Chapter 306: Chapter 273: Even a Proud Woman Fears a Persistent Suitor

"Master, the Imperial Decree Officer has arrived!"

"So soon? I just got back..." Lin Miao looked up in surprise. Could this officer be in such a rush to return to Li Jing and report back?

It was the first time receiving an imperial edict; I knew nothing, and it was at the diagnosis point without any preparation. This time, things would be different as it would be at home.

We must set up an incense table and wear official robes.

Everything must adhere to protocol.

The one who came was an old acquaintance, the very same Lanyi Wei who previously delivered the edict. Probably because he’s been here before, familiar with the way and the people, they sent him again to avoid mistakes.

Since I made him wait for half a month, delaying his time, I prepared a ten-tael gold ingot for him this time.

The Imperial Decree Officer from the Lanyi Wei, upon seeing the gleaming gold, couldn’t help but reveal a slight smile of joy. A half-month of paid vacation, with all meals and drinks covered by others, and a substantial bonus right before leaving—he’d be willing to do as many of such jobs as they’d give him.

Although this young Mr. Lin is quite young, his understanding of human relationships is top-notch.

Not only did he give a reward, but he also arranged a lavish dinner at Huaye Tower. Many of the dishes he had never seen before, yet they were extraordinarily delicious, not inferior to those made in the grand restaurants of the capital.

According to his estimate, such a table of dishes would cost at least a hundred taels of silver in Li Jing. In Dongshan City, even at half the price, it would be about the same.

Such sincerity was quite overwhelming.

He’s just an ordinary Imperial Decree Officer from the Lanyi Wei; if he didn’t leave the capital to deliver decrees, he’d be a lesser role without much importance.

It’s already quite good to receive such treatment.

Back here, there are constant engagements. Luckily, there are not many such occasions throughout the year; otherwise, Lin Miao would be quite troubled.

Even though he’s aware of the social norms in officialdom, he doesn’t enjoy engaging in such activities. But sometimes, not doing them is not an option.

This is just how it is when one is in the official circles, their body not of their own will.

...

Before he knew it, Lin Miao had already been back for three days.

"My lord, Huaye Tower has started its trial operation, and business is quite good. The occupancy rate is about seventy to eighty percent. We are also adjusting the menu according to the guests’ tastes, with a gross margin of around sixty percent and a net margin of about thirty-five percent." Shi Yin reported, having elegantly transformed from a qingguan to the shopkeeper of a restaurant.

Both her speech and dress tended towards maturity, gradually shedding her immaturity. The speed of her growth was astonishing.

"Over in Lanzhou, the Su Family found us a location for a Furong Garden branch. I’ve been to see it; it’s very nice, much larger than our main store in Dongshan," Liu Li also reported on her primary work during the month Lin Miao was away.

"So you will be in Lanzhou City for the second half of the year?" Lin Miao asked. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Yes, but I will still come back. I have entrusted the shop here to Lanya, and through the past few months of training and observation, I believe she is capable of handling this job."

"You don’t need to report personnel matters of Furong Garden to me. I will just give you some suggestions and control the direction," Lin Miao nodded, "If you believe Lanya is competent, then she is."

"Shi Yin, by next year, strive to open Huaye Tower in Lanzhou as well. At least have a Huaye Tower and a Furong Garden in the city of every prefecture in Lanzhou. This is my goal for you in the next two years," Lin Miao said.

Liu Li and Shi Yin exchanged glances, a spark of excitement in their eyes.

"Two years later, I will take you to Li Jing; we will go to the capital to expand our territory!" Lin Miao solemnly promised.

Going to Li Jing!

The two women were excited. They both knew Lin Miao wouldn’t stay long in Dongshan, leaving at most in two years.

But when he leaves, it does not necessarily mean they can go with him. However, now, having received the promise, in two years, as long as they open branches in all the prefecture cities of Lanzhou, he will take them to Li Jing.

"Shi Yin, you can go rest now. Liu Li, stay," Lin Miao instructed.

"Yes." Shi Yin glanced at Liu Li in surprise before turning to leave.

"Liu Li, I have something to ask. Do you know anything about the relationship between Xia Zhu and Wen Ruyu?" Lin Miao asked.

"My lord, you’ve only been back a few days, and you already know about this?"

"Even though I’ve stayed home the past couple of days and haven’t gone out, I’m not a fool. My eyes aren’t blind either. Every time Xia Zhu mentions Wen Ruyu, she blushes. How could I not notice?" Lin Miao said, "If I don’t find out, I wouldn’t even know what attitude to adopt when I see Wen Ruyu."

"Indeed, Wen Ruyu and Xia Zhu are quite close. Everyone in the Lin household has noticed, but it seems they have not explicitly stated it to each other yet," Liu Li nodded.

"Who is pursuing whom?" Lin Miao asked.

"It seems Wen Ruyu liked Xia Zhu first. But I can see Xia Zhu has feelings for her too, which is hard on Shen Haidong," Liu Li replied.

"Who else knows about this?"

"Probably everyone in our Lin household knows. But whether Mr. Xia and Mrs. Xia are aware, that I do not know," Liu Li said.

"Alright, I understand now," Lin Miao nodded, "You can go rest now as well."

"Yes, my lord."

...

"Senior sister?"

"It’s so late; why have you come?" Sun Youwei had already removed her makeup, changed into sleepwear, and was preparing to rest when she suddenly heard a knock at the door and came to open it herself.

