Chapter 41: Affection and Obligation
“Jiu Niang!”
Knowing that Hua Changxi had the day off, Hua Liulang waited by the back door of the Medical Affairs Department early.
From several meters away, Hua Changxi could tell her Sixth Brother’s good mood was uncontainable. As she got closer, she couldn’t help but joke, “Sixth Brother, you’re so happy, have you already become a Second Rank Martial Artist?”
The smile on Hua Liulang’s face vanished, and he asked in surprise, “How did you know? I was planning to surprise you.”
Seeing that he had indeed become a Second Rank Martial Artist, Hua Changxi’s face lit up, “Your martial arts have improved, congratulations Sixth Brother.”
Hua Liulang smiled and scratched his head, “I was able to become a Second Rank Martial Artist thanks to you, Jiu Niang.” As he spoke, he took the bundle from Hua Changxi’s shoulder.
Hua Changxi walked with Hua Liulang, “Sixth Brother, this is just the beginning. I still have Bone Strengthening Pills, I’ll give them to you when we get back. Sixth Brother, keep practicing martial arts hard, I’ll take care of all the pills you need.”
Hua Liulang stopped in his tracks and stared at Hua Changxi with wide eyes, “Jiu Niang, you… you’re serious?”
It was precisely because he used the Body Tempering Pills and Qi and Blood Pills that Jiu Niang gave him that he became a Second Rank Martial Artist in just over a month. If he had a continuous supply of pills, wouldn’t he truly have a chance to become a Grandmaster?
Hua Changxi directly took out a porcelain bottle from her bundle and stuffed it into Hua Liulang’s hand, “There are 50 Bone Strengthening Pills in here. I don’t know how much bone tempering a martial artist needs, so take these for now. Let me know if you need more.”
Hua Liulang held the porcelain bottle, somewhat shocked. He knew that a single Bone Strengthening Pill at the apothecary shop cost ten taels of silver, so fifty pills would be five hundred taels of silver.
Jiu Niang had already given him over five hundred taels worth of pills last time. It hadn’t been long since then, and she was producing so much again. This made Hua Liulang very worried.
If being a laborer was this profitable, he thought everyone would want to be a laborer.
“Jiu Niang, what exactly are you doing in the Labor Department?”
Jiu Niang hadn’t explained clearly last time, and he had been thinking about this matter constantly during this period.
Seeing her Sixth Brother looking at her with an expression of “don’t go astray,” Hua Changxi felt helpless and could only say, “I know how to refine pills, right? I’m secretly helping an Eunuch refine pills, and the pills I gave you are my deserved compensation.”
Upon hearing this, Hua Liulang breathed a sigh of relief, but his worried expression remained, “What if you get discovered for secretly refining pills?”
Hua Changxi was unconcerned, “If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. I’m just a laborer following orders.”
Hua Liulang was still worried, “You’d better be careful. Didn’t Father go out of the Capital on official business last time? He was away for over a month, not only got injured, but also had to accept punishment upon his return.”
Hua Changxi was startled, “Was Father seriously injured? How is he now? Sixth Brother, why didn’t you mention this when you came to see me before?”
Hua Liulang said, “Don’t worry, Father’s injuries weren’t serious, and he’s fine now. Father and Mother didn’t want me to tell you, for fear of you worrying.”
Hua Changxi looked at him sternly, “Sixth Brother, when I’m not home, you must tell me everything that happens in the family.”
“Especially about injuries and illnesses. I might not be able to help with other things, but I’m definitely better than an ordinary doctor when it comes to treating injuries and illnesses.”
Hua Liulang nodded repeatedly, “Alright, I’ll tell you if anything happens at home in the future.” After Hua Changxi calmed down, he continued.
“Father was punished, not because he did anything wrong, but because he took the blame for his superior.”
“Jiu Niang, Father is an old hand at the Six Doors. Even he couldn’t avoid being pushed out to take the fall, let alone you.”
“You just joined the Medical Affairs Department, and before you’ve figured anything out, you’re collaborating with someone to refine pills. I’m afraid that if something happens, that Eunuch will push you out to take the blow.”
“Father said that people in official circles are best at shirking responsibility.”
Hua Changxi knew her Sixth Brother was worried about her and didn’t interrupt him. She listened patiently until he finished, then said, “Sixth Brother, don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”
Just as the siblings were about to walk out of the back street, a speeding carriage approached from behind.
Hearing the sound of hooves, Hua Liulang quickly pulled Hua Changxi towards the wall. Hua Changxi turned her head to look at the carriage, and upon seeing it, her expression immediately showed surprise.
