Chapter 1405: Meng Yunzheng Surrounded

After asking about the places and activities of Dongqing Temple master upon returning from the southwest, she just gave a brief explanation.

Shu Yu intended to ask about Little Shu Yu, but based on her master's words, she probably didn't know about the situation where they swapped places after she transmigrated into the novel.

Her master said that her physiognomy changed after meeting Meng Yunzheng.

But in reality, the first time she met Meng Yunzheng was when they swapped places with Little Shu Yu.

Perhaps, her changed physiognomy was related to that event.

However, since her master didn't mention it, Shu Yu didn't ask about it.

After finishing the questions, Shu Yu talked to her master about her experiences during this period and her future plans.

The Dongqing Sect Master listened quietly and didn't express any opinions, but she seemed satisfied and pleased with Shu Yu's actions.

After a while, they finally stopped talking. Seeing that it was getting late, it was time to go back home.

Shu Yu opened the box door and went out. At the entrance, only Ying Xi was present, and she said that Xia Yan went to Meng Yunzheng's place.

Shu Yu nodded and led the Dongqing Temple master and Ying Xi to the backyard.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

The third floor and the backyard of this restaurant were used as accommodation areas. Xun Sheng originally stayed on the third floor, but now that he had achieved the third place in the county exam, the innkeeper moved him to the backyard where it was quieter.

Just now, he went to find Meng Yunzheng, and then they all went to the backyard together.

However, as they approached the entrance of the backyard, they were shocked by the commotion inside.

The way ahead was blocked, and the limited space of the backyard was filled with people.

"What's going on?" Shu Yu's eyes were sharp, and she seemed to recognize a few familiar examinees—those who were discussing academic matters in the lobby downstairs earlier.

No wonder when they passed the lobby just now, there was no one there anymore.

Shu Yu had thought they had left because it was getting late, but it turned out they had just moved their gathering spot to the backyard.

What were they doing here?

Shu Yu frowned. She was about to continue walking in when Xia Yan squeezed through the crowd.

"Miss."

He was sweating profusely and seemed to be struggling.

"Miss, have you finished talking with the Temple Master? Please wait a moment; I'll go in and bring the young master out."

"Wait a moment, tell me first, what's going on here?" Shu Yu pulled him back. She wanted to know the situation before proceeding.

Xia Yan spoke in a low voice, "Originally, our young master and Xun Sheng were having a nice conversation. The young master planned to come out and wait for you at the entrance later. However, a scholar suddenly came to find Xun Sheng and asked him to join the other examinees for discussions in the lobby. Our young master was still inside the room, so Xun Sheng wanted to get rid of the scholar. However, this scholar was impolite and suspicious of Xun Sheng's evasive behavior, suspecting that he was hiding something in his room. He insisted on going in and directly pushed him away, then he saw our young master."

Describing the scholar as "impolite" was Xia Yan's more gentle phrasing. In his heart, he considered the scholar to be rude and uncultured.

After the scholar entered the room, he naturally saw Meng Yunzheng and immediately called for his friends.

With so many examinees hearing that the mysterious top scorer, Meng Yunzheng, was here, who wouldn't be curious?

As a result, not long after, all the examinees from the lobby gathered in the backyard, surrounding Meng Yunzheng and Xun Sheng.

 Chapter 538: Unexpected Trouble (3)

The shopkeeper, seeing Wu Shi’s distress and the imposing presence of the young women, whispered, “Madam, it’s not that I’m being petty, but the Lin family is very powerful. If you don’t want to cause trouble, it’s best to let the young lady have these fabrics. You can choose something else, and I’ll give you a discount.”

Wu Shi, unfamiliar with the Lin family’s reputation, instinctively trusted the shopkeeper’s advice. Not wanting to cause a fuss, she nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll look at other fabrics.”

“No!” Before Wu Shi could finish, Mo Yan interrupted, turning to the arrogant young woman with a cold expression. “We were the ones who saw these fabrics first. If you want them, you should at least ask nicely. Unfortunately, all I hear is a dog barking!”

Mo Yan glanced meaningfully at the person hiding behind the young woman, curious if this person was the instigator.

Mo Yan did not want to create trouble, but she also wasn’t one to back down from a confrontation. Insulted as a dog, the young woman’s face contorted with rage. She shouted, “You insolent wench, how dare you insult me? You must be tired of living!”

Mo Yan sneered and shrugged, “I only said there was a dog barking. If you choose to take it personally, that’s your own problem.”

The young woman was furious but couldn’t find a retort. Desperate, she pulled out her companion and spat, “Qing Wu, go deal with that wench!”

Qing Wu, caught off guard, was dragged out and had no chance to escape. Her face, which was quite delicate, was now exposed to everyone.

“Er Ni’er? Is that you?” Wu Shi was the first to exclaim in surprise. She stepped forward, staring at the downcast woman in confusion. “Is it really you?”

The others, upon recognizing the familiar features, gasped in astonishment as well.

Qing Wu, startled by the recognition, looked between Wu Shi’s group and her own companion, questioning, “Qing Wu, do you know these people?”

Qing Wu quickly shook her head and explained, “Sister Qiu Yue, how could I know these ignorant wretches?”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

Qiu Yue eyed her with suspicion but seemed to half-believe her explanation. “You don’t know them? Then why did you push for me to take these fabrics? Were you not trying to provoke me by bringing these people into the conflict?”

Qing Wu’s face stiffened at the direct accusation. Fear flashed in her eyes, but she quickly covered it with a pitiful act. “Sister Qiu Yue, I truly meant well. I only thought these fabrics would look good on you. I didn’t expect it would cause such a misunderstanding…”

Flattered, Qiu Yue’s suspicion eased. She arrogantly commanded, “If you don’t know them, then it’s simple. Go and tear that wench’s mouth apart. If you handle this well, I’ll speak well of you to the young lady.”

Hearing this, Qing Wu suppressed her delight and said, “Sister Qiu Yue, it’s my duty to help you. I wouldn’t dream of causing you trouble. I’ll get justice for you right away!”

Qing Wu then lunged at Mo Yan with her sharp nails, her eyes filled with hatred.

“Er Ni’er, stop! What are you doing?” Wu Shi cried out in shock and rushed to intervene.

Xin’er, Dai Ni, Li Xiu, and the others quickly moved to stop Qing Wu, successfully preventing her from reaching Mo Yan.

Recognizing Qing Wu’s familiar face and unmasked hatred, they understood that Qing Wu, known as Er Ni’er, harbored resentment towards them and had instigated trouble with Qiu Yue’s help.

Unable to retaliate, Qing Wu glared at Mo Yan with venom and threatened, “Hmph, you think stopping me will solve everything? If the young lady from the Lin family learns that her people were bullied by a bunch of country bumpkins, she will make sure you suffer!” 

