Chapter 351: Large Amount of Poppy

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi thought for a while before asking, “Do you know how to contact Tao Pengnan’s subordinates?”

The old man didn’t want to say it, but when he looked at Chu Qingzhi, he actually had the strong urge to speak the truth. “Light a red lantern in the tallest attic of the Tao residence. When they see it, they will gather.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. This time, the plan could be implemented. “You contributed greatly.”

Everyone looked at Chu Qingzhi with respect. They could not open the old man’s mouth no matter what, but when she asked, the old man confessed. Impressive, really impressive!

Chu Qingzhi waved at Chu Xujin and said, “Third Brother, continue asking.” She retreated to the side and began to perfect the plan in her mind.

Chu Xujin walked up to the old man and asked with a frown, “Why did Tao Pengnan fake his death?”

“The higher-ups asked him to do this. The fake death medicine was also given by the higher-ups.” The old man gritted his teeth and thought to himself that he must be possessed. Why did he speak everything despite not wanting to?

Chu Xujin felt his heart skip a beat. “Are the higher-ups referring to the people in the capital?”

The old man nodded. “Someone code-named “Jiu” from the capital has been in contact with Tao Pengnan, but we haven’t seen his true face. His face is covered all the time, and only his eyes are revealed.”

This gave Chu Xujin some clues. “Is ‘Yun’ the name of the faction “Jiu” belongs to?”

The old man shook his head. “I don’t know. I only saw him once in the study.”

Chu Qingzhi suddenly asked, “How do we contact this ‘Jiu’?”

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The old man shook his head. “Only Pengnan knows.”

Tao Pengnan was already dead, and this clue was gone.

The head constable walked over and stared at the old man. “Who killed the three merchants?”

“Our Tao family is only responsible for receiving goods. We don’t know anything else.” After saying this, the old man felt like his entire body had been emptied.

At the mention of the goods, Chu Qingzhi still had a question in her heart. “Third Brother, where are the goods from the merchants? 1 want to take a look again.”

Chu Xujin said, “I’ll take you there.”

Following Chu Xujin, Chu Qingzhi came to the door of a room in the county office. The room was locked and there was someone specially guarding it.

There was only one key, and it was on Chu Xujin.

Chu Xujin opened the door. “Fifth Sister, the goods are all here. No one touched them.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and walked straight to open the five large boxes of salt. Why would they come all the way here to transport five boxes of salt? Furthermore, there was no lack of salt here. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that something fishy was going on.

Chu Xujin did not notice anything. “Fifth Sister, is there a problem with the salt?”

“Let me take a look first.” Chu Qingzhi picked up the salt and tasted it. It was indeed salt. After a pause, she put her hand in the salt. It felt wrong. There was something under it.

She grabbed the thing out and her face immediately darkened. “Poppy!”

Chu Xujin did not know what poppy was, but when he saw Chu Qingzhi’s expression, he knew that it was not something good. “Fifth Sister, what is this?”

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Chu Qingzhi said solemnly, “This thing is addictive. Third Brother, don’t tell anyone.”

Poppy must not appear in the world. Otherwise, it would definitely be a disaster for the people.

Addictive? That was too scary! Chu Xujin replied solemnly, “Fifth Sister, I won’t tell anyone.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Third Brother, go find a few people and get a sieve to take out the poppies. We’ll destroy them later.”

Chu Xujin nodded. “I’ll go right away.”

Chu Qingzhi stood at the side and stared at the salt in the box. The poppy smelled of ammonia. The smell was strong, and salt could block this smell very well. The other party was very smart.

Chu Qingzhi looked at the large amount of poppies. They weighed about 350 kilos. If this batch was transported to the other party, who knew how many people would be harmed!

“Third Brother, find some bags and pack these things. Then, move them to a small boat.”

“Alright, I’ll arrange for someone to do it immediately.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The river was behind the county office. A group of constables quickly placed bags of poppies on the small boat, filling it up.

Chu Qingzhi took the kerosene and poured it on the poppies. Then, she took out a match and threw it over to light it.

Using this method to destroy the poppies would not leave a trace.

The constables stood at the side. Someone could not hold back his curiosity. “Miss Chu, what is this? Why did you burn it?”

Chu Qingzhi said seriously, “This is a poison. After eating it, our bodies will be damaged. If we eat it for a long time, we will die. It’s a scourge. We can’t keep it.”

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Other than Chu Qingzhi and Chu Xujin, no one else knew about this, including the county magistrate.

The situation was too complicated now. They could not be sure if the county magistrate also worked for the other party or if he was also playing a certain role. In short, the fewer people who knew about this, the better.

After dealing with the poppies, Chu Qingzhi brought Wu Yaqing to the Hundred Flowers Tower.

In the hall, Ge Lihua was already having a headache from the interrogation. Moreover, some girls only knew how to cry. It was annoying.

When she saw Chu Qingzhi coming over, it was as if she had seen her savior.

Her entire face lit up. “Qingzhi, you’re finally here.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at Ge Lihua’s dispirited expression and asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Did you encounter a problem?”

Ge Lihua complained, “It’s too difficult to interrogate. Not only do they not know anything, but they also keep crying. I’m running out of patience.”

Chu Qingzhi comforted her. “It’s getting late. Let’s go back and rest early later.” Ge Lihua nodded.

After glancing around, Chu Qingzhi asked, “Lihua, where’s that girl?”

There were many girls in the hall. They were all from the brothel. They stood together in groups of three to five, looking uneasy.

However, Chu Qingzhi didn’t see the one she wanted to see.

“She’s in the room. I’ll bring you there.” Ge Lihua brought Chu Qingzhi upstairs. “Qingzhi, did you find any clues?”

“I have a guess, so I came to verify it.” Chu Qingzhi paused and asked, “Did that girl take a shower?”

Ge Lihua was suspicious. “No, she’s under arrest. She didn’t even wash her face.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “When I see that girl later, I should know how the merchant was poisoned to death.”

Ge Lihua wanted to ask Chu Qingzhi how she knew, but she swallowed her words. She would know when she saw it later.

They pushed the door open and entered the room…

Chapter 352: Murderer

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

The lady stood by the window and leaned against it. She did not comb her hair and was only wearing a red gauze. Her figure was very graceful.

When she heard the sound, she turned around. There was no expression on her face as she asked, “When can you finish interrogating me?”

“Pretty soon,” Chu Qingzhi replied. Then, she said, “Take off your clothes.”

The girl was speechless.

Ge Lihua turned to look at Chu Qingzhi, puzzled. Why did she want her to take off her clothes during the interrogation?

After thinking about it, Chu Qingzhi figured out how the merchant died while sleeping with the girl. There was no poison in the wine glass. Furthermore, he had been poisoned without knowing it. Coupled with the fact that the girl had been drugged before she received the merchant, there was only one possibility…

Someone must have smeared poison on the girl’s breasts, and the man killed it.

Now, they only needed to see if there was poison on the girl’s breasts to confirm how the merchant died.

The girl grabbed her clothes tightly and said unwillingly, “I’ve never seen people interrogate by asking the suspect to take off their clothes.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “If I’m not wrong, your breasts have poison. If you don’t believe me, you can wash it with water and put the silver needle into the water to test if the water is poisonous.”

She handed a silver needle to the girl.

Ge Lihua went to bring in a basin of clear water. “Let’s test it.”

The girl was speechless.

After hesitating for a moment, she took the basin of water, the silver needle, and walked behind the screen. After a while, the girl’s frightened voice sounded. “It’s really poisonous!”

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The murderer was really cunning.

Ge Lihua looked at Chu Qingzhi. This was the first time she admired a woman so much. She admired her from the bottom of her heart. “Qingzhi, the murderer is smart, but you’re smarter than him.”

Chu Qingzhi said humbly, “You flatter me.”

“By the way, Lihua, do you have any clues about the man who drugged the girl?”

Ge Lihua recalled. “From the description of the girls in the building and the brothel madam, this man was wearing a black robe at that time. He was tall and thin and had a beard. He was in his forties and walked very vigorously like a martial arts practitioner. His eyes were a little evasive and his head was always lowered. He seemed to be afraid of meeting people.”

“The brothel madam said that there was one thing that left a deep impression on her. That man’s skin was very delicate. He didn’t look like he was in his forties at all.”

Hearing this, Chu Qingzhi analyzed, “A middle-aged man usually walks very stably, and it’s unlikely that a middle-aged man can have a delicate skin. This person is most likely in disguise.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Qingzhi, doesn’t that mean that the clues are gone again?” Ge Lihua felt that being a constable was not as simple as she had imagined.

