Chapter 96: Magnates
Imperial Physician Lu was over sixty years old, two years older than Old Master Shi. His hair and beard were half white, his face full of wrinkles, his voice calm when he spoke, and his speech much slower than ordinary people.
This was a habit cultivated from years of working in the palace. He was cautious and careful, repeatedly weighing his words before speaking, unwilling and unable to say even half a wrong word.
Having served as an imperial physician for over ten years without any mistakes, he retired unscathed. How could Imperial Physician Lu be an ordinary person?
Pei Qinghe did not dare to underestimate this slow-speaking Imperial Physician Lu in the slightest. She smiled and said, “I have long heard of Imperial Physician Lu’s great name. It is Qinghe’s fortune of three lifetimes to meet you today.”
Imperial Physician Lu chuckled, “When this old man was working in the palace, I had seen your father and your uncle; both were heroes among men. Later, it was truly a pity.”
In just a few short sentences, a clear and important piece of information was revealed.
When Imperial Physician Lu was working in the palace, he frequently visited the Eastern Palace and was familiar with the Pei Clan brothers who died unjustly.
A trace of gloom appeared in Pei Qinghe’s eyes, and she sighed lightly, “The Pei Clan suffered extermination, and now only women, children, and the elderly remain, barely surviving in Changping County.”
Which family’s women, children, and elderly could wipe out a bandit stronghold of several hundred fierce bandits at a stroke!
Old Master Shi internally complained silently in his heart.
Imperial Physician Lu’s eyes showed pity, however, “Sixth Sister Pei leading several hundred clan members to survive is indeed not easy.”
Pei Qinghe sighed again, “This time entering the mountains for bandit suppression, many were injured. The village has only one young doctor with mediocre medical skill; the medicine he prepares can only barely stop bleeding.”
“Lu Family Medicine is famous throughout the world. I want to buy more. As long as Imperial Physician Lu nods, I am willing to pay twenty percent above market price.”
Chatting about old times is one thing, business is another. Imperial Physician Lu stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, somewhat troubled, “It is not that this old man does not want to agree. It is just that Lu Family Medicine requires fifteen kinds of herbs, one of which is expensive and rare. The medicine prepared each year is all bought up by the armies of Youzhou. If Sixth Sister Pei wants it, this old man can barely set aside a few bottles privately.”
Twenty percent is not enough; need to add more money.
Pei Qinghe said sincerely, “I naturally cannot compete with the Youzhou armies’ needs. Please have Imperial Physician Lu specially prepare Lu Family Medicine for the Pei Clan. I am willing to pay fifty percent above price; as much medicine as there is, I will take it all.”
Imperial Physician Lu’s tone indeed changed, “I will discuss this matter with the young ones at home after returning. Once enough medicine is prepared, I will send someone to Pei Family Village with a message.”
Pei Qinghe cupped her hands repeatedly in thanks.
After finishing the main business, Imperial Physician Lu shakily stood up and slowly allowed the younger generation to support him as he continued to listen to the opera.
Only then did Shi Yan say in a low voice, “The Lu Family is too greedy. Adding twenty percent is still not enough; they want fifty percent.”
Old Master Shi said indifferently, “Because in all of Youzhou, the Lu Family Medicine prepared by Imperial Physician Lu has the best effect. At critical moments, it can save a life.”
Indeed. If the Zhan Family refuses to sell salt, one can buy from the Peng Family or Yue Family; salt from any house is the same.
Lu Family Medicine is unique to the Lu Family alone. A monopoly business, of course it is expensive. Every year, however much Lu Family Medicine comes out, it is all snapped up by the armies. Ordinary people cannot buy it at all.
Of course, ordinary people do not need to buy large quantities of medicine anyway. Lu Family Medicine is meant for sale to magnates.