  Chapter 537: Unexpected Trouble (2)

Mo Yan and Li Xiu helped Wu Shi select fabrics for a while, and soon they both settled on two pieces of fabric: one in lake blue and the other in light green. Both were suitable for people of all ages and were much more expensive than the usual fabrics Wu Shi's family used. Together, they cost two taels of silver.

"Yan girl, these fabrics are nice, but they're a bit too expensive. Dai Ni and I usually do rough work and don’t need such fine materials," Wu Shi said, touching the soft, comfortable fabric with affection but reluctance. Even though she wasn’t short of the two taels of silver, it was enough for half a year’s household expenses.

Mo Yan, willing to spend the two taels to buy the fabrics for Wu Shi, refrained from offering because she knew doing so would embarrass Wu Shi. Instead, she glanced at Dai Ni, who was examining the fabrics from a distance, and gently suggested, "Auntie Wu, Dai Ni is a young lady now; she should dress nicely! If you're worried about the fabric getting dirty, you can always wear an apron while working."

Wu Shi immediately looked at Dai Ni, who was wearing old, grayish clothes. Despite her youthful age, she seemed a bit out of place amidst the vibrant fabrics.

The shopkeeper also chimed in, "These two pieces of fabric are the best in the shop. The weaving and dyeing are of high quality. Whether for a young lady or a young wife, they look great! These are the last two pieces, and if you miss them today, there might not be any next time. Madam, please buy them now!"

Wu Shi, already somewhat tempted, was further moved by the shopkeeper's words. Seeing her daughter working hard every day without complaining, her rough hands filled her with guilt, making her previous reluctance vanish.

"Shopkeeper, I'll take both pieces of fabric. Please bundle them up for me!" Wu Shi decided, and began counting out the silver.

"Ah, Madam, please wait a moment. I’ll have it done quickly!" The shopkeeper was pleased to make a sale of two pieces, earning over eight hundred wen. He quickly grabbed a wide strip of cloth from the drawer and wrapped the two pieces together.

Just as Wu Shi was about to take the fabric after handing over the silver, a loud, arrogant voice interrupted, "Wait! I’ll take these two pieces of fabric. You, a country bumpkin, don’t deserve such fine materials!"

Mo Yan immediately turned toward the voice and saw two young women in silk garments approaching. The leader, with her chin raised, looked disdainfully at Wu Shi.

The shopkeeper, seeing Wu Shi’s unhappy expression and the formidable appearance of the young women, hesitated and said, "Miss, these fabrics were selected first by this lady, and she has already paid for them. I can’t sell them to you. The shop has other fine fabrics. Perhaps you’d like to choose another?"

The young woman’s brows furrowed in anger. "Just return her money, then. Besides, I arrived first, and there was no indication that I wouldn’t buy these fabrics. Selling them to this bumpkin is an insult to me! I am someone from the Lin family’s household. Don’t you dare be disrespectful!"

Upon hearing her claim and seeing her attire, it was clear she was indeed from the Lin family. The shopkeeper broke into a cold sweat and quickly approached Wu Shi with an apologetic smile. "I did not realize you were from the Lin family. If the young lady likes these fabrics, I’ll refund the money and give them to you as a gift from the shop."

 Chapter 1404: The Truth from the Past

Shu Yu was taken aback, "Master, you agreed just like that? Actually, I only promised Lord Miao to meet you; I didn't mean to move his sister's eternal lamp."

"I know, but there's no need to meet him. I'll be heading to the capital soon, and I don't know when I'll be back. Besides, although Lord Miao's methods have been questionable these years, his sister was indeed a kind and gentle person. She had visited Dongqing Temple before, and I believe Lord Miao's persistence is because of her wish," Dongqing Temple master explained.

Shu Yu hesitated for a moment before accepting the letter.

Dongqing Temple master continued, "If you're worried that Lord Miao might become more extreme in the future, you can convey the words I said earlier to him."

"Yes, Master."

After discussing Lord Miao's matter, the Dongqing Temple master looked at Shu Yu again.

Was it time to get to the real matter now?

But Shu Yu grinned and said, "Master, there's one more question. Last time, when you went to the southwest, you..."

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

"If you're not going to ask me seriously, Ah Yun might come back soon," the Dongqing Sect Master interrupted her.

Shu Yu immediately became serious, "Master, why didn't you tell me directly when you found out that I wasn't from the Shu family? Why did you inform the Shu family instead?"

There you go; this time she asked quickly and seriously.

Dongqing Temple master smiled and said, "I know you've been carrying this on your mind for a long time. When I was in the southwest, I originally planned to tell you everything when I saw you, but I missed the chance. There's nothing special about it. It's just that you were destined to face a deadly calamity, and I informed the Shu family to bring that calamity forward. Only then would there be a chance to resolve it."

Shu Yu was startled, looking at her in disbelief, "Deadly calamity?"

She hadn't expected the reason to be this.

"If the Shu family hadn't laid their hands on me, where would that calamity have occurred?"

"After being exiled, you would have died in the southwest, and there would have been no way to resolve it. I wouldn't have been able to save you either."

Shu Yu's fingers clenched slowly, "So, when you went to the southwest, were you worried that my deadly calamity hadn't been completely resolved, and you protected me again?"

"Although you escaped your deadly calamity, there were still concerns after my intervention. However, your luck is quite good, and you've met someone who treats you wholeheartedly. Both of your birth charts were unfavorable, but strangely, when you two came together, the physiognomy changed, and I can finally rest assured."

Originally, both Meng Yunzheng and Shu Yu had short lifespans in their birth charts.

But after their first meeting at Dongqing Temple, their physiognomy changed significantly.

As someone with vast experiences, Dongqing Temple master had never seen such a miraculous occurrence.

She found it strange, which was why she let Shu Yu stay in the temple to recuperate for half a month.

Later, she discovered that this girl had a good temperament and insisted on learning physiognomy despite having no innate talent for it. Unable to resist her, Dongqing Temple master took her as a disciple.

Since she was her master, she couldn't just ignore Shu Yu's deadly calamity. That's why she informed the Shu family about her background after seeing Shu Yu's abilities.

She had thought of warning Shu Yu in advance, but then it wouldn't be considered resolving the calamity.

Now that her calamity had passed, she didn't need to worry about her anymore.

Shu Yu hadn't expected that her changed physiognomy was related to Meng Yunzheng. But thinking about it, he did meticulously arrange everything on her journey of exile.

She arrived safely at her place of exile and even received the title of a village lord, all thanks to Meng Yunzheng's careful planning.

 Chapter 1403: Lord Miao's Downfall

In a serious tone, Shu Yu shared the information she had gathered, "Since we met Lord Miao, I don't know if it's because of what I said to him or if he genuinely wanted to improve his image to gain your favor. But ever since then, Lord Miao's behavior has undergone significant changes."

