CHAPTER 125: CHAPTER 123 EXPELLING PEOPLE

Chen Yongsheng was about to step forward to make an introduction.

When Chen Yongsheng’s gaze turned to Song Xian, he understood that Song Xian was already aware and there was no need for someone else to speak up. He wasn’t sure if he was overthinking it, but the atmosphere seemed slightly different for a moment.

Song Xian walked a few steps into the courtyard. Su Huaiqing put down the herbs in his hand and quickly adjusted his rolled-up sleeves, accepting a towel from the servant boy beside him to clean his hands.

Before the two spoke, Song Xian noticed Chen Zigeng coming out to greet him from the house.

By now, Chen Zigeng’s face showed no signs of anything unusual, only his eyes appeared slightly red.

Song Xian asked, "What happened to Zigeng? Did something happen?"

Chen Zigeng came forward familiarly to greet Song Xian, saying, "My sister is ill, but Mr. Xu used needles and she’s already woken up."

Song Xian naturally followed up, "Do you need any help?"

Chen Zigeng shook his head, "Mr. Xu said my sister is fine, just overworked. A bit of rest will do her good."

Su Huaiqing had tidied his clothes and walked a few steps forward to conveniently salute Song Xian. His gaze, like everyone else in the courtyard, calmly rested on Song Xian and Chen Zigeng. But as he withdrew his gaze, he glanced inside the house.

Old Mrs. Chen also said, "I was negligent as well."

Song Xian consoled Old Mrs. Chen, "It’s likely due to the Wang Jian matter, which indeed disturbed Chen Family Village. It’s cold recently, which makes it easy to get sick. The old lady should take good care of herself too."

Old Mrs. Chen felt that Song Xian was truly like the parental official of Zhenzhou. These few words caring for the people left her heart feeling comforted.

After saying these things, Song Xian looked at Chen Yongsheng, "A document from the government office has arrived. I happened to pass by Chen Family Village to seek out the village chief to verify it once more; there should be no mistakes in the details."

Chen Yongsheng quickly agreed.

Chang An, standing nearby, was relieved at his own quick wit, having grabbed a clerk while passing by the government office, thus maintaining his master’s dignity with a seamless excuse.

After discussing the matters of Chen Family Village, Song Xian turned his attention to Su Huaiqing.

Su Huaiqing stepped forward to salute, "General Song, I am Su Huaiqing, the eldest grandson of the Su Family from Baiji Hall."

Song Xian’s gaze returned to Su Huaiqing.

As their eyes met, Su Huaiqing only felt that Song Xian’s gaze was deep, making it hard to discern his thoughts. The inherent majesty compelled him to lower his head, although if he had come to Chen Family Village with any ulterior motives, he certainly would have shown a startled expression. But since he was honest, he did not avert his gaze.

Chen Zigeng took a few steps forward to stand by Song Xian’s side, saying, "Mr. Su came to visit his grandmother."

Song Xian heard this, nodded, but did not speak further.

However, everyone understood why General Song was this way. General Song was here for official business, but now there was an outsider in Chen Family Village...

Even Chen Yongyi, usually simple-minded, noticed the issue. Currently, Old Mrs. Chen’s home was not convenient, and he wondered whether or not to invite General Song to Chen Yongsheng’s home.

But before Chen Yongyi spoke up, Su Huaiqing said to Old Mrs. Chen, "There are matters in the village, so I won’t stay any longer. I will visit you another day to chat."

Old Mrs. Chen nodded.

Su Huaiqing then saluted Song Xian, "I take my leave." He then left with his servant boy.

Old Mrs. Chen and Chen Zigeng had matters to discuss with Song Xian and couldn’t leave to see him off. Fortunately, there were a few young boys in the village to accompany Su Huaiqing as he walked out.

Su Huaiqing didn’t treat them as outsiders, smiling and talking with the two boys.

Song Xian heard Su Huaiqing’s faint question, "Have you studied yet?" as if he was already familiar with the people of Chen Family Village.

After Su Huaiqing left, Chen Yongyi suggested, "If not, perhaps the General could have a cup of tea at the village chief’s house."

"No need," Song Xian said, "there’s still work at the government office. I’ll wait in the courtyard for a while."

