Chapter 175: He Seems Like Chen Yi?

Chapter 175 He Seems... Chen Yi?

Such a requirement was not only unanticipated by Wang Ji, but also by Chen Yi.

Yet their moods at that moment were entirely different.

Wang Ji felt a touch more relieved.

He had never dared to fully articulate the future plans of the Bai Grove in the presence of Chen Yi and Xiao Wan’er.

Like an ordinary worker under a boss, he felt tense and uneasy, his confidence not quite enough.

Chen Yi, on the contrary, was the exact opposite.

According to prior arrangements, he need not speak much, thereby reducing the risk of exposure.

In that case, he felt no anxiety and was thoroughly confident.

But now he was forced to engage in face-to-face discourse with Xiao Wan’er.

After all, remaining silent and taciturn made for a poor impression.

Chen Yi mused thus, yet his expression remained calm. He slightly tilted his head, gesturing in a commanding manner:

“As you say, wait here.”

That demeanor, coupled with his words and slightly arrogant bearing, carried the aura of a noble lineage.

Moreover, at that moment, he had not yet employed the Xuanwu Suppression Technique to contain his energy, his force and spiritual essence subtly stirred, lending his entire figure an air of vigor and strength.

Compared to his former self, the gentle and humble scholar, this version was far more impactful, with a hint of flamboyance.

Yet these changes, though striking to Wang Ji and Zhang Da Bao, left them sweating despite their admiration.

After all, they were guests within the Ding Yuan Hou mansion.

Not only did they have to face Xiao Wan’er, but also Shen Hua Tuan and Xie Stop Cloud, martial artists standing nearby.

Any trace of deception would render their elaborate disguises useless.

But Chen Yi paid them no heed.

Accepting the oil-paper umbrella from Zhang Da Bao and the *Bai Grove Expansion Manual* from Wang Ji, he followed Shen Hua Tuan into the wooden pavilion.

Xiao Er led Wang Ji and Zhang Da Bao to a nearby guest room for a rest.

Once she departed, the two exchanged a glance, unconsciously flashing a hint of sorrowful smiles.

“The shopkeeper…”

“Shh.”

Before Zhang Da Bao could speak, Wang Ji raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence through the partition.

Zhang Da Bao nodded, silently conveying: “Do you think the boss can hold his own?”

“Should be fine. The boss has always kept a cool head; he’s likely capable of maintaining composure.”

Though so, Wang Ji wasn’t entirely certain.

“Hope the boss doesn’t make a mistake.”

Mistakes?

There would be none.

Chen Yi had only prepared for contingencies.

But when the “contingency” actually arose, he felt no panic, merely a few unexpected moments.

It seemed Xiao Wan’er had her own designs here, likely a scheme akin to seizing the initiative or displaying importance.

With such thoughts, Chen Yi followed Shen Hua Tuan into the pavilion and took his seat in the living area.

Adorned in a luxurious black silk robe embroidered with a landscape scene, a fragrant pouch concealing his aura at his waist, he sat quietly on the chair.

His handsome face bore no hint of vitality, expression as calm as could be, bordering on cold indifference.

Yet he observed every propriety.

In his walk, his seated posture, and his deference to Shen Hua Tuan’s guidance and hospitality, he displayed the refinement of a noble lineage in every detail.

These observations were noted by Shen Hua Tuan and Xie Stop Cloud, who reported them to Xiao Wan’er.

“My lady, this gentleman’s bearing is exceptional, his appearance outstanding. Based on his energy, his martial arts are no weak ones; he must come from a distinguished background.”

Xiao Wan’er nodded, slightly bowing her head, pondering: “Then we shall proceed as planned. Present the gifts, and we’ll discuss the rest.”

At that moment, she remained draped in a grand sash, her collar tighter than before, nearly concealing her nose and mouth.

Yet her pale, slightly delicate face was still exquisite, her eyes and teeth bright, her bearing undeniably noble and luxurious.

After a few words, Shen Hua Tuan and Xie Stop Cloud entered the living room, each bearing a tray covered with red cloth.

Chen Yi heard their approach and even caught snippets of their conversation. Upon their arrival, he merely glanced at their faces, then rose to greet them:

“Chen Yu of the Bai Grove bows to the esteemed lady.”

Chen Yi had prepared well; he would not show any signs of distress, his demeanor differing from previous encounters.

His posture was more upright, his tone colder, his gestures carrying a subtle assertiveness, his gaze no longer the same.

Yet when Xiao Wan’er saw him, she still blinked, a familiar feeling stirring in her heart.

