Chapter 28 Since people have no heart, there's no need to force it. ...
It was rare for everyone to gather in Songtao Courtyard at this time, but the house was unusually quiet.
Ji Yun's question, "Why choose another option?" remained unanswered for a long time.
Li Wan leaned back in the rosewood armchair inlaid with mother-of-pearl, her eyes lowered, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the cool mutton-fat jade bracelet on her wrist.
She was in a state of utter confusion.
In the evening, Ji Hongye returned home after lecturing the Crown Prince in the palace. He intended to bring her and Ming'er to Songtao Courtyard.
Upon hearing that the old lady of the Meng family had arrived, they had no choice but to wait. This wait lasted for two hours.
After the old lady left, they stepped into Songtao Courtyard. Li Wan immediately noticed the lone jade double fish pendant lying on the huanghuali waisted kang table.
The jade pendant had excellent color and exquisite carving. The intertwined fish was a symbol of a long and happy marriage, and she had chosen it from her dowry to give to the Meng family as an engagement token.
The jade pendant had been returned to the Ji residence, and her heart couldn't help but pound.
Only then did I realize that the old lady had come to annul the engagement!
In the past, whether this marriage would go through or not would have been decided by the old master, and she wouldn't have cared.
But this time was different… Li Wan closed her eyes, recalling the dream she had a few days ago.
After the torrential rain that swept through Lin'an a few days ago, she fell asleep quickly, which was unusual for her, and had a long dream.
In her dream, after losing Zhao'er, she was in a daze all day, sitting alone in front of the Buddha, with only the dim lamp and ancient scrolls for company, the noise of the world completely silencing her.
The old master arranged the marriage between Ji Yun and the Meng family girl. Her husband had asked her for her opinion, and she had no objection. She only wished to copy more volumes of the Ksitigarbha Sutra to pray for some faint blessings for the people in the underworld.
After Ji Yun and Meng Yutong got married, they spent most of their time at the Imperial Medical Academy.
Even from just a few brief encounters, she could clearly see that the couple's relationship was as distant as that of strangers.
Meng Yutong managed the vast Ji mansion with remarkable efficiency, handling all the affairs of the household flawlessly. She was content with her leisure and simply set aside a quiet room in her courtyard to serve as a Buddhist shrine, thus relinquishing all other responsibilities.
She treated Ming'er very well, showing him great care and concern, and even personally studied medicinal cuisine to help him improve his weak spleen and stomach due to congenital deficiencies.
She kept her doors closed to visitors all day long, even waiving Meng Yutong's morning and evening greetings. Although the two lived under the same roof, they rarely interacted.
The first time I truly saw the child's true nature was in the first year after she married into the Ji family.
That winter, auspicious snow fell from the sky, with goose feathers fluttering for days on end, and the snow was so deep that it reached up to the ankles, turning the world into a white expanse.
A jade pendant she had placed before the Buddha had vanished without a trace. The entire household was turned upside down, but it could not be found.
She fell ill from worry and remained bedridden ever since.
During the day, Meng Yutong personally tasted the medicine and served her without leaving her side. At night, he would secretly go to the snow to find the jade pendant for her.
Li Wan dared not imagine how such a frail body could have groped its way inch by inch through the biting cold night and the snow that reached above its calves.
I dare not even imagine how long she had been searching.
Heaven took pity on her and she actually found it!
The jade pendant was recovered, and her chronic illness gradually improved.
Meng Yutong suffered from a high fever for three days and three nights due to the cold penetrating her bones. She was delirious several times and almost developed a chronic cough and asthma.
At that moment, Li Wan felt a pang of sorrow in her heart and truly understood: this was a girl with a pure and kind heart, almost to the point of being foolish, a good girl as clear as crystal.
Unfortunately, the Ji family was not doing well at that time. The incident that happened back then became a knot in everyone's heart.
The old patriarch shifted the family's hopes to another place, becoming increasingly cold, hard, and strict in his dealings with people and matters.
My husband's temples turned gray overnight, as if he had aged ten years.
She, on the other hand, became even more deeply immersed in scriptures and chants, detached from worldly affairs.
As for Ji Yun... that once dashing and spirited boy became taciturn and completely changed his personality.
Like a block of ice without heat, like a stone without joy or anger.
Meng Yutong's temperament was gentle yet resilient, like a gentle stream. She originally believed that even the most stubborn rock would eventually be worn away by dripping water.
But the dream did not end well.
She seemed to see blood everywhere, as if it were a serious illness, or something else... In short, that beautiful young woman, just over twenty years old and as vibrant as a peony in its first bloom, had perished in the Ji family mansion.
Li Wan raised her hand and pressed her slightly cool fingertips firmly against her throbbing forehead.
The cause and effect in between were blurred by the nightmare, and she couldn't remember them.
All she knew was that the Ji family owed her a great deal!
She had made up her mind to go with the flow this time, welcome Yutong into the family, and from then on, take good care of her and make amends, so that the scene in her dream would never happen again.
