Ms. Doctor Divine

Ms. Wang couldn’t help but break into a radiant smile as she laid eyes on the approaching carriage.

However, at this moment…

Her life had surpassed even the joy she experienced when Third Yan was still present. How could she not revel in happiness and contentment?

“Mom, everything is prepared; we can commence tomorrow,” Gu Chaoyan exclaimed, leaping down.

“Alright, alright, alright,” Ms. Wang responded with sheer delight.

The following day, those eager to showcase their culinary skills gathered. Upon their arrival, they beheld the Yan family’s carriage, sparking envy and admiration. Their thoughts already wandered to the day when they too could enter the city, following their family’s carriage.

The Tian family had arrived early.

Auntie Lianhua, Tian Jiu’s father, and his two robust brothers exuded an air of authority. Everyone treated them with respect, hesitant to provoke them.

The midday banquet was on the verge of commencing.

Attendees streamed in one after another.

As the majority of villagers arrived, so did the Land Officer and individuals from the old house.

Being locals, Gu Chaoyan had no intention of excluding them from the celebration. As long as they didn’t stir up trouble, they were welcome to stay.

Old Man Yan surveyed the scene with evident dissatisfaction.

It seemed like he harbored intentions to disrupt the proceedings.

The Land Officer shared a similar sentiment.

Just as Old Man Yan was about to cause a scene, he abruptly halted his meal, fixing his gaze on the elderly figure.

It appeared that Old Man Yan was gearing up to create complications.

Then, several carriages approached Third Yan’s house. In that moment, Old Man Yan became an afterthought; all attention shifted to the newcomers. Speculation ran wild about the identities of those arriving, given that only affluent individuals could afford such grand carriages.

As the carriages came to a halt, figures emerged.

Manager Lin of the Lin Family’s pharmacy descended first, accompanied by the county magistrate and a young man.

Manager Lin was familiar to many, and the county magistrate was a recognizable figure, appearing annually in official portraits. However, the identity of the young man puzzled several attendees, particularly the women.

“Who are they? They seem quite well-off,” murmured some Eight Trigrams women.

“County Magistrate, who’s the young man?” inquired some men in quivering voices. This was the county magistrate— an unprecedented proximity for them.

“Oh my god,” exclaimed a few, startled enough to lose their balance and topple off their stools.

Those who fell quickly scrambled to their feet, eager to kneel. However, the county magistrate gestured to dispense with the formal bow.

Most present were ordinary villagers, with the Land Officer holding the highest local office. He promptly stood, eager to make a favorable impression. “Sir, I’m Land Officer from the North Village. Your presence is an honor…”

Land Officer attempted to ingratiate himself, but a group of individuals strolled over and claimed empty seats without acknowledging him. A wave of embarrassment washed over Land Officer.

Despite the awkward situation, everyone recognized that the county magistrate had no familiarity with Land Officer and wasn’t inclined to extend any courtesy.

With the county magistrate in attendance, the atmosphere lost its festive flavor. The collective discomfort stemmed not from reverence but from sheer intimidation.

Who were they to dine with the county magistrate?

Old Man Yan refrained from causing any further trouble.

Some members of the Jiang family wished they had brought Scholar Jiang along.

Gu Chaoyan emerged from the room and was taken aback by the presence of Manager Lin and the others.

“Manager Lin, what brings you here?” Gu Chaoyan expressed her surprise, sensing an unusual level of humility from him.

They had come to the village for a banquet.

“Coincidentally, I have a matter to discuss with you. The shop’s affairs have been settled. Moreover, there is something they wish to discuss with you later. Be prepared in the coming days; you might have to make a trip to the capital. There are influential individuals in the capital highly impressed with your family’s herbs.”