A glimpse of the whole
A few days later, Wang Pan'er received a sign delivered by a servant from the Liuyun Chamber of Commerce.
While called a decoy, it was more like an identity badge. It was a rectangular wooden badge, slightly larger than a palm. The badge was carved with auspicious cloud patterns and painted with gilded lacquer, with a thick tassel hanging from the bottom, making it quite exquisite.
Wang Pan'er couldn't tell what kind of wood it was made of, but it was quite heavy when she picked it up, and the texture was very good.
This auspicious cloud-patterned wooden plaque, hung to the right of the shop sign, is a symbol that the people can rest assured.
Wang Pan'er took it very seriously and, just like when she hung the plaque, chose an auspicious day.
Once the wooden plaque was hung up, the news that Shanhe Medicinal Cuisine Restaurant had joined the Liuyun Chamber of Commerce spread like wildfire, and many old acquaintances came in droves to offer their congratulations.
Needless to say, Wang Xiaoyao stood happily beside Wang Pan'er.
The Xu couple from the money exchange, the owner of the embroidery shop, the head of Taihetang, and even Xinglong Escort Agency all sent their bodyguards to deliver congratulatory gifts.
Today happened to be Tao Shuo's lecture, so Wang Pan'er welcomed all the friends who came to offer their congratulations into the shop, called on the girls, and served them tea and pastries.
As Tao Shuo stood on the podium, another group of people entered, and she gestured to Wang Pan'er with her eyes.
When Wang Pan'er turned around, she saw Su Lingya, with Su Lingzhao, whom she had met just a few days ago, following behind her.
The servants lined up, each carrying a small wooden box. When Wang Pan'er approached, she opened the box and showed its contents to the servants.
Most of the items are cosmetics and jewelry that girls love, and they are all of exceptional quality. Among them is a wild ginseng that is quite old.
She looked up at Wang Pan'er and said, "Since Sister Pan'er has come under the guise of the Liuyun Chamber of Commerce today, I naturally have to come and offer my congratulations."
Other guests gave gifts that were mostly decorative items symbolizing good fortune, but Su Lingya's gifts were quite practical.
Wild ginseng is too precious, and the other jewelry is also dazzling and precious. If you go on like this, the gift is a bit too much and it's a hot potato.
Wang Pan'er chose a set of hairpins and earrings that matched her usual style and said, "This gift is just for good luck. Miss Su is very kind, so I will accept this set of jewelry."
Su Lingya was dissatisfied and whispered in Wang Pan'er's ear: "Not to mention that Xiaoyao and I are already close friends, Pan'er's medicinal cuisine restaurant has solved my menstrual cramps problem, which is enough for me to give away this wild ginseng."
After saying that, she took two steps back and raised her voice to continue: "When Father learned that Sister Pan'er was going to start her business today, he praised her as a young talent yesterday and told my brother and me to follow her example. So, I brought my brother along to get acquainted with Sister Pan'er."
This means offering an expensive gift in exchange for a favor.
Just a few days ago it was a blind date, how come today it's all about being ambitious and studying?
However, Su Lingzhao was much more obedient today. After Wang Pan'er reluctantly accepted Su Lingya's gift, he was prompted by his sister to respectfully greet Wang Pan'er.
Expensive gifts can be reciprocated, but to exchange favors is to incur a priceless debt.
Wang Pan'er was in a real bind. She didn't know what value she had that would make Su Yuanwai so interested in her, given his wealth and influence. Even if he wanted a marriage alliance, it seemed like she would be the one to gain the most.
Moreover, the term "marriage alliance" is not accurate; "climbing the social ladder" would be a better description.
Huh!
Wang Pan'er shuddered uncomfortably, put on an official smile, led the siblings to the central area of the shop, immediately turned and left, then hid in an inconspicuous spot to watch Tao Shuo's presentation.
Since she started teaching, Dr. Tao's lecturing skills have improved steadily. If she weren't lecturing on medical principles, she would already be a veritable storyteller.
Wang Pan'er was so engrossed in listening that she didn't notice anyone approaching her.
My hand, hanging down, was held by someone's intertwined fingers, and a familiar scent enveloped me.
Her face lit up with joy, and she turned to look at the guest who had appeared out of nowhere, whispering, "You've arrived!"
The visitor looked displeased: "Just a few days ago we were pouring our hearts out to each other, and today you're flirting with other men."
The two intertwined fingers were hidden under their wide sleeves. Mu Chuan squeezed them tightly to express his dissatisfaction.
Not to be outdone, Wang Pan'er pinched the skin on the back of his hand with her thumb and forefinger, giving it a hard squeeze. She heard Mu Chuan hiss as he released his grip, changing his position from interlacing his fingers to completely enveloping her fist.
She had quite a temper, and Wang Pan'er couldn't break free. She explained, "What nonsense about exchanging glances? Master Su said he should learn from me."
Mu Chuan snorted: "Sima Zhao's intentions... There's no such thing as introducing men and women of marriageable age to each other to get acquainted. All the excuses are just a way to test the other's preferences."
"Then you don't need to be jealous. Young Master Su wouldn't even look at me."
On the day she joined the association, Su Lingzhao lit incense for her. When she took it, she accidentally touched Su Lingzhao's hand. After she finished burning incense and moved back to Su Yuanwai's side, the young master even took a handkerchief and vigorously wiped the spot where they had just touched. Even if Su Yuanwai had such intentions, Su Lingzhao was coerced by his father.
"If I didn't spend time with you, I could feel at ease. But among those who spend time with you, regardless of gender or age, how many can escape your influence?"
