Chapter 713: Lingnan Herbalist

“Thank you, Mr. Lin.”

“Miss Qingyao’s talent is astonishing, no matter which clinic she goes to, she’ll be eagerly hired. How did she think to grace our modest Yongning Hall?” Lin Miao sat down, observing Ruan Qingyao, and asked.

This woman has a faint, ethereal aura, inexplicably attractive to him. He is surrounded by beauties; his senior sister and Xu Qixi are rare beauties, and he should already be immune in this aspect.

Yet, upon first seeing this Ruan Qingyao, he actually felt a desire to get close to her.

Could it be the cultivation technique’s allure?

Why didn’t Sun Youwei, who cultivated the Rejuvenation Skill with him, evoke such feelings? Of course, maybe their mutual affection had long diluted that sensation.

But the allure of the cultivation technique and the heart’s desire are distinct—a proactive versus a passive sensation…

How peculiar, having traveled for so long, it’s the first time he’s felt like this.

He’d find a chance to ask Yue Mei’Er about it; she reads widely in the Moon Worship Sect and might have information on this aspect.

“In response to Mr. Lin, I chose Yongning Hall because of its relaxed environment and friendliness towards female pharmacists. I believe, as long as Qingyao strives in her work, Yongning Hall and Mr. Lin will not mistreat Qingyao.” Ruan Qingyao calmly explained.

“Miss Qingyao indeed has foresight.” Lin Miao smiled slightly, increasingly convinced that this Ruan Qingyao is extraordinary.

Indeed, based on Ruan Qingyao’s exceptional talents, she can’t be an ordinary woman; her background must be remarkable.

“Unknown which famous mentor taught Miss Qingyao?” Sun Youwei asked.

“My teacher is Wu Daozi, just a normal herb gatherer on Zhongnan Mountain, not well-known, making Youwei laugh.”

This shuts down all conversation.

A nameless herb gatherer, impossible to trace.

“Zhongnan Mountain, isn’t that where the top martial sect, Wendaode School, is located? With such talent and wonder, why would Miss Qingyao seek distant lands and come to Dongshan Prefecture?” Lin Miao pondered, as Zhongnan Mountain is under Wendaode Sect’s influence, and it’s vast. Herb gatherers are as common as rain—finding someone named Wu Daozi would be like ascending to heaven.

Moreover, if someone truly wanted to hide their identity, they would certainly find such a person. Maybe, they might even be dead.

“I came to Dongshan Prefecture to seek relatives. When unable to locate them, I turned to herb gathering to earn a living. But due to a sudden ‘measles epidemic,’ my herbs couldn’t sell, life was hard, so I thought to seek employment in Dongshan City. I noticed Yongning Hall hiring pharmacists, stating women are prioritized and offering generous terms, so I came.” Ruan Qingyao explained.

“With your ability, why choose such a labor-intensive job like herb gathering for a living? Any clinic would offer good terms?”

“Entering a clinic certainly provides decent work, but as a woman, there are inconveniences, and signing a yearly contract is required, which I don’t wish for. So I’d rather live by gathering herbs.

Indeed, pharmacist recruitment naturally isn’t on one’s whims—good pharmacists sign yearly contracts, ordinary ones every three years.

Otherwise, if one suddenly leaves, what about pharmacy work?

Ruan Qingyao is young, beautiful, probably unmarried. Entering a clinic, if it’s female-run, is better; once coveted and pursued, it becomes truly troublesome.

Herb gathering and medicine making, though laborious, offers freedom, detaching from chaotic people and affairs.

“I see, Qixi, what contract did you sign with Miss Qingyao?” Lin Miao asked Xu Qixi.

“A freedom contract, but departure requires early notice. Accordingly, the remuneration calculates daily.” Xu Qixi replied.

“No wonder.” Lin Miao nodded, “No need for daily calculation; let it be monthly. Six days off each month, or twelve half days, and Miss Qingyao may arrange them. If not taking days off, threefold overtime pay applies.”

“Understood, lord.” Xu Qixi nodded.

“Let it be for today, I’m just here to see about, not needing consultations. I still need to accompany my sister for a walk later, continue your work.” Lin Miao instructed.

“Yes.”

…

“Liansuo, send this letter to Miao Manor, and give it to Yue Mei’Er to investigate this Ruan Qingyao for me.”

“Is the master suspecting Ruan Qingyao’s intentions in joining Yongning Hall?”

“Not sure yet, investigate first.” Lin Miao instructed, though suspicious, suspicion must be backed by evidence.

Ruan Qingyao is indeed a talented person; it would be unnecessary to miss such talent just because of suspicion.

“Alright, I’ll go right now.” Liansuo nodded, took the letter, and left promptly.

…

Li Jing, Imperial City Yangxin Hall.

“Crown Prince, after the emperor took the medicine, the old minister checked his pulse and found improvements. It may take several more doses before waking, so you must not be in too much haste.” Fu Qingzhu told Crown Prince Zhao Yuanze upon his arrival.

He quickly got up and greeted.

