Chapter 196: The Truth Unfolding

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Qin Zhiyu could no longer control himself. His face was flushed red from holding back his emotions. He said with difficulty, “Last night, I talked to Foster Father about some business matters. Then, Foster Father…”

He said the last word with all his might.

Everyone in the room was shocked.

The truth was actually so unbearable!

Because Qin Zhiyu was too overcome with emotions, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted.

No one spoke in the room for a long time. It was extremely quiet.

Chu Qingzhi walked over and gently patted Qin Zhiyu’s back.

Qin Zhiyu woke up a moment later. His face was pale, and even his lips had lost their color. He looked especially pitiful.

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Do you know who killed Second Master Tan?”

Qin Zhiyu clenched his fists and broke out in cold sweat. “1-1 killed him.”

After saying that, he realized that there was no way to hide it anymore. He exploded and roared, “He deserves to die! He deserves to die!!”

Everyone felt that Second Master Tan deserved to die.

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Qin Zhiyu’s eyes were red. He raised his head and looked at everyone. His eyes were filled with pain and hatred. “Tan Fang should have been cut into pieces. He should have died long ago…”

Second Master Tan, whose name was Tan Fang, was actually good friends with Qin Zhiyu’s father, but Tan Fang lusted after Qin Zhiyu’s mother. He secretly framed Qin Zhiyu’s father and occupied his mother. In the end, Qin Zhiyu’s mother couldn’t stand the humiliation and committed suicide.

Qin Zhiyu naturally became an orphan. A few years later, he accidentally became friends with Tan Maozhi and was fostered by the Tan family. He originally wanted to destroy the Tan family and let Tan Fang die, but last night, Tan Fang actually!

He could no longer hold back his hatred and killed him.

When they heard his words, an indescribable feeling surged in their hearts. Tan Fang really deserved to die!

Chu Xujin handed Qin Zhiyu a cup of tea. “Drink some to calm down.”

Qin Zhiyu looked up at Chu Xujin and gently pushed the teacup away. “I’m not drinking. I just want to vomit now.”

Chu Xujin put the teacup back. This person was too pitiful.

After a while, Chu Qingzhi saw that Qin Zhiyu had calmed down a little and asked, “Do you know who killed Third Master Tan?”

Qin Zhiyu said calmly, “1 don’t know, but I’m sure it’s someone from this mansion. Last night, 1 killed Tan Fang in a panic when 1 saw a black shadow flash past.”

Chu Xujin asked, “How can you be sure that the murderer in question is still in the mansion?”

Qin Zhiyu said, “Intuition.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “By the way, who manages the garden?”

Qin Zhiyu said, “There are three gardeners in the mansion who specialize in managing flowers and plants. You can ask them.”

Chu Qingzhi said to the constable guarding the door, “Officer, please bring in the three gardeners in charge of the garden.”

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“Okay.”

Only two of the three gardeners came. They were both men in their forties. Their heads were lowered, and they looked a little afraid.

Chu Qingzhi asked bluntly, “Has anyone touched the fleece flowers in the garden recently?”

The gardener said, “Jiang Simeng took it. He said that the fleece flowers were getting bigger and bigger, affecting the other flowers, so he cleared them away. How did you know?”

Chu Xujin asked, “Jiang Simeng is the gardener who didn’t come, right?”

The gardener said, “Yes, he took three days’ leave yesterday. 1 don’t know where he went.”

“He left yesterday?” Chu Xujin frowned. Why at this juncture?

The gardener said, “Yes, we were puzzled as to why he would apply for leave when he had no relatives or friends. However, we didn’t ask.”

There was a high chance that the murderer was Jiang Simeng. Chu Qingzhi said, “Officer, inform the head constable to arrest Jiang Simeng!”

The constable replied, “Yes, Miss Chu.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Xujin continued to ask, “When did Jiang Simeng come to the Tan mansion? What kind of person is he?”

The gardener said, “He came five years ago. At that time, Old Master Tan bought a few pots of precious peony and needed someone who knew about flowers to take care of them. He happened to be looking for a job and knew about peony, so Old Master Tan kept him.”

“For the past five years, he has been especially conscientious. Old Master Tan even handed the entire garden of the mansion to him to manage.”

