“Second Young Master, I’ve examined them. That family of three shows no signs of suspicion. Their pulses are also typical of ordinary farmers, not those who practice martial arts,” Doctor Zhang reported respectfully.

Standing in front of him was the man addressed as “Second Young Master,” dressed in a lake-blue cross-collared robe woven with green bamboo patterns. Hearing those words, the man lifted his head slightly, revealing a handsome face with sharp brows and bright eyes.

After listening, the Second Young Master smiled gently. “That’s good to hear. I’ve just taken over Renhetang, so I might be a little too cautious. I hope Doctor Zhang can understand.”

Doctor Zhang let out a quiet breath of relief.

Earlier this month, Renhetang had presented several high-quality Sanqi roots. When they sent someone to inquire, one of the shop assistants casually mentioned that the family who sold them wasn’t made up of regular herbal farmers, and that a young girl was in charge — which was a highly unusual situation.

That somehow drew the attention of those above.

It just so happened that the young master was visiting today to take over operations. When that same family returned to deliver eucommia bark, the girl’s clever and spirited demeanor left an impression. The bark was processed so well that the young master instructed Doctor Zhang to test them personally.

The results showed no issues. A person’s behavior and appearance could be altered, but their pulse could not. That was something the body recorded over time.

As Renhetang’s chief physician, Doctor Zhang was deeply dedicated to medicine. Still, even he couldn’t help feeling wary with the change in leadership. New masters often bring drastic changes.

“Being cautious avoids bigger mistakes. Second Young Master’s approach is perfectly reasonable,” Doctor Zhang said with a smile. “That family seemed clever and capable. Since you mentioned the idea of discreetly sourcing herbs, I had someone teach them how to prepare the eucommia bark.”

“Such routine matters can be handled by you and the shopkeeper as you see fit. Both of you have been with Renhetang for a long time. I have complete trust in you.”

The Second Young Master’s gaze was clear, his voice gentle. Despite his noble bearing, he was approachable. A person in power only needed to show a bit of humility to make others feel completely at ease.

“Yes, Madam. Second Young Master. I’ll take my leave now,” said Doctor Zhang happily.

“Thank you for your efforts, Doctor Zhang. Fu’er, see him out,” the graceful woman seated beside the Second Young Master finally spoke.

She looked to be around forty years old, wearing a green robe with a round collar embroidered with entwined peony patterns, and a yellow pleated skirt patterned with auspicious clouds. Her appearance was graceful and noble, bearing some resemblance to the Second Young Master. However, her complexion was pale and sickly, making her look somewhat frail.

“Yes, Mother. Doctor Zhang, this way please.” The Second Young Master stood up, his tall figure and upright posture exuding the noble aura of someone from a prestigious family.

Doctor Zhang couldn’t refuse. Since he wanted to maintain good relations with the new master, he walked out with the Second Young Master, half a step behind, and they chatted amicably by the door.

After seeing Doctor Zhang off, the Second Young Master returned to the side room.

“So? That family didn’t seem suspicious, right? I told you, you’re being overly cautious. Once bitten by a snake, you’ll fear even a rope for years.” The lady lifted her teacup and said in a mild tone.

The Second Young Master wasn’t annoyed. Nor did he seem regretful. “Mother, isn’t this outcome even better? With our situation, we’ve encountered all kinds of spies and tricks. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

His mother seemed to recall something from the past at those words. After a pause, she sighed. “Maybe you’re right. But the bond between parents and children is truly mysterious. Just because parents seem timid or ordinary doesn’t mean their children can’t be clever or gifted. We can’t judge a whole family based on that alone.”

The Second Young Master suddenly recalled a pair of sparkling, jet-black eyes — they belonged to that little girl, thin as a bean sprout but shining like a pearl among rubble.

He hadn’t investigated her because of her parents. It was because of the girl herself.

But that moment of interest quickly passed. He calmed himself and responded, “Yes, Mother. I understand. I’ve already done a thorough check of Renhetang today. You can leave it to me and focus on your recovery.”

His voice was steady and unreadable, revealing nothing of his inner thoughts.

“I do trust you. But since Renhetang supplies medicine to your father and brother, I wanted to explain things in more detail. Let’s go back.”

With their conversation finished, the maids around them began preparing to leave Renhetang.

…

Li Xiaohan had no idea that after she left, she and her family were secretly investigated and discussed.

Since there were still plenty of dishes and meat left over from yesterday’s banquet, there was no need to buy any food. The three of them walked straight home after leaving Renhetang.

However—

“Xiaohan, why are you still carrying those useless leaves and branches? Just toss them,” Madam Wang asked with concern.

Li Xiaohan paused, realizing she had been carrying them out of habit.

How could they be useless? These were revolutionary. They held the key to wealth and opportunity, even if no one had discovered it yet.

But she knew it just wasn’t the right time.

Li Xiaohan casually tossed the bundle of leaves into the thick vegetation by the roadside. “Mother, I forgot. Let’s go.”

“Alright.”

By the time they got home, steam was rising from the kitchen. It was still early afternoon. Their hearts were fired up about making money, but they couldn’t be careless with food after what the doctor had said.

Madam Wang washed the rice and started cooking. Li Xiaohan chopped vegetables, while Li Xiandong packed up what they needed for the mountain.