“Lihua, don’t be pessimistic. Let’s analyze it,” Chu Qingzhi said. “Traveling merchants usually don’t know martial arts. The other party could perfectly kill the merchant in any corner of the street. Why did he wait to kill him in the brothel? What’s his motive?”

Ge Lihua thought for a moment. “Yes, there must be a reason.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at Ge Lihua. “Lihua, do you think he did this on purpose?”

Ge Lihua hesitated. “On purpose… to attract the attention of the authorities?”

Chu Qingzhi shook her head slowly. “I don’t think that’s his motive. As long as someone dies, it will attract the attention of the authorities.”

Ge Lihua thought for a while and gave up. “Qingzhi, if you can’t figure it out, 1 can’t either.”

Chu Qingzhi walked to the window and crossed her arms. She looked at the kapok tree outside. “Lihua, this person poisoned the brothel girl beforehand. This means that… he knows the schedule of the merchant.”

Ge Lihua was stunned for a moment before continuing, “The murderer is among those helpers!”

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Chu Qingzhi turned around and asked Ge Lihua, “Where are those helpers?”

Ge Lihua’s expression turned serious. “They’re all kept in the inn.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Let’s go to the inn.”

At the inn.

“How long are they going to keep us?”

“Who knows? The county office is so slow at handling cases. I’m afraid they can’t close the case without three to five months.”

“Do we have to wait here for three to five months? I’m fine with it, but what about my family? They’re still waiting for me to take the money home.”

“Forget about the money. It’ll be good if we can go back safely this time.”

There was a small courtyard outside the inn. All these helpers were kept here.

There were two constables guarding the door. “Miss Chu, Miss Ge.”

Ge Lihua asked bluntly, “Has anyone run away?”

One of the constables said, “No.”

However, Ge Lihua had a bad feeling. The other party knew martial arts, so he did not have to leave through the main door. “Open the door.”

The constable immediately took out his key and opened the door.

Ge Lihua quickly walked in with Chu Qingzhi following closely behind.

When the group of helpers saw the two of them coming over, they immediately surrounded them. “When are you letting us go?”

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Ignoring them, Ge Lihua glanced around and her expression changed slightly. “Qingzhi, one is missing.”

Chu Qingzhi had already expected this situation. She looked at everyone. “Where’s the other person?”

The small-eyed man said, “I don’t know. 1 haven’t seen him since 1 woke up this morning.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Did he come from the eastern border with you?”

The small-eyed man said, “No, he joined halfway. At that time, we encountered a wild boar on the way. He rushed out of the forest to save us and then joined us.”

Ge Lihua said, “Qingzhi, it seems like it was premeditated.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Let them go. They have nothing to do with this.”

Ge Lihua said, “I’ll arrange it later.”

Chu Qingzhi turned around and left the small courtyard of the inn. This clue was completely gone. The case was getting more and more troublesome.

When they returned to the county office, everyone exchanged the clues they had found. After that, they went back home.

Shen residence.

Han Xinyu walked into Madam Shen’s room with an ugly expression and reported, “Madam, Master brought that woman into the residence.”

Madam Shen’s face darkened and she was furious. “He really brought that b*tch back?!”

Han Xinyu nodded. “Madam, what should we do now?”

Ignoring her sick body, Madam Shen sat up from the bed and said angrily, “Help me get changed. I want to meet that b*tch!”

Han Xinyu hesitated. “Madam, your body?”

Madam Shen said angrily, “That b*tch has already entered the house. How can

I recuperate in peace?!”

Han Xinyu did not say anything else and immediately helped Madam Shen get changed.

After that, Madam Shen rushed out of the room with a murderous aura and ran towards West Mist Yard.

In West Mist Yard, Jun Lan said to Master Shen sweetly with her big stomach, “Master, you’re so good to me. I’ll definitely give birth to a good son for you.”

For some reason, Master Shen had been extremely good to her these past few days. Previously, he refused to bring her back to the residence, but suddenly, he started asking her to go back home with him. She still felt like she was dreaming..

Chapter 353: Business Knocking at the Door

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Master Shen helped Jun Lan to sit on the chair. She had a precious son in her stomach, so he didn’t want her to get injured. “As long as you give birth to a son for me, I can give you anything you want.”

Jun Lan was overjoyed. “Yes, Master.”

At this moment, Madam Shen rushed in angrily and scolded, “B*tch, you still want to have a son.”

Jun Lan hurriedly hid behind Master Shen, her face filled with fear. She was really afraid of Madam Shen. “Master…”

In front of his concubine, Master Shen could finally experience the feeling of being a man. At this moment, when he saw Madam Shen, he was only annoyed. “Feng Wenqin, get out of here.”

When Madam Shen heard this, she became even angrier. “Get out? Why should 1 get out? I’m the mistress. If anyone should get out, it should be this b*tch!”

“Don’t call her a b*tch. She’s pregnant with the Shen family’s bloodline now. If you scold her, you’re scolding my Shen family. Feng Wenqin, if you’re dissatisfied, get out of the Shen family. Without you, the Shen family will only prosper.”

Master Shen had been bullied by Madam Shen enough and was now rebellious.

Madam Shen was so angry that she vomited blood. “Shen Dalang, have you forgotten who saved the Shen family back then? It’s me. You burned the bridge after crossing it. You’re ungrateful!”

Master Shen didn’t mind and said, “So what If 1 burn the bridge after crossing it. So what if I’m ungrateful. Feng Wenqin, I’ve tolerated you for a long time. I won’t tolerate you anymore.”

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Madam Shen was so angry that her heart ached. After going through so much, she really didn’t expect her husband to be such a wolf. “Shen Dalang, aren’t you afraid of being struck by lightning?”

Master Shen was not afraid at all. Instead, he added, “Hehe, Feng Wenqin, go back and clean up the main courtyard. Let Jun Lan and I stay there.”

Madam Shen was so angry that her vision darkened. “Shen Dalang, say that again.”

Master Shen shouted impatiently, “I can say it ten times. Hurry up and vacate the main courtyard. Jun Lan wants to stay there.”

It was too infuriating. Madam Shen’s breathing quickened. Before she could catch her breath, she fainted again.

Han Xinyu hurriedly helped her up and brought her back to the main courtyard.

The doctor was invited and said that Madam Shen’s condition had worsened again, and there were signs of a slight stroke. One of her hands was a little insensitive.

If she continued to be angry, she might be paralyzed.

Han Xinyu stood by the bed and looked at Madam Shen. She thought to herself that Madam’s health was not good anymore. Now that Master doted on the new concubine, should she go and curry favor?

If Madam Shen knew that her personal servant girl was thinking about betraying her, would she faint from anger again?

After they left the county office, Chu Qingzhi and the others went to pick up Chu Qingyue, then met up with Chu Qingshuang, who was waiting at the exit of the county, and walked towards the Chu Village together.

Chu Qingyue and Chu Qingshuang looked at each other. Why did the four of them look a little depressed?

Chu Qingyue went forward and held Chu Qingzhi’s hand. She asked with concern, “Fifth Sister, I see that you’re unhappy. Did something bad happen?”

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Chu Qingzhi shook her head. “No, it’s just that the case we are investigating has kind of stagnated, so I’m a little depressed.”

Chu Qingyue comforted. “It takes time. Solving a case can’t be done in a day or two. Don’t give yourself too much pressure.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Got it, Second Sister.”

“Wait…” An urgent shout came from behind. Chu Qingzhi and the others stopped and turned around to look.

The voice came from Tan Mengyang. He waved at them. “Everyone, get in the carriage. Miss Chu, can we talk about the bread and biscuit cooperation?”

Since business came knocking, there was naturally no reason to reject it. Chu Qingzhi smiled and nodded. “Okay.”

Tan Mengyang’s carriage was very spacious. It did not feel crowded even with so many people sitting in it.

The carriage continued to move towards the Chu Village…

In the carriage, Tan Mengyang said, “Qingzhi, bread and biscuits are very easy to sell. Some people who had bought them even came back to buy them a second time. The shop assistant said that they are all sold out. The customers said they would come back tomorrow to buy more.”

It seemed that everyone was quite accepting of novel and delicious food. Chu Qingzhi was relieved. “Young Master Tan, how do you want to cooperate?”

Tan Mengyang said, “I want 100 kilos of bread and 100 kilos of biscuits every day. There are only two requirements. One is that the taste of the bread and biscuits have to be at this level. The second is that the food has to be fresh.”