It wasn't that he had suddenly turned over a new leaf, but his methods were no longer as extreme and ruthless as before, becoming much milder.

At least there were no more incidents of forcing innocent women into the brothel, and the managers and madams in the brothel had started treating the girls and boys under their care more kindly.

However, the business was still running.

Last year, after the late emperor's death, the Qinlou Chuguan was closed for several months, and Lord Miao suddenly began searching for other avenues.

"As far as I know, in the past half year, he has tried running a fabric shop, a carriage business, and even opened a tavern, but it seems that nothing has worked out," Shu Yu explained.

It was a strange phenomenon; Shu Yu felt as if Lord Miao's luck had suddenly abandoned him.

He was someone who ran a brothel, and apart from that, he had connections, resources, and plenty of money at his disposal. Even with the city's established industries, Lord Miao shouldn't have faced such a disastrous failure.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

It was as if his only option was to run a brothel.

However, Lord Miao refused to give up and kept trying to develop other businesses, investing more and more money, but ending up with greater losses.

Currently, he had moved from the Dong'an city to a nearby county.

The situation was still unclear, and Shu Yu didn't know if he had stabilized.

To be honest, she was a bit worried. She knew some of Lord Miao's temperament from before. After experiencing repeated failures, would he return to expand the Qinlou Chuguan with even more intensity?

Upon hearing this, the Dongqing Sect Master slowly nodded and said, "That's the price he has to pay."

"What do you mean?" Shu Yu asked.

"Since he wants to move his sister's eternal lamp to the ancestral altar, do you think it's something that can be easily achieved with just a few words? Giving away wealth is the most basic step, and that's already a small price to pay. From now on, Dong'an Prefecture probably won't have such a figure again."

Shu Yu widened her eyes, "Will Lord Miao die?"

The Dongqing Temple master replied with irritation, "When did your brain become so slow? I only said that there won't be such a figure in Dong'an Prefecture, not that he won't exist elsewhere. Do you think he needs to lose his life just for his sister's eternal lamp? However, compared to his current life, there will be a significant gap."

Shu Yu understood that Lord Miao's Qinlou Chuguan probably wouldn't continue in Dong'an Prefecture, but he might be able to run other businesses successfully in a smaller place and lead a decent life.

"But won't the disparity be too great? Would Lord Miao be able to avoid going astray again?" Shu Yu worriedly asked.

Dongqing Temple master replied, "He is even older than you and has experienced everything he needs to experience. His thoughts are mature enough, so why would he go astray again?"

He had already walked the path he once walked before.

Feeling relieved, Shu Yu watched as the Dongqing Temple master got up and walked to the door, asking a servant to bring pen and paper.

The servant soon brought a tray, and the Dongqing Temple master sat down and began writing a letter.

"I won't meet Lord Miao, and as for moving his sister's eternal lamp, let Qiu Shijie do it. This letter is for Qiu Shijie, so take it with you when you go back."

She wrote the letter quickly and handed it to Shu Yu in no time.

  Chapter 536: Unexpected Trouble (1)

In Da Chu, one tael of gold could be exchanged for ten taels of silver at the money house. Five hundred taels of gold equated to five thousand taels of silver, which would be enough for a family of five to live comfortably for a lifetime.

Even though the Mo family was relatively wealthy, five thousand taels of silver was no small amount. To put it in perspective, it would take a whole year of operating the Mo family’s fragrant rice shop to earn that much.

Having just spent two thousand taels of silver to buy barren mountains, the arrival of another five thousand taels felt almost too good to be true. Mo Yan thought she would be remiss if she didn’t indulge in some shopping in the city, given the hard work she had put in over the past six months.

Mo Yan prepared the carriage and, along with Xin’er, Li Xiu and her niece, Tang Xin, and the two siblings San Ni'er and Shi Tou, cheerfully headed into the city. They arrived at the spot where Wu Shi and her daughter were setting up their stall, planning to join them for shopping after they finished their work.

By the time they arrived, it was nearly noon, and there was a sizable crowd around the stall waiting to buy food. Wu Shi and her daughter worked swiftly and harmoniously, not appearing flustered despite their busyness.

Dai Ni’s shoulder injury had healed completely within a month, thanks to the miraculous spring water from Old Doctor Du and Mo Yan. Old Doctor Du was astonished by her rapid recovery but couldn’t find the reason, attributing it to her youth and quick healing, without suspecting Mo Yan.

Now fully recovered, Dai Ni was eager to help Wu Shi at the stall, hoping to earn more money to improve their family’s situation.

“Sir, I’m sorry, but the remaining batter is only enough for one more pancake. Would you still like it?” Wu Shi asked the old man who had requested five pancakes but found the batter nearly finished.

“Just one? Yes, yes, please make it quickly. I need to take it home for the children!” The old man, disappointed but still hopeful, hurried Wu Shi to prepare the pancake, and asked her to reserve five pancakes for him tomorrow, as his grandchildren loved them.

“Alright, I’ll definitely save some for you tomorrow!” Wu Shi agreed with a smile, her wrinkled face full of satisfaction.

Seeing this, the others who didn’t get any also asked Wu Shi to reserve some for them. Once Wu Shi agreed to all their requests, the crowd dispersed contentedly.

Mo Yan had long known that the stall’s business was thriving, so the pre-orders didn’t surprise her. However, Xin’er and the others were visiting for the first time. They were both amazed and proud of the bustling scene. As Wu Shi and her daughter began to pack up, they quickly got out of the carriage to help.

Shopping was a woman’s instinct, a truth that held in any era. Wu Shi and her daughter readily agreed to join them for shopping when they arrived.

Over the past six months, their business had kept them so busy that they never had a chance to browse leisurely. Even when they needed to buy essentials, they only did so quickly before returning to prepare for the next day’s ingredients. They had never enjoyed a proper shopping trip.

Since their large items made shopping difficult, Mo Yan and her group left the items on the ox cart and took it to the rice shop in the East Market. After a simple lunch at the shop, they were ready to enjoy their shopping.

The sun was blazing, and with it being the afternoon, the streets were not crowded. Most of the shops were empty, which suited Mo Yan and her group perfectly.

Feeling the heat, they decided to find a moderately sized fabric shop where they could help Wu Shi select suitable materials for autumn clothing.

When they entered the fabric shop, they found two young women already inside, their backs to the newcomers as they busily selected fabrics. Mo Yan glanced around and thought the shop’s fabrics were good quality, with a nice variety of patterns, and the prices seemed reasonable.

  Chapter 535: A Clear Reward (4)

Xiao Ruiyuan cast a meaningful glance at Yan Junyu and coldly responded to the initial question, “I sent two shadow guards to protect Yan’er, which is how I learned that you went to Liuyang Village today!”

