Chapter 15 Maidservant and "Maidservant"
Zhong Cai was happy to be in such a "fatherly and sonly" relationship with Zhong Guanlin, and spoke "frankly" without him having to ask.
"To be honest, Father, besides what I gave you, I also refined 160 pills. I gave 80 to Shaogan, and he helped me sell the other 80 to the Wu family's pill hall. All the money from the sale is mine." He held up two fingers, his eyes shining brightly. "My success rate in making pills is 20%."
"Twenty percent already in the first stage!" Zhong Guanlin quickly calculated in his mind and was filled with regret—even if Xiao Liu'er's talent was slightly weaker when refining other pills, his future achievements would still be limitless.
If he hadn't been married off...
However, Zhong Guanlin was very shrewd and didn't show anything on his face. Instead, he smiled and put away the box, then reached out and patted Zhong Cai's head, praising him affectionately: "As expected of my son, Zhong Guanlin!"
He thought to himself: Fortunately, Xiao Liu'er has a good relationship with him. As long as he gives his full support in the future, even if the benefits that the Zhong family can get in the future are limited, he, as the biological father, can still benefit a lot.
Zhong Cai continued chatting with a grin: "Next, I'm going to refine a head-protecting pill, the head-protecting pill, Dad, you know it, right? Once it's successfully refined, it'll be very profitable."
Zhong Guanlin was very generous: "If you want to learn, your father will support you! Here's what we'll do: I'll gather 10,000 doses of medicine for you. Take your time, don't worry about not having enough medicine."
Zhong Cai quickly shook her head, feigning refusal, saying, "How can I keep asking my father for money after I'm married? There's no need to spend money. I have quite a lot of savings. Even though he gave me a few tens of thousands of gold coins, it's enough for me to buy medicinal herbs."
Zhong Guanlin was too shocked to react until now. Judging from the tone of his voice... Xiao Liu and Wu Shaogan are already so close?
But thinking about it, it makes sense. Wu Shaogan was such a person in the past, how could he not see Xiao Liu'er's value? Besides, they were already a married couple who had consummated their relationship, so it would be easier for them to get closer.
Many thoughts raced through his mind, but Zhong Guanlin laughed heartily: "It's your husband's business to give you money. As your father, I know my son is talented, how can I not help? Listen to your father, you should be given what you deserve."
Zhong Cai pretended to ponder and hesitated before saying, "We can't keep using Father's savings, but I know how much Father cares... At most, five hundred pills. If we still see no hope after refining these, then it means I'm not good at this kind of thing anymore, and we should cut our losses and switch to refining other pills."
Zhong Guanlin agreed, nodding with satisfaction and praising, "My son has a plan in mind; that's truly excellent."
Zhong Cai was very satisfied. Indeed, one shouldn't take too much; a steady, gradual approach is best, but appropriate amounts are acceptable.
"If I could refine them, I would still send a few to my father."
Zhong Guanlin said kindly, "Okay."
That's how it is. Don't forget him when you're able to refine even higher-level pills in the future.
And so, another instance of fatherly love and filial piety arose.
When Zhong Cai returned to the Wu family, she brought with her the medicinal materials for the Head Protection Pill, which was worth a thousand gold pieces.
·
Wu Shaogan raised an eyebrow as he looked at the several baskets of medicinal herbs piled on the ground.
Zhong Cai was eloquent and fluent.
“I’ve thought it over. No one here has ever seen the Yang-Extreme Pill. If I refine it, even if I sell it in the surrounding cities, it will be easy for people to find out that I refined it, and then the Wu family will find out too. So this time I plan to learn how to make both kinds of pills at the same time. If all goes well, I will show the Head-Protecting Pill to the public, and sell all the Yang-Extreme Pills in private…”
Zhong Cai spoke animatedly about her plan, showing no sign of fear of failure in refining the pills; she was incredibly confident.
Seeing his friend like this, Wu Shaogan was in a good mood and listened while nodding in agreement.
Zhong Cai was overjoyed to receive the response she wanted.
Just then, Zhong Da suddenly came in to report: "Young masters, we have guests outside."
Zhong Cai and Wu Shaogan exchanged a glance.
This must be a follow-up to the sale of elixirs; they reacted really quickly.
However, both of them knew that staying with the Wu family meant relying on their protection, so it wouldn't hurt to proactively demonstrate their abilities. Otherwise, if the Wu family discovered Zhong Cai's talent and harbored resentment towards them, it would be troublesome.
Zhong Cai said, "Please come in."
Zhong Da quickly went out to open the door.
Wu Shaogan and Zhong Cai also stood up and walked out of the second gate.
·
After the courtyard gate was opened wide, a middle-aged man dressed as a steward but who was quite strong entered.
Behind him, a group of graceful beauties walked in, some delicate, some radiant, some charming, some gentle... a true mix of slender and plump figures.
Wu Shaogan unconsciously frowned.
