"Brother, you're here?" When Zhanchen entered, Mo Lixia was bent over a table, sketching something intently.
"En. Where is Snowy?" Zhanchen asked, scanning the room.
"Sister-in-law is in the workroom. She's rushing an embroidery order."
"And what is this? It's hideous," Zhanchen remarked, picking up a piece of discarded parchment.
"It's A'Mu! In a... cartoon style. Well, an exaggerated version," Lixia explained enthusiastically before her shoulders slumped. "I'm just not good at drawing." She had thought if she could draw well, she could have Leng Xue make cute cushions—they would definitely be a hit. People were tired of the same old floral patterns.
"It's alright. If you want to learn, I'll hire a master painter for you once we return," Zhanchen comforted her. "I'll go check on your sister-in-law. We should be heading back soon."
A Moment in the Workroom
The sewing room was small, filled with fabrics and threads, but it was quiet and bright. Zhanchen found Leng Xue just as she was finishing the final stitch.
"Are you tired?" He stepped behind her and began massaging her shoulders.
"I'm fine," Leng Xue whispered, her face reddening as she gently removed his hands. "Did you see Li'er?"
"I did."
"I feel bad... an order came in and I had to rush it. I've been a bit neglectful of our sister and brother today. Please apologize to them for me."
"I think if you promise not to cook personally next time, they'll be more than happy to come back," Zhanchen teased.
"Ah, was it that bad? I admit, the food was a bit salty today."
"Just 'a bit'?" Zhanchen laughed. He turned her around to face him. "Snowy, if you're tired, don't push yourself. It pains me to see you like this."
"Zhanchen, I love this. I don't want to be a noble lady who sits around doing nothing until she withers away. After we marry... can I still come out and look after my shop occasionally?"
"Silly girl. Even after we marry, no one is going to confine you. You go wherever you please." Zhanchen leaned in and stole a soft kiss from her lips.
"You... you rogue!" Leng Xue pushed him away, flustered.
"Hehe..." Zhanchen pulled her back into his arms. "Snowy, I missed you."
"Mmm... wait... did you drink?"
"Just a little..." He pressed down again, a passionate kiss that left Leng Xue breathless before he finally let go. Their heartbeats echoed in the quiet room.
"Snowy, let's marry soon. I can't wait anymore."
"I..." Leng Xue lowered her head, too shy to answer.
"Just say yes. I'll handle the rest."
After a long silence, Leng Xue finally gave a small, shy nod. Zhanchen let out a triumphant laugh, which she quickly muffled with her hand. "Shh! Be quiet! Someone will hear!"
The Business of Kirin Pharmacy
Back at the manor that night, Mochen was still clutching a teapot, drinking water as if he'd been in a desert. Lixia wasn't much better; she spent half the night running to the latrine due to the saltiness of the meal.
The next afternoon, Lixia took Hongshang to the Kirin Pharmacy. Dr. Chai had prepared everything and presented the ledgers for her review.
"Uncle Chai, there's no need for this. I trust you completely," Lixia said, pushing the books aside.
Dr. Chai was deeply moved. He produced a heavy box. "This is the accumulated profit of the Kirin Pharmacy over the last ten-plus years. There are 100,000 taels in banknotes, forty taels in silver bullion, and some loose change."
Lixia didn't take the box. Instead, she took the forty taels of silver. "Uncle Chai, the rest is what my Master intended for you. He is far away and old now, unable to travel. You have a son and a daughter; consider this your reward for your loyalty all these years."
"I cannot! This is far too much! I already receive a salary," Dr. Chai protested.
"The salary is one thing, this gift is another. Do not refuse me."
Just then, Dr. Chai's son—a man in his twenties who looked remarkably like his father—entered. "This is my son. He deals in the medicinal herb trade," Dr. Chai introduced.
"I've heard of your work, Young Master Chai," Lixia said. "In the future, I will rely on you to supply the pharmacy with the best herbs."
"You have my word, Doctor Mo," the young man replied, impressed by her poise.
Renovations and the New Guard
After seeing Dr. Chai off, Lixia turned to the young medicine boy, Mo Yan.
"Dr. Chai says your name is Mo Yan?"
The thirteen-year-old boy grinned. "Yes, Doctor Mo!"
"Are you willing to stay and work for me?"
"As long as you don't kick me out, I'll stay forever!"
Lixia gave him twenty taels of silver as a "hardship bonus." The boy's eyes reddened; with this, his mother wouldn't have to do back-breaking labor anymore.
"We will close for a few days for renovations," Lixia instructed. "This place needs a fresh start. New furniture, a new look. If you need funds for the workers, find Hongshang."
She then explored the back of the pharmacy. It was a classic "two-entry" courtyard. Unlike Leng Xue's yard, this one was filled with aromatic, easy-to-grow medicinal herbs instead of flowers. The first tier held a spacious sitting room and a large study; the second tier was even larger, with lush green vines trailing from the eaves and elegant wooden lattice windows.
This would be the perfect place for her to conduct her medical research in the heart of the Capital.