“Jiang Simeng doesn’t like to talk and is a little serious. I keep feeling that he’s enduring something. He either works or sleeps. His life is very simple.”

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Chu Xujin asked, “Does he know martial arts?”

The gardener said, “You must be joking. Why would a gardener learn martial arts? He’s just an ordinary person who knows how to plant flowers.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Does he have family and friends?”

The gardener said with certainty, “No, I’ve never seen anyone visiting him. He’s a loner.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Let’s find Jiang Simeng first.”

Yuan Hongjun walked towards Chu Qingzhi and said softly, “Master, I didn’t find anything unusual about the Tan family members.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Watch them first. When we find Jiang Simeng, I think we can close this case.”

Yuan Hongjun said, “Master, do you really think we can close the case?”

Chu Qingzhi looked at Yuan Hongjun. “What do you mean?”

Yuan Hongjun was puzzled. “Master, this case involves the forces on the northern border. Could it be their doing? Moreover, why didn’t they kill Old Master Tan since he deserved to die the most?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “We’ll know when we catch Jiang Simeng.”

Yuan Hongjun continued, “Master, I think there’s something wrong with that

Red Crane too. I keep feeling that she’s involved.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “Your observation is correct, but don’t be anxious.

The case is gradually becoming clearer. The person behind the scenes will definitely come out.”

Yuan Hongjun looked at Chu Qingzhi with bright eyes. “Master, have you already set up a trap?”

Chu Qingzhi kept him in suspense. “You’ll know when the time comes.”

Tang Jinghong walked out of the room. He had just learned about the case. “Qingzhi, are you ready to carry out your plan?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Yes, it’s about time.”

Tang Jinghong said, “The head constable has already brought people to search the entire county. There should be news soon..”

Chapter 197: Discovering the Secret

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

However, in the end, they realized that it was the most difficult to catch Jiang Simeng. It was as if Jiang Simeng had disappeared from the face of the earth. They could not find him no matter what.

They searched for three days in a row, but there was no sign of him. This made the people in the county office anxious.

So many people had died in a row. If the real culprit was not caught, the county magistrate would definitely be held accountable by the higher-ups.

Moreover, the Tan family’s case was the focus of the entire county. If they did not catch the real culprit, people would live in panic.

Therefore, the county magistrate felt pressured and ordered that the real culprit must be caught. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

In the past three days, in order to train Chu Xujin, Chu Qingzhi did not say anything. She asked Chu Xujin to think of a way for himself.

Tao Yiqian was still disguised as a man as she followed Chu Xujin. She came up with one or two ideas, but they didn’t work.

Finally, they figured out what they were neglecting.

In the county office, Chu Xujin suddenly said excitedly, “I think we’ve overlooked an important person.”

Tao Yizhou immediately asked, “Who?”

Chu Xujin looked at the silent Chu Qingzhi and said, “Red Crane!”

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Chu Qingzhi did not reveal anything and did not give any hints. If Chu Xujin wanted to grow, he had to rely on himself. “Third Brother, why do you say that?”

Chu Xujin took a deep breath and said, “After Tan Maozhi died, other than fainting, she never showed any concern for Tan Maozhi. Instead, she locked herself at home all day. In addition, the existence of the black robe in her room is still unexplained. I think she has something to do with these cases. Although there hasn’t been any abnormality about her in the past few days, it only makes her more suspicious.”

Tao Yizhou asked again, “Then what do you plan to do?”

Chu Xujin made a bold guess. “If Red Crane is related to these cases, could Jiang Simeng be hiding at Red Crane’s place?”

The head constable stood at the side with a saber in his arms. His serious eyes were filled with worry. “Xujin, you went to Miss Red Crane’s residence previously. Didn’t you not notice anything wrong?”

Chu Xujin hesitated for a moment before saying, “I didn’t notice anything wrong previously, but now that I think about it, there’s something strange. There’s a potted fleeceflower in her house, and there are a few incense burners like the ones found in the Tan mansion. One incense burner per room is enough. Why does she have so many?”

The head constable thought for a moment and immediately mobilized his men. “Let’s go and pay a visit to Red Crane.”

Everyone followed him to Red Crane’s residence.