His form, his bearing, his appearance, his voice, his gestures—all were familiar, though he was a stranger.

To her, he seemed, like... like the very respectable Chen Yi.

Thus, Xiao Wan’er failed to return the bow for several breaths.

After a moment, Shen Hua Tuan and Xie Stop Cloud exchanged glances, puzzled.

But seeing Chen Yi still bowing and greeting them, they dared not proceed further without committing a breach of etiquette. Shen Hua Tuan coughed lightly to remind her.

Xiao Wan’er, startled by the sound, flushed faintly, bowed:

“Lord Chen, you need not be so courteous. Please take your seat.”

She then took the foremost seat, her thoughts growing oddly complex.

After all, she had long harbored resentment toward Chen Yi.

He had written poems for her, often spoken irreverently, made inappropriate remarks, teased her, leaving her with deep grudges.

How else could she mistake a stranger for him?

Chen Yi was unaware that Xiao Wan’er had already cultivated resentment toward him in her heart.

Seated, he merely glanced at Xiao Wan’er, then slightly inclining his head, sat upright with a stern expression.

Xiao Wan’er said nothing, her eyes lingering on his profile, that familiar feeling surging again.

His profile’s contours seemed...

It really was… like a brother-in-law.

Thankfully, after the initial shock, Xiao Wanyuer didn’t let herself show any signs of peculiarity.

When Chen Yi remained silent, she merely waved her hand, her voice as composed as ever, and ordered:

“Mr. Chen, on our first meeting, some gifts—I hope you’ll accept them.”

When Shen Huaotang and Xie Stopcloud placed the trays on the side table, Chen Yi tipped his head in acknowledgment: “Thank you, mistress.”

His eyes swept over the trays; even without lifting the cloth, the red fabric’s outline suggested the lute and long sword he’d mentioned earlier.

Xiao Wanyuer smiled: “These days, I’m grateful for Bai Caotang’s help to my Xiao family’s pharmacy.”

“It’s I who should thank you—selling tea alone brings my family a monthly profit of fourteen thousand silver dollars. You’re the one who owes me.”

Chen Yi said humbly, bowing his head slightly: “My Bai Caotang is still young; we rely on your support and the Xiao family’s backing.”

“If not for Stopcloud Immortal’s intervention earlier, my shop would’ve been ruined. I’ll never forget this debt of gratitude.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanyuer paused, her gaze lingering on Xie Stopcloud, hesitating: “Ultimately, this all stems from my Xiao family.”

She then explained the matter of Liu Jing and Lingluan Xuan.

“Lord Chen, you may not know the full story—it’s my Xiao family who’ve wronged you.”

Chen Yi glanced at her, saw her earnest expression, and offered a slight smile: “True friendship is tested by hardship. Had we not gone through this, Bai Caotang and the Xiao family’s pharmacy wouldn’t have our current partnership.”

Xiao Wanyuer’s face brightened with that smile, though it felt a little strained.

This time, she abandoned the topic of the two pharmacies and instead asked: “Where is Lord Chen’s estate located?”

Chen Yi withdrew his gaze, his smile fading into a calm reply: “I was orphaned young; I’ve spent my life studying medicine with my master in the mountains. I suppose the world is my home.”

Xiao Wanyuer paused, but his words dispelled the thoughts in her mind—she secretly chided herself for asking an inappropriate question.

“Lord Chen, forgive me—I only felt you resembled an old acquaintance… forgive me.”

An old acquaintance?

A chill ran through Chen Yi’s heart. He’d been so cautious, yet she’d sensed it?

Impossible.

Xiao Wanyuer, you’re pushing it—don’t scare people like that.

“Mistress, don’t trouble me. I’m just a commoner, though I suppose I’m part of the world at large. I can’t expect such courtesies from you.”

“Lord Chen, please—my manners may not be proper.”

“Nonsense…”

As the two resumed their polite exchange, Xie Stopcloud’s toes began digging into the floor.

Even Shen Huaotang, watching from the side, felt a pang of confusion.

She’d followed Xiao Wanyuer for years.

She’d seen similar scenes countless times.

But normally, Xiao Wanyuer was bold and unapproachable, her gestures of hospitality merely a facade to keep people at bay.

Never like this—never this reserved.

Shen Huaotang studied Xiao Wanyuer’s uneasy demeanor and found it odd.

And that word—“old acquaintance.”

After thinking it over, she couldn’t recall anyone resembling the current Chen Yi.

The scene felt strange.

Chen Yi, too, sensed the oddity.

After a few probing questions, he realized Xiao Wanyuer had spotted a flaw in his composure.

So, after some casual talk, he made his move.