Chu Qingzhi promised, “The taste will definitely not change. 1 might invent new flavors in the future. Freshness is also not a problem. Young Master Tan, don’t worry.”

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“Then there’s no problem.” Tan Mengyang changed the topic. “By the way, all the mooncakes have been ordered. After those shopkeepers tasted the mooncakes, they signed a contract without thinking. However, there’s one thing. You have to finish all the 30,000 mooncakes by August 13th.”

“Thirteenth and fourteenth are the times when mooncakes are the easiest to sell. Past that, the price will drop.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “It can be done. I originally planned to finish it before the 13th anyway.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Tan Mengyang was relieved and asked, “Miss Chu, how much do you plan to sell the mooncakes for?”

Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment and said, “The mooncakes are usually sold for 35 copper coins each. Since you want them all, let’s do 30 copper coins each.”

Tan Mengyang smiled and said, “Miss Chu is really a good business partner. Perhaps we can still work together next year.”

Chu Qingzhi said politely, “Thank you, Young Master Tan.”

When the others heard their conversation, they could not help but think that doing business seemed so simple. It felt like it was just a matter of a few words?

Especially Ge Lihua, she knew more or less about doing business. She recalled that when her father was discussing business, the other party would keep lowering the price. Sometimes, her father would have to treat the client to a meal.

After returning to the Chu Village, Chu Qingzhi asked Shen Ruyue to prepare the contract before signing it with Tan Mengyang. She watched Li Qingyu and the others bake bread and biscuits in the kitchen.

They baked a lot of bread, but most of it had been sold by Chu Xuede and the others. Now, there were only 10 kilos of bread and 2 kilos of biscuits.

Chu Qingzhi said, “Mother, Young Master Tan is coming tomorrow morning to get 100 kilos of bread and 100 kilos of biscuits.”

There was no need to bake mooncakes at night. The oven was empty. It would not take long to bake 100 kilos of bread and 100 kilos of biscuits.

Li Qingyu asked in surprise, “So many?”

Chu Qingzhi massaged Li Qingyu’s shoulders and said sweetly, “Yes, so I’ll have to trouble you tonight.”

She needed to discuss the case with Tang Jinghong and solve it as soon as possible.

She also had to teach Chu Qingyan how to do makeup. This was what she had promised.

So there was no time to help with making the bread and biscuits..

Chapter 354: Starting to Practice Martial Arts

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

An auntie smiled and said, “Qingzhi, no problem. Leave it to us.”

Chu Qingzhi promised everyone that they would be paid for their work at night. Everyone was very willing to work.

Chu Qingzhi smiled widely. “Thank you, Auntie.”

Li Qingyu said with concern, “Qingzhi, you’ve been busy outside for the entire day. Go and rest for a while.”

Chu Qingzhi did not refuse. When she entered the kitchen, it was already very crowded. “Mother, then I’ll go out.”

Li Qingyu smiled and nodded. “Go.”

Chu Qingzhi did not rest. She left the house and walked towards Chu Xuhua’s new house next door.

After An Shanwu finished building the beer workshop, he immediately threw himself into building Chu Xuhua’s house. She wanted to check on the progress.

On the way, Chu Qingzhi bumped into Shen Ruyue, who had sent Tan Mengyang away and was walking back. “Ruyue.”

Shen Ruyue quickly walked towards Chu Qingzhi with a bright face. “Qingzhi, where are you going?”

Chu Qingzhi pointed to the side. “I’m going to take a look at Big Brother’s new house. Ruyue, let’s go together. If there’s anything you don’t like, we can modify it.”

“Okay.” After they got married, this would be her and Xuhua’s house. Thinking of this, Shen Ruyue couldn’t help but blush and nod.

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The two girls walked side by side towards the new house…

Chu Xuhua’s house was not as big as the new house, but the layout was similar. There were four rooms upstairs, and each room was very spacious.

There would definitely be more than two people living in the house in the future. The rooms were empty now. When they had children, these rooms would be occupied.

The first floor was being renovated. The materials were of excellent quality. It looked very cozy.

As for the furniture, the larger pieces had already been ordered in the shop. They would be transported over as soon as the renovation was over.

Chu Rong also made some furniture for them. For example, he made them a long table, but it was as big as the one in the new house, just enough to seat ten people.

Chu Rong’s carpentry skills were good, and the furniture he made was exquisite. Everyone liked it very much.

The central room, room, dining room, and kitchen were all completed. However, they had only painted the walls and laid the floor tiles. The stove had yet to be built.

It looked like the renovation would be completed in three days. There were more than 30 people working here, and they could do a lot of work in a day.

The wedding was on the 25th of August. There was still plenty of time. When Shen Ruyue and Chu Xuhua got married, the wedding venue would be in their new house.

“Ruyue, how is it? Are you satisfied?” Chu Qingzhi asked teasingly.

Shen Ruyue smiled shyly. “I’m satisfied. Such a beautiful house makes it hard to not like it.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and pointed outside. “You can also buy some flowers and plants to plant in the courtyard outside. You can also plant a few fruit trees at the edge. It will definitely be beautiful.”

Shen Ruyue nodded happily.

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After looking at the house and not feeling that there was anything wrong, the two of them went back.

Chu Xuyuan was doing his homework at the table. When he saw Ge Lihua go downstairs, he immediately put down his pen and went up to her. “Master, when are we going to have the master-disciple ceremony?”

Ge Lihua looked at her new disciple and smiled. “How about now?”

Chu Xuyuan said enthusiastically, “Then please take a seat, Master. Let’s go make tea.”

When they heard that their children were going to become disciples, the Chu family came to the central room. This concerned the future of the children. It was a huge matter. Everyone took it seriously.

Chu Qingyan, Chu Xuyuan, and Chu Xuyao personally made tea. They carried it over and knelt in front of Ge Lihua.

Ge Lihua sat down and glanced at her three disciples. She was very satisfied. Then, she took their teacups one by one and took a sip.

“After 1 drink the tea, you will be my disciples in the future. I can’t say that my martial arts are very, very good, but 1 will do my best to teach you.”

“Master, please accept me as your disciple.” The three children kowtowed. Ge Lihua helped them up one by one.

“Wait a minute.” Chu Xujin rushed down from upstairs and said loudly, “I want to be your disciple too!”

Ge Lihua looked at Chu Xujin and said pertinently, “Your bone structure is already fully developed. You’re not suitable to learn martial arts.”

Chu Xujin was a little disappointed, but he still insisted. “I can practice twice as hard.”

Ge Lihua shook her head gently.

Chu Qingzhi coughed softly. “Third Brother, if you become a disciple, you will have to respect your master for the rest of your life.”

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The Best Way To Get Rich In 2 Weeks! This Technique Works! In this era, there was no such thing as a disciple-master romantic relationship. A master was an elder. If he became Ge Lihua’s disciple, they would not be able to develop in a romantic way.

Chu Xujin came back to his senses. That’s right. After becoming Ge Lihua’s disciple, he could only respect her and not have any other thoughts. “Forget it. You guys continue.”

After saying that, he quickly ran away, feeling a little embarrassed.

Ge Lihua’s gaze followed Chu Xujin’s back. Her gaze was very calm, and no one could tell what she was thinking.

Chu Xuyuan raised his head and looked at Ge Lihua. His eyes were bright like a clear spring under the moonlight. “Master, when can we become as powerful as you?”

Ge Lihua smiled. “That depends on your talent. If you’re talented and hardworking, you’ll be able to achieve something in a year at most. You’ll be able to learn everything from me in three to five years.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Chu Qingyan went forward and held Ge Lihua’s hand. She asked expectantly, “Master, when are we going to start learning martial arts?”

Ge Lihua lowered her head and looked at her three disciples. “We’ll start learning after dinner. You guys go and write your homework first. I’ll go make a plan. Then, we’ll follow the plan.”

Chu Qingyan clenched her fists and encouraged herself. “Master, I will definitely work hard.”

Ge Lihua suddenly felt like an elder. She patted Chu Qingyan’s head and said, “Alright, I’ll do my best to teach you.”

After dinner, Ge Lihua brought her three disciples to the courtyard.

The courtyard was paved with limestone. The path was very wide, and it was very flat. The environment was good, and it was a good place to practice martial arts.

Everyone was curious and stood on the balcony on the second floor to watch.

In the courtyard, Ge Lihua held a ruler, looking very serious.

The three disciples lined up and looked at their master seriously.