But who could have imagined that this perfectly good marriage would suddenly turn into such a disaster?
She suddenly recalled Meng Yutong's behavior at the Ji residence a few days ago when she celebrated her birthday.
Her eyes were calm, and her demeanor was measured, completely different from the gentle and tender image in my memory and dreams.
It's very different from before.
Most importantly, the way she looked at Ji Yun was icy cold; those eyes, which had once been filled with admiration, held no trace of affection.
Li Wan's heart sank little by little.
A terrible thought popped into her head uncontrollably: Could it be... that Yu Tong also had such a dream...?
Li Wan suddenly rose from the rosewood armchair, her hands clasped tightly under her sleeves, her face filled with worry and apprehension.
If that's the case, then there's probably no way to turn things around.
She must have given up hope and abandoned all thoughts, which is why she decided to sever ties with the Ji family, cancel the engagement, and never have any further contact with them.
But she simply couldn't remember what had happened in between. If she knew, if she knew… she could have found a way to turn things around, and things wouldn't have come to this…
"Mother?" Ji Yun frowned slightly, his voice tinged with doubt.
Looking at her son's icy face, Li Wan felt a tightness in her chest, and swallowed back the words that were about to come out.
Enough is enough. Things have come to this, why force people to do things they don't want to do?
Their fingers were tightly clasped together, yet they could not quell the frustration in their hearts.
She has been using the fragrant pillow that Yu Tong gave her these past few days, and has finally had a few good nights' sleep. She sincerely hopes that this marriage will go through and that the two children will be well.
Now it's all impossible...it's all impossible!
Thinking of all this, she could no longer contain her resentment and blurted out to Ji Yun, who was standing to the side, "She is indeed good, but my Ji family seems to have a guilty conscience."
Ji Yun's eyes flickered slightly, as if puzzled, "What have you done wrong?"
Seeing this, Ji Hongye stepped forward, put his arm around Li Wan, helped her sit down, and sighed: "Marriage is indeed something that cannot be forced."
He looked at his wife, secretly wondering why she hadn't been enthusiastic when the marriage was arranged.
Why are you so concerned about breaking off the engagement now? Perhaps... you haven't had time to process this unexpected turn of events.
Ji Yun looked at his parents' expressions, his eyes filled with even more doubt.
A strange feeling flashed through Ji Yun's heart, and his brow twitched. "I heard that the old lady of the Meng family came to the manor just now to annul the engagement?"
Only now did he finally understand the cause and effect.
But... why did the Meng family want to annul the engagement? Is the annulment related to Meng Yutong's registration for the medical examination? Was this marriage the idea of the Meng family matriarch, or was it her own idea?
Many doubts flashed through his mind, but he quickly suppressed them and his face soon returned to its usual calm.
"Marriage is meant to bring two families together," he said casually, as if it were a common occurrence. "Since the Meng family wants to back out, then so be it."
Upon hearing this, Li Wan's face immediately darkened. She rose from the armchair, creating a gust of wind as if glaring at him, before quickly walking out of the room.
Ji Hongye hurriedly apologized to Old Master Ji and chased after him.
Ji Huaijin looked at Ji Yun and slowly said, "I have a long-standing friendship with the old lady of the Meng family. Her decision to break off the engagement today is also out of consideration for the Ji family."
"She was worried that her family's social standing was too far inferior to the Ji family's, which would hinder your future. I appreciate her kindness."
"Although we can't become related to the Meng family by marriage in the future, we should still help them with their huge business if we can, as a way of acknowledging their kindness."
Ji Yun lowered his eyes and nodded, his voice respectful: "Understood."
Ji Huaijin gave a few more detailed instructions, and seeing that it was getting late, he told the two brothers to go back and rest.
Stepping out of the main hall, a cool night breeze swept over me from Songtao Courtyard. The ancient pines in the courtyard were vigorous, their branches stretching towards the night sky like writhing dragons. Moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, adding to the chilly atmosphere compared to other places.
Ji Ming followed slowly behind, kicking pebbles at his feet: "Brother, what a pity! Last time Sister Meng came to our house, I felt that her attitude towards you was a bit strange. Did you do something to upset her?"
Ji Yun paused. Moonlight filtered through the pine branches, casting varying shadows on his brow bone. The wind rustled the trees, and the light and shadow flickered in his eyes, indistinct and difficult to discern.
He looked at Ji Ming, his eyes filled with a dark and inexplicable emotion.
“Ji Ming,” he said coldly, his voice matching his expression, “I’ve only met her three times.”
If it weren't for this marriage agreement, the two would be complete strangers, so why would I have angered her?
"Brother!" Ji Ming pouted, his eyes reddening, "But I just love this sister-in-law!"
Ji Yun asked, puzzled, "Just because she saved you?"
He nodded quickly, then shook his head, and said earnestly, "Not entirely. Every time I see Sister Meng, I feel a sense of closeness. It's like... like we've known each other for a long time."
Ji Yun remained silent for a moment, his voice devoid of emotion in the darkness, only saying, "If a person has no heart, there is no need to force it."