Chu Qingzhi walked at the back. She had already thought of where Jiang Simeng was hiding. It was only a matter of time before they found him, so she was not in a hurry and gave Chu Xujin some time to practice.

And Chu Xujin didn’t disappoint her.

Under the head constable’s lead, the group immediately rushed to Red Crane’s small courtyard. Without giving Red Crane any time to prepare, the constables surrounded the small courtyard.

A constable knocked on the door. “Miss Red Crane, please open the door.”

When the madam of the Hundred Flowers Tower saw that there were so many constables, she came over to greet them while secretly cursing Red Crane for attracting trouble.

When Red Crane heard the constable’s voice, she immediately opened the door. She was still charming. “Officers, what brought you here?”

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Chu Xujin pulled Tao Yizhou, who was about to speak, and said tactfully, “It’s nothing. We came to take a look.”

After all, there was no real evidence. What if the real culprit was not here?

Red Crane said, “Didn’t you check my place already?”

The head constable’s tone was firm. “Please be cooperative, Miss Red Crane. We won’t disturb you for long.”

Red Crane calmly moved aside. “Go ahead.”

The head constable, Chu Xujin, and Tao Yizhou walked in. Chu Qingzhi walked over and said to Red Crane, “Miss Red Crane, my condolences.”

Red Crane lowered her head and revealed a sad expression. “Maozhi likes me so much. Now that he has died an unnatural death, I plan to fast for a period of time and chant scriptures to pray for him.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Miss Red Crane, you’re kind in doing this for him.”

When she was talking to Red Crane, she released her divine sense and enveloped the entire courtyard, searching inch by inch.

There was a banana tree in the courtyard and a well behind it. After Chu Qingzhi finished searching the house, she gathered her divine senses around the well.

When she probed with her divine sense, she realized that the well was dry and there were traces of human movements.

There was a passageway at the bottom of the well. Following the passageway to the end, she sensed a rough stone room. In the stone room, a rough-looking man was sitting on the edge of the bed and polishing a saber.

His appearance was very similar to the valiant warriors of the northern border.

Chu Qingzhi retracted her divine sense and continued to chat with Red Crane. “Miss Red Crane, do you have any siblings?”

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Red Crane fell into her memories. “I remember that when I was young, 1 had many brothers and sisters. However, when my father was imprisoned, my family was confiscated and my family members were sold as slaves. I ended up becoming an orphan.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and did not ask further.

She walked in and came out with an incense burner. This incense burner really looked like the incense burner in the Tan mansion.

Red Crane’s eyelids twitched.

Chu Qingzhi placed the incense burner on the table in the courtyard. Then, she took out a piece of fleeceflower roots and placed it inside. She lit it with a matchstick.

After the fleeceflower root was lit, she covered the incense burner and a smoke floated out from the gaps.

Originally, the smoke from the fleeceflower roots should be purple, but at this moment, the smoke from the incense burner was black.

It went without saying that there was something wrong. The problem was this incense burner.

When Red Crane saw that her secret had been discovered, her face turned pale and her entire body turned cold.

Red Crane’s gaze suddenly turned vicious. She stared at Chu Qingzhi’s back and slowly walked towards her, killing intent appearing in her eyes.

Chu Qingzhi looked back from the corner of her eye and remained calm.

Red Crane walked to a step behind Chu Qingzhi and narrowed her eyes. “Miss Chu, did you see anything?”

While her words distracted Chu Qingzhi, she suddenly stabbed Chu Qingzhi from behind with the dagger.

Chu Qingzhi nimbly turned around and dodged the dagger. At the same time, she knocked the dagger out of Red Crane’s hand and dislocated her arm.

“All-”

The scream resounded throughout the courtyard and instantly attracted the attention of all the constables. The three people in the house hurriedly ran out. “Fifth Sister, are you hurt?” When Chu Xujin saw the dagger on the ground, he was so frightened that his forehead was covered in sweat. Fie hurriedly pulled Chu Qingzhi aside and sized her up carefully.

Chu Qingzhi smiled and shook her head. “Third Brother, I’m fine.”

The head constable ordered coldly, “Tie her up and bring her back to the government office!”

Red Crane looked at Chu Qingzhi and did not struggle. There was a dead look in her eyes..

