By this time, Su Hua had instructed Yun Shuang to escort Lady Liu out of Lanyue Pavilion.
Madam Xia, attending nearby, spoke: “Miss, what would you like for lunch today? I can have the kitchen prepare it.”
Su Hua replied calmly, “The usual will do. You may leave; I’ll rest for a while. Have Yun Shuang remain outside.”
Madam Xia nodded respectfully. “Very well, Miss. Rest assured, we will not let anyone disturb you.”
Once Madam Xia departed, Su Hua turned and entered her inner chamber. With a mere thought, she entered the Jade Bottle space.
Although she had grown accustomed to this realm, she could not deny that every time she entered, it never failed to astonish her.
Within this space, she could cultivate freely.
The memories of her previous life were vivid, though her physical body had not always been able to match her skill. Here, with a strong foundation, she could wield her abilities at will.
Practicing martial arts or cultivation, paired with baths in the Spirit Spring elixir, brought her progress at an incredible pace.
In her leisure, she focused on the herbs and poisonous plants grown in the fields within this space.
Harvesting, refining…
Though some were beyond her current understanding, roughly twenty to thirty percent were fully within her grasp.
The herb fields themselves were extraordinary. Each plant, each poisonous herb, required distinct growth conditions. Yet the fields seemed perfectly attuned to their needs, as if preordained.
Her gaze swept across the space, finally resting on the Sheep Fat Jade Bottle suspended above the Spirit Spring.
Perhaps, one day, if she could fully comprehend it, she would discern the arcane inscriptions covering the bottle and uncover the true origins of the Jade Bottle space…
..
Meanwhile, on the ninth floor of the Yaowang Pavilion.
A man in red lounged in a rocking chair. Handsome to a fault, with sharp, beguiling features, he radiated an almost seductive charm, as if a single glance could ensnare the soul.
This was Nangong Yi, the Pavilion Master of Tianxiao City’s Yaowang Pavilion, and the son of the Yaowang Hall Master.
Leaning back lazily, a smile tugged at his lips as he listened to a subordinate bowing respectfully before him.
Liu Feng reported the morning’s events in detail. “Master, all matters have been handled. Zhou Xun has been detained. How would you have me proceed?”
“Kill him.”
“Yes, understood,” Liu Feng replied. As he turned to leave, the master called him back.
Sitting upright, Nangong Yi gazed at Liu Feng. “This Su Miss… she’s interesting. Find a chance to invite her for tea.”
Liu Feng was taken aback. Since when had the Pavilion Master taken an interest in inviting someone for tea? True, the young lady was very different from the rumors, but enough to attract the master’s attention?
Nangong Yi’s gaze swept over Liu Feng, a faint smile playing at his lips. “Do you really think Zhu Gui died of mere sudden death?”
Liu Feng’s mind flickered. “Master… could there be something more?”
Nangong Yi said lightly, “Her skill in medicine is extraordinary, and her mastery of poisons is peerless.”
Liu Feng’s eyes widened. “You mean… Zhu Gui was poisoned by Su Miss, and concealed it so that my own medical expertise was outmatched?”
“Didn’t you sense something while inspecting the body? You just couldn’t prove it,” Nangong Yi said.
“You speak truly,” Liu Feng admitted. “It’s inconceivable. A young lady from a secluded household, with a less-than-stellar reputation… recently rejected by Prince Jing, nearly drowned in the lotus pond… and yet today, in just one morning, her abilities have surpassed everyone in Tianxiao City. Perhaps in all of the Cangfeng Empire, there is no rival to her in medicine.”
Liu Feng blinked, stunned by the high praise. “Master… your medicine and poison techniques are inherited from the Yaowang Hall. In the Cangfeng Empire—”
Nangong Yi interrupted, “There are always greater people. This Su Miss may have experienced wonders unknown to outsiders.”
Liu Feng hesitated, then murmured, “Master, I hear Su Miss has now been betrothed by imperial decree to Prince Ning.”
Nangong Yi’s lips curved in a faint smile. “Do you think I am interested in her?”
Liu Feng dared not speculate further. “I would not presume to guess, Master.”
“Prepare an invitation. Deliver it to the Jisheng Herb Shop. Tell the shopkeeper that my message comes directly from me.” Nangong Yi waved his hand. “You may leave.”
“Understood.” Liu Feng bowed and departed.
..
Early the next morning.
At Lanyue Pavilion, Xiang Residence.
Su Hua rose, performed her morning grooming, and took breakfast.
Having not left the residence for the past two days, she planned to visit the Jisheng Herb Shop, needing some auxiliary herbs for her formulations.
After Zhu Shi had removed her people yesterday, Song Yaoshi had already reinstated the original staff at her instruction.
Yet before she could leave, Song Yaoshi came to visit.
Madam Xia guided him in.
Seeing him bow, Su Hua said immediately, “I’ve told you, no kneeling or kowtowing is necessary. Song Master, what brings you here so early?”
Obediently, Song Yaoshi followed her wishes and reported the matter of the previous day.
“Miss, I’ve arranged everything. Everyone has returned to their posts. All those managing your mother’s shops, estates, and properties are now the original staff. You need not worry.”
Su Hua nodded. “With you here, I have little concern. But the Jisheng Herb Shop may be only one example; elsewhere, corruption may be worse. Make sure the accounts are thoroughly examined. My mother’s property cannot be plundered by petty fools.”
Song Yaoshi bowed. “I’ve already issued the instructions. Within half a month, you will receive a detailed report for each account.”
“Good.”
He continued: “Miss, due to the collusion of Zhu Gui and Zhou Xun, the Jisheng Herb Shop suffered losses. The Yaowang Pavilion has compensated fully. I hear Zhou Xun has been executed.”
Su Hua had anticipated this result. “Ensure the accounts are incorporated into the shop’s records. I will review only your ledgers.”
“Yes, Miss.”
With that settled, Song Yaoshi produced an invitation from his sleeve and presented it.
Su Hua’s brow arched. “An invitation? From whom?”
“From the Pavilion Master of the Yaowang Pavilion. Elder Liu Feng personally delivered it to me.”
“To invite me… for what?” Su Hua held the invitation, curious.
Song Yaoshi explained: “Elder Liu Feng says the Pavilion Master wishes to invite you for tea.”
Su Hua smirked. “I was told the Yaowang Pavilion’s master is rarely seen. Why now does he invite me for tea?”
Song Yaoshi clarified: “Miss, it’s not that he is rarely seen, but rather that no one has ever seen his true face.”
Su Hua’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Well, this is interesting indeed.”