He escorted Ji Ming back to his residence, then turned and went back to his room.
The bright moon hangs high outside the window, and the wind rustles the short grass in the corner of the yard, like whispers or sighs.
He lay on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep all night.
*
The drizzle was as soft as butter, weaving a dense, slanting pattern.
The bluestone pavement shimmered with water, and the smoke from the morning market mingled with the damp air, creating a scene of early morning street life on the Imperial Street of Lin'an.
A small carriage with blue curtains drove by and stopped in front of an old silk shop that had been closed for half a year by the Xin'an Bridge.
Meng Yutong helped Bai Zhi out of the carriage, put away the oil-paper umbrella, and the two of them squeezed side by side under the narrow eaves to avoid the rain.
Meng Yutong quietly looked around and saw that the shops along the street were lined up one after another, their signs swaying gently in the light rain, and pedestrians were hurrying by.
My gaze swept across the river under the Xin'an Bridge not far away; the water flowed gently, and the banks were lush with vegetation. It was a place where flowers and trees flourished, yet it was also full of life.
The master and servant waited for about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea before Sun Sheng, holding an oilcloth umbrella, hurried over from Xin'an Bridge.
He was lean and wiry, dressed in a short brown indigo cloth, his multi-layered cloth shoes splashing tiny water droplets as he stepped on the wet stone slabs.
Those slender eyes were slightly squinted by the rain. When they saw the two people under the eaves in the distance, a warm smile immediately spread across their lips. Through the rain curtain, they called out, "Oh, you've come so early, young lady! Please forgive me for keeping you waiting!"
He closed his umbrella, shook off the water droplets, and hurriedly pulled a brass key from his sleeve. He deftly opened the shop's slightly heavy wooden door and stepped aside to let the two of them in.
The room was empty, covered with a thin layer of dust, and the air still carried a faint, aged fragrance of old satin.
Sun Sheng quickly moved two elm wood stools from the corner, wiped them down briefly, and said, "Ladies, please make yourselves at home for now."
He raised his sleeve and hastily wiped the rainwater off his face and forehead.
Meng Yutong sat down as instructed, quietly watching Sun Sheng's actions, but she had already sensed something was amiss.
Sun Sheng is a man who is always efficient and decisive. Today, not only did he arrive late, but after entering the house, he also failed to produce the "Leasing Approval Form" document, inkpad, or other items, and the landlord was nowhere to be seen.
She had arranged with him three days ago that the landlord, tenant, and broker needed to be present today to sign the contract before registering it with the government. That's why she came early, in case any complications delayed the important matter.
She looked up, her gaze falling on Sun Sheng's face. Her voice was gentle, yet carried a clear inquiry: "Mr. Sun, why hasn't the owner of this shop come here?"
Sun Sheng's warm smile suddenly froze, and his narrow eyes blinked rapidly, revealing a hint of guilt and embarrassment.
He rubbed his hands together, then pulled a heavy, plain wooden box from his pocket and presented it to Meng Yutong with both hands: "Miss Meng, I'm so... so sorry! I wanted to discuss this matter with you today. Alas, the landlord of this shop... he's not renting it out anymore!"
He glanced at Meng Yutong's face and quickened his pace, "Yesterday, he sold this shop to someone else without saying a word! I just found out! I will return the deposit to you in full and give you some extra compensation for your hard work. However... I'm afraid all the agreements we made before are null and void."
"How can you do this!" Bai Zhi retorted. "How can you go back on your word after an agreement has been made? Who bought the shop? Don't they even understand the principle of first come, first served?"
Sun Sheng bowed repeatedly, his face beaming with a forced smile: "Please calm down, Miss! I was wrong in every way, and it was all my fault for not handling things properly, which delayed your important matter! It is not enough for me to kowtow and apologize to you! If you ever need my help in Lin'an City, I will go through fire and water for you without hesitation!"
He changed the subject abruptly, his tone clearly conveying a sense of dissuasion: "But what's done is done. This shop... young lady, you shouldn't waste any more time thinking about it. It's best to hurry up and find another place."
This silk shop has been closed for at least half a year, and no one has come to visit it.
She had just finalized the deal with Sun Sheng three days ago, and now the shop has been sold?
Meng Yutong lightly tapped her knee with her fingertip; this "coincidence" seemed a bit too deliberate.
She looked up and stared straight at Sun Sheng, who was bowing and anxiously awaiting a response: "Mr. Sun, please tell me, who is this person who bought this shop? And what kind of business do they plan to conduct here?"
Although his tone was gentle, his eyes held a scrutinizing quality, giving him a rather imposing air.
Sun Sheng's heart skipped a beat, and the horrifying scene from yesterday immediately flashed before his eyes:
Yesterday, a magnificent eight-bearer sedan chair, lavishly decorated and imposing, stopped directly outside his cramped doorway. Without lifting the curtain, the person inside, without a word, extended a hand adorned with a large jade thumb ring and slapped a five-thousand-tael silver note at his feet, immediately demanding to buy the shop.