Chapter 198: The Truth Is Out

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi thought about it and understood. Red Crane wanted to take the blame for Jiang Simeng. Who was Jiang Simeng to her?

“Head constable, there’s a well over there!” Seeing that the three of them had neglected the well, Chu Qingzhi pointed it out.

When Red Crane heard this, her expression became as ugly as a dead person’s. Her lips trembled a few times as she roared in despair, “No, don’t approach. There’s nothing there.”

The more she said so, the more everyone felt suspicious. They quickly surrounded the well.

The head constable shouted down the well, “Are you coming out yourself, or are we going down to catch you?”

There was no response from the well.

Seeing that the other party was resisting, the head constable immediately ordered, “Prepare to go down the well.” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The constables quickly brought over a thick rope. They tied one end to the banana tree and lowered the other end into the well.

When Red Crane saw this scene, tears flowed out of her eyes as she screamed, “No, don’t, don’t go down!”

No one paid attention to her. The head constable led the way into the well and came out after a while with a corpse.

Jiang Simeng had committed suicide.

When Red Crane saw Jiang Simeng’s corpse, she was filled with grief. She bit the constable’s arm and broke free from the shackles. She rushed towards Jiang Simeng and hugged the corpse. Tears flowed down like a broken dam. “Brother, wake up, wake up…”

Red Crane hugged Jiang Simeng’s corpse and cried. When everyone saw this scene, they felt a little uncomfortable. If not for the blood feud of the previous generations, they would not have ended up in such a miserable state.

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Suddenly, Red Crane’s eyes narrowed. She picked up the dagger and stabbed herself. “Brother is already dead. What is the point of living?”

Blood flowed from the corner of her mouth. “Miss Chu, it’s me who killed Tan Maozhi.”

Chu Qingzhi didn’t expect there to be a reversal. “Why did you kill him?”

A twisted madness flashed across Red Crane’s face. “I want to kill everyone in the Tan family, and he’s my test subject!”

Chu Qingzhi’s gaze landed on Red Crane’s shoe and the soil beneath it… “Oh no, hurry up and return to the Tan mansion.”

The head constable ordered two constables to guard here while the rest rushed back to the Tan mansion.

At this moment, the entire Tan mansion was shrouded in black smoke, making one unable to breathe.

The black smoke could kill people silently. No one dared to approach.

One of the constables gulped. “Can, can they still be saved?”

The head constable didn’t know either. He looked at Chu Qingzhi helplessly. “Miss Chu, what do you think we should do next?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Wait outside. 1’11 go in and see if there’s anyone alive!”

The smoke had probably been permeating the mansion since last night, but it was covered by the night. By dawn, it was too late to extinguish the smoke.

Chu Xujin pulled Chu Qingzhi and said firmly. “Fifth Sister, it’s too dangerous go inside.”

“Third Brother, I’m a doctor. I’ll be fine.” She had to save as many as possible.

Chu Xujin grabbed Chu Qingzhi’s wrist tightly. He was worried. “Will you really be fine?”

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Chu Qingzhi gave Chu Xujin a reassuring smile. “Third Brother, trust me.”

Chu Xujin looked at Chu Qingzhi’s clear eyes. Slowly, he let go. “Fifth Sister, don’t force yourself. If you feel danger, come out immediately.”

“Okay.” Chu Qingzhi naturally wouldn’t joke around with her life. She would only do what was within her ability.

The head constable stepped forward and took out his saber to break the lock on the door. “Miss Chu, protecting yourself is more important.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and walked in.

Her cultivation level was not high, but it was not a problem for her to remove this poisonous smoke.

Chu Qingzhi spread her divine sense to the maximum and began to search for the people in the mansion. She didn’t need to care about the dead.

She came to Tan Xueqing’s room. Tan Xueqing’s face was facing the open window. She was still breathing. Without any delay, Chu Qingzhi helped her out.

At this moment, she understood why only the heart would be poisoned but not the other organs.

This was smoke. After entering the body, it would gather at the heart where there was the most blood.

After Chu Qingzhi helped Tan Xueqing out, she returned to look for other survivors. She only managed to save a child, and the others were all dead.

The child survived because he was covered in a blanket and did not inhale much smoke.

