Ms. Doctor Divine

“Indeed, this is a contractual agreement. The Lin Family commits to purchasing your herbs, while you, in turn, undertake to supply us with the required herbs. This mutual commitment serves as a solid guarantee for both parties. Assuming smooth proceedings, our collaboration will continue seamlessly. Regarding the pricing, it remains unchanged from our previous arrangement,” Manager Lin conveyed earnestly.

The offered price exceeded Gu Chaoyan’s expectations, especially for the ginseng, making it a remarkably generous deal.

However, it also hinted at something significant.

It indicated that the proprietor of Lin Family’s Pharmacy was astute and magnanimous, qualities not commonly found in ordinary individuals.

Gu Chaoyan acknowledged her decision to be fitting. “Certainly,” she replied. “Manager Lin, your generosity has not gone unnoticed. I appreciate it and will remember this.”

The favorable terms of the contract left a lasting impression, and if circumstances allowed, Gu Chaoyan intended to reciprocate their kindness.

With the contract negotiations concluded, lunchtime approached. Ms. Wang warmly invited Manager Lin to join them for lunch, considering the Lin Family’s Pharmacy as an integral part of their extended family. Manager Lin accepted, as if attempting to bridge the gap between business and a sense of belonging.

Satisfied with the atmosphere, Gu Chaoyan didn’t object, finding the connection to be just right.

The lunch gathering became animated. Ms. Wang had prepared an abundance of dishes, and even Auntie Lianhua lent a hand. Unable to assist with the culinary preparations, Gu Chaoyan engaged in conversation with them. Manager Lin, now less reserved, contributed to the lively atmosphere.

After an enjoyable lunch, Manager Lin took his leave.

After Manager Lin’s departure, some villagers from the old house approached, seeking a connection with Gu Chaoyan. However, Danxia promptly shooed them away.

Recollections of past mistreatment lingered in the minds of these villagers, stemming from the bullying they endured after their father’s departure. The notion of being a family now seemed utterly implausible to Danxia, and she vehemently rejected any such affiliations.

With the support of Tian Qi and others, no one dared to challenge the stability of the Yan Family.

Following this, Gu Chaoyan proceeded to purchase the fields. The Land Officer, despite his reluctance, dared not refuse the sale to Gu Chaoyan. His aspirations for maintaining his position compelled him to acquiesce, knowing that his future success hinged on Yan Danqiu’s favor. Fortunately, Yan Danqiu refrained from disputes, at least sparing the Land Officer that ordeal.

Having acquired five acres of land, Gu Chaoyan turned her attention to planning the yard’s wall. The internal space required irrigation with spring water to cultivate valuable ginseng and dragon roots in the future.

Days passed busily for the Yan family, engrossed in their tasks. Gu Chaoyan, absorbed in her responsibilities, had not ventured out for quite some time.

On a particular day…

Auntie Lianhua returned with excitement.

“Guess what happened?” she exclaimed.

Curious, Gu Chaoyan asked, “What is it?”

“The imperial examination has concluded! The sole Elementary Scholar in our village not only failed the provincial examination but also missed the imperial examination in the capital. The Jiang family, once envisioning a bright future, now faces the prospect of remaining mere Elementary Scholars. After all these years, there’s been no improvement in their situation.”

“…”

“It’s fortunate that he didn’t make it through. If he had, he would have caused chaos. His Jiang family already wreaked havoc in the village, and sending Jiang Caixiu out would have only escalated the trouble.”