He was both surprised and bewildered. Remembering that he had made a prior appointment with Miss Meng, he reluctantly declined, despite the pain in his heart.
Who knew that the person in the sedan chair was no good. In broad daylight, he ordered two burly guards to block him in a dark alley, their words full of threats, as if they would make him bleed on the spot if he did not comply.
Lin'an City is a treacherous place, full of scoundrels. How could a lowly broker like him dare to provoke such powerful figures?
Sun Sheng's forehead was beaded with sweat. He hurriedly avoided Meng Yutong's gaze and stammered, "This... Miss, please don't make things difficult for me. I... I had no choice!"
After hesitating for a long time, he finally lowered his voice, with a hint of warning and fear, "If I may be so bold as to ask, young lady, have you recently... offended some important person?"
Not only did that man intercept the shop, but he also threatened him, ordering him never to take any more business from Meng Yutong! He wasn't just after the shop; he was clearly after this beautiful young woman!
What kind of people could Meng Yutong, an unmarried girl, possibly offend?
Upon hearing this, Meng Yutong lowered her long eyelashes, concealing the turmoil in her eyes.
Who could a sheltered young woman like her possibly offend?
Upon careful consideration, the only thing that could be considered "offended" recently was the matter of Bazhenfang.
Could it be that she interfered in Liu Sijun's troubles, incurring the wrath of Manager Zheng, who then sought revenge?
But how could Manager Zheng, a merchant with a fortune, be so extravagant as to spend thousands of taels of silver to buy a shop on Imperial Street?
Yes, who else could truly want to ruin her affairs besides this spoiled brat who acts recklessly because of his family background?
Having figured out the key point, Meng Yutong knew that arguing with Sun Sheng at this moment would be futile, and she would have to find a way to find a shop.
Her expression remained unchanged as she gestured for Bai Zhi to accept the box of silver: "Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Sun, and thank you for your advice. However, in the end, it was you who broke the rules. When you're doing business, your reputation is paramount."
“Miss, I really can’t make the decision about this shop. If you have any other needs, I will do my best to help you.”
“Since we can’t rent this shop here, I can’t leave empty-handed today. Sir, why don’t you tell me about a few more suitable shops, preferably ones that the owners are in a hurry to sell? You don’t need to worry about the rest; we can look at them ourselves. That shouldn’t be too much of a burden for you.”
Sun Sheng rolled his eyes left and right, and agreed, "It was indeed my fault. I will recommend a few shops to you, young lady. You can go and take a look in a little while."
Without hesitation, he rattled off the locations of four or five shops, which Meng Yutong listened to carefully and memorized.
Afterwards, she nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for telling me, sir."
Sun Sheng was naturally a little embarrassed and quickly said, "Not at all, please take care, young lady."
Meng Yutong nodded and left the shop with Bai Zhi, boarding the carriage.
Inside the carriage, Bai Zhi was still somewhat annoyed: "How can you do business like this? You clearly agreed on something, and then you just go back on your word."
Seeing Meng Yutong frowning and remaining silent, as if she were preoccupied, she asked in a low voice, "Miss, shall we go to those shops he mentioned earlier?"
"Let's go to Ronghefang first and ask other brokers."
She needed to see first what escape routes Li Jing had cut off for her before she could plan her next move.
As the carriage traveled along, Meng Yutong and her servant inquired at several brokerage firms in the Ronghefang area.
When the brokers saw Meng Yutong, their reactions were all similar: some would look away and say there was no suitable shop available, others would pretend to look through the registers and then shake their heads repeatedly, and still others would simply find an excuse to avoid seeing her... Their intention to shirk responsibility was obvious.
The two returned empty-handed.
Meng Yutong sat back in the slightly swaying carriage, gazing at the continuous drizzle outside the window.
It seems that Li Jing has quite a temper.
It seems unlikely that she can find any shops on the main street of the Imperial Street. If she were to go to the shops Sun Sheng mentioned, Li Jing would likely find out immediately and stop her.
Perhaps... the back alleys and side streets are the way out. Although those locations are not as prestigious as the Imperial Street, the clinic seeks peace and quiet, so it can't be considered a bad thing.
As I was pondering this, the scenery of Peach Blossom Street at the east end of Wangxian Bridge suddenly came to mind.
Peach Blossom Street, named after the century-old peach tree beside the bridge, was a bustling marketplace teeming with people. Furthermore, its proximity to the newly opened gate made travel between the city and the outside world convenient.
If a villager from outside the city falls slightly ill, it would be perfectly natural for him to enter the city through the newly opened gates and seek medical treatment on Peach Blossom Street.
Strangely enough, there wasn't a single clinic operating along this entire street.
Ordinary people seeking medical treatment had to travel north through Chaotianmen to a medical clinic near Nanwazi or a clinic in front of Huimin Pharmacy, a journey that was both complicated and time-consuming.
Thinking of this, Meng Yutong's heart stirred, and she turned to look at Bai Zhi, a glint of light flashing in her eyes: "Bai Zhi, last time on Peach Blossom Street, you said that the new owner of Jufu Inn didn't seem to care much about making a living?"