From then on, the Tan family’s case was basically over.

In the Chu Village.

The secretary and the two head constables came to Chu Qingzhi’s house and offered her the reward for helping with the investigation. It was 100 taels of silver. As an assistant, Chu Xujin also received 20 taels of silver.

After the secretary handed the money to the two of them, his gaze swept across the Chu family as he said, “The county magistrate thinks that Chu Xujin is very talented in investigating cases, so he wants to recruit Chu Xujin into the government office to be a detective. The salary will be ten taels a month. If he solves a case, he will be rewarded. What do you think?”

The four elders were overjoyed. It was an honorable thing to work for the government.

Grandpa Chu was so happy that he could not close his mouth. “Xujin, quickly agree.”

Chu Xujin immediately stood up and bowed. “Thank you, 1 will take on this job.”

The secretary quickly helped Chu Xujin up. “We’re colleagues from now on. You don’t have to be so polite.”

Chu Xujin was overjoyed. “Yes, secretary.”

The secretary said, “There are still many things to do in the county office, so 1 won’t be staying for long. Xujin, come to the county office tomorrow. Don’t be late.”

Chu Xujin replied, “I’ll definitely be there on time.”

Chu Qingzhi stuffed a red pocket Shen Ruyue brought over into Chu Xujin’s hand. “Send the secretary off.”

Chu Xujin nodded at Chu Qingzhi. Then, he hurriedly said, “Secretary, this way please.”

Li Qingyu grabbed Chu Rong’s hand and was so excited that she didn’t know what to say. “Chu Rong, our Xujin has become an official.”

Chu Rong was also excited. “That’s right. Our son has become an official. He’s making us proud.”

“I’m going to the county to buy groceries. We’ll celebrate it.” Li Qingyu hurriedly carried the basket and left, dragging Chu Qingning with her.

Granny Chu and Grandpa Chu were so excited that their faces were flushed. Their slightly bent backs were much straighter.

This matter quickly spread throughout the village, attracting many envious gazes.

Chu Qi walked over with a fawning smile. “Brother, has your grandson, Chu Third, become an official?”

Chu Tai had a proud expression. “That’s right. The county magistrate asked him to help. This kid has never left the county. 1 don’t know how he can help. I hope he won’t cause trouble.”

Although he said humbly, he couldn’t help but look smug.

Chu Qi was envious. He turned around and looked at his house. In the past, his family was much better-off than Chu Tai’s family. Now, it was completely the other way around.

Chu Qi quickly flattered, “The county magistrate thinks highly of Chu Third, which means that he must be capable.”

Chu Tai puffed out his chest. “That would be best..”

Chapter 199: Herb Seeds

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

A carriage drove into the Chu Village.

Now that the villagers of the Chu Village had broadened their horizons, they were no longer as curious as before about carriages.

“Who is this?”

“He must be here to look for Qingzhi.”

“If he’s looking for Qingzhi, he’s most likely here to discuss business.”

As everyone discussed, the carriage arrived at Chu Qingzhi’s house. Then, a man in a snow-white robe got out of the carriage.

The man was tall and handsome. It was hard to tell if he was male or female.

When he got out of the carriage, Chu Qingzhi happened to come out of the house to go to the wasteland.

The man was the first to bow to Chu Qingzhi. “I’m Tan Xueqing. Greetings, Miss Chu.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Qingzhi raised her eyebrows. After changing into his male outfit, he looked much more masculine and handsome. “Come in and sit.”

Tan Xueqing smiled and said, “Miss Chu, there’s no need. I came over to thank you. There are still many things waiting for me to deal with at home.”

With that, he got the coachman to move the things in the carriage to Chu Qingzhi’s house.

Chu Qingzhi looked at the items being carried into the house one by one and hurriedly said, “Young Master Tan, I was asked to investigate the case by the county magistrate. You don’t have to thank me like this.”

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However, Tan Xueqing insisted, “Miss Chu, you still saved my life nonetheless. It’s only right for me to express my gratitude.”

If Chu Qingzhi had not saved him, the Tan family would have been wiped out.

Chu Qingzhi didn’t say anything else. After a moment of silence, she took the initiative to find a topic. “What are your plans next?”

