Chapter 176: I Have Confidence in Him

Chapter 176: I Have Confidence in Him

Xiao Wan'er took a brief respite, her thoughts gradually settling after the lingering unease stirred by Chen Yu's peculiar notions about Chen Yi.

As Shen Huaotang and Xie Stopcloud had remarked,

Chen Yi was no adept in martial arts, merely a scholar well-versed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, utterly unlike the formidable Chen Yu, the owner of Bai Caotang.

The reason she felt a kinship between the two, she mused, could only be attributed to sheer coincidence.

It was unthinkable that they were brothers separated by years, as some strange and wondrous tale might suggest.

As evening approached, Xiao Wan'er reminded Xiao Wuge to focus on his studies of rituals and laws, then set off for Qingding Hall, clutching the scroll titled "Bai Caotang Expansion Charter."

She was not one to command with iron resolve; her nature was gentle by disposition.

Perhaps it was her physical constitution.

From an early age, her temperament had been delicate, ever considerate of others, rarely prioritizing her own concerns.

Such was the case with Bai Caotang.

Her urgency in seeking the old master stemmed from her recognition of the charter's value.

If Bai Caotang could, as the charter promised, rapidly expand, bringing prosperity to the Xiao family without harm,

It would not only yield substantial wealth for them, resolving the financial burdens of the mansion, the Lingyuan Army, and the vast monetary issues looming ahead,

It would also be a benevolent act.

Healing the sick and saving lives—surely such deeds counted as meritorious.

It would enhance the Xiao family's reputation.

Xiao Wan'er understood that among the world's noble families, the latter often held greater significance than the former.

Upon arriving at Qingding Hall,

Xiao Wan'er instructed Shen Huaotang and Xie Stopcloud to wait at the doorway, cautioning them:

"If anyone visits, tell them the patriarch is indisposed at the moment."

She recalled Chen the owner's advice, urging discretion in handling this matter.

Though they scarcely believed Bai Caotang could span the nine provinces and three prefectures of Dawa, they saw the young mistress's earnestness and concealed their skepticism.

Subsequently, Xiao Wan'er ventured alone beneath her oil-paper umbrella to pay respects to the patriarch.

The hall was not entirely quiet.

The relentless rain created a certain clamor,

The droplets pattering on the stone pavement,

Splashing against flowers and trees,

Dripping from the eaves and tiles,

Their varied sounds merging into a cacophony that drowned out the voices within.

"…The young mistress has arrived."

Someone had spoken.

Yet when Xiao Wan'er entered the hall, she found only the patriarch seated in the living room, sipping tea.

She scanned the room, finding no one amiss, and bowed politely: "Grandfather, I have come."

The patriarch sat upright on the ceremonial chair, smiling as he nodded, beckoning her to sit.

"The rains and cold these days, you should stay indoors more. If you have matters, send word ahead. I'll also visit Chaoqing Garden."

"But this cannot be, Grandfather. My health has just recovered, and I need rest."

"And you, Wan'er, are unharmed. If you have affairs, the elders and uncles in the mansion should scold you instead."

"Who would dare? My grandfather's only granddaughter, no one can reprimand her."

"Grandfather…"

The conversation seemed tender, yet to outsiders, it resembled two patients discussing their ailments.

After some idle chat,

Xiao Wan'er placed the scroll in the patriarch's hands, saying, "Grandfather, please examine it."

"What is this…"

The patriarch glanced at the scroll, having heard of Bai Caotang and its teas.

Recently, due to the Xiao family's apothecary and Bai Caotang's connection, he had sought out several bottles to taste.

Wang Ji tea was refreshing,

Old White Gold tea was slightly bitter but left a lingering sweetness,

Divine Bull tea had an unusual flavor, yet invigorated the body after consumption.

As for the Zhishibi tea and beauty-enhancing teas, he merely glanced at them without truly tasting.

However, after sampling, Old White Gold tea indeed brought him considerable relief, and he drank a bottle daily.

Yet regarding this expansion charter, the patriarch remained somewhat puzzled.

"They say the Bai Caotang owner visited today, bringing this?"

Xiao Wan'er smiled, nodding, "Chen the owner, young and capable, excels in medicine and has shrewd business acumen."

After a few compliments, she continued, "This charter was indeed brought by him, seeking cooperation with our Xiao family."

The patriarch turned the pages, saying, "I've entrusted all matters concerning the Xiao family apothecary to you, no need to…"

He paused upon reading the contents, humming softly, his expression brightening with interest.

Xiao Wan'er noticed his reaction, realizing the old man had been struck by the charter's contents just as she had been, and smiled, saying,

"This charter's contents are vast, and I, Wan'er, cannot decide alone, so I've come to seek your guidance."

The patriarch murmured, holding the scroll at arm's length to read the text clearly, his lips moving as he absorbed the words.

"Bai Caotang intends to establish Sichuan as its foundation, first expanding into neighboring provinces and counties, then venturing into the nine provinces and three prefectures…"

Xiao Wan'er fell silent, sitting quietly on her seat.

She had confidence in this charter, and in Chen the owner's plans and aspirations.

The only uncertainty lay in whether the Xiao family could fully support Bai Caotang's expansion as Chen desired.