“Sister Changxi!”
The people driving the carriage were Yu Hui, Wan Xiaozhou, and Li Meng. The three of them were also somewhat surprised to see Hua Changxi.
“Whoa~”
Stopping the carriage, Yu Hui jumped down and walked up to Hua Changxi with a smile, “Sister Changxi, the people from the Labor Department left early. It’s almost noon, why are you only leaving now?”
Hua Changxi smiled, “Some things delayed me. What about you, why are you leaving so late too?”
Yu Hui touched his nose and looked around. Seeing that there was no one else on the back street, he said to Wan Xiaozhou and Li Meng, who were still in the carriage, “Help move some New Year Goods down for Sister Changxi.”
Hua Changxi glanced at the items on the carriage. Since the carriage didn’t have a carriage box, everything on it was visible.
The entire carriage was filled with all sorts of New Year Goods.
Soon, Li Meng and Wan Xiaozhou came over, each carrying a large bag of items.
Hua Changxi quickly declined, “Brother Yu, I can’t take your New Year Goods.”
Yu Hui chuckled, “These aren’t New Year Goods I prepared, they are New Year Goods distributed by the Medical Affairs Department to the Labor Department.”
Wan Xiaozhou also chimed in, “Sister Changxi, Brother Yu is giving them to you, so you should take them.”
Hua Changxi looked at Yu Hui doubtfully, “New Year Goods for the Labor Department? We laborers get New Year Goods too?”
When she went to collect her silver from the First Department, she saw the apprentices from the Apprentice Hall carrying large bags, saying they were New Year Goods from the Apprentice Hall. At the time, she had been somewhat envious.
Yu Hui looked a bit embarrassed and vaguely said, “The Labor Department has never distributed New Year Goods.”
The New Year Goods distributed by the Medical Affairs Department to the Labor Department had always been divided among a few Eunuchs. Yu Hui was able to get a carriage full because of Eunuch Yu.
Hua Liulang had been helping at the Hua Family Apothecary Shop for several months and had developed some perceptiveness. Sensing that the atmosphere was off, he immediately smiled and asked, “Jiu Niang, who is this gentleman?”
Hua Changxi didn’t dwell on the New Year Goods issue and smiled as she introduced her Sixth Brother, “Sixth Brother, this is Brother Yu. He is the Steward of the Storeroom and takes good care of me.”
“Brother Yu, this is my Sixth Brother, Hua Hongming.”
Yu Hui smiled and exchanged greetings with Hua Liulang. After a brief chat, they took their leave.
Watching the carriage drive away, Hua Liulang bent down to examine the two large bags left by Yu Hui.
One bag contained ten pounds of white rice, one bag contained ten pounds of white flour, a bag of white sugar, a bag of salt, a bag of red dates, and a bag of tea leaves.
“Jiu Niang, this is quite a lot of New Year Goods. It seems that Yu Hui treats you very well.”
Hua Changxi’s mood was low, “But these things are supposed to be New Year Goods distributed to the laborers, and now they’ve become a favor.”
Hua Liulang was silent for a moment, “. All government offices are like this.”
Hua Changxi didn’t want to let the topic affect her mood. She picked up a bag of New Year Goods, “Sixth Brother, let’s go home.”
Hua Liulang quickly picked up the other bag and smiled, “We should be going back. We need to hurry, Father and Mother have been looking forward to your return.”
“Oh, right, Jiu Niang, Eldest Brother is back.”
“Really? When did he get back?”
“He returned the day before yesterday. I’m telling you, Eldest Brother is now a Sixth Rank Martial Artist, even more formidable than Father. Grandfather and Grandmother were overjoyed.”
“Then, while Eldest Brother is here, you should ask him for guidance.”
“Mhm, that’s what I was thinking too. As soon as I have free time, I’ll definitely find Eldest Brother to guide me in practicing martial arts.”
“Huff~ Huff~”
Hua Liulang was slightly out of breath. Seeing that Hua Changxi was fine, he couldn’t help but say, “Jiu Niang, why do I find that not only is your strength much greater, but your pace is also faster than mine?”
“Perhaps it’s because I’ve been doing more work in the Labor Department. My hands and feet are more agile than before. Sixth Brother, you need to practice martial arts diligently, don’t let me surpass you in the future.”
“Impossible, how could I possibly be inferior to you? Absolutely impossible.”
The siblings chatted and competed in their pace, covering a journey that would normally take over an hour in less than half an hour.