After speaking, Xiao Ruiyuan ignored Yan Junyu's changing expression and left the pavilion directly. His purpose for visiting tonight had been achieved; regardless of whether Yan Junyu had any intentions toward Yan’er, he had to be prepared.

Yan Junyu's expression shifted between anger and confusion. By the time he recovered and wanted to ask more, Xiao Ruiyuan had already disappeared from view.

When Emperor Hui’an received the fruit presented by Yan Junyu, he immediately recognized the underlying intention. He had planned to support Yan Junyu and, after enjoying the fresh and delicious fruit, was even more determined to reprimand the Agricultural Bureau through his nephew.

At the morning court session the next day, the fresh fruit presented by Yan Junyu served as a direct slap to the faces of the Agricultural Bureau officials, who had nothing to say in response.

They were thoroughly convinced by Yan Junyu’s superior results.

Yan Junyu, relishing his triumph, was careful not to overstep and kept his satisfaction in check. However, Emperor Hui’an awarded him five hundred taels of gold for cultivating rare fruit as a glory for Da Chu. This was a blatant slap to the Agricultural Bureau!

The Agricultural Bureau could only swallow their embarrassment, as the one delivering the slap was the Emperor himself.

With this unexpected windfall, Yan Junyu showed no modesty and flaunted his success, especially in front of other princes and royal sons. Observing their forced smiles, he felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.

Though he didn’t lack wealth, the honor of such an award was rare. He didn’t believe Emperor Hui’an used the excuse of national glory to mask a personal slight against the Agricultural Bureau. For the ruler of a grand nation, having to import rare fruits from a distant land was a form of disgrace.

Otherwise, the annual expenditure from the Ministry of Revenue to transport fruit seedlings from faraway lands for careful cultivation wouldn’t be necessary. It was all to restore the royal family’s prestige and impress neighboring small states with the capabilities of the empire.

Thinking of the high-yield rice that Mo Yan had mentioned would soon be harvested, Yan Junyu's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He could almost foresee the impact that the high-yield rice, with an output of a thousand jin per mu, would have on Da Chu and neighboring countries!

With Emperor Hui’an’s praise and his high-profile display of success, both the Agricultural Bureau and others were eager to learn how Yan Junyu cultivated those rare seedlings and ensured their successful fruiting.

It wasn’t a secret that Mo Yan and Yan Junyu were working together, and it wasn’t long before people discovered her identity. Learning that Mo Yan was a poor farm girl with no extraordinary background and that her relationship with Yan Junyu was merely a business one, they quickly dismissed her, attributing her success to luck rather than merit.

She was just a small figure, not worth much attention!

Unbeknownst to them, all facts about their relationship had been erased by Yan Junyu, leaving only the misleading information he deliberately left behind to confuse the public.

...

When Mo Yan received the five hundred taels of gold sent by Yan Junyu’s people, she had just finished measuring the land with officials from the government!

Yes, she had bought more land!

This time, she spent a full two thousand taels of silver to purchase all the barren mountains around suitable for planting trees. These seventeen mountains added up to two thousand mu and connected with the previously purchased vineyard.

Mo Yan planned to use these mountains entirely for fruit trees to provide the necessary raw materials for winemaking once the vineyard was established. The two existing orchards alone couldn’t meet the winery’s demand.

This was a massive project that wouldn’t be completed in a year or two. Mo Yan wasn’t expecting instant results; her current priority was to build the winery first.

After dismissing the government officials with a red envelope, Mo Yan opened the large, heavy mahogany box sent by Yan Junyu. The golden light pouring from the box almost dazzled her eyes.

“Wow, so much gold! Sis, it’s all gold!” Xin’er exclaimed, rushing forward to grab a shiny gold ingot and shouting excitedly to her sister.

Mo Yan was also stunned. Even the fifty percent profit from selling the fruit wouldn’t amount to this much! This was an entire box of gold!

At that moment, Li Xiu took out a letter from her sleeve and said, “Yan’er, this letter was given to me by Young Master Yan’s people. Please read it.”

Mo Yan quickly took the letter, opened it, and after reading it and looking at the gold, she waved her hand grandly and said, “This gold is a reward from the noble for buying the fruit. It’s now ours! Let’s go, we’re going on a shopping spree in the city!”

  Chapter 534: A Clear Reward (3)

Upon returning to the capital, Yan Junyu wasted no time selecting two baskets of fruit and sending them to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor Hui’an. He intended to use these fruits to make a point at tomorrow's court session against the Agricultural Bureau.

That night, after handling his affairs, Yan Junyu was about to call for someone to help him change and rest when he heard a knocking sound at the door. Guan Yu's voice followed: “Master, Young Master Xiao has arrived and is waiting for you in the lakeside pavilion.”

Yan Junyu raised his elegantly arched eyebrows in surprise, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He picked up the jade fan from the table and went to the lakeside pavilion.

Under the cold moonlight, the calm lake surface seemed to add an extra layer of desolation.

In the octagonal pavilion, Xiao Ruiyuan, whose expression was as cold as the moonlit lake, glanced impatiently at the unmoving small gate not far away. His face darkened further at the thought of the news brought by his shadow guards earlier that evening.

When Yan Junyu arrived at the pavilion, he felt the cold aura emanating from Xiao Ruiyuan even before he got close. Yan Junyu assumed it was just another foolish person who had offended Xiao Ruiyuan, completely unaware that he himself was the “culprit.”

With a snap, Yan Junyu opened his jade fan and, directing his question at the cold-eyed Xiao Ruiyuan, asked, “Who has offended our Northern General this time?”

Xiao Ruiyuan had returned to court after his injury, and with his military achievements and compensations from Emperor Hui’an, he had been promoted three ranks, becoming the youngest General of the First Rank in Da Chu. "Northern General" was his title.

Xiao Ruiyuan’s aura was colder than ever. He didn’t answer Yan Junyu’s question but instead inquired about something unrelated: “What were you doing in Liuyang Village?”

Hearing this, Yan Junyu’s expression immediately hardened: “Did you have someone follow me?”

Xiao Ruiyuan shot him a contemptuous glance and said nothing. His eyes clearly conveyed the message: Don’t flatter yourself; there’s nothing about you worth following.

Yan Junyu, seeing this, became enraged and retorted, “Xiao Ruiyuan, are you looking for a fight? Come on, I’m not afraid of you!”

Without waiting for Xiao Ruiyuan to respond, Yan Junyu launched a strike.

Xiao Ruiyuan, already frustrated and eager to vent his anger, didn’t hesitate to meet Yan Junyu’s strike head-on, and the two engaged in combat.

Both were of similar age and martial prowess, having trained since childhood and fought countless times without ever achieving a decisive victory.

Each sparring session saw them give their all, and this time was no different. They fought from the pavilion to the lake surface and then onto the corridor across the way, battling fiercely and evenly.

