Chapter 191: Your Brother-in-Law Is the Most Powerful

Chapter 191: Your Brother-in-Law is the Strongest

Chen Yi felt he had expressed his suggestions as delicately as possible, yet as he watched Xiao Wanhua’s smile gradually fade from her face, he could not help but feel a pang of distress.

When he came to the end, he gestured toward Xiao Er, who swiftly poured tea and poured water, then coughed lightly before speaking:

“This charter is, in fact, rather commendable. Only, at present, the Xiao family’s pharmacies are too overburdened to compare with Bai Caotang’s capacity for expansion.”

The truth was precisely that.

Traditional pharmacies, if they were to expand beyond their premises, required not only physicians and apprentices capable of managing the shop, but also a steady supply of various medicinal ingredients.

This was incomparable to Bai Caotang’s simpler model, which focused on teas and common medicinal recipes.

Even the training of physicians alone was not something that could be accomplished overnight. And to stock those ingredients, whose sale dates were uncertain, required a fortune in silver.

In short, the charter Xiao Wanhua had penned was fundamentally flawed, for it was based on a misunderstanding of the Xiao family’s actual capacity.

At least, with their current circumstances, they could not sustain such a burdensome pharmacy model.

Xiao Wanhua, upon hearing Chen Yi’s words, paused briefly before replying: “My brother-in-law, you’re right. I’ve been a bit naive.”

“Not entirely…”

Before Chen Yi could offer comfort, Xiao Wanhua pressed her lips together and said: “You needn’t comfort me. I did consider it poorly before.”

“Now I realize, only the physicians capable of handling five pharmacies would be those dispatched from Bai Caotang.”

Xiao Wanhua paused, then asked: “As you said, if we wish to expand Bai Caotang, we would need a sufficient number of exceptionally skilled physicians?”

Chen Yi, noting her apparent resolve not to abandon the plan, discerned the direction of her thoughts.

He surmised that Xiao Wanhua’s desire to expand the pharmacies was not driven by profit, but rather, like before, a sincere wish to alleviate the suffering of the people.

Thinking this, Chen Yi nodded solemnly: “If the eldest lady is willing, perhaps we should begin with the first step.”

Xiao Wanhua’s expression shifted slightly, her eyes instantly brightening, reflecting his silhouette.

“Please, brother-in-law, be direct.”

The reality matched Chen Yi’s expectations.

Xiao Wanhua, having suffered from frailty and illness since childhood, deeply understood the agony of disease. Thus, she yearned to contribute in her own way, to ease the pain of others.

It was akin to her wish to “make the world a haven where all are welcome.”

Chen Yi nodded, then pondered before speaking: “Expanding pharmacies demands too much manpower and funds, and would take too long to yield results.”

“Perhaps we could simplify the process. Instead of establishing pharmacies, let us focus on cultivating more physicians.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wanhua seemed to grasp the implication, her voice tinged with eagerness: “You suggest we proceed more slowly.”

She then gestured toward Shen Huatang, who fetched paper and ink, as Xiao Wanhua began to jot down her brother-in-law’s words.

Chen Yi, unhurried, waited until all preparations were complete before continuing:

“In fact, it is not unlike the current academies. But academies exist solely to educate scholars, enabling them to attain fame and honor.

“What the eldest lady seeks to establish is an academy dedicated to teaching medical arts and the Way of Medicine.”

“If the methods are sound, the regulations strict, and the instructors masterful, then students devoted to the medical path will indeed gain knowledge.”

“In a few years’ time, as more apprentices mature into physicians, even if they do not join the Xiao family’s pharmacies, they will still benefit the populace across the land.”

Xiao Wanhua’s eyes gleamed even brighter: “Exactly, exactly.”

“My brother-in-law speaks truly. Once the academy for medical instruction is established, more physicians will emerge.

“These individuals, whether they serve in the Xiao family’s pharmacies or disperse across Shu Zhou, or even the nine prefectures of Dai Wei, will aid in healing and saving lives.”

As she spoke, she meticulously recorded Chen Yi’s words with her delicate brush.

When she finished writing, Xiao Wanhua inquired: “Then, what else should we be mindful of?”

Chen Yi reflected briefly before answering: “First, to attract talented students, the academy must have a chief physician of exceptional skill—ideally, a saintly master of medicine.

“Second, the curriculum must be carefully compiled. The current state of medical knowledge is too scattered to allow students to achieve mastery within a limited timeframe.

“Lastly…”

Though he had never undertaken such a task, based on his understanding of medicine and hearsay about medical academies, he offered Xiao Wanhua a thoughtful and innovative plan.

After speaking at length for nearly an hour, Chen Yi finally fell silent.

“In this way, without expending too much silver, we could, within five or ten years, benefit the people across all directions.”

Xiao Wanhua set down her wolf-hair brush, gazing at the bamboo paper filled with Chen Yi’s guidance, her face alight with joy.

Yet she did not forget Chen Yi, smiling warmly: “Thank you. I now know how to proceed.”

Chen Yi admired her radiant smile and replied: “I’ve only spoken loosely. If it fails in the future, do not blame me for my idle chatter.”

“Of course…”

Noticing his gaze lingering on her, Xiao Wanhua’s cheeks flushed slightly, though she did not scold him. Instead, she averted her eyes while gathering the papers.

Seeing that she had taken his advice to heart, he cast one last glance before turning away.

But as Xiao Wanhua finished organizing her belongings, her eyes still found his, and she felt a flush of embarrassment. She quickly rose and called out: “Shen Huatang, Shen Huatang, the time is late. Have the guest of honor arrived?”

Shen Huatang hesitated slightly: “My lady, the guest of honor has not yet sent a token of visit. The midday appointment is for Lady Wan.”

