Chapter 2188: Asking Master Xiang You for Advice

No more hunger.

After a long day of hard work, returning home to hot, fragrant griddle cakes—what a dream for so many!

After the second harvest, various regions of Blingden held harvest festivals. They offered sacrifices to the heavens, the earth, and the Dragon God. New crops were also gradually being promoted nationwide as planned. The Blingden Plain was vast, and with the rapid increase in spiritual energy, many spirit herbs that previously only grew at high altitudes began to thrive at lower elevations. These were economically more valuable crops. He Lingchuan had always hoped that the spirit rice and seeds consumed by ancient immortal sects would one day return to the human world. Such spirit rice would surely greatly enhance the physique of common people.

All mines in the Blingden Plain belonged to the Cangyan Kingdom. However, apart from large mineral fields mined by the government, the rights to exploit other scattered small mines were leased out or operated through public-private partnerships. Since they were taken by the Dragon God Army during the Dragon God War, mining and smelting had been carried out at an accelerated pace. During this period, mineral products were in high demand. Smelted products from the Blingden Plain were popular in every country.

The residents of the Blingden Plain paid no heed to foreign affairs, focusing solely on production, naturally with protection provided. Yet, looking at the entire world, had there ever been a day of peace?

Mudu, Sumao Qingxi.

A fresh rain had just fallen. You Huan opened the window of his study, immediately smelling the clean scent of grass and earth. He had spent his entire youth on a rural farm and greatly enjoyed this scent.

Then he saw Mei Wuniang walking along the winding cobblestone path behind the stream, carrying a gilded food box. Today, she wore a delicate, soft peach-pink outfit; her flowing skirt was slightly damp, like a peony after rain. Yet her short, practical attire was very neat, and she crossed the stream with remarkable lightness, unlike the wide robes and voluminous sleeves favored by Mudu's noblewomen, which made walking difficult. When guests passed by, she greeted them, her face radiating a vibrant and cheerful smile.

When Mei Wuniang gently knocked on the study door, she heard a calm "Come in."

She pushed the door open and saw You Huan writing furiously. The documents on his desk were stacked very high, more than two palms tall.

"You work so early and late every day. Has the Emperor given you a pay raise?" she asked naturally, walking in and placing the food box on the low table beside the couch. "Today's breakfast includes your favorite osmanthus red bean chilled cream." In hot weather, people loved to eat something cool and sweet.

Her study by the back stream had green trees behind it providing shade from the sun, and a murmuring stream in front that cooled the air. Being close to the palace, You Huan often came over in the afternoon and evening, sometimes staying there overnight instead of returning to his residence. This place naturally became one of his offices; he would use a storage ring to transport documents to and from.

You Huan watched Mei Wuniang take out the pastries one by one and arrange them on the small table. This woman was very careful and knew her boundaries. When he was working or had documents on his desk, Mei Wuniang would not approach him too closely, to avoid being a nuisance. After all, the documents You Huan reviewed daily were full of secrets. In this regard, she did better than even his own family.

"Such a lavish breakfast today?" You Huan closed his book, stood up, and moved to the couch to eat, listening as Mei Wuniang chatted about interesting things from her shop. She was always smiling, appearing somewhat carefree, and she didn't even peel his egg for him. Unlike the other women who diligently served him. You Huan rarely heard her complain about anything, nor had she ever made demands of him. You Huan always felt that he was merely a somewhat distinguished guest here. Was Mei Wuniang playing hard to get?

Come to think of it, the Grand Counselor often lingered here, which in itself boosted the reputation of Sumao Qingxi, and suddenly many high-ranking officials and nobles came to enjoy tea, listen to stories, and engage in refined conversations.

Just as this thought crossed his mind, Mei Wuniang asked him, "May I ask for your advice on something, Master You?"

Was she finally going to make a request? "Go ahead."

"The Datong Stables on Nanli Street are suddenly up for sale. I specifically inquired about it, and their three to four hundred horses are very well-kept—strong, rarely ill, and young, so they can still be used for another three to five years. Also, the three owners of the Baishi Fang Restaurant have broken up their partnership and can no longer continue. Which one do you think I should buy?" Mei Wuniang twirled her braid. "Both opportunities are quite rare." She had established herself in Mudu and now intended to expand her business.

Today, Mei Wuniang had styled her beautiful hair into a sleek, shiny side braid, making her look charming and down-to-earth. You Huan glanced at her. "Why not acquire both? Are you short on funds?"

Mei Wuniang replied earnestly, "Money is one aspect. Both stables and restaurants are businesses that employ many people, and more people mean more trouble to manage. Since I'm new here, it's best to expand one business at a time, or I'll be overwhelmed."

"Then take over Baishi Fang Restaurant."

"Why?" Mei Wuniang pressed. "Is there a specific reason?"

"By law, during wartime, civilian horses may be requisitioned. Civilian draft horses in other prefectures and counties have already been conscripted; those in the capital will follow later," You Huan replied casually. "Why do you think Datong Stables is closing down and transferring its ownership?"

"Ah, they got wind of it beforehand!" Mei Wuniang bit her lip and said resentfully, "How cunning, they want to trick someone into taking over." The government offered very little compensation for requisitioning draft horses for war. If there was such a risk, taking over the stables now would mean stepping into a huge pit. Without horses, wouldn't the stables immediately go out of business?

"Thankfully, I also have a great deity here giving me a heads-up!" Mei Wuniang immediately bowed to You Huan. "Thank you for your guidance, Master You! I understand now."

Seeing her delighted expression, You Huan knew she was about to make an excuse to leave. Using him and running off, not staying for even a moment longer.

Sure enough, Mei Wuniang's next sentence was, "Please take your time with your meal. I'm going to negotiate for Baishi Fang now. I hear many people are interested in taking it over."

You Huan then recalled the night he was appointed Grand Counselor and stayed at Sumao Qingxi. The two of them had been so intimately affectionate, yet the next morning, Mei Wuniang had smiled as she saw him off to court, showing not a trace of reluctance to part.

"Wait a moment."

Mei Wuniang had already turned halfway, but forced herself to turn back and look at him. "Is there anything else you want to remind me of?"

"I solved a big problem for you. How will you thank me?"

Mei Wuniang pursed her lips, took two steps closer to him, and her slender fingers hooked onto his waist sash, her alluring eyes like silk threads. "What do you think, Master?"

The innocent braided girl transformed into a seductive enchantress in an instant, and even You Huan found himself a little overwhelmed. But he remained rational, stroking her face. "I'm rushing to the palace."

"Then tonight, shall I accompany you boating on the Shangxi River?" Mei Wuniang's eyes twinkled as an idea formed. "The stream is quiet, with no one to disturb us. And I hear it's firefly season now. When the wind blows and the boat passes, whoosh, the sky will be full of little lanterns."