She recalled the spacious and bright two-story inn. Its deserted state suggested it wasn't a profitable business; if she could find the owner to rent it, it would solve her immediate problem.
Bai Zhi was gazing worriedly out the window when she heard this, and quickly came to her senses: "Yes, Miss!"
She turned her head, leaned forward, and spoke in a lively tone, "When I went to Peach Blossom Street to buy things, I heard Granny Sun from Qinglai Restaurant at the bridgehead talking about how, after the new owner came, the inn might not see a single guest for ten days or half a month. As a result, the number of customers at her restaurant has also decreased significantly. Granny Sun is so worried that she keeps sighing."
She imitated Grandma Sun's tone, her little face slightly furrowed, which was quite vivid.
"Oh? Did Aunt Sun mention who that new employer is?"
Bai Zhi pondered for a moment, then gently shook her head. "She doesn't seem to have seen the real person either. But the waiter who was so eager to attract customers that day must know. If you want to ask, let's go ask him."
"Why are you suddenly asking about this, young lady?" she said, then suddenly widened her eyes, looking at her mistress with a mixture of realization and urgency: "Young lady! You...you don't mean you want to rent the Jufu Inn?"
Meng Yutong did not answer directly, but only raised the corners of her lips slightly, raised her hand and tapped lightly on the carriage wall, and instructed: "Change course and go to Peach Blossom Street."
Then, she lifted a corner of the carriage curtain.
Outside the window, the rain had stopped, and slivers of pale golden sunlight pierced through the gaps in the leaden-gray clouds, reflecting in her calm eyes.
Her voice was gentle: "The rain has stopped, the clouds have parted, and the sky is bright again; it's a good omen."
A single, gentle sentence seems to carry the power to soothe the soul.
"I can never reach your level of mind, Miss."
Bai Zhi gazed at Meng Yutong's composed profile and couldn't help but sigh again. "My heart is always in my throat, afraid I won't be able to find a suitable shop. What's wrong with those brokerage firms? Is it really that difficult to rent a decent shop these days?"
Meng Yutong reached out and gently placed her hand on Bai Zhi's hand. Her palm was warm, and her tone was firm: "Everything is difficult at the beginning. Once our clinic is established, everything will be alright."
"Mmm." Bai Zhi felt the warmth from the back of her hand and felt a little relieved, responding softly.
The carriage passed through the southern section of the Imperial Street, reached Chaotianmen, turned left onto Wangxian Bridge, entered Peach Blossom Street, and stopped in front of Jufu Inn.
The century-old peach tree by the bridge, after a late spring rain, had most of its blossoms fluttering down and falling.
Under the tree, Wu Lin sat cross-legged with his eyes closed beside his simple fortune-telling stall, his expression indifferent, exuding the air of "Jiang Taigong fishing, waiting patiently for those who are willing."
As noon approached, the clouds dispersed, the rain stopped, and the sky became clear.
The streets of Peach Blossom Street gradually filled with the sounds of people and the aroma of food.
Meng Yutong helped Bai Zhi down from the carriage, and the two of them headed straight for Jufu Inn.
Inside the inn's lobby, waiter Wu Minggang had just finished his lunch and was leaning against the counter, stretching lazily with his eyelids drooping heavily.
The light and shadows at the doorway dimmed, and footsteps could be heard.
He jolted awake, his eyes snapping open, instantly dispelling his sleepiness. He hurriedly straightened his clothes and sleeves, plastering on a beaming smile as he approached.
"Oh, esteemed guests! Are you here for a meal or to stay the night?"
He quickly sized up the newcomers, his gaze settling on the young lady in the lead: she wore a light blue satin dress, her face was like a begonia, her eyes like autumn stars, and a fine white jade gourd hung at her waist. Although her clothes were not ostentatious, her demeanor was elegant and noble, attracting attention.
Wu Ming's heart skipped a beat. With such appearance and demeanor, he must be a wealthy person.
His smile grew even more enthusiastic.
Meng Yutong looked around and, seeing that he was the only person in the lobby, went straight to the point and asked, "Could you please announce my arrival, sir? I would like to see the owner of your shop. Is that convenient?"
"What business does the young lady have with our master? Just tell me." Wu Ming had a smile on his face, but his eyes were full of inquiry.
Meng Yutong looked directly at him with clear and honest eyes: "I have an important business deal that I would like to discuss with your boss. I wonder if you could introduce me?"
Bai Zhi understood and immediately took out a small silver ingot from her bosom and neatly stuffed it into Wu Ming's palm: "I'll trouble you to make this trip, young man."
Wu Ming weighed the silver in his hand, beaming with joy, "You're too kind, young lady. Please have a seat for a moment!"
He deftly stuffed the silver into his pocket, turned around, and strode out of the inn.
He descended the steps and walked straight to the peach tree, where he squatted down in front of Wu Lin, who was resting with his eyes closed.