Xiao Wanhua’s face reddened further: “Ah, my mistake. It is Lady Wan who is visiting.”

She then hurriedly bid farewell to Chen Yi, leading Shen Huatang and the others back to Xiaoxing Yard.

As she walked away, Chen Yi smiled softly.

Yet he understood that, from this day forward, Xiao Wanhua would be busier than ever.

After all, establishing a medical academy—though not unprecedented in the Dai Wei dynasty—was forging a new path.

To truly create such an institution and make it a reality would not be easy.

Selecting a location, inviting renowned physicians, compiling medical texts, enrolling students, and managing its operations—all required meticulous attention.

Each task, each detail, demanded precision. Xiao Wanhua would have no time to spare.

“This is well enough.”

“She’ll have plenty of time ahead. No need to waste her energy on collecting rents, silver, or distributing monthly funds. She’ll be too busy to grow dull.”

Chen Yi mused on the future sight of Xiao Wanhua bustling with work yet radiant in happiness, and a smile touched his lips.

After a brief rest, he instructed Xiao Er to take Xiao Wuhuo back to Xiaoxing Yard, then set off alone for Guiyun Academy.

When Xiao Wuhuo arrived at Xiaoxing Yard, Xiao Wanhua was busy instructing the servants to prepare for the day’s guests, her eyes fixed on the bamboo paper bearing Chen Yi’s counsel.

“Sister, you truly intend to establish that academy to teach the Way of Medicine?”

“Of course.”

“It may seem complicated, but if done properly, it will also benefit our Xiao family.”

Xiao Wuhuo nodded vaguely, having heard it from Chen Yi, and saw no reason to object.

“Still, Brother-in-law, you’re amazing.”

Xiao Wan’er hummed in agreement: “He’s right, after all.”

Xiao Gun glanced around, then flashed a grin: “How does it compare to what Big Sister wrote?”

Xiao Wan’er paused, turning her head to face him, her pale yet flushed cheeks softening into a smile: “Want to know?”

“Then wait until you finish your studies on the rites and the histories of the preceding dynasties.”

“Ah?”

“Three volumes, then.”

Xiao Gun couldn’t help but hurry, letting Xiao Di lead him to the study.

He feared that if he lingered, the lessons would expand from three to four volumes.

Xiao Wan’er watched him depart, lifting her chin slightly, thinking, *Knowing Brother-in-law is the most capable, I shouldn’t feel inferior.*

Yet recalling last night’s ordeal—Chen Yi had scolded her from start to finish for the oil lamp she’d spent the evening preparing—she felt a flush of embarrassment creeping in.

“How could he know so much without having done it himself?”

Her companions, Cuier and Juaner, unaware of her thoughts, noticed her flushed cheeks and knew her mood had brightened.

“Since Lady took the horse doctor’s elixir, her complexion has only improved.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wan’er reined in her thoughts, smiling: “The Mid-Autumn Festival approaches—be sure to remind me to prepare a modest gift for the horse doctor.”

“And one for the owner of Bai Caotang as well.”

“Yes.”

Xiao Wan’er recalled Chen Yi’s words from yesterday, knowing that the “Chen Yu” owner was currently absent from Shu Zhou, so she issued a brief command and went about her own affairs.

With Bai Caotang’s owner away, the Xiao family apothecary could prepare in advance.

For instance, silver money, which allies to call upon, and which counties in Shu Zhou to visit first—all things she deemed within her capacity.

……

Less than ten days until the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The city of Shu Zhou already buzzed with festive anticipation.

Street surfaces were adorned with red lanterns, their tassels dangling with riddles for passersby to solve.

In the cool, breezy weather after rain, they swayed like blossoming branches.

Beyond these overt decorations,

the taverns rolled out festival treats—mooncakes, rice cakes, and other delicacies.

On Kangning Street, larger establishments hung notices announcing poetry gatherings for the festival.

At Chun Hua Lou, the notice listed renowned scholars or literati who might attend, and the prizes for the top poets—works by famous authors or scholar’s treasures like brushes, inkstones, paper, and silk.

Not mere silver or trinkets.

When Chen Yi passed by, he glanced around; scholars and beauties crowded the area, paying no heed to the prizes.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the estate of Dingyan Hou in the capital also prepared accordingly.

Like the old patriarch’s birthday celebration, they’d perform ancestral rites, host family feasts, and reward younger kin with examinations and gifts.

But these matters held little relevance for Chen Yi, the extraneous son-in-law.

Unless the old matriarch or Xiao Jinghong commanded it, he’d never earn a seat at such a banquet.

Of course, he had no desire to attend such occasions.

Restricted by etiquette, he’d have to navigate the convoluted thoughts of the Xiao family, exhausting body and soul.

Far better to remain in the serene Spring Lotus Garden.

Still, aside from this, Chen Yi found joy in the approaching festivities.

Travelers bustled about, merchants and scholars alike, street vendors and wandering beauties, foreign traders and even exotic tribes—all smiled warmly along Kangning Street.

Some resembled deities, others mortals, and some truly bloomed like flowers.

Chen Yi wandered through, smiling at the scene, yet his heart understood clearly:

The Xiao family this year struggled to host a lively Mid-Autumn Festival.

Even if all went smoothly—defeating the black-toothed demons of Míngyuán and the hidden guards of Dingyan Army—the old patriarch, Xiao Jinghong, and the elder lords likely harbored little festive spirit.

And if Xiao Dongran were added to the tally…

Chen Yi smirked, chuckling inwardly: *Others may not be so fortunate, but the second brother’s household surely felt none of the joy.*

Even if his schemes failed,

the tigress and the hawk would spare no effort for that gray wolf.

(Chapter Complete)