Chapter 1643: Chapter 1643: Having Thoughts (2)

“You clever girl.” Li Jing laughed, “Alright, I’m old now, and I don’t have any other hobbies. I just like good food and drinks. Whatever fresh things you have, bring them to me. I won’t let you lose out.”

“I’m not worried at all!” Yang Ruxin said, pointing to the Luminous Pearl, “Not only won’t I lose out, I’ve already profited…”

“You little rascal.” Li Jing poked Yang Ruxin’s forehead and burst into laughter, “Knowing quality is good.”

Yang Ruxin had put in some careful thought regarding Li Jing. She couldn’t underestimate someone like him—he had wide social connections. Sometimes, there are things and words that her godfather and godmother might find hard to say or do on her behalf, but Li Jing was uninhibited about these matters. So, winning him over would bring endless benefits.

In fact, people like him are easy to win over. Physical imperfections might lead to feelings of inferiority, but what they need is genuine treatment. Occasionally, a playful adjustment can be helpful—like how at first she called him “Eunuch Li,” changed it to “Lord Li” later, and now directly addressed him as “Grandpa Li.” Don’t underestimate the subtle shifts in these titles; they make people feel a gradual closeness without seeming abrupt.

Li Jing’s behavior clearly showed that he accepted this intimacy, and the results were excellent.

Additionally, Yang Ruxin had Fang Tianze deliver two jars of wine to her Uncle. Their medicinal tea business was steadily growing, and although it hadn’t exploded yet, the long-term potential profits were bound to be astonishing.

Of course, even without the business ties, the Yuan Family happened to be genuinely good people—well worth befriending.

In the village, with most people’s income increasing, the place was far livelier than before. Everyone wore smiles as they prepared for the New Year with renewed energy, and the sound of pigs squealing echoed everywhere.

This year, the busiest people were the butchers, who hadn’t had a break since the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.

No longer were people struggling to survive the New Year; now, they were pondering how many meat dishes to make, what new clothes to sew for themselves and their families, or what kind of jewelry to purchase.

This was something that had never happened before.

Everyone knew that this prosperity was entirely thanks to Yang Ruxin. Especially for those working under her, their lives had transformed drastically. Some families had even begun planning to build new houses.

The village chief, Yang Mancang, was the happiest of them all to see such changes. A prosperous village made him a more dignified leader.

The villagers were grateful as well. Even though they knew she didn’t lack anything, they still expressed their appreciation, such as one family gifting fresh eggs laid by their chickens, while another brought a jar of homemade paste…

Yang Ruxin delegated all these tasks of receiving and sending gifts to her two mothers. She didn’t bother with such things herself, thus giving them an opportunity to interact more with the villagers. As there was no longer any need to hide their identities—those who needed to know already knew—Feng Family could finally stop treading on eggshells.

The two women, with not much else to do, spent their days chatting and greeting visitors from the village, gradually becoming even more outgoing.

Gu Qingheng sent news too, saying that Yuan Country had already sent envoys to negotiate peace, and terms were being discussed. If successful, the troops would be withdrawn and Yuan Country would dispatch envoys to Beijing to pay homage to Emperor Xuanjing.

Upon receiving this news, Yang Ruxin couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. As long as there was no war, everything would be fine.