Chapter 717: Danger in the World
Farmer's Wife Has Magic Skills
Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations
Armed with the experience from their first surgery, the second procedure went much more smoothly and commenced without delay.
Their arrival stirred a buzz within the military camp.
A young soldier, who happened to pass by and see Chu Qingzhi carrying a tray of various surgical knives, whispered mysteriously, âDo you guys have any idea what Miss Qingzhi and the two divine doctors are doing inside that tent?â The soldiers around him shook their heads in unison, âNo idea. But judging by your tone, you do?â
The young soldier shook his head solemnly, âI donât. But I saw all these knives, each one bizarrely shaped and seemingly razor-sharpâ¦â
The soldiers exchanged glances, their imaginations running wild, scaring themselves with their own thoughts.
âIâve never seen a doctor need so many knives for treatment. What exactly are they doing in there?â
âWhy donât we ask your scout friend to take a look?â
âHeâs off duty now. Iâll go fetch him.â
At this moment, Fang Zerong approached, âWhat are you all discussing?â The soldiers hurriedly shared their observations and speculations with Fang Zerong, who immediately headed towards the surgery tent, âMiss Qingzhi, may I come in to observe?â
Chu Qingzhi explained that entering now would bring in too many germs, which could adversely affect recovery post-surgery, âNot this time. You can come in during the next one.â
Fang Zerong readily agreed, âAlright.â
The soldier who had spoken earlier approached cautiously, âPhysician Fang, what exactly is Miss Qingzhi doing? All those knives look quite terrifying.â â âSheâs healing and saving lives,â Fang Zerong thought for a moment and said, âDid you see the condition of the three who came to the camp earlier?â âYes, two of them had deformed legs and couldnât walk, and one had a twisted broken arm.â???? â
âDo you believe that after Miss Qingzhi treats them, theyâll recover to normal?â âIf it were anyone else, Iâd doubt it given the severity of their injuries. But if itâs Miss Qingzhi, I believe it.â
Chu Qingzhiâs medical skills had deeply impressed and gained the trust of everyone.
Fang Zerong patted the young soldier on the chest with the back of his hand,
âJust wait and see.â
The soldier still had doubts, âBut what are all those knives for?â
Fang Zerong waved his hand, âI donât know either. Iâll find out when I go in.â âPhysician Fang, after you find out, could you share with us? Weâre all very curious.â
âOk.â
Fengxin County.
Chu Xuhua, accompanied by Li Zhangjie, went to Fengxin County to discuss the rice wine business. They closed two deals on the way, which delayed them, and by the time they entered the city, it was already afternoon.
The two headed directly to the largest restaurant in the county town to meet with the shopkeeper.
Coincidentally, the shopkeeper was in the midst of discussing wine business with a butler from the Lin family-the same Lin family where Lin Yingmin had been fostered and also Lin Wanningâs family.
Chu Xuhua brought out his familyâs rice wine, poured it into two bowls, one for the shopkeeper and one for the Lin familyâs butler, and said, âPlease, have a taste.â
Those who venture out for business were adept at navigating delicate situations. Although the butler from the Lin family was displeased, he accepted the wine courteously, secretly eager to discover its quality.
To his surprise, upon tasting, he found himself somewhat intoxicated The wine was even better than the finest he had ever had, making his own supply seem inferior.
The shopkeeper, with decades of experience and having tasted scores of different wines, could tell a good wine from just a sip. The rice wine from Chu Xuhua stirred his interest immediately.
Given that the restaurantâs reputation was built on its selection of wines, a good wine could significantly enhance its standing.
âYou seem unfamiliar. Where are you from? Did you brew this wine yourself orâ¦?â?????????????????? â
Chu Xuhua replied with a clear voice, âI am Chu Xuhua, from Shuiyun County Tins yellow wine is brewed by my family. If you purchase in bulk and on a long-term basis, we can offer significant discounts.â
The shopkeeper pondered, feeling rhe name Chu Xuhua somewhat familiar, âIsnât your family the one that organized the food festival?â
Chu Xuhua smiled, âYes, the food festival was indeed organized by my sister.â Butler Lin, feeling somewhat slighted as the shopkeeper seemed more interested in Chu Xuhuaâs offer, interjected, âBut I came first.â n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
The shopkeeper responded diplomatically, âMy restaurant does not limit itself to one type of wine. Since your products are different, purchasing from him does not affect our dealings. Donât worry, butler.â
The butler, seasoned in business, recognized this as a polite dismissal but couldnât retort, knowing well the consequences of souring potential business relations.
Chu Xuhua thought to himself that perhaps it would have been wiser to enter later. There was no need to offend anyone in the business.
Next time, he would be more cautious.
âHow shall we proceed?â the shopkeeper asked.
Chu Xuhua, seeking to ease the tension, suggested, âSince we arrived later, you should talk with the butler first. We havenât had our meal yet and will go eat first.â
The shopkeeper, impressed by Chu Xuhuaâs tact, instructed his staff, âTake Manager Chu to the main hall for a meal. Serve them our best dishes and wine.â
âRight away.â
In the mam hall, Chu Xuhua and Li Zhangjie sat down to eat. The waiter swiftly served their dishes, âPlease enjoy your meal, gentlemen.â
âThankyou,â Chu Xuhua said to Li Zhangjie, âLetâs eat.â
Li Zhangjie, picking up his chopsticks but not reaching for the dishes, asked, âBrother, do you think the shopkeeper will buy our wine?â
Chu Xuhua, having observed the shopkeeperâs reaction, felt there was a seventy percent chance of success. Yet, without a written agreement, anything could change.
âIn business, thereâs always a chance of failure. We just do our best,â he advised.
Li Zhangjie nodded in agreement.
After their meal, the shopkeeper invited them to a private room to continue discussions. Butler Li had already left.
âManager Chu, Iâm very interested in your rice wine. Shall we talk?â
âSure.â
After negotiating the price, quantity, and delivery schedule, the only remaining issue was the shopkeeperâs desire to see the brewing workshop in Shuiyun County for assurance. He suggested his son accompany Chu Xuhua to inspect the facilities before signing the contract.
Chu Xuhua agreed, though he had other places to visit. They arranged for the shopkeeperâs son to visit Shuiyun County at a later date, to which the shopkeeper consented.
Though Butler Lin had left, he kept tabs on the restaurant, frustrated to see the shopkeeper favor Chu Xuhuaâs offer over his. An outsider daring to compete in local business was intolerable to him.
Convinced of the need to teach Chu Xuhua a lesson about the harsh realities of the world, he scoffed.
âHmph!â
Chu Xuhua, unaware of Butler Linâs malicious intentions, was puzzled when his subsequent business discussions were abruptly dismissed as soon as he mentioned his name, leaving him bewildered.