The middle-aged man was highly skilled. Although he was a servant, he simply cupped his hands in greeting and said respectfully, "Greetings, Young Master Zhong, Master Zhong."
Wu Shaogan introduced Zhong Cai: "This is my father's bodyguard, Steward Da."
Zhong Cai smiled and returned the greeting with Wu Shaogan, politely asking, "Steward Da, is there anything the Master needs from you?"
Ada, though rough-looking, was very eloquent. He spoke politely, "The head of the family has heard of Master Zhong's outstanding abilities and feels deeply sorry for neglecting him. Therefore, he instructed me to bring several maids over for Master Zhong to serve. Master Zhong can choose freely. If he likes any of them, he may keep them."
Zhong Cai glanced at them and asked, "What are your special skills?"
I thought they'd give us some resources, but it turns out they're just adding manpower. Oh well, it's alright.
The beauties were all taken aback.
Wu Shaogan was just starting to feel a little annoyed when he heard this, and he paused for a moment, then couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth into a smile.
Zhong Cai wasn't stupid; she immediately realized what was happening, and her face turned ashen.
Upon closer inspection, it became clear that among the group of beauties, besides seven or eight beautiful young women in their prime, there were also quite a few cross-dressing men with outstanding looks. What the hell did this mean? Were they offering him bed warmers, or were they slapping his buddy in the face?
Zhong Cai tried her best to remain calm and not start swearing.
Ultimately, this was a gesture of goodwill from the Wu family.
Look how "thoughtful" they are! If he were a straight man forced into marriage, he could choose any maid he wanted. After all, once the doors are closed, who would know where he's serving? If he's naturally attracted to men, the Wu family is even worried he won't be satisfied, so they brought a whole string of women of all ranks, from high to low! They even made the men dress as women. What, are they just burying their heads in the sand? Does wearing women's clothes make them maids?
He's so angry!
After holding back, Zhong Cai said with a forced smile, "My feelings for Shao Gan are as clear as day. I was just thinking that we didn't have enough manpower to take good care of him. The head of the family has really helped a lot. Please keep those who are good at sewing, can make snacks and medicinal dishes. If they are also quick and can do odd jobs, that would be even better."
Ada understood and gave Wu Shaogan a deep look.
Wu Shaogan wore a smile. Although he was no longer as cold and arrogant as before, he did not appear sickly. He was still a fine young man with a dignified bearing, and his demeanor was still far superior to that of the other young members of the Wu family.
Ada turned to look at the beauties and said, "Does anyone know these things? Let Master Zhong take a look."
As he spoke, five men and women quietly stepped forward, curtsied, and whispered, "Greetings, Master Zhong."
Zhong Cai couldn't help but take a step back.
Wu Shaogan chuckled and raised his hand to support his waist.
Zhong Cai's lips twitched slightly as she stated her request:
“Normally, the two of us stay in the inner courtyard, and servants are not allowed to enter and disturb us.”
Their bond was stronger than gold—brotherly love is also a form of affection.
Outsiders shouldn't get involved.
"Be honest and kind."
Speak less and do more.
So far, things have been generally acceptable, and no one has withdrawn.
Finally, Zhong Cai opened the door wide, her expression very serious, clearly quite focused.
"The most important thing is to never let the junior staff be unhappy."
"If someone is even slightly unhappy about not doing their job properly, I'll be ten times more unhappy. I have no intention of showing any mercy to women!"
Ada's eyes flickered slightly, and he promised in a deep voice, "Master Zhong, please rest assured, if they displease you, just return them to your subordinates, and they will certainly not get in your way."
Zhong Cai said, "In that case, thank you very much."
After this conversation, three of the five beauties left immediately.
Of the two who remained, the bright young woman in the light red dress was very respectful and did not act coy at all; she was very well-behaved.
"This servant can cook, especially pastries, and also knows a little about pharmacology and can make a few medicinal dishes. I humbly request that you two take me in."
On the other side, the cross-dressing man in the light green dress still looked like a charming young girl, but he kept his eyes straight ahead and was just as obedient.
"This servant is somewhat skilled in sewing and embroidery; I humbly request that you two take me in."
Ada took out two death contracts and handed them to Zhong Cai.
Zhong Cai took a look and found that the specifications were normal. The cross-dressing woman in the light green dress was called Bi Cen, and the maid in the light red dress was called Qiao Hong. They were both seventeen years old this year. They opened their Divine Soul Secret Treasure when they were fourteen or fifteen years old, and both had the aptitude of low-grade yellow.
Ada didn't linger any longer and left the courtyard with the other beauties.
After the person left, Zhong Cai handed the death contract to Wu Shaogan for inspection, while deliberately complaining to him: "Old Wu, in your father's eyes, do I have a lecherous face? Men and women, aren't they afraid of delaying my alchemy? I only know how to refine Qi-replenishing pills."