Guan Yu, peering out from the pavilion, watched with excitement and admiration, showing no concern, as he was used to their sparring and knew they wouldn’t truly harm each other.

As the two fighters, now on the rooftop, became increasingly intense, Guan Yu’s view became a blur. Just as he sought a better spot to watch, he suddenly heard a crash. A figure slid down the inclined roof, and upon closer inspection, Guan Yu realized it was his master, causing him to panic.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

At that moment, Xiao Ruiyuan swiftly descended and caught Yan Junyu’s arm before he hit the ground, allowing both to land safely.

Recent continuous rain had caused moss to grow on the roof tiles, making them slippery. Yan Junyu had slipped, nearly falling off. After this incident, the two had vented enough and stopped fighting.

“Alright, what’s this really about? You didn’t come all the way here in the middle of the night just to fight, did you?” Yan Junyu, fanning himself with a curious expression, asked Xiao Ruiyuan.

 Chapter 533: A Clear Reward (2)

“Yan’er, I just remembered that I still have some clothes to wash, so I’ll be going now. If you need anything, just call for me.” Da Nier quickly found an excuse, and before Mo Yan could respond, she fled in a hurry, only to trip over the vines again. Fortunately, Mo Yan managed to support her in time, preventing her from falling to the ground.

Watching Da Nier leave in a rush, Mo Yan thought she was just embarrassed by the presence of a stranger and didn’t give it further thought.

This little incident didn’t bother either of them, and they continued discussing the details of the winery.

...

Yan Junyu’s subordinates were remarkably efficient. Before the sun set, they had transported all the fruit to the capital, except for a few baskets kept for the Mo family’s personal use.

Yan Junyu spent the afternoon playing with Xiao Hua. Before leaving, he tried to coax the aloof Mao Tuan to follow him, but Mao Tuan, disdainful, ignored him completely and showed him its backside. Mo Yan found this quite amusing and rewarded Mao Tuan with a plump roast chicken at dinner.

Unfazed, Yan Junyu then attempted to win over the aloof Da Bai. Da Bai gave him a scornful glance, walked over to the wild deer, and viciously bit off its neck, showing a bloody and brutal side.

Feeling defeated, Yan Junyu announced he would leave with Xiao Hua. However, Xiao Hua, who had been clinging to Mo Yan all afternoon, quickly wrapped itself around her leg, clearly unwilling to leave.

Seeing the awkward and frustrated Yan Junyu, Mo Yan couldn’t help but laugh uncontrollably.

Yan Junyu, increasingly exasperated, gave one last resentful look at the people and animals before leaving with his entourage, departing from Liuyang Village with a grand procession.

As the last rays of sunlight faded, the Mo family’s courtyard returned to its usual tranquility.

“At the dinner table, Wu Shi glanced at Mo Yan, who had grown into a young woman, and hesitated before speaking with a hint of expectation. “Yan’er, what’s the story between you and that Young Master Yan…”

Upon hearing this, everyone at the table, except for Li Xiu who knew the details, turned their attention to Mo Yan. Da Nier’s eyes widened with a touch of unspoken anxiety.

Mo Yan could tell they were misunderstanding the situation. She sighed and explained, “Aunt Wu, my relationship with Young Master Yan is merely a business one. He came specifically for the fruits. With his status, it’s not something an ordinary person can aspire to.”

Wu Shi, not noticing her daughter’s unusual reaction, responded with reluctance, “How can you say you’re aspiring to something? Besides not having a high status, where are you lacking compared to the young ladies in the city?”

She had seen many young women in the city, but she couldn’t find anyone who compared to Mo Yan. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also kind-hearted and capable. If it weren’t for her lack of a prominent background, she would be on par with anyone. Young Master Yan was handsome and had a good family background. He seemed like a pleasant person, and they looked great together.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

Mo Yan, feeling both amused and exasperated, decided it was better to clarify things now to avoid future misunderstandings. She briefly explained their relationship from the beginning to the present, emphasizing, “I have only a cooperative relationship with Young Master Yan. If anyone asks, you should say the same. Make sure no one misunderstands that our family is trying to climb the social ladder. If this gets back to Young Master Yan and he gets offended, we won’t come out well.”

After this explanation and warning, Wu Shi, though disappointed, understood the situation and did not bring it up again. The others also remained silent, eating their meal quietly. Only Da Nier seemed distracted, her food tasteless as she struggled with her thoughts.

Chapter 532: A Clear Reward (1)

Soon after, the Wu mother and daughter returned from their market trip. Knowing that there was a distinguished guest at the Mo household, Mo Yan stayed in the back courtyard under the vines to keep company and did not disturb them.

At this moment, Li Xiu had just finished boiling a pot of water and was about to deliver it to the back courtyard for Mo Yan and her guests to make tea. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen and urgently needed to use the restroom. She quickly asked Da Nier to take the tea water to the back while she grabbed some paper and hurried to the outhouse.

Da Nier, naturally, did not refuse. She placed the teapot on a tray and headed toward the back courtyard. As she approached, a captivating male voice drifted out from beneath the vines, brushing gently against her ears like a feather, causing her to feel a peculiar tickling sensation.

Da Nier's cheeks inexplicably flushed with heat, and her palms began to sweat slightly. She shook her head forcefully, steadied herself, and walked toward the vines.

Upon getting closer, she was greeted by a smile she would remember for a lifetime—an enchanting, handsome smile that seemed to hold an irresistible allure, making it difficult to look away.

Thud, thud! Thud, thud!

Da Nier struggled to suppress the unfamiliar fluttering in her chest, but her heart continued to pound wildly. Distracted, she took a step forward, not noticing the vines growing underfoot. She stumbled and fell forward, sending the scalding water from the tray straight at Yan Junyu’s face.

“Watch out!” Mo Yan exclaimed, jumping up from her chair in alarm, trying to rush over to prevent the accident, but it was too late.

At this moment, Yan Junyu, who had been playing with Xiao Hua, reacted swiftly. In a remarkable display of agility, he dodged the flying teapot and, at the same time, reached out to catch Da Nier, who was about to fall.

Fortunately, his quick reflexes prevented Da Nier from hitting the stone table. Had she fallen heavily, she could have injured her forehead, possibly resulting in a scar or even disfigurement—something devastating for a young woman.

Seeing that both of them were unharmed, Mo Yan quickly rushed over to check their condition, her heart finally settling down.

Seeing Mo Yan’s anxious expression, Yan Junyu released Da Nier’s wrist with a smug look and said, “With me here, why are you still worried about accidents?”

Mo Yan silently rolled her eyes in her mind but flattered him, “Young Master Yan’s skills are exceptional. I was just startled and overly concerned.”

Hearing Mo Yan’s insincere praise, Yan Junyu shook his head with some disappointment and returned to his seat. He stroked Xiao Hua’s glossy fur, noticing that there were no water stains, which meant Xiao Hua had avoided the hot water and was unharmed. He then continued to play with Xiao Hua’s tail, which was highly sensitive.