Seizing the moment, he placed the *Bai Caotang Expansion Charter* on the table:

“This visit, I have one matter to discuss with you, mistress.”

Xiao Wanyuer gestured for Shen Huaotang to take it. Upon seeing the title, she recognized the calligraphy as Liu Jing’s and asked, her brow furrowed with unease:

“The *Bai Caotang Expansion Charter*? Lord Chen, did you perhaps misplace it?”

Chen Yi shook his head slightly: “Mistress, perhaps you should read it first.”

Xiao Wanyuer hesitated, then opened the document.

At first, she assumed it was Bai Caotang’s own affair, somewhat casual.

But after a few lines, her expression grew serious.

It took nearly half an incense stick’s worth of time before she finished reading, her face a mixture of shock, excitement, and gratitude.

After quickly flipping through it again, she steadied herself, met Chen Yi’s gaze, and asked earnestly:

“Lord Chen, are these… things really possible?”

“You’d truly partner with me, the Xiao family, to spread Bai Caotang across Shu Zhou, and even the nine prefectures of Dai Wei’s realm?”

Chen Yi looked at her, his expression grave: “What you’ve said is true—but there’s a slight deviation.”

“In Shu Zhou, the Xiao family holds great influence, which aids in opening trade routes across the prefectures. Naturally, this benefits Bai Caotang.”

“Thus, in Shu Zhou, once the Xiao family settles the prefectural offices and local gentry, all Bai Caotang’s profits can be shared with the Xiao family’s fifty percent.”

He paused, noting her serious attention, and continued:

“Outside Shu Zhou, the rules must change.”

“For instance, in the nearby Xizhou, Jiazhou, and Guang-Yue fu, if the Xiao family is willing to support Bai Caotang, they can also receive fifty percent of the profits.”

“But Dai Wei’s realm is vast—near and far alike.”

“Like the merchant-filled Jiangsu fu and Jindu fu, or the distant Beizhou, Jizhou, Mengzhou, and Youzhou, these require alliances with local gentry.”

“In some prefectures the Xiao family can’t reach, the profits there must go to those local gentry capable of supporting them.”

Chen Yi spoke in detail, and Xiao Wanyuer understood every word.

Yet she’d never imagined business could function this way.

According to her previous understanding, running a pharmacy was a grueling endeavor.

One needed a presence, skilled physicians, shopkeepers, apprentices, and supplies—all requiring careful, step-by-step planning, never to be neglected.

But according to Chen Yi’s *Expansion Charter*, Bai Caotang could function without physicians—or at least not require highly skilled ones.

It would mainly sell common prescriptions and medicines.

The primary source of profit lies in the various teas and medicinal pills that benefit the populace’s health.

All these endeavors, in one way or another, left Xiao Wan’er somewhat astonished.

Whether it was the methods Bai Caotang employed in business or the way they courted the noble families across the three prefectures through concessions, all of it was unprecedented in her experience.

After a moment of contemplation, Xiao Wan’er had a sudden realization and spoke up: “I have two questions, I pray you, Sir Chen, grant me your teachings.”

“First, is it not improper to sell only finished formulas? After all, each person has their own method.”

The sale of teas, she understood well, would not pose a problem in her mind.

What concerned her was the medicinal pills—if they could not be administered according to the specific ailments, might the people miss out on the chance for treatment.

Chen Yi listened without replying immediately, merely signaling her to continue.

Xiao Wan’er took a breath and proceeded, “My second question pertains to those distant regions where cooperation with the noble families is no issue.

But inevitably, various problems may arise. How do you ensure they do not embezzle the benefits or set up their own operations?”

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi nodded inwardly—the first question remained unaddressed, but the second struck a chord.

At the outset of their cooperation, those noble families might allow Bai Caotang to develop without fully grasping the profits involved.

Yet once they witnessed the gains, some would inevitably take risks.

Thinking this, Chen Yi hummed and said, “My lady, rest assured regarding the medicinal pills.

Our Bai Caotang has been in operation in Shu Zhou for over a month now, and no issues have arisen with the pills sold.

Later, I shall have Wang Ji send over the detailed ledgers for your review.

As for the second matter…

After a brief pause, he continued, “Merchants are driven by profit, and the noble families are no different.

Completely avoiding the issues my lady mentioned is unlikely, but we can approach it through three means: aligning formulas and benefits, and resolving matters through force.”

He then explained each method in turn, speaking earnestly:

“Every endeavor has its merits and drawbacks. Our Bai Caotang’s expansion aims solely to swiftly cover the three prefectures of the Great Wei.