Pei Qinghe smiled, “Spending more silver is no issue. I just seized a batch of gold and silver from White Tiger Stockade, enough to last one or two years. There are still Clear Wind Stockade, Fierce Dragon Stockade, and Eagle Stockade in the Yan Mountains; they should support us for a few more years.”
Old Master Shi: “……”
Shi Yan gazed at the composed Sixth Sister Pei and smiled in agreement, “Sixth Sister is right.”
After a pause, he added, “The Shi Family is holding a three-day birthday banquet; Sixth Sister might as well stay a few days. Perhaps you can meet some useful people.”
Pei Qinghe smiled and agreed, “I was thinking the same. Then I will have to impose on you.”
……
The Shi Family mansion had many empty houses, specially for entertaining distinguished guests.
Pei Qinghe’s group of over twenty people was settled in a elegant and clean courtyard.
The courtyard had six empty houses, just right for four per room. The houses were cleaned spotless, with brand new bedding and pillows. The dressing tables even had unopened face cream and rouge.
Several osmanthus trees were planted in the courtyard; it was exactly the season when osmanthus flowers bloomed, and the rich, sweet osmanthus fragrance drifted in from the window.
It made the Pei Clan women feel as if they had returned to the days before the Pei Family was ruined.
Mao Hongling softly broke the silence, “Young Master Shi is truly thoughtful and meticulous.”
Pei Qinghe smiled and hummed in agreement.
The women exchanged a look of tacit understanding. Most of them were Pei Clan wives who had married and borne children; as experienced women, how could they not see Young Master Shi’s barely concealed intentions.
The straightforward Pei Yan completely failed to notice the subtle atmosphere and laughed loudly, “It’s been a long time since I slept in such a clean house. Today’s flowing banquet was especially delicious.”
“Today’s opera troupe was also wonderful. Especially that martial scene with dozens of flips; very nimble. We might as well stay a few more days, eat our fill and play our fill before going back.”
Pei Qinghe unceremoniously smacked Pei Yan on the back of the head, “You might as well stay at the Shi Family directly.”
Pei Yan rubbed the back of her head, drawing in cool air and grimacing, “That won’t do. I am the Pei Family’s first fierce general in charge and battle. Cousin Sister, you cannot go even a moment without me.”
Everyone burst into laughter.
Several pretty maids smilingly brought over night snacks.
Four meat-filled glutinous dumplings piled in white porcelain bowls, the size of a child’s fist, oozing oil when bitten.
Mao Hongling ate slowly, then suddenly said softly, “Back in the capital, I loved sweet glutinous red bean-filled glutinous dumplings the most. After coming to Youzhou, I find the meat-filled ones taste better.”
“It’s only been a little over a year, yet it feels like half a lifetime has passed.”
She had once thought she would be trapped in pain, unable to extricate herself. But in fact, she was busy every day with no time to miss her deceased husband. Even his face was quietly fading.
She felt somewhat panicked, somewhat guilty.
Pei Qinghe seemed to see through the complex thoughts in her heart and smiled, “People should look forward and move forward. All the past should be let go long ago.”
Mao Hongling looked at Pei Qinghe and, through her features, seemed to see the shadow of her deceased husband Pei Erlang. She murmured softly, “Can I really let go of everything in the past?”
“Of course you can.” Pei Qinghe held Mao Hongling’s hand, “You are so young; you still have eighty years to live. The good days are all ahead.”
Mao Hongling burst out laughing, all the gloom swept away.
Knock knock knock!
A knock sounded at the door.
Pei Yan alertly darted to the door, “Who is it?”
“Is Sixth Sister Pei here? Our young miss wants to invite Sixth Sister Pei to view the moon and chat idly.”
Pei Yan was stunned and quickly turned her head.
Mao Hongling also looked over.
What is this? A rival coming to the door?
Pei Qinghe opened the door and said indifferently to the maid outside, “I have no time to view the moon and chat idly. Go tell your young miss that Pei Family Village women do not marry out; we only take sons-in-law.”
……