Hua Family Courtyard.
When Hua Changxi and Hua Liulang returned, all the male members of the Hua family were sitting in the main hall chatting, while the female members were either busy in the kitchen or pasting couplets, New Year pictures, and window decorations.
“Jiu Niang is back.”
Hua Qiniang was the first to see Hua Changxi and Hua Liulang and immediately shouted towards the main hall.
“Sixth Brother, what did you bring back?”
Hua Balang ran out from the main hall. Seeing the items in Hua Liulang’s hand, he immediately rushed over.
Hua Liulang smiled, “These are New Year Goods that Jiu Niang brought back.”
At this moment, Madam Yao also came out of the kitchen, looking at her daughter in surprise, “Isn’t the Labor Department busy? How do you have time to prepare New Year Goods?” As she spoke, she looked through the items in the bags.
Hua Changxi replied, “These are New Year Goods distributed by the Labor Department.”
Second Aunt Hua also came out, surprised, “Laborers get New Year Goods too?” After looking through the bags with Madam Yao, she exclaimed.
After looking, she was immediately amazed.
“No wonder everyone wants to work in government offices. Even a small laborer in the Medical Affairs Department can bring back so many New Year Goods.”
Old Madam Hua walked out of the main hall and saw the people gathered in the courtyard, displeased, “What are you all crowding around for? Don’t you see what time it is? Is the Lunar New Year’s Eve dinner ready?”
Madam Yao quickly smiled, “It will be ready soon, Mother. Jiu Niang brought back New Year Goods to honor you, come and see.”
Old Madam Hua glanced at the two large bags everyone was gathered around, “What’s there to see?” Saying this, she turned and entered the main hall.
Seeing this, the smile on Madam Yao’s face stiffened. Just as she was about to say something to Hua Changxi, she heard her eldest son’s voice.
“Jiu Niang, hurry inside and pay your respects to Grandfather and Grandmother.”
Hua Changxi looked at Hua Da Lang, who was standing at the entrance of the main hall. Seeing his stern expression, she felt a bit uneasy.
This Eldest Brother, while truly protective of his younger siblings and always the first to step forward in times of trouble, was just too rigid and rule-bound.
Hua Changxi asked Hua Liulang to take her bundle back to her room and walked over dejectedly, “Eldest Brother.”
Hua Da Lang looked at his sister, feeling both troubled and displeased, “Jiu Niang, you’re not young anymore. There are some rules you should understand. Upon returning home from outside, you should first pay your respects to Grandfather and Grandmother. Why are you making such a commotion in the courtyard?”
Hua Changxi glanced at the stern Hua Da Lang and gave up on arguing with him. She walked directly into the main hall, “Grandfather, Grandmother, I’m back.”
Old Madam Hua saw that she didn’t kowtow and said sarcastically, “Oh, who do I think it is? It’s our Hua family’s laborer who has returned.”
Hua Changxi looked at her, “Grandmother, don’t look down on laborers. Perhaps in the future, I will become the most accomplished person in our family.”
Old Madam Hua wanted to retort further, but Hua Lao Ye Zi spoke up, “Let’s talk business.” Saying this, he looked at Hua Minghe, who was sitting to the side.
Hua Minghe coughed lightly, “Jiu Niang, are the Foundation Solidifying Pills that Liulang gave me really refined by you?”
Seeing her Father ask this question in front of all the Hua family members, Hua Changxi knew that her pill refining was no longer a secret in the Hua family.
Just then, Hua Liulang walked in, and Hua Changxi glared at him angrily.
Hua Liulang quickly said, “I didn’t want to say anything, but Father was worried about you and said he was going to the Labor Department to find you and ask for clarification, so I told him you could refine pills.”
Hua Minghe looked at Hua Changxi, “Don’t blame your Sixth Brother. If you asked him to give me the Foundation Solidifying Pills, I would naturally have to ask about their origin.”
Hua Er Shu added, “Exactly, what can’t be said among family?”
Hua Changxi hadn’t intended to hide her pill refining from her family, so she didn’t conceal it. She roughly explained her collaboration with Eunuch Yu: “Those pills were refined by me. I provided the technique, and others provided the medicinal herbs. After refining, we split the profits 40/60.”
Hua Lao Ye Zi eagerly asked, “Jiu Niang, can you refine Breaking Shackles Pills? Eldest Brother is now a Sixth Rank Martial Artist. If he can break through the twenty-four shackles within his body, he can become a Seventh Rank Martial Artist.”