The winter was extremely cold, and it felt wrong to let Song Xian stand there.

Old Mrs. Chen had an idea, "If the General doesn’t mind, perhaps wait in the east room next to the kitchen?

Normally, I wouldn’t dare suggest this, but since the General has visited a few times and we’re acquainted, I dare speak up only because the east room was originally for storing sundries, too impolite for entertaining guests.

However, in recent days, my granddaughter cleaned out the east room, saying that during the cold days, she would need it to tabulate accounts. Although it’s a bit narrow, it’s warm enough."

Song Xian agreed, "I’ll go to the east room then."

Old Mrs. Chen led Song Xian to the east room, thanks to her industrious granddaughter. Though simple, the room was at least clean. There were no chairs, only a wooden platform made with the help of Xie Liangchen asking for assistance from the villagers, which she usually sat upon.

In front of the platform was a small table with pen, ink, paper, and a lamp. Next to the lamp was a wooden box, its contents unknown.

Song Xian sat down, and Chen Zigeng brought freshly brewed tea.

"My sister said that once we have some silver coin, we would make a heated wall in the room, so it wouldn’t feel cold even when studying late. Additionally, a reclining chair would be built on the side, so when I’m studying, both grandmother and sister can rest beside me."

Old Mrs. Chen added from the side, "It’s just their sibling’s whimsical talk. General, don’t take it to heart." What about heated walls and reclining chairs, turning this rural place into something akin to the Imperial Palace?

Song Xian raised the teacup to his lips, then set the bowl down again, "The tea has a different taste?"

Chen Zigeng replied, "We added dried tangerine peel, bought from the pharmacy. The ones my sister is making at the Familiar Medicine Institute aren’t ready yet; they’ll be good to use next year... we’ll make them ourselves."

Song Xian lifted the bowl again, "Next year, I’ll come to taste them." Being close to the kitchen, it’s convenient for warmth. She found a good spot for herself.

Song Xian seemed to envision her sitting by the lamp every night studying and keeping accounts, just as Old Mrs. Chen described, busy every day, wholeheartedly leading Chen Family Village forward.

Chen Zigeng said, "Once it’s ready, we’ll bring some to you."

Standing outside, Chang An couldn’t help but admire his master’s skill in unnoticeably acquiring some tea leaves.

While they talked, Chen Yongsheng finished verifying the documents and reported back to Song Xian, "All done."

After Chen Yongsheng spoke, he continued, "The General came to Chen Family Village specifically, could it be this case has..."

Song Xian lifted his eyes, "The origin of the medicinal herbs impersonating those from Chen Family Village’s Familiar Medicine Institute hasn’t been clarified yet. Chen Family Village should remain vigilant."

Chen Yongsheng was left partly in the know and partly confused, unsure how to exercise caution.

Since the documents were complete, Song Xian had no further reason to linger. He rose and made his way outside, pausing as he glanced once more at the main house from the courtyard.

Song Xian said to Old Mrs. Chen, "My grandmother felt much better after taking the medicinal meal made by Miss Xie. If there’s anything you need help with, just have someone come to inform me."

Old Mrs. Chen thanked him.

This time, Song Xian walked straight out of Old Mrs. Chen’s courtyard, mounted his horse at the entrance of Chen Family Village, and soon disappeared without a trace along with his entourage.

Chen Zigeng followed Old Mrs. Chen back inside. When only the three family members and Xu Tingzhen remained in the house, Chen Zigeng said, "Sister, the herbs impersonating those from our Familiar Medicine Institute might be from the Su Family."

Xie Liangchen had already suspected this but hadn’t mentioned it to her grandmother and brother, and she didn’t know how her brother had guessed it.

Chen Zigeng said, "General Song didn’t say it outright, but I picked it up from what he said. General Song likely heard that the Su Family folks came to Chen Family Village and worried we wouldn’t know the inside story, so he made this special trip."

General Song was very wary of Mr. Su, mentioning the impersonated medicinal herbs in front of Second Uncle. Moreover, the Su Family is capable of producing Grade A herbs. All these links together led Chen Zigeng to such a conclusion.

Surely, this was the case.