Ge Lihua stared at her three disciples and said solemnly, “We’ll start practicing the basic skills now. The basic skills include shoulder, arm, leg, hand, step, and jump practice. This is the most important step.”

“The first step is to practice leg stretching.”

The three children were very short. Ge Lihua found a one-meter-tall wooden stake and asked her three disciples to put their legs on it to practice.

“At first, it will hurt when you stretch your leg, but when your muscles and bones become flexible, it will be very easy.”

The three children did not hesitate and immediately began to practice..

Chapter 355: Detoxification Failure

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Ge Lihua was really satisfied. Who didn’t like hard working disciples? No matter how long they could persist, at least their attitude was right. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

“Stretch your left leg 100 times and right leg 100 times. Remember, you can’t bend your legs. Try your best to press your body down. When your head can easily touch your toes, you can start practicing the next move.”

The three disciples replied in unison, “Yes, Master.”

The four elders stood in front of the door and watched. Seeing the little fellows working so hard, they were proud.

On the balcony, Chu Xuhua and Chu Xujin’s eyes were filled with envy. They also wanted to learn martial arts, but they were old and could not learn it. They could only watch.

Chu Qingyue and Chu Qingning smiled as they watched, hoping that their younger sister and younger brother would become martial arts experts in the future.

Chu Qingshuang rested her elbows on the balcony and held her face in her hands. Her cat eyes were very bright. Her family was really good. Sister Lihua was also really good.

Li Zhangjie stood at the side and watched for a while. Then, he quietly retreated to his room, lit a candle, opened the book on the table, and silently learned.

Ever since he came to the Chu family, when Shen Ruyue taught Chu Xuhua and the others how to read, he would also listen. He knew more and more words. Now, he could read.

Since the Chu family was so hardworking, he had to work hard too. Otherwise, if he told people that he was Sister Qingzhi’s servant in the future, he would probably embarrass her.

Wu Yaqing nudged Chu Qingzhi with her arm and asked curiously, “Qingzhi, how are their talents?”

Chu Qingzhi said tactfully, “They have soft bones. It will be very easy for them to learn martial arts.”

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Wu Yaqing said enviously, “If only 1 was younger.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and asked, “You want to learn martial arts too?”

Wu Yaqing was very motivated. “Of course 1 do. You can’t have too many skills.”

Chu Qingzhi patted Wu Yaqing’s shoulder. “Just learn how to spend money and enjoy life.”

Wu Yaqing was speechless.

Chu Qingzhi returned to her room.

Chu Qingyan wanted to learn how to do makeup. Chu Qingzhi wrote down the steps of doing makeup. She explained every step of the makeup method, what rouge powder to use, and what tools to use.

There were no cosmetics, so she would think of a way to make them herself.

There were no tools, so she would think of a way to make them herself.

After practicing repeatedly, Qingyan would not be too far from becoming a top makeup artist.

Chu Qingzhi had just picked up her pen when she suddenly thought of something. She stood up and called Chu Qingshuang into the room.

Chu Qingshuang entered the room and sat at the side. She looked at Chu Qingzhi with admiration. “Fifth Sister, what’s the matter?”

“Wait a moment.” Chu Qingzhi drew a beer bottle on the white paper and showed it to Chu Qingshuang. “Qingshuang, can you porcelain bottles of this shape?”

It was better to use glass for beer bottles, but glass was hard to come by in this era. It was extremely expensive, so it was unrealistic to use it to make beer bottles. Hence, Chu Qingzhi thought of replacing it with porcelain bottles to make it more exquisite and beautiful.

Chu Qingshuang said confidently, “No problem, Fifth Sister.”

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Chu Qingzhi pointed at the beer bottle. “Qingshuang, make the beer bottle white and the words on it yellow. Most importantly, make sure after the bottle is filled up, the beer inside is exactly half a kilo. Qingshuang, do you understand what I mean?”

Chu Qingshuang nodded. “Fifth Sister, I understand.” After a pause, she said, “Fifth Sister, I’ll make a beer bottle tomorrow and bring it back for you to see.”

“Okay,” Chu Qingzhi said. “When you make the bottle, you can use water as beer to measure the weight.”

Chu Qingshuang said, “Yes, don’t worry, Fifth Sister. I understand it.”

Chu Qingzhi tidied Chu Qingshuang’s bangs and asked with concern, “How have you been studying in the porcelain shop recently?”

Chu Qingshuang’s tone was light. “It’s especially good. Master always praises me. I even solved many problems for the porcelain shop. Senior Brother is also good to me. He always brings me delicious food at noon.”

As for the bad things, she did not mention a word.

Chu Qingzhi said gently, “Qingshuang, no matter what happens outside or what grievances you suffer, you can tell your family, understand?”

Chu Qingshuang seemed to have been touched. She hugged Chu Qingzhi and said coquettishly, “Fifth Sister, it’s good to have you around…”

Chu Qingzhi gently patted Chu Qingshuang’s back. “If anyone bullies you, tell Fifth Sister. I’ll avenge you.”

Chu Qingshuang smiled. “Ok.”

At the military camp.

Two soldiers walked past a tent and quickly ran away, fanning in front of their noses as they ran.

“It stinks. What is the little Divine Doctor doing in the tent?”

“I don’t know. They’ve been in the tent for days. Every time I pass here, 1 smell something different.”

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“It smells horrible this time.”

“Let’s go. Mortals like us don’t understand what the Divine Doctors are doing.”

The two soldiers walked away quickly.

In the tent, Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang failed to detoxify the poison again. They even created a stench that made their faces turn pale.

Chu Qingzhi had given them a test two days ago. The two of them had been learning from her for a few months, so she wanted to test the results.

The test was for them to think of a way to detoxify the snake venom with medicine.

There was a wide table in the middle of the tent. On the table were many medicine bottles, mortars, small scales, medicinal herbs, small stoves, fans, and a lot of things.

Yuan Hongjun looked at the small bowl that was emitting black air on the small stove and felt helpless.

“What went wrong? Why do we keep failing? If this continues, 1 will doubt myself.”

Most importantly, he did not want to disappoint his master.

Bao Linjiang sat on the other chair with an ugly expression. “Master must have thought that we could pass this test so she gave this test to us, but the truth is that we failed again and again…”

If they succeeded, the liquid in the bowl would turn transparent. It was pitch-black and emitted a stench…

After reflecting and summarizing for twenty minutes…

Yuan Hongjun stood up from his chair and said with determination, “Little abalone, let’s try again.”

Bao Linjiang nodded and stood up. “Okay.”

They had prepared ten types of poisonous herbs. Using poison to fight poison was the most common method of detoxification. They followed this line of thought to detoxify the poison.

Bao Linjiang retracted his raised hand and hesitated. “Hongjun, why don’t we change the herbs?”

“What are you suggesting?”

“We don’t have to use poison to fight poison. Perhaps we can use nontoxic herbs.”

“Let’s try…”

Chapter 356: Something Big Happened

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang changed their minds. In the end, they used more than ten gentle herbs to detoxify the snake venom.

The two of them looked at the transparent medicine in the bowl and smiled at each other.

They had all been greatly inspired by the test this time. They had a deeper understanding of the medicinal uses of the herbs, and their medical skills had improved greatly.

Yuan Hongjun’s delicate face was filled with joy. “Let’s go find Master tomorrow morning.”

Bao Linjiang nodded. He was also very happy. His blue eyes lit up like gems. “1 can finally face Master.”

In the Chu Village.

Two hours had passed.

Ge Lihua looked at his three diligent disciples with satisfaction. “This is enough for today. Everyone, go and rest. We’ll continue practicing tomorrow.”

“Ok.”

“Master, when can we practice Qinggong?” Chu Xuyuan asked eagerly.

Ge Lihua said, “After you’ve mastered the basics, I’ll teach you Qinggong. It’ll take about a month.” If they learned Qinggong, they could run if you encountered danger. It was necessary to learn it first.

Chu Xuyuan was overjoyed. “Got it, Master.”

Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao returned to their rooms to read. Chu Qingyan went to Chu Qingzhi’s room to learn how to do makeup.

Ge Lihua was exhausted from her investigations in the day. At night, she taught her three disciples martial arts. Now that she could relax, she only wanted to lie down. Therefore, after she left, she went straight to her room.

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Ge Lihua and Wu Yaqing lived in the same room. As soon as she returned, she saw Wu Yaqing winking at her. She asked curiously, “Yaqing, what’s wrong?”