Xiao Hua, unceremoniously, flicked its tail against Yan Junyu, and every time he retracted it and touched it again, Xiao Hua flicked it once more. The two continued to play with great enthusiasm.

“I’m so sorry, really sorry. I almost burned the distinguished guest…” Da Nier, clutching her somewhat warm wrist, repeatedly apologized to Mo Yan. Her face was flushed red, a mix of self-reproach and embarrassment.

“It was an accident. How could I blame Da Nier?” Mo Yan reassured her. “Fortunately, no one was hurt; otherwise, I would have felt terribly guilty!”

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

Da Nier quickly shook her head, placing the blame on herself, and then cautiously apologized to Yan Junyu, her voice barely audible. “This young master, it was my clumsiness that nearly harmed you. Please don’t hold it against me, and thank you for saving me!”

Yan Junyu, still engrossed in his play with Xiao Hua, casually waved his hand and said, “It was just a small effort. I don’t blame you. There’s no need for you to be so hard on yourself!”

Clearly surprised that such a distinguished guest would speak to her, Da Nier’s cheeks turned even redder. She quickly glanced at Yan Junyu before rapidly looking down again, her heart pounding so hard she thought it might leap out of her chest. 

  Chapter 531: A Joyful Meeting (2)

After finishing the last apple, Yan Junyu continued to eat with increasing delight, unable to stop. By the time he realized, he was already quite full, having devoured half of the entire basket of fruit. Mo Yan watched with amusement as Yan Junyu’s eyes twitched at the sight.

Noticing Mo Yan’s teasing gaze, Yan Junyu felt a bit uncomfortable but quickly composed himself. He directed some of his guards to go up the mountain to pick more fruit while the rest were to transport the fruits to the city.

With Aunt Tong at the orchard, Mo Yan didn’t go herself. The dozen or so strong laborers were much more efficient than the women and children from the other day. Within three hours, the entire orchard was picked clean.

After weighing, the total amount of fruit was 4,600 jin. These fruits were rarer than the pears and peaches and thus fetched a much higher price. With the quality surpassing that of the tribute fruits, the price was even higher.

Mo Yan estimated that the 4,600 jin of fruit could sell for about 2,000 taels of silver. According to the contract, even though half of the profit would be shared, she would still make 1,000 taels. After deducting the costs of land, reclamation, and planting, she still earned 900 taels. Earning so much in the first year of fruit-bearing was already quite impressive.

Next year, when the trees grew more, the yield would be at least five times more. By then, the profits would be even greater. However, when the winery was established next year and could produce wine, whether to keep or sell the fruits would depend on the situation. In any case, planting these fruit trees was a guaranteed profitable venture.

By noon, Yan Junyu showed no intention of leaving. Mo Yan hinted a few times, but seeing that he seemed oblivious, she resigned herself to the fact and went into the kitchen to prepare several of her signature dishes. Otherwise, she would appear impolite.

Yan Junyu had never tasted Mo Yan’s cooking, but he had enjoyed the fruits, vegetables, and live chickens she often sent. He was naturally eager to try the meal.

When the dishes were served, their aroma made one’s mouth water. Yan Junyu wasted no time. As soon as everyone was seated, he picked up his chopsticks and grabbed the nearest dish, the oil-soaked eggplant.

“Mmm, I didn’t expect you to have such culinary skills. Not bad!” Yan Junyu praised, his eyes filled with amazement and evaluation.

He had eaten oil-soaked eggplant countless times, but never had he tasted one so tender and flavorful. It surpassed even the renowned vegetarian dishes from the capital’s Su Xin Village.

This girl not only had courage and intellect but also surpassed many chefs in culinary skills. He wondered just how many surprises she still had in store.

“It’s just simple home cooking. As long as Young Master Yan doesn’t mind,” Mo Yan modestly replied, calmly eating while allowing him to scrutinize her. She also served him several more dishes, politely encouraging him to eat more.

Yan Junyu shook his head in amusement and continued to enjoy the meal. Every dish was excellent, even including the celery he disliked, which he ate a lot of. By the end, he was once again stuffed.

The meal lasted longer than usual. Yan Junyu, full and content, reclined lazily in his chair, resembling a pampered cat.

Mo Yan observed him and felt that he was quite down-to-earth at this moment. Every time they met before, although he didn’t deliberately act superior, his lofty demeanor was deeply ingrained, giving a sense of distance. It was different now, feeling more genuine.

As they chatted and relaxed under the vines, the atmosphere was much warmer compared to the morning. After a while, the hunters, who had gone into the mountains early, returned.

Excited and laden with their catch, the hunters initially didn’t notice the unfamiliar presence in the house. When they finally caught sight of Mo Yan and Yan Junyu under the vines, they realized there was an additional guest and had no way to avoid it.

“Is this… Xiao Hua?” Yan Junyu’s eyes widened as he saw Xiao Hua charge in. He sat up straight, uncertainly asking Mo Yan.

It was understandable for Yan Junyu to question this. Xiao Hua had changed dramatically since he last saw it. Its fur had gone from pure white to a striking silver, and it had grown much larger. Standing there, its dangerous aura was palpable.

If it weren’t for the familiar silly expression on its face, Yan Junyu would have had a hard time recognizing it as the beloved pet he had raised for years.

Just as Mo Yan was about to answer, Xiao Hua suddenly darted towards Yan Junyu like an arrow. Clearly, it had recognized its former owner.

Weighing over 250 jin, Xiao Hua’s powerful pounce would have knocked Mo Yan down and left her gasping for air.

Yan Junyu, who had practiced martial arts since childhood and had quick reflexes, swiftly managed to catch Xiao Hua before it could reach him. He skillfully reduced its force and held it securely, allowing Xiao Hua to nuzzle and whine against his neck.

“Alright, alright, stop licking. Your bloody smell is almost suffocating me!” Yan Junyu tilted his head back, trying to avoid Xiao Hua’s enthusiastic licking.

“Woo woo! Woo woo woo!” Xiao Hua continued to insist on licking, either because it was thrilled to see its former owner or simply because it wanted to tease him.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

Watching the scene, Mo Yan felt a pang of jealousy. It seemed like Xiao Hua was showing affection in front of her, making her feel like a mere onlooker.

After a while, when both Yan Junyu and Xiao Hua finally settled down, Yan Junyu’s purple jade crown was askew, his face was damp, and his clothes were smeared with mud stains shaped like plum blossoms.

Yan Junyu, looking at Xiao Hua with mild distaste but also with a touch of satisfaction, patted it away.

 Chapter 1402: Master and Disciple Heart-to-Heart Talk

The usually calm and steady Dongqing Temple Master was feeling a bit agitated due to Shu Yu's silent attitude.