“Mr. Fu, no need for formalities. I understand, illness strikes like a mountain falling, and recovery is as slow as drawing silk. Father has worked hard for most of his life, accumulating ailments. Curing stubborn illnesses is not a day’s work; I can wait,” Zhao Yuanze nodded.

Fu Qingzhu nodded slightly, the Crown Prince is much more mature and steady than before. It seems a trip to Dongshan has made him grow considerably.

He’s much better than that Fifth Prince, especially after Fu Qingzhu learned about the things the Fifth Prince did secretly to Guan Biyun. Outwardly he said nothing, but deep down, he no longer had any admiration for this prince who just came of age.

“Lin Miao saved countless lives in Dongshan by preventing the ‘plague,’ accomplishing great deeds, and also presented the prescription to cure Father. I want to give him a reward. Mr. Fu, how do you think he should be awarded?”

“From what I understand, Lin Miao is a person indifferent to fame and fortune. He probably has no interest in high-ranking positions and wealth. If Your Highness wishes to reward him, I think it would be suitable to allow him to enter the capital early and go to the Qihuang Research Institute.”

“Hasn’t he already been granted admission to the Qihuang Research Institute?”

“Yes, but my suggestion is for him to take the position of an instructor in the Qihuang Research Institute rather than a student. Considering the several books he authored on medicine, he is more than qualified to be an instructor, possibly even a professor!” Fu Qingzhu said.

“Hmm, I’ll consider it, but he will likely enter the capital after getting married in Dongshan Prefecture. I actually want to grant him a title. What do you think?”

“Your Highness, even though you are the Regent Crown Prince, the power to confer titles lies solely with the Emperor…”

“I know. As long as you can use his prescription to revive Father, combined with his accomplishments in Dongshan, asking Father to grant him a title shouldn’t be difficult, right?” Zhao Yuanze asked.

“That’s not difficult.” Fu Qingzhu nodded, just based on Lin Miao’s achievements in combating the ‘plague’ in Dongshan, the court has more than enough reasons to grant him a title.

“I drank the medicine he prescribed and have felt refreshed lately.”

“Your Highness’s encounter with Mr. Lin is truly a blessing.”

…

“Young master, Liuli has returned,” Lianxin reported.

“Oh, quickly bring her here.” Lin Miao put down the book in his hand and instructed. These days, while recuperating at home, he truly lived a life where everything was handed to him effortlessly, like a young master, and his weight had increased quite a bit.

“Liuli has seen the young master!” Liuli wore a crisp jacket skirt, with a pink hairpin inserted in her hair, elegant and delicate, her eyes filled with unfathomable affection.

Lianxin cast a glance at the two and chuckled, silently closing the door and leaving.

“Liuli, come here.” Lin Miao patted the spot beside him.

“Young master, during broad daylight, this isn’t quite proper…” Liuli, though from a place of worldly pleasures, had never been so wanton.

“It’s alright.”

Liuli couldn’t endure the longing, so she stepped over, obediently sitting down.

“Young master…” Liuli lightly parted her lips, but before she could speak, they were sealed by a pair of warm lips.

All the yearning transformed into a spring stream at this moment.

It’s often said that reunion surpasses new acquaintance. Though Liuli’s meetings with Lin Miao were few, each one was deeply cherished by her.

She knew she wasn’t a match for Lin Miao, didn’t like to fight for anything, but loved intensely and sincerely.

“Liuli, this time, upon your return, I want to arrange for you to go to the capital, would you be willing?” Lin Miao, embracing Liuli’s plump figure, lingered.

“Is it going to be right away?”

“No rush, Xia Zhu will also go to the capital, you can go with her, probably in a month’s time,” Lin Miao said, for how could one send someone away right after sharing intimacy.

Liuli nodded, feeling content just to enjoy a moment of happiness without hoping for more.

Lin Miao was destined to become someone she could only look up to in the future, being able to follow him in this humble time, gaining his favor and affection, was more than enough for her.

“Is the young master opening a branch in Li Jing?”

“Opening a branch is only part of it, there’s a bigger business for you. I’ve partnered with Su Yi, the daughter of the Imperial Envoy Mr. Su, for a venture, the ‘Liuli Mirror.’ We’ve formed a company together, and you will hold a twenty percent stake. She will handle operations, while you manage the accounts.”

“Liuli Mirror? Is it the kind of mirror that can clearly reflect the face, which young master sent to me? It’s already in mass production?” Liuli asked in surprise.

“Yes, it’s in mass production and the craftsmanship is much better than before. The one I gave you before can be disposed of when you find a chance.” Lin Miao nodded.

“Okay, I understand. Can I take a few people from Huaye Tower?”

“For that, you should discuss it with Shi Yin. However many you want to take, I won’t interfere. Huaye Tower will also expand to Li Jing in the future, I’m sure she won’t object.” Lin Miao laughed, embraced Liuli, and kissed her deeply. “Liuli, it’s still early, shall we go again?”

“No, young master, I’ve been here for an hour already. If you still want, Liuli can come back later to accompany you, then you can do as you wish with Liuli.” Liuli pushed Lin Miao away, got dressed, and quickly left.