He reached out and tugged at Wu Lin's sparse goatee without any politeness: "Old man, wake up! Boss, someone wants to talk business with you!"
As he spoke, he raised his hand and pointed towards the lobby of the inn.
Wu Lin cried out "Ouch!" as he was pulled, squinted, and slapped Wu Ming on the shoulder with an annoyed look: "You little monkey! No manners!"
Although it was a reprimand, there was little anger in his tone.
Wu Ming chuckled, then helped his grandfather up, and the two strolled slowly back to Jufu Inn.
Seeing Wu Ming lead the fortune teller in, Meng Yutong and Bai Zhi exchanged a glance.
Meng Yutong asked with a hint of surprise, "Could it be that the mysterious new owner of Jufu Inn is actually you, Mr. Wu?"
Wu Lin stroked his beard, which had been ruffled earlier, and calmly walked to a balustrade table made of elm wood in the center of the hall. He skillfully pulled out a long bench and sat down with an air of authority.
He pulled out a few polished copper coins and a small piece of ancient tortoise shell from his large sleeve pocket, casually tossed them onto the table, and then looked up at Meng Yutong with a hint of interest in his eyes: "Indeed. May I ask what business you have with this old man, young lady? Do you wish to have your future fortune told again?"
He deliberately dragged out the tone.
Wu Ming rolled his eyes dramatically behind him and couldn't help but interject, "Old man! I already told you, they're here to discuss business with the owner of Jufu Inn! Could you please put away your cooking utensils for a moment?"
Observing the familiar yet unusual interaction between the grandfather and grandson, Meng Yutong asked curiously, "Excuse my intrusion, but may I ask who you two are...?"
Wu Ming stretched out his arm and affectionately half-hung it on Wu Lin's slightly hunched shoulder, grinning as he said, "This is my grandfather!"
Wu Lin, however, seemed to have been burned. He stood up abruptly, slapped his grandson's hand away in disgust, and moved a few steps to sit down at the far corner of the octagonal table. He frowned and said, "You smell like sweat. Stay away from me! You're so unseemly!"
Bai Zhi chuckled. The grandfather and grandson were truly interesting: one was lean and wiry with white hair and beard, his face wrinkled but full of energy, especially his eyes which shone with a cunning glint; the other had long arms and legs, and was already a head taller than his grandfather, full of youthful cleverness and liveliness.
Meng Yutong approached with a smile and sat down opposite Wu Lin, who had just been sitting. She said gently, "Sir, you run such a spacious inn, yet you still do your job by the bridge and under the trees. Your dedication and enthusiasm for your work are truly admirable."
“Hey!” Wu Ming answered for his grandfather, leaning against the counter and speaking bluntly, “Young lady, don’t flatter me. As you can see, our inn looks grand, but it’s actually quite deserted. We hardly make a penny all day long. The old man sets up a fortune-telling stall under the tree to earn some food for us and help supplement our household income!”
At fourteen or fifteen years old, he spoke with remarkable maturity about making a living.
Meng Yutong understood; this was the perfect opportunity to get to the point. She sat up straight, looked at Wu Lin sincerely, and spoke in a clear and steady voice:
"Mr. Wu, to be honest, I have come here today to rent your Jufu Inn and convert it into a medical clinic."
Wu Lin stroked his beard, slightly raising his eyelids. "Oh? I've had this inn for three years now, and you're the first person to talk business with me. Tell me, why would I rent this perfectly good inn to you to open a clinic?"
Seeing that Wu Lin did not immediately refuse, she continued methodically:
"I will explain the reasons to you in detail."
"Firstly, judging from the current state of the inn, business is indeed slow and difficult to maintain, just as the young man said. Rather than wasting time and effort, wouldn't it be better to collect a stable rent, ensuring income regardless of the circumstances? Wouldn't that be much easier?"
"Secondly, the clinic I wish to open is no ordinary pharmacy. I am making every effort to prepare for it, hoping to be included in the 'official register' and appointed by the Imperial Medical Academy. Once successful, it will be a formal clinic under the jurisdiction of the government, with guaranteed reputation and customer flow, and will not be a place that opens in the morning and closes in the evening. The lease term can be signed as a contract, and the rent can be prepaid annually, so you can rest assured."
Thirdly,” she turned her gaze to Wu Ming, who was listening intently, “this young man is clever and articulate, a promising talent. His role as a waiter at the inn is ultimately a waste of his abilities. If the clinic opens, it will be in dire need of a capable assistant who understands the ways of the world and is skilled at greeting and seeing off guests.”
"If you're willing, young man, you can join the clinic, not as an employee, but as a small shareholder. Not only will you receive a monthly salary, but you'll also get a share of the profits at the end of the year. You'll learn some pharmacology and interpersonal skills, which will benefit your future career. Wouldn't that be better than wasting your time here?"
Fourthly,” she looked at Wu Lin again, her tone filled with concern, “Sir, you are getting on in years, and your good health is of utmost importance. The clinic is so close by; if you have a headache or fever, it will be quick and easy for you to get a consultation and medicine. Wouldn't that be a great blessing?”
