Chapter 73: Traveling with Shang Jin Zhi, Luo Jin An Blocks the Way

Xu Fugui couldn’t help but be astonished. Treating a simple cold required at least seven or eight doses of medicine, which would cost around thirty to forty taels of silver. How could ordinary people afford such an expense?

“Are those wealthy people fools? Why spend five taels of silver on medicine when a simple cold remedy only costs a few dozen copper coins?”

Liu Yun chuckled. “Second Master Xu, you may not know this, but the owner of Yukan Hall is the younger brother of a favored concubine in the palace. What they are buying is not just medicine.”

Xu Fugui’s mouth dropped open in shock, but he was still puzzled. “Why would the concubine’s younger brother come all the way to Beijiang to open a medical clinic? Wouldn’t he be thriving in Shengdu with palace connections?”

“Who knows?” Liu Yun replied nonchalantly.

Xu Nian glanced at Liu Yun, sensing that there must be hidden reasons behind this, but since Liu Yun did not elaborate, she chose not to press further.

Instead of returning directly to the inn, they strolled around the city for a while. Xu Nian even bought gifts for her family.

That night, Xu Nian was sleeping soundly when a sudden knock on the door woke her up. Xiu’er got up from the bed, quickly put on her clothes, and opened the door, surprised to see Second Master Xu.

“Is Nian’er awake? Young Master Yu has come urgently to see her.”

“Xiu’er, who is it?”

Xiu’er quickly turned back, closed the bed curtains, and replied, “Miss, it’s Second Master. He says Young Master Yu has an urgent matter.”

Xu Nian swiftly dressed and, along with Xiu’er, followed Xu Fugui to the backyard, where they saw Yu Guan pacing anxiously.

“Young Master Yu, what has happened?”

Yu Guan bowed and said apologetically, “I deeply regret disturbing your rest, Miss Xu. Please forgive me.

“I came to ask if you happened to bring any medicinal herbs with you—do you have any winter gastrodia?”

He had already inquired with Xu Fugui, who told him they hadn’t brought any medicinal herbs on this trip. Initially, Yu Guan planned to find another way, but Xu Fugui, in his eagerness to help, insisted on checking with Xu Nian directly.

“Please wait a moment,” Xu Nian said, before returning to her room. She took a box of winter gastrodia from her hidden storage space and brought it to the backyard.

“Would this be enough for you, Young Master?”

Yu Guan’s eyes lit up—he hadn’t expected Miss Xu to actually have the herb with her.

“This is more than enough! Thank you so much, Miss Xu. I am truly grateful. I will bring a gift to express my thanks tomorrow.”

Yu Guan was indeed in a hurry. After thanking her, he took the herbs and rushed out of the inn.

Xu Nian, now fully awake, couldn’t go back to sleep. She returned to her room and entered her storage space to process medicinal herbs and grain seeds.

The next morning, just as Xu Nian and her companions finished breakfast, Yu Guan arrived with a gift of gratitude.

“Young Master Yu, you are too kind. It was just a small amount of herbs.”

Yu Guan insisted, pressing the gift into Xu Fugui’s hands. “Miss Xu’s herbs saved my grandfather’s life. The Yu family is deeply grateful to you. Please accept this token of appreciation.”

Seeing servants bustling in and out carrying supplies, Yu Guan asked, “Are you all returning today?”

“Yes. We came for the medicinal herb business, and since everything has been arranged, there’s no need to stay any longer.”

Yu Guan clapped his hands joyfully. “Perfect! A friend of mine is also heading back to Wansheng County. Why don’t you travel together? It’ll be safer that way.”

Xu Nian recalled the refined gentleman from the teahouse the day before—this must be the same person.

“In that case, we’ll gladly accept the arrangement.”

When Xu Nian stepped outside, she noticed a carriage parked beside hers. Inside sat the gentleman from yesterday. As their eyes met, he gave her a slight nod.

Yu Guan approached the carriage window and reminded Shang Jin Zhi, “Take care of Miss Xu on the way. Let me tell you, she is a great benefactor to my family!”

The only response he received was a loud bang as the carriage window shut. Though Shang Jin Zhi made no promises, he indeed looked after Xu Nian along the journey.

Now, her carriage was stocked with soft cushions, pastries, and tea—all courtesy of Shang Jin Zhi.

Liu Yun observed the refreshments on the small table, stole a glance at Xu Nian, and sighed. “They say Young Master Hui Feng is not only talented but also gentle and affectionate. I wonder how many noble ladies in the capital have fallen for him. Seeing him today, I must say—it’s true.”

Xu Nian, unaware of Liu Yun’s probing tone, curiously asked, “What exactly makes him so talented? And how did he get that title? If only my younger brothers were here, they would be thrilled to meet him. They are very curious about Young Master Hui Feng.”

Seeing that Xu Nian showed no particular interest in Shang Jin Zhi, Liu Yun explained, “Young Master Hui Feng is the son of Marquis Xuanping and his original wife. He gained fame at a young age—he passed the provincial exam as the top scholar at just thirteen, causing a sensation in the capital.

“Unfortunately, the following year, his mother fell ill and passed away. Within three months, Marquis Xuanping remarried, taking in Princess Yongping, who had divorced her previous husband.

“Claiming to be in mourning for his mother, Young Master Shang left the capital for Wansheng County, his late mother’s hometown, and has stayed there for three years.”

Xu Nian clicked her tongue in amazement. This story had more twists than a drama. Shang Jin Zhi must have suffered greatly—losing his mother, only for his father to marry a new wife so soon. He wasn’t just mourning; he had probably been pushed out of the household.

Meanwhile, in his carriage, Shang Jin Zhi was unaware that in someone’s eyes, he had become a pitiful figure. Just as he was about to take a sip of tea, the carriage suddenly jolted, spilling the tea all over him.

Frowning, he set the teacup down as his attendant reported from outside, “Young Master, a group has blocked the road ahead.”

Xu Nian’s carriage also came to an abrupt stop, causing them to lurch forward slightly. Xiu’er lifted the curtain to see what was happening, while Xu Nian looked out—only to see a familiar figure on horseback.

Shang Jin Zhi stepped out of his carriage to assess the situation when a figure suddenly rushed past him.

Xu Nian didn’t know why, but upon seeing that familiar silhouette after months apart, her eyes welled up with tears. Without thinking, she leaped out of the carriage and ran forward.

Seeing Xu Nian jump out so hastily, Luo Jin An’s heart tightened. He quickly dismounted and strode forward, catching her.

“Nian Nian, don’t rush.”

“Luo Jin An…”

Xu Nian wanted to ask why he hadn’t sent any letters, why he had been gone so long without a word. But in the end, all she could do was call his name, unable to say more.

Luo Jin An gently wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye and softly apologized, “I’m sorry, Nian Nian.”

Feeling his warm hand on her cheek, Xu Nian lowered her gaze in embarrassment—only then did she notice the bloodstained bandage on his arm.

“Luo Jin An, you’re injured!”

Luo Jin An moved his arm behind his back, dismissing it lightly. “It’s nothing. Just a hunting accident. I’m fine. Get back in the carriage—I’ll take you home.”

But Xu Nian, seeing the wound worsening, grew anxious. “Forget that! You need proper bandaging first!”

She grabbed his arm and pulled him toward her carriage.

As they passed Shang Jin Zhi’s carriage, Luo Jin An cast a deep glance at him, while Shang Jin Zhi, watching the two enter the carriage together, darkened his gaze.