Tan Xueqing lowered his thick eyelashes slightly. “Take good care of the Tan family’s business. 1 don’t have any other plans for the time being.”

With such a huge change in the Tan family, it would be difficult for Tan Xueqing to manage all the business under the Tan family.

Chu Qingzhi said, “Then 1 wish you success in taking over the business.”

Tan Xueqing said, “Thank you. I’ll do my best.”

Chu Qingzhi glanced at Tan Xueqing’s fair and flawless face and asked the last question in her heart, “Young Master Tan, can 1 ask you why you were disguising as a woman?”

Tan Xueqing smiled and said, “I thought you wouldn’t ask. Actually, it’s like this. When my mother was pregnant with me, she accidentally heard the conversation between Grandma and Third Uncle. She was terrified, so she replaced me with the child of her trusted aide when I was born. Later, she changed back. From then on, in order to survive, I disguised myself as a woman.”

The Tan family’s matter was really complicated. Chu Qingzhi comforted her. “It’s all over now.”

Tan Xueqing suddenly felt sentimental. “Yes, everything is over. All the grudges ended from now on.”

Chu Qingzhi glanced at Tan Xueqing. It wasn’t good for her to say anything, so she didn’t say anything.

After sending the gifts, Tan Xueqing thanked Chu Qingzhi again and left in the carriage.

Chu Qingzhi stood at the door of the courtyard and watched him leave. She wished him well. It was not easy growing up in the Tan Family.

In the herb garden.

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Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang stood by a piece of soil and were extremely surprised.

Despite having traveled extensively for so many years, Yuan Hongjun still found it unbelievable. “Did Lingzhi really grow in the soil?!”

Bao Linjiang said with a sigh, “Master is indeed Master. She can grow lingzhi just like that.”

The soil that the two of them were looking at was where Chu Qingzhi had dumped the lingzhi soil that day. Actually, Chu Qingzhi was not sure if it could grow lingzhi. She wanted to give it a try, but she did not expect it to succeed.

Chu Qingzhi walked over. “What are you guys looking at?”

Bao Linjiang turned around, his deep facial features tinged with excitement.

“Master, there’s a small lingzhi growing in the soil.”

Chu Qingzhi’s eyes flashed with surprise as she quickly walked over. A small lingzhi the size of a pinky was growing in the soil.

Lingzhi in this era was very valuable. The Lingzhi that they had dug up previously was more than half a catty. It was more than 250 grams and could be sold for at least five hundred taels of silver.

Yuan Hongjun said, “Master, I’ll go and water it.” As he spoke, he ran to fetch water.

Bao Linjiang looked around. “Master, 1’11 mix some soil for it.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and looked at the entire herb garden. The sealwort that was planted at the beginning had already grown to half a foot tall. The other herbs had also grown very lush, and every one of them was alive.

Although they were growing healthily, the herbs were still scarce. There were a total of ten acres of land, but only one acre of land had herbs growing on it.

Chu Qingzhi looked down at the young man who was mixing Lingzhi’s soil seriously and asked, “Linjiang, do you know where 1 can get some herb seeds?”

Bao Linjiang immediately looked over. “Master, you want herb seeds?”

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Chu Qingzhi nodded.

Bao Linjiang said, “I’ll write to my family immediately and ask them to send me herb seeds.”

Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment. “Sure, but I don’t want them for free. 1’11 pay you accordingly.”

Bao Linjiang disagreed. “Master, it hurts our relationship to mention money.”

“Linjiang, if the seeds are yours, I can take them with good conscience, but they belong to your family. Do you understand what 1 mean?” Chu Qingzhi had no intention of taking advantage of his family.

Bao Linjiang nodded. “Master, then I’ll buy the seeds from my family to give them to you.”

“You have money?” Chu Qingzhi did not think that Bao Linjiang had much pocket money, so she was a little surprised.

“Master, you’re underestimating me.” Bao Linjiang blinked. “I have some savings. In the capital, my consultation fees usually start from a hundred taels.”

Chu Qingzhi sized up Bao Linjiang. The young man was confident and didn’t seem like he was bragging. “1 couldn’t tell you were rich.”

Bao Linjiang raised his chin. “So, Master, I’ll buy the seeds for you. Take it as a gift from your disciple.”