A Seventh Rank Martial Artist is considered to have entered the ranks of the experts. Once Da Lang becomes a Seventh Rank Martial Artist, it will not only benefit his future but also provide security for the entire Hua family.
The other descendants of the Hua family, with a Seventh Rank Martial Artist backing them, would also have better development in the Capital City.
Hua Changxi glanced at Hua Da Lang, who was pretending to be calm but whose eyes still flickered with nervousness, and nodded, “If I have the medicinal herbs, I can refine them.”
Hua Da Lang couldn’t help himself, “Do you know the prescription for Breaking Shackles Pills?”
Hua Changxi didn’t know the prescription for Breaking Shackles Pills sold on the market, but she could formulate her own, “Yes.”
Hua Da Lang was silent for a moment, “What medicinal herbs do you need?”
Hua Changxi listed twenty-four types of medicinal herbs in one breath. Each herb was expensive, and there were even a few herbs that Hua Da Lang had never heard of.
Seeing Hua Da Lang remain silent, the other members of the Hua family became anxious.
Hua Lao Ye Zi was most concerned about his eldest grandson’s future and asked eagerly, “Da Lang, how is it? Can you get the herbs Jiu Niang mentioned?”
He paused, “Don’t worry about not having enough money. Your Grandmother and I still have some ‘coffin money.’ As long as it can help you become a Seventh Rank Martial Artist, our whole family will support you.”
Hua Da Lang certainly wouldn’t accept Hua Lao Ye Zi and Old Madam Hua’s coffin money. He smiled and said, “Grandfather, I will find a way to get the medicinal herbs myself. I’ve met some people during my years at the Martial Arts Academy, and I’ll visit them one by one during these few days of the New Year.”
Hua Minghe glanced at his eldest son, then at Liulang and Jiuniang, who were exchanging glances, and stood up, “Father, today is Lunar New Year’s Eve, a day for family reunion. Da Lang’s matter can be discussed later.”
Hua Lao Ye Zi cast a sideways glance at Hua Minghe, displeased, “Da Lang’s matter is the biggest matter for our family.”
Saying this, he looked at Hua Changxi.
“Jiu Niang, you must also contribute to your Eldest Brother’s matter. You should know that having a Seventh Rank Martial Artist brother will make you stand taller when you go out.”
Hua Changxi replied, “Grandfather, I will contribute. As long as Eldest Brother collects all the medicinal herbs, I will definitely help him refine the pills.”
Hua Lao Ye Zi was silent for a moment. For the sake of the entire Hua family, he finally spoke, “Jiu Niang, you are collaborating with others to refine pills. Besides the pills you gave to Liulang, you still have quite a bit left, right?”
Hua Changxi instantly understood Hua Lao Ye Zi’s intention and smiled, “Grandfather, do you know how much silver it costs to find a Pharmacist who can refine Breaking Shackles Pills?”
Upon hearing this, Hua Da Lang looked at Hua Changxi and frowned, “Jiu Niang, what do you mean by that? Do you and I, brother and sister, need to be so clear about things?”
Hua Changxi looked at him, “Eldest Brother, setting you aside, even for Father and Mother, some things need to be clearly defined.”
“Refining Breaking Shackles Pills for Eldest Brother is out of sibling affection, but you must know that it is not my obligation.”
Hua Da Lang’s brows furrowed, “Jiu Niang, how can you have such rebellious thoughts? You are a daughter of the Hua family, and everything you have is given by the Hua family.”
Hua Changxi’s face immediately turned cold, “Eldest Brother, I admit that some things were given to me by Father and Mother, but if you say that everything I have is given by the Hua family, I absolutely do not agree.”
Hua Da Lang stood up abruptly, indignant, “You’ve only been at the Medical Affairs Department for a few months, how have you become so ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth!”
Hua Changxi sneered, “Am I the one who is ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth, or is it you, Eldest Brother, who wants to take advantage of everything and reap the rewards without effort?”
Hua Liulang saw his Eldest Brother and Jiu Niang arguing and became flustered, not knowing what to do. He quickly looked to Hua Minghe for help.
Hua Minghe’s expression was extremely displeased with his eldest son and daughter arguing on Lunar New Year’s Eve. He said to Hua Liulang, “Liulang, take Jiu Niang back to her room.”
Hua Changxi surveyed the Hua family members in the main hall and turned to leave.
Seeing her attitude, Hua Da Lang looked at Hua Minghe with confusion, “Father, why has Jiu Niang become so ill-mannered? You and Mother really shouldn’t have let her go to the Medical Affairs Department.”