She rubbed her forehead and said, "Alright, if you want to ask something, just go ahead."

"Hold on, let me organize my thoughts before I ask," Shu Yu replied.

Dongqing Temple master sighed, wondering why she had avoided her multiple times; this girl had a talent for infuriating people.

After what seemed like a long time, just when Dongqing Temple master was about to regain her composure, Shu Yu finally spoke, "Master, weren't you originally planning to return to Dongqing Temple? But why did I hear from Ah Yun that your next stop is the capital?"

Dongqing Temple master briefly wished Shu Yu hadn't asked that question.

After thinking for so long, that was her question?

"Is that all you want to ask?" Dongqing Sect Master asked. She thought Shu Yu would be curious about why she had revealed that Shu Yu wasn't from the Shu family to Shu's Lady.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

Shu Yu replied, "Not exactly. I have many questions in my mind, but I'll ask them one by one, step by step."

So, she had to answer them one by one, it seemed.

Dongqing Temple master poured herself another cup of tea and drank it slowly before calmly responding, "Originally, I thought I might pass by Dong'an Prefecture, so I planned to pay a visit since it has been a long time since I returned to the temple. However, on the way, I met a fellow daoist who asked for my help in dealing with a problem her friend is facing in the capital. She couldn't go herself, so she asked me to go on her behalf."

Shu Yu thought that her master was truly a warm-hearted person.

Understanding the situation, Shu Yu hesitated and said, "Master, what if I said I also need a little favor from you?"

"What kind of favor?" Dongqing Temple master was quite accommodating. "If it's a small favor, I won't refuse."

"It's like this. Master, you know the Lord Miao from Dong'an Prefecture, right? The one who runs the Qinlou Chuguan?"

Dongqing Temple master frowned, "Yes, I know him. Did he do something to you? Bully you?"

"No, of course not. How could I let him bully me? It's about him; he wants to meet with you to discuss small matter."

First, it was a small favor, and now it was a small matter. Did she have anything that was not "small" in her eyes? Dongqing Temple master took another sip of tea.

Suddenly, as if she remembered something, she asked curiously, "By the way, from what you're saying, it seems like you have a good relationship with Lord Miao. You traveled all this way just to find me to meet him?"

Shu Yu immediately shook her head, "No, Master, you misunderstood."

She then explained how Meng Yunzheng wanted to buy the black-market estate and how they couldn't acquire it directly, so they had to approach Lord Miao. She also mentioned that Lord Miao wanted to move her sister's eternal lamp to the ancestral altar, which was why she had come to discuss the matter with her master.

Dongqing Temple master understood, "I see. So, you acted first and informed me later?"

"Master, I learned from the best. Like master, like disciple," Shu Yu replied seriously, as if she were proud of it.

Dongqing Temple master sighed.

She turned her head, took another sip of tea, and then smoothly changed the subject, "So, how is Lord Miao doing now?"

Shu Yu knew her master wanted to know if Lord Miao was still causing trouble for innocent women.

In fact, Shu Yu had been paying attention to this matter, as she had promised to introduce Lord Miao. As the one who introduced him, she should at least have some knowledge of his recent activities.

 Chapter 1401: The Third Rank Scholar, Xun Sheng, Pays a Visit

Shu Yu was in a good mood today. First, she found her master, and second, Meng Yunzheng passed the exam as the top scorer.

With these two things combined, they had to celebrate! Therefore, she had a little bit of alcohol.

Unfortunately, it was just a little.

Dongqing Temple master was watching her like a hawk, worried that she would drink too much because of her injuries, so she could only continue eating the dishes with regret.

As they were about to leave after finishing the meal, the door of the private room was suddenly knocked.

Everyone in the room was taken aback, and Xia Yan got up and walked to the door. He asked through the door, "Who is it?"

"Xun Sheng," a strange and slightly lowered voice came from outside.

Shu Yu was puzzled, "Who is Xun Sheng? Did you get the wrong person?"

Meng Yunzheng explained, "The third-ranked scholar the waiter mentioned."

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com

After he finished speaking, he turned to Xia Yan and let him open the door.

When the door opened, they saw a man slightly older than Meng Yunzheng standing at the entrance.

The man looked spirited and had a dignified appearance. He nodded slightly when he saw the people inside the room.

Meng Yunzheng stood up and asked, "How did you know I was here, Master Xun?"

"I returned to thank my mentor and saw a carriage in the backyard of this inn, which looked exactly like the one you were riding when we last met. So, I asked the waiter and found my way here. I hope you don't mind my intrusion. I have something I want to discuss with you," the man named Xun Sheng said.

Everyone in the room understood. This Xun Sheng was the third-ranked scholar who brought great honor to this inn. He asked which room the owner of the carriage was in, and naturally, the waiter revealed it to him.

However, Meng Yunzhi usually acted low-key and deliberately chose a plain-looking carriage, but he was still recognized by Xun Sheng at first glance.

Indeed, the third-ranked scholar was observant. It was no wonder he scored so high in the exams.

Meng Yunzhi didn't really want to chat with him. What could they talk about? They were not familiar with each other, and they were just fellow examinees. Because they both ranked first in their respective exams, they naturally carried an air of pride. They had met before but had exchanged only a few words.

Meng Yunzheng had already guessed that Xun Sheng probably wanted to discuss academic matters.

But!

He wanted to be with Ah Yu; he didn't have time for this.

Before he could speak to refuse, Dongqing Temple master was the first to speak, "Go ahead. I have something to discuss with Ah Yu alone."

After these words were spoken, Xun Sheng's eyes lit up, and Meng Yunzheng couldn't help but sigh.

"All right, you two can talk. I'll leave now," he said.

"Okay."

Meng Yunzheng got up and walked toward the door with Xun Sheng. The latter seemed happy and started asking questions as soon as they left. Compared to his previous arrogance, he seemed like a completely different person.

However, as they walked, Meng Yunzheng was thinking about how to end the conversation quickly. After all, he didn't know how long it would take for Ah Yu and Dongqing Temple master to finish their conversation. He couldn't let them wait for him.

As soon as the two of them left, Shu Yu turned back.

The room was quiet, and Dongqing Temple master was quietly drinking tea without saying a word.

Shu Yu thought for a moment and asked Xia Yan and Ying Dong to leave.

However, once they left and the door was closed, the room fell silent again.

 Chapter 530: A Joyful Meeting (1)

The orchard housed over a thousand chickens, and since Mo Yan did not restrict their movement, there wasn’t a corner of the orchard untouched by these chickens or free from their droppings. Fortunately, the chickens mostly ate grass and vegetables, so their manure wasn’t too smelly, though stepping on it was somewhat unpleasant.

