CHAPTER 81: CHAPTER 79: DELIGHT

Xie Liangchen met Song Xian’s gaze and immediately realized she had made a mistake in front of him.

Upon seeing her younger brother interacting with Song Xian, her heart sank and she showed urgency, but was eager to cover it up lest Song Xian saw through her.

That’s where the problem arose.

With her younger brother’s status disturbing Song Xian, as his sister, it was natural for her to be anxious, yet she felt guilty and withdrew the expression.

She was cautious of Song Xian, not in awe. She would assist him and be utilized by him, but she always maintained some alertness.

Should there be a chance, she would leave without hesitation and in times of danger, would find ways to protect herself, unlike those around Song Xian.

Her relationship with Song Xian wasn’t familial or loyal to the death, they weren’t bound together for an unwavering journey.

For imperial power, countless people came forward willing to become stepping stones.

She was uncertain if Song Xian approached her younger brother because of Mr. Dongli, but she didn’t want him to become a pawn in Song Xian’s hand.

Her brother was sincere, she feared he might come to genuinely acknowledge Song Xian and get too involved, ultimately becoming willing to follow him loyally.

Xie Liangchen wanted to remedy it, but it was too late, hoping Song Xian hadn’t cemented her thoughts, yet she clearly saw a deeper solemnity in his eyes.

Standing nearby, Chang An watched the scene of the master teaching Chen Zigeng and felt relieved, knowing it was rare for the master to have such patience. It was a moment only seen once in decades, but the atmosphere suddenly changed, sending a chill down his spine.

Chang An was perplexed, what had happened?

Song Xian straightened his back and casually instructed Chen Zigeng, "Try more."

Chen Zigeng remained absorbed in joy, unaware of the subtle changes around him.

Song Xian found it amusing; she evidently thought he had ulterior motives, misunderstanding his earnest teaching of archery as deceit. He once perceived the harmonious Chen Family Village, now he wanted to leave cleanly.

Xie Liangchen’s voice called out, "General Song, the meal is ready."

Chang An immediately headed to the kitchen, "I’ll help serve the meal."

Even Chen Zigeng set down his bow and hurried to the kitchen to assist.

"General Song, please sit here," Old Mrs. Chen arranged the chair, "The household objects are simple, please don’t mind."

Steaming dishes were set on the table, Chen Yongsheng and Chen Yongyi approached to invite Song Xian to sit.

"It’s brief, not much prepared," Xie Liangchen came forward carrying a crock full of rabbit meat, "The rabbit was hunted by my younger brother and a few others in the mountains, the mushrooms were picked and sun-dried by village women, General, please see if it suits your taste?"

She seemed to have cast aside the previous incident immediately, if not for Song Xian’s firm belief in his own judgment, he would’ve thought he wrongly accused her.

Song Xian watched Xie Liangchen bending over, serving dishes diligently, considering it taught her not to harbor illusions.

Song Xian lifted his robe and sat down, raising his head to look at Chen Yongsheng, Old Mrs. Chen, and others, "Sit down together!"

Chang An noticed the master’s relaxed face, quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Xie Liangchen, pulling Chen Zigeng to stand aside, also felt they’d navigated a peril.

"Sister," Chen Zigeng whispered, "The General promised to take me horse riding next time, Sister, can you ride?"

Xie Liangchen shook her head, "Not well." She was excellent at riding, but some matters were best concealed before Song Xian.

Song Xian was hard to deceive, but telling nine truths and one lie, people always need a backup plan, which she would slowly establish, just in case.

Song Xian conversing with Chen Yongsheng, unwilling to acknowledge the nearby Xie Liangchen, her brother and she genuinely stood distracting, their whispers just audible enough.

Before her brother, she was uncharacteristically gentle.

Song Xian remarked, "There’s a small hill south of the village entrance, you can ride up to the top."

Chen Zigeng was visibly surprised, "That hill isn’t small, the slope looks gentle but is actually difficult to traverse."

