Shen Qingshuang, however, had more to think about.
After taking office, he realized that Yang County was poorer than he had imagined. The devastating floods had resulted in a meager harvest this year.
Although Prince Duan had done his best to provide disaster relief, without orders from the capital, these efforts were merely a drop in the ocean.
The emergence of inns not only gave people hope for life in spirit, but also provided great help in practice, and will be an opportunity to help people get rid of suffering.
Shen Qingshuang originally only planned to stay for one day before returning home, but the inn's magical charm made him stay for a few more days.
During this time, he also met Prince Duan, Feng Jinghan. Feng Jinghan was quite impressed with the newly appointed young officials in his fiefdom, and the two hit it off immediately, showing signs of a wise ruler and virtuous minister.
Shen Qinghe had no idea that a trip to an inn would lead her brother to find someone to serve him. At this moment, she was standing around An Ge, serving him tea and asking about his well-being, acting just like a loyal little maid.
An Ge was somewhat amused and exasperated. She quite liked Shen Qinghe, this lively and cheerful young girl, but the other girl was, after all, from an official family, and she didn't need anyone to serve her. She said with amusement, "The TV series has started, aren't you going to watch it?"
She rarely sees guests who aren't engrossed in TV dramas.
Shen Qinghe shook her head. She was more curious than fond of the TV series, and lost interest after watching for a while. In her opinion, the shop manager was her goddess.
"Hehe, I'll help the shop manager." Shen Qinghe suddenly remembered something and asked with a hint of gossip, "Shop manager, where did Manager Hu come from?"
This was the first time she had ever seen such a handsome man, even more handsome than Prince Duan.
Shen Qinghe was young, but her childhood experiences made her exceptionally sensitive to people's emotions. Don't think she didn't know that every time she clung to the store manager, Manager Hu's gaze towards her was very strange.
An Ge didn't think much of it and replied with the answer she had already prepared: "He's from the same place as me. What, are you interested in him?"
An Ge looked at Shen Qinghe's bright eyes and thought to herself, "I must say, Hu Jiu's face is quite handsome. But beauty can be dangerous; Hu Jiu isn't as easy to get along with as he seems."
In An Ge's view, Hu Jiu seemed to be the most enthusiastic and casual, but in reality, he was the coldest-hearted person, as if nothing mattered to him.
"No, no, I was just curious." Shen Qinghe shook her head like a rattle drum. She liked the store manager, and she only brought up this topic because she felt that Manager Hu was the only person who could match the store manager in terms of appearance.
Shen Qinghe had initially thought her brother was exceptionally talented and only a fairy was worthy of him. Now, having truly seen the fairy, she realized that her brother was utterly unworthy!
Shen Qingshuang was unaware that her standing in her sister's heart had plummeted. Looking at the aloof An Ge, she suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Manager Hu.
The shop manager is great in every way, but she seems a bit slow to grasp things.
Hu Jiu, who was being discussed by the two, was looking at the person in front of him with disdain. He had a lazy expression, arrogant eyes, and exuded a hint of evil, which was very different from the gentle image that everyone had in mind.
This was the first time Feng Jinghan had seen Hu Jiu so flamboyant, and she became increasingly wary of him.
"Do you dare let her see the real you?"
"Who do you think you are? Just a minor prince in the mortal realm. Why should you concern yourself with our affairs?" Hu Jiu's evil gaze grew even more pronounced as he slowly approached Feng Jinghan. "Heh, what do you have to offer to compete with me? Status? Looks? Or perhaps, your short lifespan of a few decades?"
Feng Jinghan was so frightened that he took a few steps back. Hu Jiu's words forced him to confront the fact that he had been avoiding all along.
Looking at the frightened Feng Jinghan, Hu Jiu smiled disdainfully. It wasn't that he looked down on ordinary people, but someone like Feng Jinghan, who lost his composure over a few words, was definitely not someone An Ge admired.
Since Hu Jiu realized his own feelings, he couldn't help but show his domineering side as a nine-tailed fox when it came to matters concerning An Ge.
But Feng Jinghan's words still inevitably stirred up a ripple in Hu Jiu's heart.
Hu Jiu felt a little self-deprecating. He, who had always been carefree, had never imagined that he would become so hesitant and cautious.
"Hu Jiu, so you're here! Come on over, Chef Wei has developed a new dish. I just had a bite, and it's delicious!" An Ge waved happily, seemingly extremely satisfied with the new dish.
Hu Jiuchao gave An Ge a big smile, "You're here!"
The moment An Ge turned around, Hu Jiu's eyes were resolute: he would never give up on this beautiful thing! Even if An Ge disliked and hated him.
In a secluded courtyard in the countryside, a frail young man sat on a rattan chair, gazing at the distant sky, lost in thought.
"Young Master, great news!" Fukang pushed open the door, panting, the old wooden door creaking as he entered.
Chi Mu's mood was disturbed, and she frowned in displeasure. "What's all the fuss about?"
Before he could catch his breath, Fukang exclaimed excitedly, "There's a celestial being here! Young Master, your health is saved!"
"Don't talk nonsense anymore." Chi Mu was a little angry, then laughed self-deprecatingly. His body had been given a death sentence by the Medical Valley, and he had long since given up hope.
"Everyone on the street is saying that there's an inn run by an immortal in Cangshan Mountain in Huaixi City, which has a holy spring that can cure all diseases. Young master, shall we go and give it a try?"
"Fukang, when did you start believing these baseless rumors?"
Over the years, they have sought medical treatment everywhere. If there really are immortals, how could their bodies be in such a state?
"It's true! I heard that the delicious new food added to the restaurants and inns in the city recently comes from Huaixi City. Young master, let's go take a look, it's not far anyway."
Chi Mu hesitated for a moment, naturally not believing in supernatural phenomena.
Seeing Chi Mu's hesitation, Fu Kang persuaded him again: "Young Master, didn't you want to travel all over the Great Ye Kingdom? I heard that Huai Xi City has changed a lot now, why don't you go and take a look?"
His young master was once so talented and brilliant. If he hadn't been framed, he would have already achieved great success. How could he have spent the rest of his life in this secluded mountain village?
"Then, shall we go and take a look? But don't get too hopeful!" Chi Mu instructed Fu Kang, also secretly warning himself.
Over the years, there have been countless moments of hope, and just as many moments of disappointment and fear. Life is already on its last countdown; why endure another disappointment?
Ever since the doctor predicted that he wouldn't live past 27, he vowed to see all the beautiful landscapes of the country. With his death date approaching next year, he thought he had long since come to terms with it, but a seemingly ridiculous rumor stirred up his once-calm heart again.
Chi Mu gazed at the white clouds in the sky once more, recalling his past high spirits, his thoughts churning.
From a young prodigy who passed the imperial examinations six times in a row to a strategist who devised a plan to repel the enemy, he fulfilled his ambition to serve his country as a mere scholar.
Now he lives a wretched life in a small village, and if his former enemies knew, they would surely laugh at him.
"Fine, let's try one last time." Chi Mu closed his eyes and sighed deeply.
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