Wu Yaqing leaned against the head of the bed, reading a book and eating biscuits. Seeing that Ge Lihua did not understand what she meant, she pointed again. “Look at the table.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Ge Lihua turned around…

There was a tray on the table with a plate and a glass of hot milk. On the plate were two triangular sandwiches and four biscuits.

Ge Lihua was feeling hungry. Seeing such exquisite late-night snacks, she didn’t plan to be polite. ‘Who made these?'”

Wu Yaqing deliberately kept her in suspense. “Hehe, take a guess.”

Ge Lihua eliminated the possibilities one by one in her mind and finally locked onto Chu Xujin. “Yaqing, have you seen Xujin cook?”

Wu Yaqing ate a biscuit. “Everyone in Qingzhi’s family knows how to cook.”

That would be him then. Ge Lihua picked up the sandwich and took a bite. This time, it was added with sausage and tasted even better. “Xujin made it, right?” Wu Yaqing looked up and said in surprise, “You knew it?”

Ge Lihua nodded and took a sip of milk.

Wu Yaqing thought for a moment, then hopped out of bed, slipped on her shoes, and rushed in front of Ge Lihua, her face full of gossip. “Lihua, anyone with a brain can tell that Xujin is interested in you. What are your thoughts?” Ge Lihua had yet to completely recover from the sadness of losing her family. She had never thought about getting married. “Yaqing, 1 don’t have any thoughts.”

Wu Yaqing’s big eyes flickered, and her desire to gossip became even stronger. “Then you can think about it now.”

Ge Lihua didn’t know what to think. “Yaqing, go and read. Give me some time and don’t push me.”

Wu Yaqing hesitated for a moment. “Alright, let me know as soon as you figure it out.”

Ge Lihua smiled. “Alright.”

Wu Yaqing went back and continued to read and eat biscuits leisurely. She was probably the most carefree person in the world.

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Ge Lihua fell into deep thought.

In Chu Qingzhi’s room.

Chu Qingzhi explained to Chu Qingyan what she had written on the paper about doing makeup.

“Qingyan, do you understand? If you don’t, 1’11 tell you again.”

“Fifth Sister, 1 understand, but I have some questions.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “What is it? Tell me.”

Chu Qingyan said, “Fifth Sister, everyone’s eyebrows look similar. If I were to help them put on makeup, how should I go about doing it?”

“That depends on the shape of the face,” Chu Qingzhi explained. “Look at the shape of my face. It’s a typical oval face. It’s slightly long, the forehead is slightly round, and the lower part is slightly sharp. My facial features are quite full. I’m suitable for crescent eyebrows, unibrow eyebrows, and willow eyebrows.”

Chu Qingyan admired Chu Qingzhi’s almost perfect facial features and said sincerely, “Fifth Sister is the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and continued, “Ruyue’s face is slightly round in the upper part, with a slightly pointed chin, and smooth lines. Her face shape is oval, so willow eyebrows suits her the best.”

“And round face, long face, square face…”

Chu Qingzhi told Chu Qingyan about all the facial shapes and the eyebrows that corresponded to them. When she spoke, she also recorded the content so that Chu Qingyan could study it later.

Chu Qingyan was already confused. “Fifth Sister, 1 thought that being a makeup artist was very simple. I didn’t expect there to be so much to learn.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “If you only want to learn the basics, it’s naturally simple. However, it’s not simple at all to master it and become proficient.”

Chu Qingyan said seriously, “Fifth Sister, 1’11 work hard.”

Chu Qingzhi encouraged, “I believe you.”

Chu Qingyan studied for two hours before returning to her room. After returning to her room, she lit a candle and reviewed the key points carefully.

She made up her mind to be the best makeup artist in the world.

At the General’s residence in the capital.

It was already very late when Tang Jinghong finished his work. As soon as he returned home, he walked to the study room and prepared to send a message to Chu Qingzhi.

When he walked into the study, he heard the cry of an eagle. He quickly lit the candle.

A mighty black eagle was lying on the table and staring at Tang Jinghong.

Tang Jinghong hurriedly walked over and took off the thing on its back. “This is…”

While he was curious, he rolled up his sleeves and gently tapped the golden-feathered phoenix on his arm.

The golden-feathered phoenix flew out from his arm.

Its feathers were exquisitely beautiful, adorned with intricate patterns, and its posture exuded majesty. Emitting a radiant golden glow, it was almost too dazzling to look at directly.

Every time he looked, Tang Jinghong would be shocked.

“Qingzhi, I’ve received what you sent me.”

Chu Qingzhi was waiting for his message. “These are bread and biscuits. I specially sent them to you to try. If you like them, I’ll get the eagle to bring more for you.”

Tang Jinghong smiled gently and tasted a piece of bread and a biscuit. They were all his favorite flavors. “Qingzhi, they’re very delicious. I like them very much.”

Chu Qingzhi lay on the bed. “1’11 send you more after you finish them all.”

Tang Jinghong had a gentle smile on his face. He looked at the golden-feathered phoenix as if he was looking at Chu Qingzhi. “Okay.”

“Jinghong, Jinghong…” Princess Changle’s voice rang out from outside the study.

Tang Jinghong hurriedly said, “Qingzhi, something happened over here. 1’11 explain to you after 1 settle it.”

Chu Qingzhi’s face darkened. It was a woman’s voice just now!!!

No matter what happened, he should be given a chance to explain himself.

Hence, she endured her discomfort and agreed. “Okay..”

Chapter 357: Full Preparation

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

When Tang Jinghong heard Chu Qingzhi’s answer, he immediately rolled up his sleeves and raised his arm to let the golden-feathered phoenix return to his arm. The gentle smile on his face instantly disappeared and he became expressionless. Then, he walked towards the door of the study.

Why was the princess in his residence in the middle of the night?

Tang Jinghong opened the door to the study, and Princess Changle happened to raise her hand, ready to knock. She lifted a gentle smile and said, “Jinghong…”

Before she could finish speaking, Tang Jinghong raised his hand and knocked her out. He called the secret guard over. “Send her back to Changle Palace.”

The secret guard took the princess and immediately sent her away.

Tang Jinghong turned around and returned to the study. He wrote a secret letter to the emperor. The next day, Princess Changle was grounded in Changle Palace.

Tang Jinghong released the golden-feathered phoenix again and told Chu Qingzhi everything about Princess Changle. He did not dare to hide a word.

He knew very well that with Chu Qingzhi’s personality, once he lost her trust, they would never have a future.

He found living without Qingzhi unbearable.

After Chu Qingzhi heard the explanation, her mood eased. “Why does the princess like you so much?”

Tang Jinghong fell into recollection, “More than five years ago, 1 was ordered by the Crown Prince, who is now the current Emperor, to set up an ambush in the shadows to stop a palace coup. When a prince rebelled and led troops into the palace, I happened to save the princess’s life during the skirmish…”

It was normal for a girl to fall in love with a hero. Moreover, Jinghong was so outstanding.

However, love couldn’t be forced. Even though she knew that Jinghong already had a fiancee, she was unwilling to let go. That’s where the problem lies.

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Chu Qingzhi wanted to ask Tang Jinghong if he had feelings for the princess, but she swallowed her words. If he had, the two of them would have gotten married long ago.

“Jinghong, what do you plan to do with the princess?”

Tang Jinghong had thought about this question many times, but his head hurt as he thought about it. In the end, he gave up. “To be honest, 1 don’t know. Qingzhi, how do you think 1 should deal with it?”

Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment and said helplessly, “I don’t have any good ideas either.”

After a short silence…

Chu Qingzhi brought the topic to the case. This was the most important thing now. “Jinghong, have you found any leads about “Yun” during the investigation?”

Tang Jinghong replied, “My team is putting in maximum effort to investigate, but we haven’t found any leads yet. Also, the Minister of War is not cooperating, and we’re currently at an impasse.”

Chu Qingzhi remained silent. In her mind, a plan was taking shape. After refining it further, she would discuss it with Jinghong.

Tang Jinghong continued, “Qingzhi, I found out that the person who bought the official position also had a rice grain tattoo.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Is that person from the eastern border?”

Tang Jinghong responded, “Yes, he passed the imperial examination in the eastern border five years ago, but before that, he had been in a very inconspicuous position and was someone nobody cared about.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “This person has a rice grain tattoo on him, so he must be from one of the factions in the eastern border. What he is doing in the capital is definitely instructed by his faction in the eastern border.”

She paused and said, “Jinghong, think about it. Which official position did he buy? What rights does that official position have?”

