CHAPTER 311: CHAPTER 308: YOU TAKE THE BLAME

After Lin Wanwan was done with the modern-day matters, she accompanied Gu Jingyu to go shopping for wedding supplies, had a simple dinner, and then returned to the Great Tang. Despite a busy day in the modern world, only an hour and a half had passed in the Great Tang.

Opening the door to the room, she saw Hua Nong sitting leisurely by the window outside, watching the scenery. Hearing the noise, Hua Nong turned her head, quickly got up, and walked towards Lin Wanwan: "Mistress, have you woken up?"

Lin Wanwan nodded: "Has Cousin returned yet?"

Hua Nong said: "No one has reported. Mistress, are you hungry? Shall I go to the kitchen and prepare some snacks for you?"

Although Lin Wanwan had just eaten and wasn’t hungry, she had nothing to do now, so she said: "That sounds good. Let’s make something delicious together; it will be perfect when Cousin returns to enjoy it together."

As her greatest support in the Great Tang, Lin Wanwan decided to flatter Xiao Chong a little by making him some delicious food as a reward.

After all, she still needed to discuss the matter of the White Feather Chicken with him later, so a little appeasement was in order.

Previously, because Xiao Chong first mentioned the risks of White Feather Chicken, Lin Wanwan had abandoned the idea of promoting it in the Great Tang. Therefore, she hadn’t told Xiao Chong that only she had the ancestor chickens of this breed, which he probably hadn’t considered.

Now, since the rumor was spread by Xiao Chong, naturally, he needed to help resolve the issue.

The people in the County Government’s small kitchen were familiar with Hua Nong and Lin Wanwan; since they wanted to cook, the staff cooperated enthusiastically.

Xiao Chong returned only after nightfall, looking disheveled (after spending a day at the burn site, it was hard not to look disheveled), Lin Wanwan not only baked the snacks but also waited for a long time in Qinshenqing Hall, until she fell asleep.

The main reason was her disordered biological clock due to frequent time traveling, causing her to become drowsy during long waits, even if mentally alert, her body couldn’t help but want to sleep.

Additionally, the seats in this hall intended for guests during discussions were just mats, without even one round stool common in the Great Tang’s rear courtyard. Generally not used to sitting on the floor, Lin Wanwan began leaning, then lay sideways on the armrest, inevitably sleepy.

As the sun set completely, Hua Nong softly called her to wake up for a meal. However, Lin Wanwan was too tired, couldn’t fully regain consciousness, casually said she wasn’t hungry and wouldn’t eat, then continued sleeping.

She slept until Xiao Chong returned.

Upon seeing Xiao Chong at the doorway, Hua Nong was about to wake her mistress again, but Xiao Chong casually gestured for silence, so Hua Nong swallowed her voice.

Xiao Chong entered the hall barefoot, glanced at Lin Wanwan as he passed her, but did not stop, and went straight to his desk to handle official business.

Today, how many farmland were burned to destroy locusts, from which households, although specifically recorded, as the County Magistrate of Mao County he had to review them all to stay informed.

When Lin Wanwan woke, it was dusk, and only two lamps lit the entire Qinshenqing Hall.

One was placed on Xiao Chong’s desk, and one on a side table. Xiao Chong was still working at his desk, the eerie glow stretched his shadow long and hazy, particularly unreal, a sight like viewing the moon in the water.

Feeling Lin Wanwan’s gaze, Xiao Chong lifted his eyes to her and said: "Cousin, you’re awake? What have you been busy with recently, that you’re so tired?"

Not fully awake yet, Lin Wanwan grasped the blanket without replying immediately, first looking around to assess the situation. Noticing Hua Nong waiting nearby, silent, and sitting up straight in a kneeling position.

Really tough on her, where there aren’t as many rules usually at Lin Family Manor at home, Lin Wanwan generally doesn’t have people guard her. But evidently Hua Nong couldn’t relax at Xiao Chong’s residence.

Although Xiao Chong isn’t considered a strict aristocrat, he naturally exerts an authoritative pressure that demands propriety, perhaps that’s the ’official presence’?

Seeing Lin Wanwan not speaking, Xiao Chong asked again: "Cousin, are you hungry? Shall I have someone bring dinner?"

Lin Wanwan rubbed her eyes, slowly looking towards him, her voice a bit languid: "No need, I had snacks, not hungry. When did Cousin return, why not wake me?"

Possibly due to the night, Xiao Chong’s eyes seem a bit profound: "It’s been some time. Today was busy, apologies for keeping you waiting."

"I’ll go have some water." Lin Wanwan felt her mind still not fully clear, not suitable for conversation. She unfolded the blanket, reached for Hua Nong’s assistance to stand up, returned to the previous room to rinse her mouth and wash her face, felt fully refreshed, then went to find Xiao Chong.

At this point, he had gone to the study to play the zither; before even entering, she heard an ancient melody.

Lin Wanwan and Hua Nong simultaneously softened their steps, standing in the courtyard until Xiao Chong finished a song, Lin Wanwan lifted her skirt and entered the room.

"Cousin, you must know why I’m here today. I’ll get straight to the point, just want to hear your plan." Lin Wanwan spoke directly upon entering.

Xiao Chong invited Lin Wanwan to sit next to him, then said: "In recent days, Cousin must understand the surrounding people’s fear of locusts. Without taking extreme measures, they face a hard year. It was necessary, regarding the White Feather Chicken, I seek Cousin’s aid."

Lin Wanwan’s lips showed a trace of a bitter smile: "Honored for not being dismissed, I willingly serve. But there’s a tricky matter concerning the White Feather Chicken, I wish for Cousin’s guidance."

Xiao Chong said: "Please speak freely, Cousin."

Lin Wanwan then recounted the matter of the White Feather Chicken, mixing truth with falsehood, truth being the need to update ancestral chickens annually, falsehood saying she personally cultivated them.

She wasn’t sure how much Xiao Chong believed, but that’s the situation.

The people of Mao County want to raise White Feather Chickens, all must buy chicks from Lin Family Manor—precisely, from her—which was a monopoly. Lin Family Manor had concerns. Without ensuring their own safety, they’d rather not circulate White Feather Chickens in the market.

The dilemma now thrown to Xiao Chong to see his response.

Xiao Chong silently exchanged glances with Lin Wanwan, then chuckled freely: "Given the case, Cousin might sell the chicks to the County Government, and subsequent promotions can be managed by the authorities without Cousin’s involvement."

Lin Wanwan pondered a moment, smiled: "Alright, then Cousin, let’s discuss the price."

Xiao Chong leisurely replied: "How does Cousin plan to sell?"

Lin Wanwan approached slightly, speaking softly: "I’m thinking this way..."

The higher the risk, the higher the reward, Lin Wanwan seeking stability, naturally had to relinquish the largest portion of the profit. Sheltered behind Xiao Chong for covert growth was best, with inadequate strength, keeping a low profile advised.

Should Xiao Chong be promoted away from Mao County later, the White Feather Chicken could also gradually fade.

After all, the ancestral chickens lasted from chick to removal for at most a year; should Lin Wanwan not continue updating, it would naturally diminish in influence until ordinary.

At that time, another rumor could be spread, suggesting the White Feathered Divine Chicken fulfilled its purpose and returned to the Heavenly Court.