Chaрtеr 15: Ехtrеme Reluctаnсe
Cоincidentаllу, bоth оf thеsе mediсinаl ingrеdiеnts were аvailable at thе Ji Fаmily Меdiсinе Мanоr.
“Тhis…”
Zhаo Tоng еxаmined the requirеd quantitiеs—they werе indeеd substantiаl.
Еven aсcounting for thе еntirе wаrehousе’s rеsеrvеs, it would likelу onlу barelу suffice.
Тhese gоods, to Zhaо Тоng, reрrеsented silver сoins sооn to be in his hаnds. How сould hе роssibly hаnd them ovеr to Ji Ruyuе?
“Yоung Мistress, the quantities are truly enоrmоus. Our Medicinе Мanor simplу сannot produce them. Moreover, the inventory of these medicinal herbs is nearly depleted,” Zhao Tong said with a pained expression, feigning difficulty.
“Already depleted?”
“Yes, last year’s harvest was long ago shipped to various regions across the seven kingdoms. Currently, the warehouse holds very little stock.”
Ji Ruyue frowned, unconvinced in her heart.
Since the man before her had already turned disloyal, she had no confidence in his words.
“What medicinal herbs does the manor actually have in stock, and in what quantities?”
Zhao Tong hesitated for a moment, mentioning only the three cheapest varieties: “Licorice root, poria, and platycodon root—these three still have some stock, but the quantities are limited…”
Ji Ruyue nodded. “Steward Zhao, hand over a copy of the manor’s inventory list to me. I’ll see if I can find substitutes.”
A flicker of unease passed through Zhao Tong’s eyes—he was extremely reluctant.
The new year had just begun, and he hadn’t yet had time to falsify the accounts or the inventory list!
“Yes, Young Mistress and the gentlemen have had a long and tiring journey. Perhaps you should rest first. Once I have compiled the latest inventory list, I will deliver it to you immediately,” Zhao Tong said, his smile turning ingratiating, putting on an act of concern for his master and appearing wholly devoted to her well-being.
Steward Zheng was about to speak but was stopped by Ji Ruyue raising her hand. “Everyone is tired. Go and arrange accommodations and meals.”
“Yes, I will arrange it at once. I have already ordered pigs and sheep to be slaughtered. Since Young Mistress rarely visits, you must taste the local countryside flavors.”
“Very well.”
Steward Zheng glanced at Ji Ruyue and, seeing her genuine exhaustion, said nothing more.
“Granny Hu, take some people to help prepare the meals. I’m afraid I might not be accustomed to rustic farmhouse flavors.”
Ji Ruyue appeared picky, but in reality, she was sending the grannies to keep watch, preventing Zhao Tong from playing any tricks.
It was essential to guard against others, especially such a petty man.
Granny Hu immediately understood. “Yes, this old servant will go at once.”
Zhao Tong had originally intended for Ji Ruyue to stay in the inner courtyard, as it was more comfortable.
But Ji Ruyue politely declined. “I’ll stay in the outer courtyard. The inner courtyard currently… may not be quite suitable.”
Zhao Tong’s old face flushed red at her words!
He was originally a servant of the Ji family, yet now he dared to occupy the inner courtyard exclusively in front of his master…
But remembering the concubines in the rear courtyard, he immediately dismissed the thought that had just arisen.
Since the Young Mistress had said so, what did he have to fear?
He planned to restrain everyone in the household later, forbidding them from showing their faces these next few days.
In the end, Ji Ruyue was accommodated in a guest room in the outer courtyard. Though the courtyard was small, it was relatively quiet and secluded.
The four maidservants naturally attended to her side.
The grannies, stewards, and accountants were housed in courtyards surrounding hers, while the guards were stationed further out.
It appeared casual, but in reality, Ji Ruyue was tightly protected.
The farmhands who had been called to act as enforcers had long been dismissed by Zhao Tong’s men.
He issued a strict order: no one was to speak carelessly, especially when encountering the Young Mistress—they must remember to keep their mouths shut.
If anyone dared utter even half a word out of turn, they should not blame Zhao Tong for being ruthless!
With matters having reached this point, Zhao Tong no longer pretended.
He stated bluntly that the master had not visited the Medicine Manor for over a decade, which had led to rumors being spread by those with ulterior motives. He clarified that he was the steward in charge of this place, not the manor owner, and from now on, no one was to address him incorrectly.The farming families were simple and honest by nature; while they were easy to deceive, they were not fools.
Having suffered under Zhao Tong’s oppression for many years, they naturally dared not contradict his wishes.
Each person could only return in dejection, explain the situation to their wives, and tell their families to be extra cautious these next few days.
The consequence of this was that when Ji Ruyue sent people out to gather information, all returned empty-handed.
“Miss, there is clearly something amiss here. Zhao Tong has already turned disloyal. Why not apprehend him?” Xi Qiu helped Ji Ruyue change her clothes, feeling somewhat puzzled.
“Since so many years have already passed, why rush now?”
Ji Ruyue sighed softly. She already knew Zhao Tong’s background. Although he was still a servant of the Ji family, his deed of indenture was no longer in the Ji family’s possession. If she wanted to deal with him arbitrarily, it would not be possible.
“Mother was kind-hearted, worried that her maids would have a hard life after marriage, so she returned the deeds of indenture for their entire families. Who would have thought it would feed an ungrateful wolf.”
“Yes, this servant understands,” Xi Qiu replied obediently.
Steward Zheng had already sent someone to report to the authorities in town. The round trip would take until tomorrow at the earliest.
Ji Ruyue had no intention of confronting such a person head-on. What if he were driven to desperation? How would she handle that?
The only option was to hold her position and respond to his moves as they came.
Dinner was arranged quite lavishly. Perhaps truly tired, even Ji Ruyue ate a little more.
As the hour of You arrived.
Snowflakes drifted down thick and fast, and in an instant, everything in sight was covered in a blanket of white.
The pavilions and towers appeared exceptionally tranquil amidst the wind and snow. Patches of lingering snow dotted the roof tiles, while moonlight shifted and reflected on the frost-covered blue bricks, casting a cold, clear glow.
“Miss.” Xi Qiu raised an umbrella.
“Let’s go.”
Zhao Tong wanted to escort them but was waved off by Ji Ruyue.
The biting cold wind pierced through their clothing. Even though Ji Ruyue had worn several extra layers, she still felt chilled and quickened her pace.
Seeing that this delicate young lady was acting as usual, Zhao Tong did not trouble himself further and went about his own business, merely sending a young servant to guide her.
That servant was unusually thin and frail, wearing a padded jacket and hunched over as he walked ahead. He didn’t even carry an umbrella. Xi Qiu called out to him several times, but he didn’t even turn his head.