“Also, the Minister of War definitely doesn’t lack money. Why would he sell official positions?”

“In addition, I think that since the person who bought the official position is an imperial scholar, isn’t it good for the Minister of War to just recruit him? Why did he have to take a risk to sell an official position?”

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“By the way, who told you that they are involved in the buying and selling of official positions? I think you might have been misled.”

When Tang Jinghong heard this, he felt enlightened. “Qingzhi, sometimes a few words are worth more than years of study. 1 have clues now.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “As long as I can help you, 1’11 be happy.”

A subtle smile curled on the corner of Tang Jinghong’s lips. “Qingzhi, you are my lucky star.”

Chu Qingzhi accepted the praise calmly. “By the way, Jinghong, I have a plan to tell you. 1 need your cooperation.”

Tang Jinghong said solemnly, “Go ahead.”

Chu Qingzhi said seriously, “1 plan to pretend to be Tao Pengnan and go to the black market to deliver the goods. I’ll take the opportunity to catch ‘Yun’.”

Tang Jinghong hesitated. After a while, he pursed his lips and asked, “Qingzhi, are you confident that you can escape unscathed?”

Chu Qingzhi said with certainty, “Yes.”

Tang Jinghong considered for a moment, then replied, “I’ll cooperate with you. Once you’ve made the arrangements on your end, let me know.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded. “Okay.”

In the morning, the birds chirped incessantly, awakening the land that had been asleep all night. The sun, tinged with a rosy hue, ascended from the horizon, revealing a smiling face.

“Master…”

“Master…”

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang ran into Chu Qingzhi’s house one after another.

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The family members had all gone to work in the fields, and since Chu Qingzhi didn’t join them, she stayed at home to help with preparing breakfast. Upon hearing the voice, she raised her voice and said, “I’m in the kitchen.”

The two young men immediately ran towards the kitchen. “Master, we’ve detoxified the snake venom.”

Chu Qingzhi curled her lips, generously praising, “Well done! 1 thought it would take you several more days to figure it out.”

Growing up, both of them had been used to receiving praises, but never had any praise felt as joyful as it did now.

Zhan Hongjun, with a hint of shyness, said, “It’s all thanks to the excellent guidance from Master.”

Bao Linjiang also felt a bit embarrassed. They only figured it out by luck. He chuckled and displayed the detoxification formula for Chu Qingzhi. “Master, take a look. This is the detoxification formula.”

The detoxification formula detailed the herbs used, specified which parts of the herbs were employed, outlined the various steps in the pharmaceutical process, and indicated the duration for each herb to be boiled before adding the next one. It was a highly intricate process.

Chu Qingzhi quickly scanned the formula. “There’s an even simpler method,” she remarked.

Zhan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang immediately displayed a curious expression, “Please, Master, enlighten us.”

Chu Qingzhi spoke gently, “Remove the fourth, fifth, seventh, and ninth herbs. Swap the positions of the first and third herbs, then add the sixth herb. Keep everything else the same.”

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang looked at the formula and fell into deep thought…

Chu Qingzhi looked at the two of them. “Study it when you have time. Right now, there’s something else I need you both to do.”

Zhan Hongjun solemnly replied, “Master, please tell us, we will get it done.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “After breakfast, go collect ten types of herbs: mulberry leaves, turnip, purple hibiscus,…, and bamboo fungus. Gather 50 kilos of each.” n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

These herbs can be used to fake poppies. Since the decision has been made to expose the mastermind behind the scenes, she had to be fully prepared.

Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang nodded. “Master, we understand. We’ll definitely get it done by the afternoon.”

Chu Qingzhi instructed, “When you go to collect the herbs later, bring Qingning with you. Oh, and remember, we’ll be having lunch at my auntie’s place today. It’s Songnian’s birthday celebration, so don’t miss it.”

The two of them replied, “Got it.”

Chu Qingzhi pointed at the cupboard and said, “Go get the bowls and chopsticks. It’s time for breakfast.”

The two of them nodded vigorously. “Got it..”

Chapter 358: Turning Enemies

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After breakfast, everyone got busy with their own things.

Grandpa Chu, Grandma Chu, Chu Rong, and Chu Qingyan went to work in the fields. They had finished harvesting the corn, and today’s main task was cutting corn stalks. They planned to finish by noon and then go to Li Qingyin’s house for lunch.

Li Qingyu went to the county to buy gifts and then went straight to Li Qingyin’s house to help cook.

Chu Xuhua took a basket and filled it with sausages, sandwiches, bread, and biscuits, ready to go out to do business with Li Zhangjie.

Shen Ruyue sent Chu Xuhua to the village entrance and then returned to arrange the workshop.

Since the morning, many people came to pick up goods. There were also tasks such as purchasing raw materials and keeping accounts. The workload was extensive throughout the day.

Chu Qingyue and Chu Qingshuang went to the county together. One went to Cloud Embroidery Workshop to learn embroidery, and the other went to Li Porcelain Shop to learn ceramics.

Chu Qingning, Yuan Hongjun, and Bao Linjiang went to collect the herbs Chu Qingzhi wanted.

Chu Xu jin and Ge Lihua were assigned a secret mission by Chu Qingzhi. After breakfast, they helped clean up the house before heading to the county office.

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Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao were taken to the school by Fu Bao. They left right after eating, but today, the two of them brought four sandwiches to the school without explaining why.

The idle person, Wu Yaqing, followed Chu Qingzhi, claiming to be her assistant.

Li Qingyu walked towards the county city. After taking a few steps, she bumped into Matchmaker Xu, who had come to talk about Chu Qingning’s marriage before.

“Qingyu girl, where are you going so early?” Matchmaker Xu was here especially for Li Qingyu. Seeing her, she was very enthusiastic, thinking to herself that if this matchmaking went well, she would definitely make a lot of money.

Li Qingyu was in a good mood because of her nephew’s birthday and greeted the matchmaker with a smile. “It’s my nephew’s birthday, so I’m going to buy some gifts,”

“You even specially went to buy gifts?” Matchmaker Xu thought to herself. What a rich family. If it were me, 1 would just bring some eggs from home.

Li Qingyu smiled, “In the past, when the children had birthdays, we didn’t hold a celebration because we were poor. This time, I need to prepare something grand.”

Mrs. Xu smiled and said, “Good, good.” Then she shifted the topic, “Speaking of which, have you thought about that thing?”

Li Qingyu was prepared for this, “Sister Xu, my Qingzhi is still young, and i want to keep her at home for two more years.” This was a polite way of refusing.

Hearing this, Mrs. Xu’s smile faded a bit. “Qingyu, Qingning will be almost seventeen in a few months. She’s not young anymore. In our village, girls are already married and become mothers at seventeen.”

Li Qingyu didn’t like others talking about her daughter, “Sister Xu, you can’t generalize. There are those who haven’t become mothers or married at seventeen. How can you make such a sweeping statement?”

Seeing that Li Qingyu was not happy, Mrs. Xu quickly softened her tone, “Qingyu, 1 didn’t mean that. What 1 meant is that the family I mentioned to you has really good conditions. If you miss this opportunity, there won’t be such a good match next time.”

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“Thank you for your kind intentions, but 1 really want to keep Qingning at home for two more years.”

Li Qingyu actually felt that that family was not bad, but since Qingning said no, she could not force her.

After marriage, women had to take care of their husbands, in-laws, and children. There was no rest throughout the day. She believed that women should do these things, but the premise was that they had to do it willingly.

Matchmaker Xu’s smile gradually disappeared, “Qingyu, women will eventually get married. Why keep her at home? What’s the point?”

Li Qingyu felt upset. She explained, “Sister Xu, everyone has their own aspirations. Getting married and having children is good, and learning medicine is also good. Can’t people be different?”

Matchmaker Xu’s smile completely disappeared, and her tone quickened. “Sister Qingyu, are you looking down on others just because your family is rich now?”

Li Qingyu hurriedly said, “Sister Xu, don’t say that. 1 don’t mean that at all.”

Matchmaker Xu, with a somewhat aggressive tone, questioned, “Chu Qingning is at the suitable age for marriage. Why keep her for two more years? Do you think the other family is not wealthy enough for yours? Do you look down on them?”

Li Qingyu hurriedly denied, “I never thought that way. The son of the family you mentioned is about to take the imperial examination, and it’s us who can’t match their family.”

Matchmaker Xu pressed on, “Then tell me, why keep her for two more years?”

