Chapter 111: Master Fang Generously Gifts a Shop

Du Wanchun smiled gently and said, “It was all grown by my third brother. He didn’t use any special methods—perhaps our land is just particularly fertile.”

Master Fang chuckled. “Madam Du, you’re being too modest. I’ve heard that your third brother is extremely diligent, spending nearly every day working in the fields.”

Du Wanchun didn’t deny it. Zhou Zhao indeed spent all his time either in the fields or on his way there.

These past days, he had tanned several shades darker, and his skill in farming was now comparable to that of the seasoned old farmers in the village.

To them, food was the foundation of life, and farming was fundamental. No matter how wealthy they once were, agriculture had always been of utmost importance.

Master Fang continued, “How about this—if your family’s rice tastes as good as they say, would you be willing to sell me a hundred pounds or so after each harvest?”

Hearing that he wanted to buy rice, Du Wanchun smiled. “Of course.”

Master Fang slowly lifted his gaze to her. “As for the price, I won’t haggle. Instead, I’ll give you the deed to your Zhou Family Incense Shop.”

Du Wanchun was taken aback. “Master Fang, you mean…?”

Master Fang laughed. “From now on, your Zhou Family Incense Shop won’t have to split profits with my Fang family. All you have to do is send me some fragrant rice each year for my own enjoyment.”

Du Wanchun was utterly surprised. How could a mere hundred pounds of rice possibly be worth an entire shop? Not to mention the monthly profit share it generated.

Master Fang didn’t explain further.

In truth, a few days ago, General Mo had paid him a visit.

General Mo had simply stated that the Zhou family was his distant relatives, and he held deep affection for them.

In order to curry favor with the Mo family, Master Fang naturally no longer dared to take advantage of the Zhou Family Incense Shop as he had before.

So, under the pretense of purchasing rice, he returned the shop to them—turning the transaction into a gesture of goodwill, strengthening their ties.

However, Master Fang truly loved the rice from her family. Having lived for more than half his life, it was the first time he had ever seen rice of such exceptional quality.

Therefore, this deal was a win-win situation for both the Fang family and the Zhou family.

Du Wanchun was overjoyed and quickly responded, “Thank you, Master Fang.”

Master Fang then took out the previously written contract from his robe, along with the property and land deeds for the shop. He even handed over the indenture contract of the shop assistant.

With this, the Zhou family’s incense shop in Cheng’an County had truly become the dominant business in the area.

Du Wanchun respectfully accepted the documents from Master Fang, bowed to him, and then left the Fang residence. She hurried back to the Zhou family to share the good news with Madam Zhou.

Madam Zhou examined the property and land deeds from all angles. “So, does this mean we no longer have to split our earnings with Master Fang?”

Du Wanchun smiled and nodded. “Yes, Mother.”

Madam Zhou’s face lit up with joy, her smile stretching from ear to ear. “That’s wonderful! This means we’ll be earning even more silver every month.”

After saying this, she quickly turned to look at the incense room. “We must hurry and finish creating the new incense blend. It’ll be perfect timing for Feng’er’s return to the capital!”

Du Wanchun stood up with her. “Mother, don’t worry. There’s still time.”

Just then, Zhou Zhao returned from the fields, his voice filled with excitement. “Mother! Sister-in-law! It’s growing! It’s really growing!”

Madam Zhou was taken aback. “What’s growing?!”

Panting from running, Zhou Zhao explained, “The seeds that Doctor Xu gave us—they’ve started bearing fruit!”

Madam Zhou was shocked. “What? They’ve already grown fruit this quickly?”

Zhou Zhao nodded. “Yes! The tree isn’t very tall, barely three feet, but it’s already bearing golden-yellow fruits! Even from a distance, you can smell a unique, refreshing fragrance.”

Madam Zhou was puzzled. “What kind of fruit grows this fast?!”

Du Wanchun chuckled and stepped forward. “Mother, let’s not worry about that right now—let’s go take a look!”