Qin Momo continued recruiting staff. Physician Lin, formerly of the Imperial Medical Bureau, had retired but still cared deeply for the common people. He came to work at Xinglin Medical Hall.
Qin Momo introduced him.
Feng Yiyi stood up, clasped her hands respectfully, and said, “Physician Lin, from now on, Xinglin Medical Hall is under your care!”
“Miss Feng, you are too polite! I will devote myself fully here,” Lin replied.
Feng Yiyi nodded, “That’s all I needed to hear!”
She then instructed Lin, “Please put up a sign listing these items:
All items must be reserved three days in advance.”
“Miss Feng, these herbs are rare even in the imperial pharmacy!” Lin exclaimed.
Feng Yiyi’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Don’t worry, Xinglin Medical Hall has them. Set the price you think is fair.”
Lin couldn’t believe it—a young girl having such rare resources. No wonder the medical hall could grow so quickly.
“Good,” he replied.
Feng Yiyi continued, “The herbs have been packed by Chen Yu. If anything is improperly done, have her redo it. She will assist here for now.”
“Very well, Miss Feng,” Lin said.
Feng Yiyi, accompanied by Hua Ying, Yue Ying, and Qin Momo, visited the newly purchased estate to meet the shadow guards.
Outside, a plaque read: “Feng Residence.” Yiyi nodded in satisfaction.
Inside, Feng One saw her and clasped his fists. “Master, I will immediately gather the brothers.”
At the sound of a whistle, all the shadow guards arrived.
They knelt and said, “Subordinates pay respects to Master!”
Feng Yiyi waved them off. “No need for formalities! You are my family, my brothers, and share my surname.
As long as I have a mouthful to eat, you will too. We’ll start with grain stores—food is essential. During disaster years, people may go hungry, so I must ensure you are well-fed.
Our assassin-intelligence organization is called Di Sha Ge. If we grow, others may try to cut off our profits—they may even come after us. Only if we are strong can we avoid being slaughtered.
Every city will have a Di Sha Ge branch. We will accept missions to eliminate corrupt officials or evildoers. I am a ghost physician; there is no poison I cannot cure. If we cannot defeat someone, we will poison them.
You will also take jobs involving rare toxins. Di Sha Ge charges fifty thousand taels and up for antidotes.
Across the lands, we will have brothels, teahouses, clinics, and other enterprises. Wherever there are people, Di Sha Ge will be present. Our operations will span the four seas and eight deserts.
Any sect daring to provoke us will face our poison.”
The shadow guards were awed. No wonder their previous master had grown rich but was ultimately killed—he was not strong enough.
They knelt on one knee, fists clasped. “Subordinates swear to follow the Guild Leader to the death, and together we will build a grand enterprise.”
Feng Yiyi smiled. “But if any of you betray me, I have ways to make you wish you were dead.”
A large rat appeared nearby, about ten meters away, looking for food.
Feng Yiyi produced a silver needle and hurled it. The rat fell instantly. She then took out a vial of medicine and instructed Feng One:
“Pour this on the rat and check if it’s still alive.”
Feng One obeyed. He and a few men applied the potion, and soon the rat emitted a pungent smell before disappearing completely, leaving only a small bloodstain.
The shadow guards broke into cold sweat. Their master was cruel—like a demon rather than a young woman.
“You may think I am a hellish Asura. I hope this never happens to you.
You might wonder where I get my money. Each of my exotic plants is worth a fortune.
I prefer to advance steadily and solidly—step by step—so no one can easily defeat us.”
Her words were not to flaunt wealth but to reassure skeptical shadow guards. She wanted them confident in her leadership.
“If you doubt, visit Xinglin Medical Hall. The sign lists thousand-year ginseng and He Shou Wu, available for three-day advance reservation.”
Everyone knew the price of thousand-year ginseng—rare even in the hands of the previous master. Seeing the guards’ eyes soften, Feng Yiyi felt their trust settling.
“Qin Momo will deliver the payment. If something cannot be handled, come back to me.”
“Yes!”
After a few more instructions, Feng Yiyi left Di Sha Ge.
Hua Ying and Yue Ying trusted her abilities. She was intelligent, ruthless, and considerate of her subordinates—not at all a weak young girl.
On her way back, Feng Yiyi passed by Bai Cao Tang and entered.
Shopkeeper Yang greeted her warmly: “Yiyi! I was about to send someone to Zhao Village to find you. A letter from the capital arrived—your goods sold for a total of 260,000 taels. Some were auctioned, hence the high price. Wait here—I’ll bring the payment.”
When he returned, he carried a thick bundle of silver notes. Feng Yiyi accepted it gratefully.
“Thank you, Uncle Yang. I’ve opened a clinic here—Xinglin Medical Hall. I’ve regained my memories and realized I know medicine!”
“That’s wonderful! If anything happens at the clinic, come to me. I’ll do my best to help.”
“Thanks, Uncle Yang. I have two boxes of medicine for leg pain. If effective, I’ll refine more.”
“Then we owe you thanks too!”
Feng Yiyi rode her carriage, accompanied by Hua Ying and Yue Ying, returning to the village.
Ahead, she heard a commotion and lifted the curtain. She saw Xiang Qiao being pulled by a man and a woman.
“Stop! Let go of Xiang Qiao!” Yiyi shouted, descending from the carriage.
“Who are you? Mind your own business!” the woman yelled. “I am her father’s wife—she is my daughter!”
Xiang Qiao cried out to Feng Yiyi: “Yiyi, help me! They’re trying to sell me to a brothel!”
Feng Yiyi signaled. Hua Ying and Yue Ying rushed forward. With a few well-placed punches and kicks, the man and woman fell to the ground.
“Ah! This is outrageous! I want my daughter to live well, and you won’t let her! You hit me!” Xiang Qiao’s mother screamed.
The chapter ends with Feng Yiyi taking decisive action to protect Xiang Qiao, further demonstrating her courage, skill, and authority.