Chu Qingzhi agreed. “Okay.”

After Bao Linjiang returned to the military camp, he immediately wrote a letter and asked Tang Jinghong to send it to the capital.

When Tang Jinghong found out that he was collecting herb seeds for Chu Qingzhi, he immediately got someone to send the letter to the capital.

After Yuan Hongjun found out that Bao Linjiang had spent his own money to buy herb seeds for Chu Qingzhi, he also wrote a letter home and asked his family to send herb seeds.

Several carriages carrying goods entered the Chu Village.

The leader was a burly middle-aged man. He stopped a villager and asked, “Uncle, may 1 ask where Chu Qingzhi’s house is?”

The old man pointed. “Over there, the one with a hibiscus tree in the courtyard.”

The middle-aged man cupped his hands. “Thank you, Uncle.” Then, he led the convoy towards Chu Qingzhi’s house.

When the convoy arrived, a villager came to the herb garden to inform Chu Qingzhi. Chu Qingzhi hurriedly rushed back.

Chu Qingzhi asked in confusion, “You are?”

The middle-aged man sized Chu Qingzhi up. “I’m from the Ning mansion. We were sent over by Young Master Ning. There’s glutinous rice in the carriages. This is the first batch. There’s more on the way..”

Chapter 200: Second Visit

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi asked with concern, “Why isn’t Yuting with you?”

The middle-aged man replied, “Old Master Ning is sick, so Young Master Ning is staying at home to take care of him.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Is it serious?”

The middle-aged man said, “Old Master is healthy. It’s not a serious illness.

He’ll recover after resting for a period of time.”

Chu Qingzhi was relieved. Then, she went to arrange for the villagers to unload the goods and return. She asked, “Brother, when are you going back?”

The middle-aged man said, “We’ll leave after unloading the goods.”

It was so hot outside that Chu Qingzhi couldn’t bear to see them travel all the way back. “Let’s have a meal and rest before leaving?”

Seeing that Chu Qingzhi’s attitude was sincere, the middle-aged man agreed. “Okay.”

After lunch, the middle-aged man left with the convoy. He put on a straw hat and left under the sun.

With the glutinous rice that Ning Yuting sent over one batch after another, the glutinous rice shortage was resolved.

Shen Ruyue stood at the entrance of the glutinous rice workshop and waved at Chu Qingzhi. Her voice was light. “Qingzhi, the ingredients are ready.”

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Chu Qingzhi walked into the workshop. “Ruyue, what ingredients did you prepare to make the rice dumplings?”

Shen Ruyue followed behind Chu Qingzhi. “Salted duck egg rice dumplings and plain rice dumplings.”

Chu Qingzhi first demonstrated how salted duck egg rice dumplings were made to everyone, then said. “Everyone, take a look first. Ask me if you don’t understand anything.”

The group of people who were in charge of wrapping the rice dumplings surrounded Chu Qingzhi and looked carefully. They were already skillful with wrapping rice dumplings. They knew how to do it after seeing Chu Qingzhi wrap it once.

Chu Qingzhi placed the wrapped rice dumplings aside and asked everyone, “Do you know how to make it now?”

Everyone nodded.

Chu Qingzhi patted her hands and stepped aside. “Then let’s begin.”

The rice dumpling workshop quickly became busy again.

Chu Qingzhi watched in the workshop for a while before she left.

“Qingzhi, Qingzhi…” Li Qingyu’s hurried voice sounded.

Usually, when Li Qingyu was in such a hurry, it wouldn’t be good news. Chu Qingzhi frowned and went up to her. “Mother, what’s wrong?”

Li Qingyu said with a headache, “Your adoptive mother brought your adoptive father to our house. What should we do?”

Chu Qingzhi said calmly, “Mother, calm down. It’s fine.”

Li Qingyu was now extremely disgusted with Wang Peifang. “I didn’t expect her to bring her husband here.”

Chu Qingzhi was as steady as a mountain. She said slowly, “Mother, let’s go out and take a look first.”

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Li Qingyu nodded. “Okay.”

There were always some people in the village who were idle. At this moment, almost all of them came to Chu Qingzhi’s house to see what was going on.

