CH 118.1

Wang Shijing, who had sent Wang Qing and Jiang Moxi back, didn’t have a moment of leisure. Today, he had to go to the county government office. While having breakfast, Yan Fusheng came in to report that the wealthiest man in Yongxiu County, Chen Sanli, had arrived. Wang Shijing immediately got up to greet him. 

Upon seeing Wang Shijing, Chen Sanzha bowed and apologized, saying, “Older Brother, it seems I have come too early. I must have disturbed you.” Wang Shijing invited Chen Sanli into the house and said, “You did not disturb me at all. I woke up early too. Did Brother have breakfast? If not, why not join me?” Chen Sanli smiled and said, “I heard that the food at your place is delicious, but I haven’t had a chance to eat it yet.” 

“Please.” Yan Fusheng immediately instructed Zheng Weishi to bring utensils from the kitchen for the guest, along with some breakfast dishes. 

Wang Shijing took Chen Sanli to the dining hall. There were various side dishes on the table, a bowl of porridge, a plate of dumplings, and a few boiled eggs. Ding Yeshi also brought a basin of water so that Chen Sanli could wash his hands. After washing his hands, Chen Sanli said, “Your servants are quite clever. It’s a pity for someone of your talent to live in this Xiushui Village. Would you consider moving to the town? I have a large mansion there and if you don’t mind, Brother, I can give it to you at a low price.”

Qin Niang entered with Zheng Weishi and Chen Sanli looked up at Qin Niang’s appearance and attire, raising his eyebrows. Qin Niang, who came from the palace, just has a different appearance and temperament. Qin Niang placed the tableware in front of Chen Sanli and set down a bowl of porridge, three baskets of dumplings, and four plates of assorted pickles. Chen Sanli looked at the dumplings and asked, “What is this?”

“Dumplings. Brother, try one.” Wang Shijing picked up a dumpling and placed it on the plate in front of Chen Sanli. Chen Sanli picked it up, took a bite, chewed slowly, and then quickly swallowed, saying, “Is there rice, meat, and vegetables in this?”

“It’s made with glutinous rice, pork, carrots, and mushrooms.” Chen Sanli gave a thumbs up. “Breakfast at your place is really exceptional.”

“If Brother likes it, take some with you when you leave. Just steam it to reheat.”

“In that case, I won’t be polite.” Chen Sanli enjoyed the breakfast very much. Even though it was just plain porridge, why did the porridge at Wang Shijing’s house have a slightly sweeter aroma than his own? Paired with pickles, the taste was truly excellent. Chen Sanli even impolitely asked Wang Shijing for some pickles, which were both sour and spicy, stimulating his appetite.

After finishing the meal, Wang Shijing took Chen Sanli to the main hall to talk. Wang Shijing asked Qin Niang to brew some golden chrysanthemum tea. Chen Sanli looked at Qin Niang a few more times, noticing her appearance and bearing were quite different. After Qin Niang left, he asked in a low voice, “Brother, where did you find your servants? Not that I don’t trust you, but having a servant with such charm at home can easily cause trouble.”

Wang Shijing said, “Qin Niang and steward Yan were both brought by my uncle from the capital to assist Yunan and I. They are a married couple.”

“Older Brother Wang’s uncle?”

“Yunan and I recognized them. It seems that both Qin Niang and steward Tan come from the palace.” When Wang Shijing said this, Chen Sanli gave a startled “hiss” and seemed to have heard some important information. Even his gaze towards Wang Shijing immediately changed significantly.

Wang Shijing pretended not to notice Chen Sanli’s gaze and asked, “Older Brother, you came early today, so there must be something you want to discuss, right?” Chen Sanli immediately chuckled and said, “Of course.” Then his tone became more intimate as he asked, “Little brother, I wonder if you’ve made any progress regarding the matter I mentioned to you last time, the one I asked you to inquire about?”

“I have already written a letter to inquire about that matter, but I haven’t received a reply yet. However, my wife is quite interested. If the people from the capital agree, we can discuss it carefully. There is great potential.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Sanli became instantly delighted and said, “Who doesn’t know that Brother Shijing’s wife is a capable person? If he sees potential in it, then at least half of the matter is settled. Today, Brother came to inquire about the progress on this matter. Additionally, didn’t you ask me to help you find grape seeds, watermelon seeds, and other fruit seeds?” 

“I managed to get them for you. I also brought four crates of grapefruits that were just delivered from the south. I’ll give them to your family to taste something fresh. Moreover, my family owns several hills and there are quite a few tea trees on them. I’ve sent half of them to County Magistrate Jiang and I brought the better ones for you. Among them are several of the red tea that you value so much. Brother has brought them for you. You don’t need to pay for the tea, just give me some to taste after it’s processed.”

Chen Sanli’s wealth was nothing compared to the small amount of money he would earn from selling fresh tea leaves. He merely wanted to establish a better relationship with Wang Shijing. Wang Shijing didn’t refuse and accepted Chen Sanli’s goodwill, promising to send him some tea for tasting after it was processed. After looking at the items Chen Sanli brought, Wang Shijing said, “Thank you so much, Brother Chen. This season, there’s a scarcity of fruits and my wife and children have been longing for them.”

“That’s nothing. If you like them, just let me know.” Chen Sanli replied. Wang Shijing was about to go to the county office after receiving the gifts from Chen Sanli and gave him a few gifts in return, before bidding him farewell.

When Shao Yunan woke up and saw the things Chen Sanli brought, he was overjoyed. Wang Shijing took the tea leaves to the tea processing room first.

“Steward Yan, have someone send two grapefruits each to Wang Wenhe’s family, the Zhao Lizheng’s family, Master Sun, Fourth Aunt Wang’s family, and the Sun family patriarch’s family. As for the people in our house, you can distribute them as you see fit. Anyone else who wants to eat them can take them. You and Qin Niang can also eat as you like. Also, have someone take these seeds to my room.”