CH 28

The majority of herbal blenders loved herbs. This point was very clear in Xie Chong’s heart. Thus, he sent those herbs as gifts to the Zhou family’s Herbal Store.

There was luster in the woman’s eyes, and the corners of her lips subconsciously rose. This pleasant feeling seemed to infect Xie Chong also. Initially, his chest was filled with brutality and killing intent. But now, he gradually calmed down. He even regretted it and should not have let Xie Yi go. If he was the one who personally went to their door, would he be able to see the delight on Zhou Qing’s face when she received the herbs?

He slowly said, “The sword is given to the hero, and the red powder is given to the beauty. Although the Dragon Brain herb and Brahmi herb are good, they are of no use in my hands. It is better to give them to the most suitable person.”

The man’s tone was low – with a hint of raspiness – Zhou Qing’s fingertips gently trembled as she thanked him respectfully, “Thank you for the grace Commander. In the future, I will certainly do my best to help you make a tranquilizing fragrance.”

Licking her dry lips, she then spoke, “There are still many chores at home, so if you have no orders, I will leave now.”

Noticing the woman’s detached attitude, Xie Chong’s sharp brows wrinkled slightly, and softly hummed in response. The hot gaze was fixed on Zhou Qing, which made her whole body stiff, like a light on her back. But she had no other way except to leave as soon as possible.

A dozen Jin Yi Guards stood in place. Remembering His Majesty’s instructions, Liu Baihu bit the bullet and stepped forward, whispering, “Lord, we have to proceed to the Ministry of Punishment quickly. Otherwise, obtaining the evidence may be impossible.”

Xie Chong withdrew his gaze, “I will go to the Ministry of Punishment. You send people to keep an eye on Yun Ru. If there is any movement, directly report it.”

Yun Ru was the owner of the Natural Harmony Pavilion. Despite not selling her art, she was only fifteen this year. Her appearance was delicate and beautiful, but also had a good voice. Even without any guest attending her, she had developed some fame.

Although Liu Baihu did not know why the commander was interested in a small prostitute, he stayed in the Northern Zhenfu Division for many years and knew how to protect himself. He would not ask about things he should never inquire about.

Responding, Liu Baihu left in stride and went straight in the direction of the Natural Harmony Pavilion.

——–

As Zhou Qing stepped into the Herbal Store, Yu Fu welcomed her. He was contemplative as he swept a glance at the dusty brocade and suspiciously asked, “Miss, what kind of trouble did you encounter? How did the fabric get stained?”

At this moment, there were not many customers in the hall. Father Zhou was sitting by the counter, putting the prepared herbs in the wooden box.

When he heard the movement, he placed down what was in his hands and walked to his daughter with deep worry in his eyes.

Zhou Qing’s nose was sore, and she said aggrievedly, “Just now, this daughter was on the main street and a carriage passed by. Wang Lu silently stood behind me and pushed me hard. If not for the help of a nobleman, this daughter would not have been able to return.”

With every word she said, Father Zhou’s face turned pale.

He did not expect Wang Lu’s mind to be so vicious. If he could not get the Xuande furnace, he would plot to kill Qing’er. They grew up together as children; their relationship was like that of a brother and sister, and he did that. He was really a beast!

“Father, don’t worry. This daughter came back safe and sound, right? Wang Lu was murdered in the street and has been sent to the Imperial prison by the Jin Yi Guards. If you feel sorry for Qian, let Senior brother Yu Fu send some money.” Even though she loathed Wang Lu to the bone, Zhou Qing was clear about her grudges and knew that Qian was innocent.

As the saying goes, if you marry a chicken, you follow the chicken; if you marry a dog, you follow the dog. Even if the Wang surname was shameless, those things have nothing to do with her.

Father Zhou sighed one after another. He sent Zhou Qing to her room to rest and ordered her not to read the herbal recipe again.

At night, Mother Xi boiled black chicken soup and brought a bowl to her. She said with concern, “Drink some chicken soup to nourish your body. Don’t you love Grandma Liu’s cooking?”

Zhou Liangyu also took his chopsticks and put the bamboo shoots on the porcelain plate, saying in a hoarse voice, “Qing’er has suffered. It’s all your brother’s fault.”

Zhou Qing shook her head repeatedly and said, “You don’t have to do that. Although today’s situation was dangerous, I didn’t even have a scratch on my skin, so I’m not seriously hurt.” Even though she said so, the family’s concern remained undiminished, fearing that something might happen to her.

Three days later.

A handsome and extraordinary man stood beside County Princess Zhaowei, pointed to the plaque of the Herbal Pavilion, and said, “If cousin wants to choose herbs, why don’t you go to the Herbal Pavilion. I know the owner well and know her talent in the way of herbal blending.”

Looking at the elegant store, Zhou Qing’s face came to Zhaowei’s mind. A few days ago in Yunmengli, if she had not opened her mouth and mentioned it, Zhaowei was afraid that she would still be ignorant and unaware of the use of soul-rejuvenating plum. She would not even have realized her husband’s thoughts until her death.

Liu Henian looked like a noble and benevolent character on the surface, but his inner thoughts were very deep. Even if she exposed the fact that there was musk in the soul-rejuvenating plum, she still didn’t take the life of this heartless person, and only made peace with him.

“If I remember correctly, there should be a Zhou family’s Herbal Store nearby.”

Jing Zhaoqi has also heard of the Zhou family’s Herbal Store, but he had never been there. For a while, he did not know what to say.

Liu Ningxue stayed in the store, and when she learned that King Cheng had arrived, she hurriedly came out from the backyard. In order not to look too eager, she deliberately slowed down her steps when she reached the door, and her beautiful face looked like a cold plum in the icy sky and snow, unstained by mortal dust.

She did not expect that as soon as she stood still, she heard Zhaowei’s words. She could not help but purse her lips.

Jing Zhaoqi saw Liu Ningxue; a trace of joy flowed from his eyes. In a few steps, he walked to the woman, and opened his mouth to introduce her, “Zhaowei, this is Ningxue, the owner of the Herbal Pavilion. She is similar to you in age and has a quiet nature. You two will surely get along pretty well.”

Although Zhaowei was simple and kind, she was not a fool. She obviously felt that the boss lady’s attitude was very cold, even with a hint of caution.

“The King has brought this lady to the small store. Why don’t you come in first and have a seat?” Liu Ningxue, with a light smile on her face, spoke in a soft voice.

Jing Zhaoqi admired the woman. After all, she was completely different from ordinary women, neither power-hungry nor worldly. At a young age, the herbs she made were already comparable to masters. Such a girl, how could she not impress him?

“Then I’ll ask Ningxue to lead the way.” He said.

The Herbal Pavilion was purchased by Liu Zhaoqi at great expense, just to make this woman happy. In addition, the store was very spacious, many times better than the Zhou family’s Herbal Store across the street.

Liu Ningxue walked ahead and brought Jing Zhaoqi to the side hall, ordered the maid to serve tea, then sat in front of the herbal case and lit the tamari fragrance on the porcelain stove.

The fragrant herb was thick and heavy, like a rushing river, strongly invading every corner of the room without leaving a gap. So it was clear how dominant this herb was.

Since she learned about the foul play of the soul-rejuvenating plum, Zhaowei was very resistant to the thick fragrance. She slightly furrowed her eyebrows and could not help but speak, “Please open the window pane to let the air out. I feel a little stuffy.”

Initially, Liu Ningxue’s face still has a trace of intoxication. When she heard those words, she was a bit displeased and said, “Madam, this is the previous dynasty’s tantalizing herb. Even if you are pregnant, it will not have any effect.”