There were also children. These little fellows rushed over when they heard the news. No matter what happened in the village, they were always the first to be there.

Not only Wang Peifang and Chu Zhongyuan were here, but Old Master Chu and Old Madam Chu had also come. The three of them looked very haggard and had lost a lot of weight.

As for Chu Zhongyuan, it was needless to say. It had only been a few days since they last met, but he had already lost weight. His clothes hung loosely on his body like a kite that could be blown away at any time.

The servant girl and Wang Peifang helped Chu Zhongyuan to a chair under the roof.

Chu Zhongyuan’s lips were pale. He gritted his teeth and endured the pain in his heart. He could not help but wonder if he had been possessed. It was too strange.

Wang Peifang had been asking around for doctors these few days. In the end, she even went to Yunfei School. The people from Yunfei School told her that the person with the highest medical skills was Chu Qingzhi.

Hence, she brought Chu Zhongyuan over.

She was not as arrogant as before. Perhaps because she realized that Chu Qingzhi was no longer under her control, she restrained her temper. “Qingzhi, he’s your adoptive father after all. You can’t leave him in the lurch!”

Chu Qingzhi’s gaze was cold as she looked at the family of four opposite her. She only wanted to say that they had brought this upon themselves.

Seeing that Chu Qingzhi was unmoved, Old Madam Chu hurriedly humbled herself and begged, “Qingzhi, Grandma treated you well, right? Can you help?” Treated her well?

She pretended not to see it when the original Chu Qingzhi was badly beaten.

She let the original Chu Qingzhi be locked up in the woodshed, not caring at all!

She never said a word of concern when the original Chu Qingzhi lost weight because of starvation.

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Was this what she meant by treating her well?

The only good thing she did was that at the New Year’s Eve dinner, she gave the original Chu Qingzhi two candies that she had left behind from tipping the servants. When she gave her the candies, she said that if the original Chu Qingzhi didn’t come to her house, she would never be able to eat such candies!

Chu Qingzhi’s eyes revealed a hint of mockery as she looked at the four of them coldly. “Alright, I’ll help.”

She went forward to take Chu Zhongyuan’s pulse. Sometimes, she frowned, sometimes her frown relaxed, sometimes she pondered, and sometimes she wanted to say something but hesitated. In short, she was confusing everyone. Everyone was also on tenterhooks because of her reaction.

Wang Peifang couldn’t hold back her temper and asked impatiently, “What’s wrong with him?”

Chu Qingzhi took a step back and said innocently, “I don’t know either. I don’t quite understand his pulse.”

Wang Peifang didn’t believe her. She pointed at Chu Qingzhi and said fiercely, “Chu Qingzhi, you did it on purpose, didn’t you?”

Chu Qingzhi immediately put on an innocent expression. “Mrs. Chu, all the doctors have checked him, but they can’t save him. What makes you think 1 have the ability to save him?”

Wang Peifang’s heart skipped a beat. She stared at Chu Qingzhi angrily. “They all say that your medical skills are good, but you say that you can’t save him. You’re lying!”

Li Qingyu went forward and pulled Chu Qingzhi behind her. She glared at Wang Peifang and said angrily, “Stop slandering my daughter. If she said she can’t, that means she can’t. Please take him elsewhere.”

“All—”

Chu Zhongyuan suddenly screamed and clenched his fists tightly. His palms were covered in sweat, and the pain overwhelmed him again. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Wang Peifang hurriedly walked to Chu Zhongyuan’s side and caressed his chest. “Are you feeling better?”

What kind of strange illness was it?

Why couldn’t anyone cure him? What should they do now?

Old Madam Chu still had a glimmer of hope for Chu Qingzhi. She gently held Chu Qingzhi’s hand. “Qingzhi, if you don’t save your father, he will die from the pain. Can you think of a way?”

Chu Qingzhi shook her head gently and said regretfully, “I’m sorry, I’m helpless.” She looked troubled.

Old Madam Chu shook off Chu Qingzhi’s hand and walked towards Chu Zhongyuan. “Let’s go back.”

Chu Qingzhi stood at the side indifferently.

Wang Peifang turned around and looked at Chu Qingzhi. She felt that Chu Qingzhi was lying, but she didn’t have any evidence, so she felt extremely aggrieved..