Before long, they had meat, vegetables, and a thick egg drop soup ready. The three of them sat down for a proper meal. After eating, they each grabbed their tools—a chopping knife, a carrying basket, and an axe—and headed for the back mountain with determined steps.

Their destination was, of course, the wild, ownerless Eucommia trees.

The plan was solid, but reality always changes faster than planned.

Just as they opened the gate, Li Deyou and Li Xinhua happened to walk by. The two were of similar age and status — one the grandson of their third great-uncle, the other the son of the clan head. Though a generation apart on paper, the two had grown even closer while helping build Li Xiandong’s house.

Seeing Li Xiandong carrying an axe, the talkative Li Deyou called out, “Brother Xiandong, where are you off to with that axe? Still short on wood for furniture? Want us to give you a hand?”

Hearing this, Li Xiandong stopped walking. His expression turned awkward and uncertain, clearly conflicted.

Should he tell the truth?

If he said it, he’d feel unwilling.

But if he didn’t say anything, he had no idea how to explain it away — especially since the ones asking were the same two who had been helping build their house.

How was he supposed to explain this?

Honest as he was, Li Xiandong started to feel anxious and uncertain.

Li Xinhe, always attentive, noticed the troubled look on his face and asked with concern, “Uncle Xiandong, did you run into some trouble? If it’s really something you can’t talk about, then we won’t ask. But if you need help, you can let us know.”

As soon as those words came out, Li Xiaohan sighed inwardly.

Her father was definitely wavering.

Thinking it over, eucommia bark wasn’t as valuable as Sanqi. The trees were large and cheap, and since they often moved around the village and the mountain forest, it was only a matter of time before someone discovered them.

And with so many trees already stripped of bark, it was bound to be noticed sooner or later.

Since that was the case, the plan to quietly make money probably wouldn’t work anymore. They’d have to switch to a different approach.

Before Li Xiandong could speak, Li Xiaohan cut in, “Brother Xinhe, Uncle Deyou, we did run into something, but it’s not exactly a problem. If you help us cut trees for a day today, my father will tell you a way to make money. Let’s exchange, how about it?”

Hearing that it wasn’t anything serious, Li Xinhe was relieved, though he couldn’t help feeling a bit curious. Still, being the cautious type, he swallowed his question.

But Li Deyou, being straightforward and quick to speak, immediately asked, “What kind of money-making method is it? So secretive? Xiaohan, you know about it?”

“Of course I know,” Li Xiaohan replied. “But I can’t tell you yet. A way to make money is bound to be a bit mysterious. If getting rich were easy and open, the streets would be full of people doing it.”

She sighed. “It’s only because my father is close with you two—Uncle Deyou, Brother Xinhe—that we’re secretly sharing it with you. Feelings come first. You helped us build our house, so if we have a way to earn money, of course we’d tell you first. That’s how real bonds show.”

That made sense.

Li Xiaohan’s words hit the exact spot in Li Xiandong’s heart.

These were all clan members, sure, but Deyou and Xinhe had helped him build his house for over half a month.

He should treat them differently. If not them, then who else?

Besides, the method was quite good. If Deyou and Xinhe helped peel bark for a day, his family could earn a bit more, and they could also learn how to harvest it themselves.

The doctor from the medicine hall had said that not all eucommia bark was usable. There were tricks to harvesting it properly.

Once evening came, he would explain it to them, and they could go harvest their own batch tomorrow.

By the time the rest of the clan noticed, several days would’ve passed.

When they asked, he could just say it then. And if anyone made snide remarks, he wouldn’t feel guilty. Who else in the clan would do what he did—share a way to make money?

At worst, it just meant earning more or less. Without him, Li Xiandong, they wouldn’t earn a single cent.

Li Xiandong thought this was a brilliant idea. His daughter was so clever.

And so he said exactly what he was thinking: “Deyou, Xinhua, are you free? Go grab a chopping knife and help me cut some trees on the mountain. I’ll tell you the money-making method tonight.”

Before the two could reply, he continued, “I need to go find Brother Guiqian’s family, and Xiannan too. They helped build the house, so I need to include them.”

With that, Li Xiandong rushed off energetically.

Watching his retreating figure, Li Xinhua and Li Deyou grew even more curious.

But Li Xiandong’s attitude only reinforced what Li Xiaohan had said.

Thinking this, the two of them quickly ran home to get their knives. Before leaving, Li Xinhua reminded Deyou, “Deyou, don’t tell anyone else.”

“I know, I’m not stupid.”

In the blink of an eye, only the mother and daughter were left at the entrance of the house.

“Mother, let’s go back in and grab a few more baskets. I’m thinking we might be able to harvest quite a few loads of bark today.”

Madam Wang thought for a moment, then nodded. She went back inside and brought two more baskets.

Not long after, Li Xiandong returned with Li Guiqian, Li Jiayin, and Li Xiannan. Soon after that, Li Xinhe and Li Deyou also came back.

The group headed together to the back mountain. Not far in, they spotted a eucommia tree.

Now, whenever Li Xiandong looked at one of these trees, it was like seeing a pile of money. He hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Xiaohan, look at this one—would this count as over ten years old, like Doctor Zhang mentioned?”