CHAPTER 1036: CHAPTER 1035: NINTH MASTER LEE SUFFERED A GREAT LOSS

On the side of Qilidun, Wang Yongzhu was counting the days, knowing that the ninth day of August was the first day of the autumn exam, feeling anxious.

Back then, the Wang Family had also supported Wang Yongan in the imperial examination. Though they didn’t know much else, they remembered the date, and from that day on, the whole family was somewhat absent-minded.

No matter what everyone thought usually, at this moment, they all hoped for Song Chongjin’s success in the exam. If he became a Graduate, he could become an official.

This would be unprecedented in Qilidun.

The Wang Family’s mountain goods business would have support in the future, and not to mention elsewhere, they would be secure in Shiqiao Town.

Old Granny Zhang was at home praying every day, wishing for Song Chongjin to pass with flying colors.

In contrast, she wasn’t this earnest during Wang Yongan’s autumn exam in the past.

However, Wang Yongzhu came to her senses after a day. Regardless of how Song Chongjin performed, their anxiety in Qilidun was useless; everything depended on him.

Instead, the tea mountain needed careful consideration.

Just in time, letters arrived from Ninth Master Lee and Zhang Yinbao, saying they had already reached Jing County and would soon hurry to Shiqiao Town, hoping to meet directly at Yingzi Gully to see the Tea Mother Tree.

Wang Yongzhu wanted to apologize to the two in person, so she calculated the schedule and had Wang Yongping drive the carriage to Yingzi Gully once again.

Sure enough, Ninth Master Lee and Zhang Yinbao had arrived the day before.

Having not been to Yingzi Gully for months, it had changed drastically.

At the narrow gorge entrance, two stone walls and a large gate had been built, with guards watching over.

Seeing it was Wang Yongping, they warmly welcomed him in.

The weeds and small trees in the gorge had been cleared away, and against the cliff, many wooden houses had been set up in rows, looking neat and nice.

A road was left in the middle, and following it to the end of the gorge, they found that houses outside the caves had been built, seemingly inhabited by families with men, women, and children, presumably arranged by the Lee and Zhang families to stay and guard the tea mountain peacefully.

The caves that used to house people had also been tidied up and seemed to have become warehouses.

Wang Yongzhu and Wang Yongping were led directly to a neater, cleaner courtyard, and upon opening the door, they heard Zhang Yinbao’s voice.

Upon hearing someone at the door saying Wang Yongzhu had arrived, there was a stir inside, and then Zhang Yinbao rushed out first, with Ninth Master Lee following a step behind, pretending to be dignified as he strolled out of the main room.

If Zhang Yinbao had been a man, he would have hugged and punched her playfully. Unfortunately, since Wang Yongzhu was a woman, he stopped halfway, "Young lady of the Wang Family, you’re here! We’ve been waiting for you for a long time!"

He eagerly rubbed his hands, "Young lady, is what you wrote in the letter true? Quick, take us to witness it—" he was almost dragging Wang Yongzhu into the mountains.

Ninth Master Lee rolled his eyes lazily and said, "Why the rush? The tree isn’t going anywhere. Aren’t you going to let us come in and have some water in this heat?"

Zhang Yinbao snapped back to reality and quickly apologized, "Look at me, I’m so happy I got confused, come in for tea, have some tea!"

How could Zhang Yinbao not be delighted? This Cloud Mist Tea, through the operations of the Lee Family, had exploded in popularity in the Capital City.

It had even been sent to His Majesty the Emperor’s table, and it’s said that His Majesty was quite fond of it. With a word from the Emperor, Cloud Mist Tea would become tribute tea next year, a staple tribute item every year.

What an honor! Zhang Yinbao had never dreamed of this in his life!

Moreover, following Ninth Master Lee, he discovered the Lee Family’s prowess and connections, which left him in awe.

This only strengthened his resolve to follow the Lee Family.

And it was all thanks to Wang Yongzhu! Not to mention, Wang Yongzhu was practically his lucky star! Without her bridging the connections, where would Zhang Yinbao be today?

Especially when they thought they’d reached their limits, Wang Yongzhu surprised them again!

The Tea Mother Tree! An extraordinary phenomenon indeed.

It was said that it was the only Tea Mother Tree known nationwide, producing no more than a pound of tea annually, with even his Majesty getting no more than half a pound per year at most.

If there truly was a Tea Mother Tree there, the position of Cloud Mist Tea would be secure, possibly even breaking into the ranks of the top ten famous teas.

With the right operation, it could be a matter of eternal fame.

So, as soon as the tribute tea status of Cloud Mist for the next year was confirmed, he and Ninth Master Lee hurried over.

His heart aflame all along the way.

The advantages Zhang Yinbao could see, Ninth Master Lee and the Lee Family saw even more.

Even the Patriarch of the Lee Family couldn’t help but exclaim and regret after hearing Ninth Master Lee’s report, "Who would’ve thought this woman would have such fortune, had I known, I should’ve followed your way and brought her into the mansion—giving her the position of a noble concubine wasn’t out of reach—"

"I remember her father died on her wedding day, so she is still in mourning, right? Surely she hasn’t consummated the marriage yet. Old Nine, if you don’t mind, how about we give her husband more silver and let her remarry you?"

Such a beneficial woman, if the Patriarch of the Lee Family hadn’t planned it for his son, he would’ve wished to take her in himself, even if she wasn’t pretty, just keep her as long as she brought prosperity!

Ninth Master Lee’s eyes turned cold, but his expression didn’t change, maintaining his proud demeanor. He snorted coldly, "No matter how good she is at making money, she’s already been married. How could she be worthy of my son? Besides, isn’t she already wisely making money for us? Why bother bringing her into the household, this rustic village woman without the slightest propriety? Bringing her in would only make a mess of the household, and your son, who’s never been wronged, might have to endure her nonsense—keep her, for what?"

The Patriarch of the Lee Family, after all, cherished his son. Seeing his son’s aversion, he shook his head, "This nasty habit, only your father can put up with it! Alright, since you don’t have this intention, just let it be! You’d better tidy up and check if the Tea Mother Tree is real."

"If it is, we must try to entice this village woman more, give her more rewards, and possibly increase her share. As long as it’s not excessive, it’s all negotiable!"

This set the boundaries for the promises.

Only then did Ninth Master Lee grudgingly snort a displeased sound, reluctantly stepping out.

Back in the room, Ninth Master Lee realized that his back was soaked with sweat.

At this moment, seeing Wang Yongzhu, Ninth Master Lee wanted to say: Do you know how big a loss I’ve taken because of you? You’d better treat me well in the future!

But seeing Zhang Yinbao and others, he knew better than to say it aloud, simply snorting coldly, casting a sidelong glance at Wang Yongzhu, venting his frustration a bit.

Wang Yongzhu paid no mind, knowing that Ninth Master Lee’s temper was as unpredictable as a woman’s, experiencing her monthly cycle, and she couldn’t be bothered to waste mental effort on it.

If he likes to snort, let him snort, if he likes to roll his eyes, let him roll them. At least he looks good, and even rolling his eyes can be passable.