sought out a few bottles to try.

Wangji Tea was refreshing. Old Platinum Tea was slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste. Divine Bull Tea had a strange flavor, but after drinking it, Power surged through his body.

As for the Mushroom Tea and Beauty Tea, he had only looked at them and hadn’t actually tried them.

However, after trying it, he found the Old Platinum Tea truly did make him feel much more relaxed. He had been drinking a bottle every day recently.

But tea was one thing; the Old Master was still a bit puzzled about some "expansion charter."

"I heard the owner of that Hundred Herbs Hall came over today. Did he bring this?"

Xiao Wan’er nodded with a smile. "Boss Chen is young and promising. Not only is his mastery of the Medical Dao exquisite, but he also has a sharp mind for business."

After a few words of praise, she continued, "He did indeed bring this charter today. He wants to cooperate with our Xiao Family."

The Old Master began to flip through the booklet, saying, "I’ve already said that you’re in charge of the Xiao Family Medicine Hall’s affairs. You don’t need to specifically..."

Before he could finish, he saw the contents of the booklet. He let out a soft sound, a hint of interest appearing on his face.

Seeing his expression, Xiao Wan’er knew her grandfather was just as stunned by the contents as she had been. She said with a smile,

"The matters discussed in this charter are immense. I couldn’t make a decision, so I had to come and ask for your guidance, Grandfather."

The Old Master grunted in acknowledgment, holding the booklet far away to read the contents clearly, muttering to himself.

"Hundred Herbs Hall wishes to use Shu State as a base, first expanding to neighboring states and counties, then developing the lands of the Nine State and Three Prefectures..."

Seeing this, Xiao Wan’er sat quietly in her chair and waited.

She had faith in this charter, and she had a certain amount of faith in Boss Chen’s plans and ambitions.

The only uncertainty was whether the Xiao Family could support Hundred Herbs Hall’s expansion with all its might, as Boss Chen requested.

「Before long.」

The Old Master finished reading the entire charter in detail. A trace of amazement appeared on his thin, wrinkled face. "Interesting."

"Wan’er, was this charter written by that owner of Hundred Herbs Hall?"

Xiao Wan’er nodded. "Grandfather, he was the one who brought it. Judging by the handwriting, it was written by Wang Ji on his behalf."

"Oh? And what do you think of this matter?"

"I... I want to give it a try. It’s just that I understand the difficulty involved, and the effort it would require."

"If the family decides to support Hundred Herbs Hall, I’m afraid it will affect other matters."

The Old Master nodded slightly. "Your assessment is astute. This matter is not so simple."

"Putting aside what’s outside Shu State, just dealing with the Noble Families in the local states and counties of Shu State is no easy task."

"If Hundred Herbs Hall’s earnings were small, it would be fine. But looking at the Xiao Family Medicine Hall’s profits from the last month, those teas... the profits are enormous."

Having been in Shu State for many years, the Old Master knew just how troublesome those great clans could be.

This was especially true for the tribes and clans in the mountainous regions.

Even if the Xiao Family’s might alone could make them submit, it would still attract some criticism.

Once Hundred Herbs Hall started turning a profit, once the Xiao Family Medicine Hall started distributing its share, even if the members of those great clans said nothing, they would inevitably feel some resentment.

They would probably say things like, "The Xiao Family is hogging all the profits," or, "They don’t think to include their old subordinates and brothers in their money-making ventures."

Ultimately, the Xiao Family had cultivated its presence in Shu State for two hundred years. Its relationships with the various clans, states, and counties were deeply and intricately connected; a simple, one-size-fits-all solution was not possible.

It was just like the Mutual Market built in cooperation with the Mountain Race.

They had to bring some people in, win over some of the Noble Families, to put everyone at ease.

Xiao Wan’er thought for a moment and asked, "Grandfather, does our family need to share some of the silver coins from this?"