Seeing the scattered chicken droppings all over the ground, Yan Junyu, with only one shoe left, refused to step further into the orchard. He insisted on waiting until Mo Yan brought the fruits back to taste them. He then asked Guan Yu to fetch a spare pair of shoes from the carriage and hurriedly left the mountain.

Mo Yan didn’t push the matter and instead picked a variety of fruits, filling a bamboo basket before carrying it back home.

Yan Junyu was already waiting under the vines. He had not only changed his shoes but also donned a completely new outfit, still in purple, which made him appear even more handsome and imposing.

Seeing the vibrant and plump fruits in the basket, Yan Junyu’s eyes lit up. “It seems the feng shui here is indeed quite good. I’m tempted to build a villa here to stay regularly.”

Mo Yan thought for a moment and, while cleaning the fruits, suggested, “The feng shui is indeed favorable here, and the local people are very genuine. It would be an excellent place for cultivating oneself! If Young Master Yan builds a few exquisite villas here, it could be quite profitable.”

Yan Junyu raised his eyebrows and genuinely considered the suggestion. “Your advice is quite good. Once the winery is established, I’ll think it over.”

Mo Yan didn’t expect that a casual remark would spark his interest. Whether to praise his courage or his wealth and indulgence, it was hard to say.

Nevertheless, this was beneficial. Building villas was a substantial project, which would certainly require hiring workers from the impoverished Liu Yang Village, bringing a positive impact to the community.

After washing the fruits, Mo Yan placed the bamboo basket on the stone table, letting Yan Junyu handle them. The fruits were served unpeeled and uncut. Freshly picked, the fruit skins were juicy and sweet, so peeling them would have been a waste.

Yan Junyu washed his hands and, setting aside his usual fastidiousness, picked a glistening purple grape and ate it whole, skin and all. The delight in his eyes was evident. “Not bad, not bad! Better than the tribute from the southern barbarians! Hmph, let’s see what the officials of the Agricultural Affairs Department have to say now!”

His smug expression suggested he felt he had finally one-upped the officials, as if this victory was a personal triumph.

Like apples, grapes were rare fruits, usually only enjoyed by the royal court and high officials. The Agricultural Affairs Department spent significant sums every year importing these rare seedlings from southern frontier states, but few survived and even fewer bore fruit. Last year, despite the pressure from the Agricultural Affairs Department officials, Yan Junyu managed to secure the seedlings thanks to the favor of Emperor Hui’an. If they had failed to thrive, he would have lost face before those officials.

...This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://www.eternalnovelhits.com

Now, Mo Yan not only made the fruit trees thrive but also produced large and delicious fruits, earning Yan Junyu considerable prestige.

On the other hand, Yan Junyu had some worries about the upcoming construction of the winery. After tasting these fruits, those worries vanished. Even if the wine did not sell, the fruit alone could bring substantial profit. At the very least, the tens of thousands of taels invested would not be in vain.

Perhaps feeling he had been too expressive, Yan Junyu touched his nose and proudly said to Mo Yan, “When I send these fruits to the palace, you’ll definitely get some benefits! Take good care of those fruit trees. I’m counting on them to make those old fellows in the Agricultural Affairs Department lose face every year!”

 Chapter 529: Orchard Harvest (4)

Everything in the Mo family courtyard was designed by Mo Yan herself. Hearing Yan Junyu’s praise, she felt pleased but remained modest, saying, “It’s just some wild things from the mountains, not worth the praise of Young Master Yan.”

Yan Junyu’s hand holding the fan paused slightly, then he shook his head with a tone of unconscious expectation: “You girl, having known me for so long, when will you ever show your true self to me more openly?”

Mo Yan smiled faintly and served him a glass of chilled pear juice.

The person in front of her was from a distinguished background, with a high status and good business connections. She didn't want to think too deeply about the relationship beyond ordinary interactions. It was better to maintain some distance in regular dealings.

Yan Junyu, feeling slightly uncomfortable, sighed and changed the topic to the fruits.

Mo Yan didn’t say much and directly brought out three plates of fruit for Yan Junyu to taste.

Seeing the fruits cut into uniform pieces but with their skins still on, Yan Junyu thought it was Mo Yan’s habit not to peel them. He politely picked up a juicy pear and took a casual bite.

At the moment the fruit entered his mouth, Mo Yan clearly saw the surprise in Yan Junyu’s eyes, and then he ate the rest of the pear, skin and all.

Not satisfied with just the pear, Yan Junyu also tried the peaches and plums. After cleaning his hands with a handkerchief, he showed a shrewd smile and said, “These fruits are quite good. You really surprised me! Tell me, how many of these fruits do you have? I want them all!”

He had thought these pears and peaches were ordinary, and even if they tasted good, it would be nothing special. However, after the first bite, he realized he had been completely wrong! These fruits were as exceptional as the rare treasures from the southern barbarians.

Moreover, he felt that besides their excellent taste, there was an indescribable sweetness that made him feel pleasantly refreshed.

Mo Yan knew that these fruits would fetch a good price. With this in mind, her smile became more genuine: “Since these fruit trees are bearing fruit for the first time, there aren’t many left. All the fruits combined are just under two thousand pounds. If Young Master Yan wants them all, it’s best to transport them today. If they’re left for a few more days, they’ll lose moisture and their taste will deteriorate.”

Pears are relatively okay; they can be stored in a cool place for a long time. Peaches, however, ripen quickly and can spoil within two days, especially if they’re jostled. Plums are similar but not as perishable as peaches. The longer they are stored, the less flavor they have.

Yan Junyu knew this well. He immediately had Guan Yu hand over one hundred taels of silver to Mo Yan and instructed him to gather the guards to transport the fruits back and store them in the cellar.

With the profit multiplied tenfold, Mo Yan was very satisfied. She then mentioned another orchard: “The fruit trees Young Master Yan sent earlier have nearly all borne fruit and the quality is quite good. If you have enough people, you can harvest them now and transport them back to the city.”

Yan Junyu’s eyes lit up with interest: “I’m curious to see what’s so special about your orchard that makes those difficult-to-survive saplings thrive and bear fruit so quickly.”

Mo Yan gladly agreed, took a bamboo basket, and led Yan Junyu to the orchard.

However, when Yan Junyu, full of enthusiasm, followed Mo Yan into the orchard, he was met not with delicious fruits but with a patch of grayish chicken droppings with a hint of white.

For someone like Yan Junyu, who was meticulous about his manners and had a slight cleanliness obsession, stepping on dirt and getting a bit of dust on his clothes was tolerable, but being "contaminated" by feces was a disaster!

Even if this disaster was only on the part of his shoe that couldn’t be seen, it was absolutely unacceptable.

Without waiting for Mo Yan to react, Yan Junyu swiftly removed his “hit” shoe and threw it outside the thorns.

Mo Yan: …

Young Master Yan, are you sure your stance on one leg is fitting for your high status?