When the times are right, those scoundrels and ruffians will find no way to block our path.”

To be precise, as long as the court does not intervene, the competition between the noble families and Bai Caotang remains within the realm of ‘merchant raids.’

Such matters are typically resolved through force—

the martial arts sects, the saints of medicine, and the private armies of the noble families united in addressing them.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan’er fell silent for a long while.

Once she fully grasped Chen Yi’s words, she exhaled softly and praised, “Sir Chen, your thoughts are profound and meticulous; I hold you in great esteem.”

“Yet this matter is of great consequence. As an individual, I cannot decide upon it alone; I must consult my grandfather first before giving you an answer.”

Chen Yi nodded, having anticipated this.

After all, Bai Caotang had not merely spread throughout the prefectural cities of Shu Zhou, but across the entire Shu and the whole of Wei.

The intricacies involved in such a venture are countless, requiring the use of countless connections and influences.

Given Xiao Wan’er’s current status and authority, it is difficult for her to assume such responsibilities.

Yet based on his deductions, this deal, anchored by Bai Caotang and the Xiao family’s pharmacy, would ultimately fall to Xiao Wan’er.

At that point, he would have to meet her again under the name “Chen Yu.”

Hmm… it seems he must find a way to become the manager.

“This matter is not urgent; wait until my lady consults with her grandfather before making a decision.”

Upon finishing his words, Chen Yi thought for a moment and cautioned, “Yet this matter is of great importance; I pray my lady must not allow those with ill intent to take advantage of her, lest complications arise.”

“What kind of ill-intentioned people do you mean, Sir Chen?”

“…For instance, the Liu family.”

Chen Yi had the desire to mention Xiao family’s second and third branches, but upon careful thought, he knew the old patriarch would be cautious, so he merely mentioned the Liu family.

Xiao Wan’er understood and smiled, “Sir Chen, rest assured; I am well aware of the stakes involved.”

Chen Yi nodded, “Very well then.”

After concluding their business, Chen Yi pretended to glance at the sky outside and bowed: “Sir Chen has been a burden to you this evening; I must take my leave.”

Xiao Wan’er was momentarily taken aback and exclaimed, “Sir Chen, I have already prepared a banquet in the courtyard; you…”

Before she could finish, Chen Yi had already risen and bowed: “My lady, I beg your forgiveness.”

“Sir Chen has matters to attend to this evening and cannot stay long; I pray you understand.”

Seeing this, Xiao Wan’er could not press further and ordered Shen Huatang and Xie Stopong to carry the trays and escort him out of the wooden pavilion.

They exchanged some polite words.

Chen Yi, along with Wang Ji and Zhang Daobao, mounted their horses and departed from the Xiao family’s estate.

At last, he could breathe a sigh of relief.

If he stayed any longer, any serious matters might draw Xiao Wan’er’s attention, and who knows what might come of it?

It was better to leave promptly.

Wang Ji glanced at his expression, “Boss, it’s…”

“What? I see you’ve been quite idle lately; I’ll have you find some work to do when you return.”

“Erm—”

“Hmm?”

“The junior will obey.”

“Very well.”

Such an unproductive conversation fell on the ears of Shen Huatang and Xie Stopong.

Though they did not understand why the boss was so harsh with Wang Ji, they knew Xiao Wan’er was peculiar.

For at that moment, Xiao Wan’er was gazing blankly at the horse-drawn carriage disappearing in the distance.

Her eyes still held a trace of confusion and curiosity; after all, this Chen Yu still felt familiar in some way.

After a long while, Xiao Wan’er felt a chill and instinctively adjusted her outer robe, turning back toward the garden.

When she reached the direction of Chun He Garden, she could not help but speak up:

“Huatang, Stopong, do you think that Sir Chen resembles… my brother-in-law?”

“Your husband?”

Xiao Wan’er’s words hung in the air, leaving them both stunned.

Shen Hua Tang and Xie Tingyun turned their gaze toward the direction of the Spring Lotus Garden, their heads nodding in unison.

"Miss, she bears no resemblance to that."

"The young mistress is scholarly but lacking in martial prowess."

"The young mistress excels in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, yet she lacks the acumen required in mercantile affairs. She could never devise such far-reaching schemes as Mr. Chen Yu."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wuan'er nodded doubtfully, her lips murmuring endlessly.

"Not like that, not like that..."

After a moment's contemplation, Xiao Wuan'er also set aside her lingering doubts and commanded, "Hua Tang, when your husband returns, ask him to join us for supper at Jiaring Yard."

"We have prepared so many dishes; it would be a waste not to use them all..."

(End of chapter)