Wang Pan'er chuckled: "They are all people worth befriending. I give them my sincerity in return. Those scoundrels would avoid them like the plague."
Indeed, her journey hasn't been smooth sailing. Wang Pan'er has encountered her share of unpleasant things and people, but she didn't dwell on them after resolving them. Like being filtered through a sieve, layer after layer, those around her now are carefully selected people of excellent character.
"But you've reminded me," Wang Pan'er said. "The Su family's motives are impure. Should I play along?"
Mu Chuan was furious: "Can't you stop already!"
"Then tell me, what are some better and faster ways to infiltrate the Su family?"
Although Master Su's motives were impure, who was Su Lingzhao? He was the only son of the president of the Liuyun Chamber of Commerce. Although he was not a direct descendant, he was still the only son and was bound to be promoted to the position of official.
With Su Lingzhao's path laid out before them, no amount of effort in infiltrating the Chamber of Commerce could compare to getting on Su Lingzhao's good side.
Mu Chuan couldn't figure it out either, and puffed out his cheeks like a pufferfish.
"What are you worried about?" Wang Pan'er asked. "He is inferior to you in every way—appearance, temperament, family background, and talent. Are you crazy or am I stupid? Why pick up a fish eye when there is a pearl among pearls?"
"Then you can't take this too seriously." Mu Chuan pouted, unwilling but unable to persuade Wang Pan'er. "He has ulterior motives, you can't fall for his tricks."
What a fine young man, why is he acting so effeminate?
Taking advantage of the moment when Wang Pan'er raised her other hand, which was not being held by Mu Chuan, and while her face was covered by her sleeve, she turned her head and lightly pecked Mu Chuan's cheek, coaxing him, "Isn't it all to help you gather clues that I'm willing to risk everything for you? I'm already on your pirate ship, how can I fall for someone else's tricks?"
"Mmm." Mu Chuan felt extremely comfortable after being coaxed. He narrowed his eyes and gently rubbed his chin against her forehead.
Wang Pan'er felt a little itchy from being rubbed, so she turned her head and glared at Mu Chuan. Mu Chuan didn't have time to hide his smug expression, and the corners of his eyes twitched slightly, like a vixen who had succeeded.
Wang Pan'er: "..."
This isn't jealousy at all; it's just this guy flirting!
While Tao Shuo was still talking, Wang Pan'er instructed the kitchen to prepare gifts for all the guests who came to offer their congratulations. There wasn't enough time to make the medicinal herbs, so she went to the embroidery shop next door and bought some sachets, filled them with tea bags, and arranged many pastries on plates, packing them into wooden food boxes. With the remaining space, she rummaged through the counter for some exquisitely crafted souvenirs. Every single item in the gift set was something she could use.
To establish a connection with the Su family, she even prepared an extra set for the Su siblings to take back to their patriarch, as a way of thanking him for his care of the younger generation. Wang Xiaoyao volunteered to escort the Su siblings back to their residence and happily boarded the Su family's carriage with them.
Mu Chuan escorted her to the manor. It was already late, and the return journey would take some time. Wang Pan'er failed to persuade him to stay for dinner, and she walked lazily and slowly through the herb garden back to the east wing.
With the chamber of commerce affairs settled, Wang Pan'er finally had some free time and began to focus on other matters.
The seeds sown in the herb garden have begun to sprout.
Wang Pan'er happily jumped into the field.
The women not only sowed the seeds properly, but also re-divided the medicinal garden into areas according to the plants' preferences.
The ones that are growing fast are already half the height of their calves.
Reward them! They handled things so well, they all deserve a reward!
With a wave of her hand, Wang Pan'er gave each of the women on the estate an extra month's allowance.
A little closer to the east wing, you can see Wang Chengxi holding a flowerpot, enthusiastically transplanting the plant inside into the soil.
Upon seeing Wang Pan'er, Wang Chengxi looked up, happily rushed to her, and hugged her waist affectionately. She still had mud on her hands and hadn't noticed she'd dirtied her sister's skirt; feeling a little embarrassed, she awkwardly withdrew her hands.
"It's alright, I'll change in a bit and wash it off." She touched Wang Chengxi's slightly sweaty forehead. "Aren't you tired from doing all this?"
Wang Chengxi raised her eyebrows, bared her teeth, and shook her head vigorously—a typical case of someone whose face is pretty enough to be used however she wants.
The young woman working alongside her, fertilizing the plants, chuckled, “The Third Miss enjoys tending to these flowers and plants. Since the two masters aren’t on the estate, the Third Miss passes the time tending to them.”
oh?
It's a good thing that Wang Chengxi has things she loves to do.
Just then, Tao Shuo started taking on apprentices, and Wang Pan'er asked Wang Chengxi, "You like these flowers and plants, would you like to learn pharmacology from Sister Tao Shuo?"
Wang Chengxi was confused, probably because she didn't know what pharmacology was.
Wang Pan'er explained, "Pharmacology is about understanding the characteristics of these plants, cultivating them, and then processing them to turn them into medicinal materials for clinics. Would you like to learn that?"
Pan'er's shop needs a lot of medicinal herbs. If she could learn how to make them, wouldn't she be able to help Pan'er and not be wasting her time eating for free at the manor?
Wang Chengxi nodded emphatically.
Wang Pan'er was overjoyed: "Once Chengxi has finished her studies, this herb garden will be entrusted to you to manage. We trust our own sister, and having someone to rely on will put our minds at ease."
Wang Pan'er was happy, and Wang Chengxi also danced around excitedly, not caring that the mud splattered everywhere.
Wang Pan'er, who was caught in the crossfire, immediately called for a halt: "Alright, alright, wash your hands, it's time to have dinner."
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