Unable to withstand Matchmaker Xu’s relentless questioning, Li Qingyu had to find an excuse, “Qingning is now studying medicine, and she plans to go on a journey after learning medicine. She won’t be able to get married in the next two years. I’m sorry, Sister Xu, for making you come here in vain.”

Matchmaker Xu didn’t agree, “Oh, Qingyu, how can you let her act so recklessly? What’s the point of a woman learning medicine and going on a journey? Getting married and having children is the most important thing. Otherwise, she’ll become an old spinster and won’t be able to get married!”

Li Qingyu also worried, but looking at Ge Lihua, who was both literary and martial, and became a female constable after traveling, it didn’t seem that bad. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Moreover, comparing the village girls who married at seventeen or eighteen with Ge Lihua, the difference was huge. The village girls wouldn’t catch up to her even in several lifetimes.

Now Chu Qingning had the opportunity to become a girl like Ge Lihua, as a mother, how could Li Qingyu not support it?

“Sister Xu, everyone has their own aspirations. Getting married and having children is good, and learning medicine is also good.”

“Qingyu, look at which family allows their daughter to learn this and that?”

Li Qingyu was a bit annoyed, “There are many other girls in the surrounding villages. Why don’t you try matchmaking them?”

Matchmaker Xu looked uneasy, “Li Qingyu, you don’t appreciate good intentions. I’m doing this for your own good.”

Are you sure you are not doing this for the matchmaking fee?” Li Qingyu’s good mood was almost gone, “Thanks for your kindness, but it’s pointless to continue talking like this. 1 have things to do, so I’ll take my leave.”

The matchmaker cursed, “Li Qingyu, you will regret this sooner or later.”

“No need for your concern,” Li Qingyu turned and walked away, feeling thoroughly annoyed.

As Li Qingyu left, the matchmaker muttered behind her, “Your daughter will end up being an old spinster, no man will want her…”

Hearing these words, Li Qingyu turned around and glared at the matchmaker, “Your daughter does have someone who wants her, but she’s constantly being abused by her husband. As a mother, you don’t care about your daughter at all. Are you even fit to be a mother?”

Matchmaker Xu felt guilty and shrank her neck. “What does it have to do with you?”

Li Qingyu coldly said, “I just can’t help but feel sorry for your daughter, having a mother who doesn’t care about her well-being. It’s better to be an orphan!”

“You…” The matchmaker hadn’t expected Li Qingyu to be so tough despite her seemingly soft appearance. She dared not say anything more and hurriedly left.

Li Qingyu stood with hands on her hips, snorted, “My sons and daughters are my bottom line.. You want to harm them? Over my dead body!”

Chapter 359: Eye-Opener

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

At the old house.

The bread and biscuits that Li Qingyu and the others had baked were placed in Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao’s room.

Chu Qingzhi and Wu Yaqing were packaging them. Tan Mengyang would send someone to transport them away later.

The bread was packaged with ten slices per bag, and each bag weighed half a kilogram. One hundred kilograms of bread amounted to four hundred bags, all already wrapped in oil paper and packed into four boxes.

The biscuits were packaged with 2.5 kilos per bag, and one hundred kilo amounted to forty bags. They were packed into two boxes.

Just after finishing the packing, Tan Mengyang’s subordinates arrived with a group of people. “Miss Chu, Young Master sent me to transport the goods. Are they ready?”

Chu Qingzhi pointed at the six boxes at the door. “They’re all packed. Do you want to check?”

The subordinate hurriedly said, “No need. We trust Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “Then go and load them. By the way, don’t let the box get wet.”

The subordinate nodded. “Thank you for your reminder, Miss Chu. We understand.”

After loading the goods onto the carriage, the subordinate handed a hundred taels of silver to Chu Qingzhi. “Miss Chu, here’s the payment for the goods.”

The bread and biscuits were sold for 50 copper coins a half a kilo, so 200 kilos would be 200 taels of silver. When they signed the contract yesterday, Tan Mengyang had paid a deposit of 100 taels of silver, so she received the other 100 taels this time.

With the settlement of payment and goods, the subordinate, along with his crew, transported the goods away.

Chu Qingzhi walked to the accounting room and handed the money to Shen Ruyue. “Ruyue, record it.”

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Shen Ruyue nodded.

There were still 25 kilos of bread and 25 kilos of biscuits in the room. These would be given to the villagers to sell when they went out to sell ice cream bars.

Yesterday, Chu Xuede didn’t receive the goods, and he was disappointed for a long time. In the evening, he even came over to remind Li Qingyu to bake more bread and biscuits. He was quite eager.

“Qingzhi.” Du Xiu’e stood outside the courtyard and waved at Chu Qingzhi.

Du Xiu’e was one of the women assisting Chu Qingzhi in brewing beer, aged around twenty-five or twenty-six. She was meticulous in her work, quick with her hands and feet, and had a clear and organized approach. She was truly a valuable helper.

Chu Qingzhi liked her quite a lot. When she heard this, she replied, “Sister Xiu’e, I’m coming.”

Du Xiu’e was surrounded by nine other people involved in brewing beer. When they passed by, they happened to see Chu Qingzhi and stopped to greet her.

The group arrived at the beer workshop.

Chu Qingzhi took out the key and opened the door. As she walked inside, she said, “The task for today is to clean the barley grains and then put them in the wooden tray for germination…”

This was the first time for everyone to brew beer, and Chu Qingzhi guided them step by step, providing explanations along the way.

Wu Yaqing assisted Chu Qingzhi on the side, enjoying the work quite a lot.

This step was very simple. The twelve of them completed it in an hour.

Chu Qingzhi said, “Germination will take three days. For the next three days, you can arrange your own schedule and don’t need to come to the workshop.”

Everyone nodded.

Chu Qingzhi added, “After cleaning the workshop, everyone can go home.”

“Okay.”

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Wu Yaqing washed her hands and walked towards Chu Qingzhi. “Qingzhi, what should we do next?”

Chu Qingzhi reached out to wipe the water off Wu Yaqing’s face. “Go order milk.”

Wu Yaqing’s interest was piqued. “Where?”

Chu Qingzhi pointed in the north. “There’s a cow farm over there. Let’s go there.”

Wu Yaqing formed a little tent with her hands and placed it over her eyes, making a cute gesture. “Is it a bit too far?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “It won’t be far if we ride a horse.”

Wu Yaqing said excitedly, “Then let’s go and ride the horse…”

The two of them went back and rode their horses to the cow farm.

At the Li family’s porcelain shop.

Chu Qingshuang started molding beer bottles as soon as she arrived at the shop. In no time, a cute, round-bellied clay bottle was born in her hands.

She looked at the beer bottle and found it cute. She couldn’t help but smile.

An eight or nine-year-old girl named Li Wenyu, dressed in a cute blue dress, walked over. “Sister Qingshuang, what are you molding today?”

Chu Qingshuang looked up at the cute little girl and said, “Beer bottle.”

Li Wenyu looked at the beer bottle and praised, “How cute.”

Chu Qingshuang smiled at Li Wenyu. “If you like it, 1’11 give you one when I’m done.”

Li Wenyu said happily, “Thank you, Sister Qingshuang.”

At this moment, a fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl walked in. It was Yan Yanrong. She had a smug expression and, glancing at the beer bottle in Chu Qingshuang’s hands, she spoke harshly, “What beer bottle? Chu Qingshuang, do you really think of this place as your own home? Who said you can mold whatever you want?”

Yan Yanrong was Li Shaoliang’s cousin. She had always liked Li Shaoliang. In the end, when Chu Qingshuang came, Li Shaoliang turned his attention to Chu Qingshuang. She had always held it against Chu Qingshuang.

Not only did she act this way, but she also joined forces with others to isolate Chu Qingshuang, which was quite inappropriate.

Chu Qingshuang didn’t want to cause trouble for her family and the people around her, so she endured it.

Chu Qingshuang’s smile faded, and she furrowed her brow. “I can sell the bottles 1 molded.”

“You?” Yan Yanrong looked over and said disdainfully, “Who’s gonna buy it? Are you buying it yourself? Do you have the money to buy it?”

Chu Qingshuang lifted her gaze, staring directly into Yan Yanrong’s eyes. She asserted firmly, “I’ll make as many as I want to sell. You don’t need to worry about it. Besides, this shop doesn’t belong to the Yan family. Mind your own business.”

Yan Yanrong, relying on connections, was also learning under Chu Qingshuang’s master.

Yan Yanrong said aggressively, “This shop doesn’t belong to the Yan family, nor doesn’t it belong to the Chu family. Don’t think you can do whatever you want just because Master dotes on you!”