"I have something to discuss with you," Lin Miao said seriously after entering.

"Can’t it wait until tomorrow?" Sun Youwei playfully chided, afraid not only that Lin Miao might not be able to hold back, but also that she might lose control herself.

So, she tried to avoid being alone with Lin Miao at night.

She was afraid that one day, like a spark to kindling, they’d lose themselves to passion. She wanted to save the most beautiful moment for the wedding night.

"Xia Zhu and Wen Ruyu might be getting along well."

"Just for that?"

"You knew too?"

"The day after I got back, Yuzhu told me. Wen Ruyu came looking for you. When you weren’t there, he went to Yongning Hall every day, and gradually got familiar with Xia Zhu. The two seem to have clicked somehow, but they probably haven’t made their relationship clear, especially since Xia Zhu is still engaged to Shen Haidong," Sun Youwei said.

"That’s troublesome. They haven’t clarified their relationship yet, have they?" Lin Miao nodded. If Xia Zhu got involved with Wen Ruyu while still engaged to someone else, even after breaking off the engagement, it would leave a blemish.

So, to solve this problem, the engagement must be called off first.

But the issue is, Shen Haidong isn’t just anyone. He’s Xia Yuan’s apprentice and also related to the Xia Family. He’s Xia Zhu’s cousin on her mother’s side.

At first, Lin Miao didn’t know about this connection, but now he does. Still, even if Xia Zhu is his student, he feels awkward intervening in personal matters.

Indeed, even if cousins marry, it doesn’t necessarily mean their offspring will have defects, but close-relative marriages do carry the risk of having offspring with deformities or low intelligence.

The risk exists.

Given the situation, as a teacher, he must get involved and can’t ignore Xia Zhu’s future happiness.

Of course, whether Wen Ruyu is suitable for Xia Zhu is uncertain, but it’s clear Xia Zhu doesn’t love Shen Haidong.

There’s kinship but no romance. Although most marriages in this world lack affection, one should still try to pursue it if possible.

Love is but an embellishment for human reproduction, and if you’re reproducing for love, it’s putting the cart before the horse.

Most parental unions in this world aren’t founded on love; they just come together to make a life, and after long cohabitation, they become family.

"No, you don’t understand Xia Zhu; she’s methodical and very considerate. Even if Wen Ruyu makes it explicit, she wouldn’t agree," Sun Youwei said. "However, I guess Wen Ruyu hasn’t spelled it out, which is why they’re in a bit of a deadlock."

"We’ve only been gone a month, and this has already happened?"

"Look who’s talking. You went to Li Hen City and didn’t you end up charming Baili Yuyao?"

"What do you mean by charming? It’s not my fault. Baili Bingyun is the one who pushed his daughter on me. I haven’t agreed to anything yet."

"You haven’t agreed, but you’re secretly pleased, aren’t you?" Sun Youwei said. "Baili Yuyao is so beautiful; aren’t you tempted at all?"

"There are plenty of beautiful women, but I can’t marry them all. Besides, Baili Yuyao is no pushover. I don’t want domestic chaos," Lin Miao said.

"Let’s talk about Xia Zhu. What do you plan to do?" Sun Youwei knew it wasn’t the right time to discuss this matter now, so she put it aside.

"I plan to have Xia Zhu deliver a message and visit the Medical Bureau to get a feel for Wen Ruyu’s stance. Then, I’ll have a talk with Xia, and see if we can get Shen Haidong to agree to break off the engagement first. That will simplify things significantly," Lin Miao said.

"How do you intend to tell Shen Haidong?" Sun Youwei said. "Having Mr. Xia go back on his word is a matter of integrity."

"It would be best if Shen Haidong could propose ending the engagement himself..."

"Breaking an engagement requires compensation. Otherwise, we’ll still be perceived as at fault," Sun Youwei said.

"What compensation can we offer him? Find another suitable match, give him some money, or provide him an opportunity?" Lin Miao said.

"Maybe I should handle the discussion?"

"Sister, are you sure about this?"

"I’m Xia Zhu’s teacher, so by seniority, I’m also Shen Haidong’s elder. Why can’t I negotiate?" Sun Youwei said.

"If you have confidence, then I’ll leave it to you, Sister," Lin Miao nodded,

...

"Xia Zhu, when are you taking me to see your Mr. Lin?" Wen Ruyu came to Yongning Hall again. Seeing Xia Zhu, he caught up to inquire.

"Mr. Wen, my master is at home. You can go yourself; there’s no need to ask me," Xia Zhu was busy behind the counter.

There were many people buying medicine every day, and she was very busy. This was even before Lin Miao’s Convenient Medical Diagnosis Point resumed service. Once it did, Yongning Hall would be even busier.

"I’m not good at dealing with people. If I visit Mr. Lin alone, the conversation might stall after just a few sentences. Having you there would make it less awkward," Wen Ruyu said.

"My master is easy to get along with, and besides, your rank is higher than his. What are you afraid of?"

"Previously, we were of equal rank. Now, while at the Medical Bureau I am his superior, rank-wise he is above me," Wen Ruyu explained.

"I don’t understand the politics, but if you really want me to take you, I’ll have to ask first before giving you an answer." Xia Zhu thought for a moment, realizing this situation couldn’t last indefinitely.

"Alright, thank you, Xia Zhu."

"Mr. Wen, if there’s nothing else, please leave. I have work to do," Xia Zhu said.

"Will Physician Hui be here today? If not, I can cover his shift..."

"Whatever!"