Meng Yutong analyzed the situation meticulously, hitting the nail on the head with every sentence. She not only explained the advantages and disadvantages but also described the future prospects. Wu Ming listened with his eyes shining.
A partner in a medical clinic! That's much more respectable than being a waiter!
Although he was skeptical about the "official register," Meng Yutong's last two points about him and his grandfather truly struck a chord with him.
“Grandfather,” Wu Ming said, unusually serious, as he leaned closer to Wu Lin, “I think the young lady has a point. At your age, what’s the point of keeping an empty inn? It would be so much easier to rent it out! You could even collect rent! Besides,” he lowered his voice, a hint of slyness in it, “if we really opened a clinic, right at our doorstep, if you were ever unwell, you wouldn’t even have to cross the bridge. How convenient would that be!”
Saving money and time is the most tangible benefit for him.
Wu Lin continued to fiddle with the few copper coins, his brows furrowed, lost in thought.
Meng Yutong's words hit the nail on the head regarding his plans.
The inn's business was indeed dismal; the stable rent was certainly profitable, but his grandson's future was a major worry for him... only...
He raised his eyes, his gaze sharp as he looked at Meng Yutong, and asked the most crucial question: "Young lady, your ambitions are quite high. But opening a clinic is no small matter; it involves human lives. May I ask which renowned teacher you studied under?"
"What if, after opening for a short time, my medical skills fail and I end up with few customers, or even have to close down?" He twirled the copper coin in his hand, his voice growing heavy. "Who will I turn to then? I'm afraid the landlord will just run away and leave the place empty even though I have the lease in my hands!"
Wu Lin was indeed a seasoned veteran; he thought things through much more thoroughly than his grandson.
However, Meng Yutong already had a solution to his concerns.
She looked up and carefully examined Wu Lin's complexion. He looked relatively well, but there were faint dark circles under his eyes, a darkening between his eyebrows, and pale lips. She understood what was going on and spoke in a calm tone:
"Sir, your concerns are reasonable. However, have you been experiencing frequent nightmares and night sweats lately, easily startled awake, and feeling uneasy and restless after waking up, only able to fall back asleep after a long time?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Ming slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Hey! The girl was right! The old man has had this problem for years; he's hardly ever had a full night's sleep!"
Wu Lin glanced at Meng Yutong suspiciously, thinking to himself: Could it be that she just got lucky and was fooled?
Seeing his expression, Meng Yutong guessed what he was thinking and then said, "Not only that, do you often feel chest tightness and shortness of breath, especially in the morning or after exertion, and occasionally feel palpitations?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Wu Lin's fingers, which were twisting the copper coin, suddenly stopped, and a clear look of surprise flashed in his eyes.
These subtle discomforts were something even his grandson, who was with him every day, hadn't noticed, yet she pinpointed them immediately.
He had previously performed a divination for this girl, and the result was good; her future looked bright. He wasn't just making things up.
But today is the first time I've witnessed her abilities firsthand.
It seems this girl isn't just talking nonsense; she really does have some skills.
The doubt on his face immediately lessened considerably.
If that's the case... then what she just mentioned isn't something we can't think about.
Meng Yutong remained calm and said to Wu Ming, "Please bring me paper and pen."
As soon as Wu Mingfei brought paper and pen, she dipped the pen in ink and wrote down the names and dosages of several medicinal herbs on the paper, her handwriting neat and strong. She handed the prescription to Wu Lin:
“This prescription is called ‘Calming the Mind and Stabilizing the Will Decoction.’ Sir, please get the medicine according to the prescription, boil three bowls of water down to one bowl, and drink it warm before bed each night. In less than three days, your insomnia, palpitations, and night sweats should improve. Sir, you might as well try the medicine yourself.” She paused slightly, then stood up: “There’s no rush. Sir, you can take your time to consider it, or wait until the medicine takes effect, then have someone deliver a message to the Meng residence. At that time, I will come and discuss the shop matter with you in detail, how about that?”
Wu Ming took the prescription and examined it closely. He still had a hint of doubt on his face, but he moved quickly: "I'll go to Huichuntang to get the medicine right away, sir, you wait here!"
After saying that, he rushed out in a flurry of activity.
Having said that, Wu Lin said nothing more and nodded in agreement.
Meng Yutong bid farewell to Wu Lin and boarded the carriage with Bai Zhi.
"Girl, shall we go back now?"
Meng Yutong lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment, then shook her head, "Go to the shops that Sun Sheng mentioned earlier."
Bai Zhi asked in confusion, "But haven't we already booked Jufu Inn?"
With Sun Sheng's change of heart this time, Meng Yutong had to be extremely cautious. The official registration period was in May, and she didn't have three days to waste; she had to book the Jufu Inn.
"This matter is not yet settled."
What she needs to do now is to confuse the public and settle this matter.
As the wheels rolled forward, she lifted the carriage curtain once more to look back. Beneath the Wangxian Bridge, the emerald waters rippled gently, reflecting the clear, refreshed sky after the rain.