Chu Qingshuang felt that talking to Yan Yanrong was a waste of time. “Instead of entangling with me here, you’d be better off completing the tasks assigned by the master. That’s more worthwhile than anything else.”

Yan Yanrong felt that Chu Qingshuang’s words were mocking her for not making good ceramics. She suddenly became angry, “Just because you can make good ceramics, does that give you the right to look down on others?”

Chu Qingshuang felt aggrieved. “I’ve never felt that I’m better than anyone, nor do I look down on others.”

Yan Yanrong wouldn’t give up. “Then what did you mean just now?”

Chu Qingshuang was speechless. “I didn’t mean anything. You’re thinking too much.”

“Qingshuang, have you had breakfast?” Li Shaoliang’s voice came from outside the shop.

Yan Yanrong looked around quickly, then swiftly approached Chu Qingshuang, grabbing her hand and pressing it against her own face. She sat down on the ground and started crying, “Qingshuang, I just said a few words to you, why did you hit me?”

When Li Shaoliang entered, he saw Yan Yanrong sitting on the ground, covering her face with her hands and crying… Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Unexpectedly, Li Shaoliang didn’t follow the usual pattern. He placed the food box in his hand on the table by the door and walked towards the three of them. “What happened?”

At the same time, he went to the side to get a basin of water and placed it in front of Yan Yanrong. “Cousin, wash your face. When my father comes and sees your muddy face, he’ll scold you.”

Hearing this, Yan Yanrong did not know whether to cry or not. She stared at the basin of water in a daze.

Chu Qingshuang was also stunned, not because of Li Shaoliang’s actions but because she was caught off guard by Yan Yanrong’s trick. She had never thought someone could scheme like this. It was an eye-opener..

Chapter 360: Rich and Willful

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After giving Yan Yanrong a basin of water, Li Shaoliang ignored her. He waved to Chu Qingshuang, “Qingshuang, go wash your hands. I’ve bought something delicious for you.”

Intrigued by his mysterious demeanor, Chu Qingshuang became interested, “Alright.”

After washing her hands, Chu Qingshuang walked towards Li Shaoliang. She exclaimed, “Senior Brother, did you go and buy bread and biscuits?”

Li Shaoliang was about to nod, then suddenly realized something. He looked up at Chu Qingshuang, slightly puzzled, “You know bread and biscuits?”

“It’s made by my Fifth Sister.” Chu Qingshuang couldn’t help but laugh, “1 was planning to make some myself tonight and bring it for you and Master to try tomorrow. I didn’t expect you to buy it for me.”

Li Shaoliang was stunned.

It seemed that he was being too anxious. He should have waited for Qingshuang to make it for him.

“Qingshuang, will you still bring some for me and Dad tomorrow?” Li Shaoliang’s expression was somewhat pitiful, his eyes eagerly looking at her.

Chu Qingshuang smiled and nodded. “1’11 make something else for you tomorrow.”

Li Shaoliang was delighted. “Ok.”

Seeing that Li Shaoliang was ignoring her, Yan Yanrong was furious. She washed her smudged face and rushed over. “Chu Qingshuang, you hit me. How can you still have the face to eat Cousin’s food?”

Li Wenyu walked over and sat beside Chu Qingshuang. “You were the one who put the mud on your face. Sister Qingshuang didn’t even touch you.”

Yan Yanrong’s lie was exposed. Feeling guilty, she said sternly, “Li Wenyu, you’re a traitor too!”

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Li Wenyu glanced at Yan Yanrong and calmly said, “1 just spoke the truth.”

Staring at Li Wenyu, Yan Yanrong wondered if Chu Qingshuang had bribed her. Why was she also siding with Chu Qingshuang?

Li Wenyu was Old Master Li’s precious great-granddaughter and was very doted on. She could be said to be the center of attention in the Li family.

Yan Yanrong had never seen her being so close to anyone, but Chu Qingshuang was an exception. Every time Chu Qingshuang came to the shop, she would stick to her like a little follower.

Li Shaoliang looked at Yan Yanrong, “If you have nothing to do, go to work and don’t disturb us eating.”

Yan Yanrong was indignant.

She looked at the bread and biscuits and licked her lips. “Cousin, 1 want to eat too.”

Li Shaoliang said straightforwardly, “If you want to eat, go buy it. 1 bought it for Qingshuang. 1 didn’t buy your portion.”

Yan Yanrong felt a tremendous blow in her heart. With a red face, she turned and walked away, and her resentment towards Chu Qingshuang deepened.

Her cousin had never cared for a girl like this before. Chu Qingshuang was just a country girl, why did her cousin treat her so well?

No, she had to drive her out of the Li Family’s porcelain shop, or her cousin would surely be taken away by Chu Qingshuang.

Chu Qingshuang watched Yan Yanrong’s dejected back, feeling that she deserved it. But was Senior Brother being too biased towards her? Wasn’t he afraid that she might have really hit Yan Yanrong?

Li Shaoliang turned around to comfort Chu Qingshuang, “Qingshuang, don’t mind Yan Yanrong. She’s just spoiled. I’ll talk to her later, and if she doesn’t change, 1’11 send her back and tell her not to come again.”

Chu Qingshuang was stunned.

Li Wenyu gently patted Chu Qingshuang’s hand with a childish expression. “Sister Qingshuang, I’ll protect you too.”

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Chu Qingshuang patted Li Wenyu’s head and smiled. “Thank you, Wenyu.”

At the cow farm.

The owner back and forth at the entrance of the cow farm…

That girl said she would come to buy the milk again in a couple of days. Would she come today? If not, the milk would go bad.

Just as he was thinking, the sound of two sets of horse hooves approached.

The owner looked up to see a girl in light green and another in light purple, riding horses gracefully towards him.

The scene was even more beautiful than a painting!

Chu Qingshi and Wu Yaqing agilely dismounted. Their clothes fluttered, looking very elegant.

The owner quickly went up to her. “Miss Chu, you’re finally here.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled politely. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No, no.” The owner was also quite polite. Other than Chu Qingzhi, no one else wanted milk. If he offended the girl in front of him, he would lose a sum of income. “Miss, the milk is already squeezed.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded and said, “I’ll have to trouble you to send someone to transport it for me.”

The owner said readily. “No problem, I’ve prepared everything. It’s just that there’s more milk this time, so…”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “Don’t worry. 1 understand.”

As they spoke, they walked towards the shed where the milk was kept.

The milk was squeezed into barrels, which had lids to prevent dust, totaling twenty barrels, each weighing about 12.5 kilograms.

Chu Qingshi opened the lid and looked. Then she said, “Are you interested in long-term partnership?”

The owner couldn’t be happier. An excited expression immediately appeared on his face. “Of course, Miss.”

Chu Qingshi looked at the cow farm. The cows ate good food, and the milk quality was high. The butter made from it was also very fragrant.

“Deliver ten barrels of milk to my house everyday. I’ll pay you three taels of silver each time, with one condition only. The milk has to be fresh.”

The owner was pleasantly surprised. “Three taels?”

Chu Qingzhi looked at the owner. “Yes, three taels. What do you think?”

The owner was extremely excited and asked impatiently, “No problem at all. When do you want me to start delivering it?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Starting tomorrow.” She paused. “Shall we sign a contract?”

“Sure.” The owner agreed readily. Signing a contract would protect both parties’ interests and prevent disputes in the future. He had no reason to refuse.

At this moment, Wu Yaqing pulled Chu Qingzhi’s sleeve and pointed to the right. “Qingzhi, look, those cows are kneeling and crying.”

Chu Qingzhi looked over…

Two men each pulled the two cows towards the entrance of the cow farm. As they walked, the four cows knelt down together with tears in their eyes.

The owner explained, “I don’t know what happened, but these cows just keep eating and won’t gain weight. The vet says they are old. The old cows in the farm are usually taken to a designated place for slaughter…” n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

With the government’s permission, it was not an issue to slaughter cows that had lost their ability to work or died naturally. The only restriction was against private slaughter.

Wu Yaqing watched the cows kneeling on the ground and took pity on them. Tears couldn’t help but flow down, “Sell those cows to me.”

The owner was a conscientious person. He reminded her seriously, “Miss, those cows are already old and can’t plow the fields. It’s useless to buy them back.”

Wu Yaqing wiped her tears. “I’ll buy them and let them grow old and die peacefully.”

The owner didn’t know what to say.

So this is what it means to be rich and willful..