Not long after,

The patriarch scrutinized the entire charter, his thin, wrinkled face breaking into a surprised smile: "Some merit here."

"Wan'er, this charter was penned by Bai Caotang's owner?"

Xiao Wan'er nodded, "Grandfather, indeed he brought it, the handwriting is by Wang Ji's hand."

"Ah, this matter—how do you view it?"

"Wan'er, I merely wish to test it. I understand its difficulty and the effort required." "If the family decides to support Bai Caotang, it may impact other endeavors."

The patriarch inclined his head slightly: "You see clearly; this matter is not simple."

"Beyond Sichuan, even securing the local noble families in several counties is no easy task."

If Bai Caotang were to earn a bit less, it would be all right; considering the Xiao family’s pharmacy profits over the past month, those teas and drinks... they’d be quite profitable.

The old master had lived in Shu Zhou for many years, deeply understanding the troublesome nature of the great clans.

Especially those mountain tribes and lineages.

Even with the Xiao family’s influence, they could make them submit, yet it would still invite some criticism.

When Bai Caotang turns a profit, when the Xiao family shares in the gains, even if those great clan members don’t say it outright, they would inevitably feel a certain dissatisfaction.

He estimated they might mutter about the Xiao family “feasting alone” or “not thinking to bring along the old subordinates and brothers.”

In the end, the Xiao family had tilled the soil of Shu Zhou for two hundred years, their relationships with various tribes and prefectures were intertwined like roots and branches, not something that could be resolved with a single stroke.

Just as with the mutual market they had built together with the mountain clans.

There needed to be some people involved, some alliances with the major lineages, to secure the hearts of all parties.

Xiao Wanz’er thought for a moment and asked: “Grandfather, do we need to distribute some silver from this?”

The old master chuckled: “The profits do need to be distributed, but why not have Bai Caotang distribute them?”

Xiao Wanz’er hesitated, then said: “After all, this is what Mr. Chen proposed in the agreement... I—”

“Is it a burden?”

“There is some.”

The old master, seeing her nod, smiled: “Wanz’er, your nature is too kind-hearted, and it will cost you in business dealings.”

Xiao Wanz’er lowered her head, her face flushing: “Wanz’er knows she was wrong.”

“You’ve spoken too much.”

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s right or wrong; it’s just that you don’t understand the stakes involved. It seems the Xiao family in Shu Zhou can claim half the profits, but in reality, it’s at most a third.”

“And Bai Caotang drafting the agreement, formulating the prescriptions, people... hmm, taking half seems reasonable.”

Xiao Wanz’er couldn’t help but smile: “Grandfather, you think so too.”

The old master shook his head: “I merely feel his earnings are too easy.”

Thus, he had come to understand the value of that agreement.

Bai Caotang had formulas, had profitable methods, had sharp minds; what they lacked was a way to connect with all factions.

The Xiao family, with their close ties to all sides, had the connections, but lacked a source of income.

They complemented each other in their strengths and weaknesses.

“That Mr. Chen’s insights are truly unique, how rare!”

Upon hearing him praise Mr. Chen, Xiao Wanz’er felt a slight joy: “Grandfather... you agree?”

The old master raised his hand, signaling her to wait a moment.

After some thought, he looked at the rain outside the hall and weighed the pros and cons, saying: “This business can be done; I agree.”

Xiao Wanz’er felt a joyful warmth in her heart, yet she knew he had more to say, so she didn’t rush to speak.

Then the old master continued: “But this matter isn’t easy to rush into; many things still need careful consideration, at least—”

“At least we need to find out that old master’s... what’s his name?”

“Chen Yu, they say he’s been learning under his master in the mountains.”

The old master nodded: “Chen Yu must be at ease first.”

Xiao Wanz’er paused, then nodded: “Grandfather is right.”

“These are troubled times for the Xiao family; everything must be handled with care.”

“Wanz’er understands.”

Xiao Wanz’er was well aware of some of the family’s affairs and could grasp the old master’s reasoning.

However, she had an inexplicable confidence in that Mr. Chen, believing he had no ill intentions.

Not long after, Xiao Wanz’er left with a smile on her face.

The old master watched her go, then let out a soft sigh.

“Did you hear it all?”

“Go check on that old master... Chen Yu, and the others within Bai Caotang as well.”

“The Xiao family’s luck has been dire these past five years. When this good fortune unexpectedly came our way, I had to think it over.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than a figure emerged from the adjacent chamber, bowing respectfully: “I’ll go right away.”

The old master nodded: “Make sure to check everything.”

“Your top priority these days is to keep an eye on Liu family in Jingzhou.”

“They’ve rebelled again, and after levying a ten percent grain tax on the three towns, they’ll likely take further action.”

“Your lord, rest assured, their movements are under the watch of the Black Market’s eyes.”

“But there’s been strange activity in the black market lately.”

“Hmm?”

“The new agents we recently installed reported that Fang Lao, the demon, was killed by the Black Tooth gang. Also, many demons have gathered in the Spring Rain Tower, as if discussing some major deal.”

The old master furrowed his brow slightly, a hint of killing intent flickering in his dim eyes.

“What kind of major deal would require cleaning up the eyes and ears within the black market?”

“Once we uncover the truth, we’ll see what the Bright Moon Tower is planning.”

“Understood!”