Although most of the blossoms of the old peach tree by the bridge have fallen, new green shoots have quietly sprouted on its branches, radiating vitality under the clear sunlight.
Just like her current state of mind.
The carriage carrying the master and servant moved smoothly forward.
*
As dusk settled, the bronze lamps with animal heads were lit one after another in the study of Prince Rong's mansion.
The dim, yellowish light cast long, slanted shadows of the rosewood desk and display shelf, while the air was filled with the scent of agarwood.
Zheng Hui bowed and stood before the desk, carefully reporting to Li Jing, who was reclining on the brocade couch.
“Your Highness,” Zheng Hui’s voice carried his usual obsequiousness and a hint of nervousness, “that group from Qinzhou was incredibly fast; our men couldn’t…couldn’t stop them.”
He glanced at Li Jing's expression and saw that he merely lifted his eyelids lazily without making any other move, so he continued, "As you instructed, I have already spoken with Sun Sheng and the major brokerage firms on Yu Street. As for that Meng woman," he deliberately emphasized, "she got a cold shoulder at the brokerage firms today and slunk away from Yu Street, she must have failed to rent a shop."
“And another thing,” he swallowed, adding, “I had someone keep an eye on her, and they saw that after she left the Imperial Street, she went to Peach Blossom Street and entered a… uh, a shop called ‘Jufu Inn,’ which looked… quite dilapidated and deserted.”
After Zheng Hui finished recounting each point, he held his breath and focused his gaze intently on Li Jing's face.
Li Jing first raised his eyebrows slightly, seemingly pleased, but then his relaxed brows suddenly furrowed, forming a displeased frown.
Zheng Hui's heart rose and fell with the movement of those brows.
“Young Master,” he asked tentatively, “is…is there something wrong?”
“That gathering…” Li Jing raised his index finger impatiently and pointed it in the air a few times, looking a little annoyed.
“Jufu Inn!” Zheng Hui quickly replied.
“Yes, Jufu Inn,” Li Jing replied casually at first, then suddenly became serious. “I don’t care what kind of inn it is! Just tell me, who owns that inn?”
Zheng Hui wiped his sweat and said, "Wu...Ming."
He didn't even look, but just raised his voice in frustration:
"Nameless?!" He glared at Zheng Hui. "Are you kidding me?! Who has that name?!"
Zheng Hui trembled with fright and knelt down with a thud. "Young Master, please understand! His surname is Wu, and his given name is Ming! Ming as in tomorrow! It's... it's the 'Ming' from Ji Ming, the young master of the Ji family! I would never dare to lie to you!"
"Idiot! You can't even speak properly!" Li Jing rolled his eyes in disgust, looking at him like he was an idiot, then beckoned to him irritably: "Come here!"
Zheng Hui felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He got up and ran to the bedside, forcing a fawning smile as he looked up at the bedside: "Young Master, please calm down, please calm down... That Meng woman, is she perhaps planning to rent a shop on Peach Blossom Street to settle down? Or... should we buy this Jufu Inn as well?"
Li Jing snorted coldly, his face saying, "Are you out of your mind? Do you think I'm stupid? Peach Blossom Street is right next to the newly opened gate, and all the people coming and going are peasants and poor scum! The only decent thing on the whole street is Qingfeng Teahouse. You want me to buy that run-down inn? Do you think my money grows on trees, or that you, Zheng Hui, can turn stones into gold? Huh?!"
"Yes, yes, yes! I was confused! I was stupid!" Zheng Hui nodded vigorously, saying repeatedly, "That place is filthy, and the people who come and go are all vulgar and lowly. Your Highness, you are of noble birth, how can you lower yourself to get involved with such people?"
"As for Madam Meng, perhaps her intentions lie elsewhere. According to the servants, after leaving Peach Blossom Street, she went to Xingli Lane, and after that, she went to Changtong Bridge, Weimin Lane... visiting four or five places in a row. So... so, in accordance with your wisdom, sir, what... what should I do?"
"Do I need to teach you this? How about I share your wages with you?" Li Jing rolled his eyes impatiently, leaned back, and swung his legs. "Get your head moving! She probably knows we're watching and is trying to mislead us with that run-down inn on Peach Blossom Street."
"Go! Find all the owners of all the shops she visited afterward, and scare them a little! Teach them to be more discerning and not to do business with just anyone! If they dare to cause me trouble, I'll make them regret it! Got it?"
"Understood! Understood!" Zheng Hui was overjoyed, bowing and scraping so low he almost touched the ground. "Your Highness is wise and resourceful, your plans are flawless! I will do it right away! I will never let that Meng family get what they want!"
After saying that, he quickly left, carefully closing the door behind him.
The study fell silent. Li Jing slumped back into the soft pillows, scratching his head in frustration. "What on earth is that Meng guy trying to do? He'll never stop!"
He rolled over and snorted.
No matter what she wants to do, if she dares to go against him, he will definitely ruin everything she wants to do!
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