Wu Shaogan glanced at the death contract, then handed it back to Zhong Cai to keep safe, saying, "Besides being considerate of you, they also tested your resolve, so they only sent those with good looks. Their aptitudes are all quite ordinary, so even if you keep them all, you don't need to feel bad." He flicked Zhong Cai's forehead and then teased him, "Even if you become lustful and neglect your studies in the future, with your current strength, you deserve all of this."
Seeing that Wu Shaogan didn't seem to care about the matter, Zhong Cai felt a little relieved and began to give instructions to the two newly arrived maids.
“Bichen, you just need to make clothes. You need to have new clothes every month, the best ones. List out what materials you need and I will approve the money for you to buy them.” As she said this, Zhong Cai glanced at the cross-dressing boy who looked perfectly natural, and her lips twitched again. “Whether you become a servant or a maid is up to you.”
Bi Cen was surprised and quickly replied, "Yes."
Zhong Cai then instructed Qiao Hong, "In the past, medicinal cuisine was assigned to Zhou Lin. From now on, you will work with him, and whoever has the best skills will make it. In addition, different snacks should be prepared every day. It would be best to incorporate medicinal cuisine into the snacks, so that they taste better and are more convenient to eat. As for how to make them and who to make them for, you can ask Zhou Lin yourself."
Qiao Hong immediately replied, "Yes."
Zhong Cai thought for a moment, and finally instructed, "Alright, you can ask Xiang Lin where you're staying. You must inform him before entering the inner courtyard. Shao Gan and I will inform Xiang Lin when we're busy."
Bichen and Qiaohong naturally responded in unison.
Zhong Cai ignored them and pulled Wu Shaogan back to the inner courtyard.
Xiang Lin emerged from the corner and had Miao Hua and Miao Ye, Zhou Lin and Dong Jin move together, while the two newcomers each had their own room.
None of the servants objected, and they all busied themselves with their tasks, getting to know each other.
Bichen helped Qiaohong pack her things, and when they inadvertently made eye contact, they both showed relieved smiles.
·
The two were trained in the same place, but not in the same class; they were just acquaintances.
People like them were either born into poverty and sold by their families, or were orphans who were taken in, or whose parents were servants... They all entered the Wu family at a very young age, received the Wu family's kindness in raising them, and had to be at the Wu family's disposal when they grew up.
The maids in the "Qiao" batch and the pageboys in the "Bi" batch are only at the Yellow Rank, so they are classified as the third rank. Unlike the top-ranking maids with the Xuan Rank, they do not have many choices. Those who develop well may even have the opportunity to become wives or marry into the Wu family and receive the same treatment as the Wu family members.
This time, Steward Ada wanted a group of outstanding men and women to be selected by a master alchemist. Naturally, many beauties were willing. Bichen and Qiaohong thought that if they served well, they would have the opportunity to be rewarded with elixirs, so they also joined in. They were successfully selected because of their superior looks.
·
Bi Cen said softly, "Since Master Zhong is so affectionate towards Young Master Shao Gan, we must place Young Master Shao Gan in the highest regard in the future and must not neglect him in the slightest."
Qiao Hong also solemnly said, "Don't rush to show your face, and don't get in the way of your two masters. Just keep to your duties. There's still a long time ahead, and your two masters will eventually see our loyalty."
Neither of them expected that their hard-earned skills would come in handy. If they worked hard, they might even have a chance to become the confidants of their two masters. Wouldn't that be better than warming someone else's bed?
Bi Cen smiled and said, "Let's work together wholeheartedly."
Qiao Hong smiled and replied, "That's exactly right."
The two quickly began discussing what clothes to make for their two masters, what materials were needed, what snacks to make, what meals to prepare, and what ingredients were required. As they spoke, they took out paper and pen to carefully jot down their thoughts, making notes and additions as they went.
·
In the corner of the roof, an almost imperceptible gray figure flashed past and quickly entered the inner courtyard.
After listening to Xiang Lin's report, Zhong Cai nodded and said, "It's good that they behave themselves. As long as they do their job well, don't skimp on their monthly allowance."
Xiang Lingong responded and then slipped away.
Zhong Cai turned to look at Wu Shaogan and said with a smile, "Old Wu, are you still coming with me to refine pills? Cleaning the furnace and processing the medicinal herbs, it'll all depend on you!"
Wu Shaogan teased, "Tsk tsk, let's really see what our exceptionally talented alchemist Zhong is actually like, such a lazy bum."
Zhong Cai pulled the person towards the cultivation room, saying smugly, "Let them look, what am I afraid of? As long as I can refine pills, who cares if I'm lazy or not!"
Wu Shaogan lightly patted the back of his head in an annoyed tone.
Zhong Cai shook her head; it didn't hurt anyway.
Wu Shaogan said helplessly, "Before the new pills are refined, you still have to process the medicinal materials yourself. You can hand them over to me once you've become more skilled."
Zhong Cai chuckled: "Don't worry, don't worry, I'm not joking about this..."
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