Although she eventually parted ways with her husband, she was grateful for the strictness of her mother-in-law over the years, which propelled her to continuously enhance her knowledge and cultivation. In the days that followed, she was well-prepared for all kinds of difficulties, with actions and words beyond reproach.

After lunch, Yang Chengrong and his eight brothers, Xiao Wanxue, and Luo Jingyao went to supervise the inspection of the shops, while Long Xuanmo called for a meeting with Bei Mingchuan next door. Except for the Luo family and Xiao Hongtao, the others went back to their rooms to rest, with servants like Sister Jin standing guard outside the rooms.

"Chenchen, the lordships hope you can open shops in the county town to improve the lives of the people. What do you think?" Xiao Hongtao asked Yang Mengchen.

"The shop has just opened, and Sixth Brother is too busy to consider expanding for the time being," Yang Mengchen gently shook her head. "However, if their intentions are truly for the well-being of the populace under their jurisdiction, come spring, I can go with Uncle Xiao to a few counties to see if there are any industries with potential for development."

Her words implied that she would not help if the county magistrates were not sincerely concerned for the welfare of the people but were instead focused on their own political achievements.

Understanding the nuance in Yang Mengchen’s words, Xiao Hongtao breathed a sigh of relief. He planned to convey Chenchen’s intentions to the county magistrates, trusting they would make the right decisions.

Yang Mengchen presented two contracts to Doctor Luo and Xiao Hongtao and said with a smile, "Uncle Luo, Uncle Xiao, please keep these contracts safe."

"Little girl (Chenchen)?" Seeing their own daughter’s name written on the contracts, Doctor Luo and Xiao Hongtao looked puzzled.

"I bought two plots of land as a filial gift for you, but later, when we were building the supermarket, we didn’t have enough space, so I borrowed it temporarily," Yang Mengchen explained soothingly. "I originally planned to change the adjacent land to your names, but that didn’t seem right, so I decided to give each of you a ten percent share in the supermarket instead."

Not only Doctor Luo and Xiao Hongtao but also Lady Luo and Luo Jingrui were moved by her words.

With affection, Doctor Luo said, "We accept your filial piety, but we cannot take these shares." He handed the contracts back to Yang Mengchen.

Xiao Hongtao also passed his contract back to Yang Mengchen.

Yang Mengchen pushed the contracts back toward them, feigning seriousness, "I had previously promised Aunty Luo that Sister Wanxue and I would open a shop together, and I haven’t yet kept that promise. That ten percent share belongs half to Aunty Luo, and Uncle Luo, you can’t deprive Aunty Luo of her benefit.

As for Uncle Xiao, even if the supermarket’s profits aren’t much, it can help you aid some villagers. Besides, this share isn’t for Sister Wanxue and Uncle Xiao—it’s for Aunty Xiao’s retirement. The Silver Coin earned now is just temporarily for Uncle Xiao’s use.

If you don’t accept this, I will be upset."

Seeing Yang Mengchen’s puffed cheeks and petulant expression, the Luo family and Xiao Hongtao were torn between laughter and tears, eventually accepting the shares.

"By the way, Ninth Sister, what do you plan to do with that vacant lot next to Apricot Forest Hall?" Luo Jingrui asked.

Yang Mengchen replied with a smile, "I plan to build a hospital."

"A hospital?"

Seeing the puzzled looks on their faces, Yang Mengchen took out a pen and began to explain while sketching, "The ground floor will be the outpatient department, with departments like internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, dermatology, and emergency rooms. The second to fourth floors will be wards with three different standards: high, medium, and low, collectively called the inpatient department. We’ll also build operating rooms, a cafeteria, a laundry room, storage, etc. Doctors will be responsible for diagnosing and prescribing, and patients will go to Apricot Forest Hall to get their medicine.

Moreover, we’ll arrange for doctors to take shifts around the clock. This way, if the villagers have emergencies at night, they can be brought directly to the hospital to avoid delays that could worsen their condition.

Severely ill patients can be hospitalized, and even if their families can’t stay, the hospital’s nursing staff will take good care of them.

As for the consultation fees, I will set them based on the actual situation.

If the response here is positive, I plan to gradually expand the hospital to every county in Dong Chu, so that ordinary people can afford to see a doctor and get medicine, thereby reducing casualties.

This is just my initial idea. The details will be fleshed out later, and by that time, I will need the support of Uncle Luo, Big Brother Luo, and Uncle Xiao."

The four of them were dumbstruck, taking a long time to come to their senses.

"We will definitely support you wholeheartedly!" Doctor Luo stood up, flushed with excitement. To witness such an ambitious project in his lifetime was his greatest satisfaction.

Luo Jingrui and Xiao Hongtao nodded in agreement, equally surprised and emotional: Chenchen (Ninth Sister) not only possesses remarkable medical skills but also a kind and compassionate heart, which is a blessing to the people!

And Lady Luo looked at Yang Mengchen with a face full of pride and joy.

In the afternoon, the number of guests significantly increased, many of whom had come on recommendation. The main draw was the unique and novel items in the shops that everyone was talking about, prompting them to come take a look, especially the candies, makeup, off-season fruits and vegetables, and cleaning supplies. By Shen Hour (around 4 pm), they had sold out all their prepared goods, and many people even placed advance orders.

Yang Chengrong’s seven brothers immediately returned to the village to oversee the supply.

When they closed in the evening and calculated the sales, the revenue was even higher than Yang Mengchen’s expectation. Yang Chenghong and the stewards were all very excited, but Yang Mengchen, utterly exhausted, said little. After dinner, she washed up simply and fell into a deep sleep as soon as she hit the bed.

Quietly sitting by the bed, looking deeply at Yang Mengchen’s sleeping face, Long Xuanmo’s profound eyes were filled with tenderness and frustration.

Ah Jiu was always strong-willed and obstinate, insisting on doing things herself. If he interfered, Ah Jiu would certainly not be pleased, but seeing her work so hard made him ache for her, and yet she wouldn’t let him help, leaving him feeling helpless.

The next morning, the Situ family, the Nangong family, and the Hua family took their leave one after another.

Nangong Lingyan, clinging to Lady Nangong’s arm, playfully begged to stay. Her parents, Nangong Yelin and his wife, were initially reluctant, but with their daughter’s insistence and their son’s persuasion, they agreed, repeatedly admonishing their daughter not to cause any trouble for Yang Mengchen. A delighted Nangong Lingyan promised repeatedly in response.

Looking at his younger sister, who was playing with her handkerchief with her head down, Nangong Lingfei hesitated for a moment before asking Yang Mengchen, "Ninth Sister, would it be possible for my fifth sister to stay as well?"

"Yes," Yang Mengchen nodded. "But Sister Mu will need to go with you. Don’t worry, I’ll arrange for servants to take care of Sister Ling Yao and ensure she’s well-treated."

"Good!"

"Not possible!"

Two distinctly different voices sounded almost at the same time, and the corners of Yang Mengchen’s lips curved into a barely perceptible, enigmatic smile.