Song Xian kept silent, Chang An swallowed his food, "Our General has ridden over taller mountains, while we can’t, for him it’s not an issue."

Chen Zigeng couldn’t hide his excitement, gripping Xie Liangchen’s hand tighter.

Xie Liangchen was exasperated yet worried, but still had to veil her emotions before Song Xian.

The meal finally concluded, with Song Xian leaving along with Chang An and others, Xie Liangchen exhaled in relief, sensing Song Xian’s conversation with her brother during the meal was deliberate, forcing her to stay alert without a moment’s reprieve.

Wang Jian’s mule cart just happened to brush past Song Xian’s entourage.

"Was that... General Song Xian?" Wang Jian queried Chen Yongsheng.

Chen Yongsheng nodded, "It was."

Wang Jian showed delight, "It’s my first time seeing General Song Xian up close, truly different, his imposing aura made me afraid to breathe, nearly holding my breath.

Brother Sheng isn’t meeting General Song for the first time, right? I heard you were awarded by the court for offering a formula, and General Song personally delivered the court’s reward."

Chen Yongsheng beamed, "Today the General even dined in the village, advising us to excel in running the Familiar Medicine Institute."

Wang Jian patted Chen Yongsheng’s shoulder, "Chen Family Village has immense potential, both you and Miss Xie are remarkable, my fur trade also thrives thanks to your support, if I can be of service in the future, just let me know."

Chen Yongsheng modestly replied, "Manager Wang sells us the wool at the best price, we should be thanking you instead."

Wang Jian grinned, "I appreciate your village’s knack for business."

Wang Jian continued, holding Chen Yongsheng’s shoulder stepping forward, "Once your Familiar Medicine Institute produces medicines, can you sell some to me? I’m aware of your relationship with Tian Family Trading Team, my demand won’t be as much as theirs, and in return, I will find quality furs."

This surely would be a good transaction.

Chen Yongsheng asked, "Why does Manager Wang want to sell Chen Family Village’s medicines?"

Wang Jian showed slight remorse, "Tian Family Trading Team was able to revive by selling medicines from Chen Family Village, now with the Familiar Medicine Institute established, outsiders aren’t aware yet. I know you sold processed rehmannia to restaurants, and it’s excellent; no doubt, the skills of processed medicine are top-notch.

The price of processed medicines in those pharmacies is high, ordinary trading teams can’t afford it, so I don’t want to miss this opportunity, it’s like being the first to take advantage of proximity, Brother Sheng, you must agree."

Chen Yongsheng hesitated for a moment, "Let me discuss with Liangchen, no offense Brother Wang, but we haven’t decided on selling processed medicine, the priority is to produce it first.

If all goes well, the medicines will naturally be sold, then Brother Wang, if interested, we shall discuss it further."

Wang Jian’s face lit up with a smile, "Then it’s a deal."

The two walked towards the village as Wang Jian continued, "Brother Sheng, are you aware of Su Family’s Pharmacy, Baiji Hall?"

Chen Yongsheng certainly knew, as Su Family once had a marriage proposal with Liangchen.

Wang Jian said, "Well, Baiji Hall couldn’t procure good medicines in the North this time, relying only on medicines from Yizhou. Yizhou’s far away, imagine the cost of transportation.

The manager of Baiji Hall had to raise prices, causing slow business at two newly opened shops.

With medicine at such high prices, how can people afford it? It’s mainly relying on the processed medicines in the shop. If Chen Family Village produces processed medicines, pharmacies like the Su Family will no longer stir trouble.

Having gained silver coins dishonestly for years, it should come to an end."

Wang Jian spoke with conviction, "On this basis alone, we will support Chen Family Village."

Chen Yongsheng thought about the Su Family, then considered the current status of Chen Family Village. He had heard about Madam Su’s eagerness to break the engagement, feeling rather triumphant.