Hearing this, the Old Master teased, "A share does indeed need to be given out. But why can’t it be Hundred Herbs Hall that gives it?"

Xiao Wan’er froze for a second, then said hesitantly, "But Boss Chen was the one who proposed this charter, I..."

"You feel bad about it?"

"A little."

Seeing her nod, the Old Master said with a smile, "Wan’er, your nature is too kind. You’ll be at a disadvantage in the world of business."

A blush of shame appeared on Xiao Wan’er’s face, and she lowered her head slightly. "I was wrong."

"That was too harsh."

"This isn’t about right or wrong. It’s just that you don’t understand the stakes involved. It may seem like our Xiao Family can take a fifty percent share in Shu State, but in reality, it’s thirty percent at most."

"And Hundred Herbs Hall provides the charter, the formulas, the people... hmm. Taking fifty percent is actually quite reasonable."

Xiao Wan’er couldn’t help but smile. "Grandfather, you think so too."

The Old Master shook his head with a smile. "I just think he’s making this money too easily."

At this point, he had finally understood the value of the charter.

Hundred Herbs Hall had the formulas, the money-making methods, and the brains. The only thing it lacked was the connections to get through to the various powers that be.

Coincidentally, the Xiao Family had close ties with all parties and possessed the connections, but lacked a profitable business.

They could complement each other’s needs.

"That owner of Hundred Herbs Hall has a unique vision. That’s a rare and valuable quality."

Seeing him praise Boss Chen, Xiao Wan’er was delighted. "Grandfather, you... you agree?"

The Old Master raised a hand, gesturing for her to wait.

「After a moment of thought.」

The Old Master watched the rain fall outside the hall, weighed the pros and cons, and said, "This deal can be done. I agree to it."

Joy bloomed in Xiao Wan’er’s heart, but she knew he had more to say, so she didn’t speak hastily.

Then she heard the Old Master continue, "However, we cannot be hasty with this. Many things still need careful consideration. At the very least..."

"At the very least, we need to find out about that boss... What’s his name?"

"Chen Yu. I heard he’s been studying medicine with his master in the mountains."

The Old Master nodded. "We must be able to trust this Chen Yu."

Xiao Wan’er paused, then said with understanding, "You’re right, Grandfather."

"The Xiao Family is going through troubled times. We must be careful with everything."

"I understand."

Xiao Wan’er was naturally aware of some of her family’s circumstances and could understand the Old Master’s reasoning.

However, she had a strange, inexplicable faith in that Boss Chen and didn’t believe he was a problem.

「Before long.」

Xiao Wan’er left with a smile on her face.

The Old Master watched her walk away, only then letting out a soft sigh.

"You heard all that, didn’t you?"

"Later, go and investigate that boss... Chen Yu. While you’re at it, investigate the others in Hundred Herbs Hall as well."

"Our Xiao Family’s luck has been extremely poor for the last five years. To suddenly encounter such a good thing... it forces an old man like me to be suspicious."

As soon as his voice fell, a shadowy figure emerged from a side room, bowing in salute.

"This subordinate will go shortly."

The Old Master grunted. "Just investigate it on the side."

"Your primary task recently is to keep a close watch on the Jing State Liu Family."

"Since they’re acting up again, imposing a ten percent grain tax on the summer harvest in the Three Towns, they’re bound to make other moves."

"Rest assured, Marquis. Their movements are all under the watch of the Hidden Guard."

"It’s just that there have been strange stirrings in the black market recently."

"Oh?"

"A newly placed Hidden Guard sent word last night that Elder Demon Fang died at the hands of Black Tooth. Also, quite a few Evil Demons have gathered at the Spring Rain Building, seemingly discussing some major deal."

The Old Master frowned slightly, a flash of killing intent in his cloudy eyes.

"What kind of major deal requires clearing out all the spies in the black market?"

"Investigate it thoroughly. See what the Bright Moon Building is up to."

"Yes, sir!"