Wherever there are people, medicine is needed.

Xi Yu’s words are not without reason.

Moreover, his family is full of talented individuals, and there are more than a few younger generations skilled in medicine.

Opening a medical clinic in Yanzhou would be a good way to earn a living.

Xi Yu successfully shifted the topic.

The conversation gradually veered toward cultivating medicinal herbs.

Liu Xu returned to her seat, exhaled deeply, and was about to drink a cup of tea when she met Lan Ci’s probing gaze.

Men understand men best, and Xi Yu’s concern for Liu Xu exceeded the ordinary.

Lan Ci was curious about what Liu Xu thought.

Would she accept Xi Yu, settle down, and have children?

The Xi Family isn’t a flamboyant noble family, but their family status is significant.

Who knows what temperament the family head has, and whether they would accept Liu Xu marrying Xi Yu?

A multitude of thoughts surged forth, leaving but one in the end.

He must strive harder, climb higher to have a voice, so he can support Liu Xu.

Back then, when he wanted to marry Yun Ling, Liu Xu did all she could to help him.

Now that she wants to marry Xi Yu, he will also do everything in his power to help her achieve her wish.

Meeting Lan Ci’s knowing gaze, Liu Xu felt embarrassed.

She always claimed she wasn’t interested in men or marriage and children.

But now, it seems those words might no longer hold!

A pang struck Liu Xu’s heart.

She suddenly realized that all her dilemmas and hesitation had unknowingly dissipated.

If Xi Yu breaks that fragile barrier, she is willing to give it a try with him.

As long as Xi Yu has the courage to face the storms with her.

Of course, if his family disagrees, and he finds himself in a dilemma, then this matter should be considered over.

Indulging in romance will only delay her from earning silver.

Career and love, either both are fulfilling.

Or she will only choose her career.

Human hearts are fickle, but the silver in hand will never betray.

Feeling inexplicably guilty, Liu Xu proactively averted her gaze, avoiding Lan Ci’s eyes.

Lan Ci suddenly smiled.

He regarded Liu Xu as a sister, and in this life, they would always be family.

But after marrying Yun Ling, they moved out, and every time he thought of Liu Xu alone, his heart felt troubled.

Now that she found someone she likes, Lan Ci felt finally at ease.

Awkwardly, he touched the tip of his nose.

His mentality seemed akin to that of an elder urging to start a family and career...

To the Emperor, Liu Xu was just an insignificant merchant.

The most important thing was to place his own people in Yanzhou and seize the most profitable businesses for the Imperial Family.

Xi Yu deliberately shifted the topic, and so he obliged.

The conversation drifted from business to discussing the situation inside and outside the pass.

They dared to speak such things, but Liu Xu dared not listen.

She could only lower her head like a quail, trying her best to minimize her presence.

The Emperor asked Xie Yunzhen, "If we want to trade on both sides, someone must be sent to negotiate with the tribal leaders. Ah Zhen, who do you think should be sent?"

Then he asked: "How about Lord Lan? It’s a good opportunity for the young to gain experience. If the job is well done, I will promote him when we return to the capital."

Xie Yunzhen did not answer immediately.

He was pondering, seemingly contemplating the Emperor’s words.

But where others couldn’t see, under the cover of his wide sleeves, he was tightly holding Mingzhu’s hand.

Caressing it now and then, he did not reveal any seriousness befitting the situation.

After a few breaths, he said, "Lan Ci is not suitable."

The Emperor raised an eyebrow, saying meaningfully, "Opportunities are rare. Don’t you want him to be promoted quickly, so Yun Ling can live a better life in the future?"

Xie Yunzhen smirked, "You’re right. Young people need more experience. If the Emperor assigns him heavy responsibilities before he has achievements, it’s unfair to others."

"He is one of our own; giving him more opportunities is only proper."

Xie Yunzhen tossed the dilemma to Lan Ci, "What do you think?"

Lan Ci stood and saluted, speaking neither humbly nor arrogantly, "The mission involves all kinds of interests. I know I’m inexperienced, but if the Emperor trusts me, I will do my utmost."

The Emperor clucked his tongue, "You haven’t even gone yet, and you’re already underestimating yourself. How can you maintain your momentum?"

Lan Ci said, "One must be practical. I do have shortcomings, but also strengths. These years, under my sister-in-law’s influence, I have some understanding of business. If I go to negotiate, I’ll give my all to benefit our dynasty."

The Emperor didn’t speak further, seemingly contemplating whether or not to send Lan Ci beyond the pass.

Xi Yu sat across, glancing at Xie Yunzhen and then at Lan Ci, puzzled by what the two were up to.

The Emperor’s question to Ah Zhen, along with his words, clearly aimed to sow discord between Ah Zhen and Lan Ci.

Lan Ci’s demeanor was also peculiar.

He seemed quite eager to go beyond the pass.

Xi Yu didn’t know Lan Ci well and could only look to Liu Xu.

Liu Xu subtly shook her head, signaling him not to worry.

Young Lan Ci had many ideas.

But he acted with principles and would not betray them all, that much was reassuring.

The intrigues of the court, Xi Yu and Liu Xu didn’t want to get involved in.

Should the sky fall, Xie Yunzhen would hold it up.

So, they tacitly drank their tea, no longer focusing on the surging undercurrents.

Xie Yunzhen didn’t want to meddle in the dealings; as long as it reassured the Emperor and allowed the capital’s people to take full charge, it was fine.

He even had some leisure time to accompany Mingzhu and the children at home.

He was so relaxed and composed that the Emperor found his own concerns laughable.

When he commands, who dares not to obey!

"Very well, then let’s follow Ah Zhen’s suggestion. I brought enough people this time; let them negotiate with the tribes. We can await news in Yanzhou."

He told Lan Ci, "It’s a rare visit to Yanzhou; you can shadow Ah Zhen, learn from him. Next time there’s a chance, I’ll definitely let you handle it. You mustn’t disappoint me then."

Lan Ci gave a deep bow, "Thank you, Emperor, for your trust. When the time comes, I will not fail you."

Amid casual conversation, matters were settled just like that.

The Emperor’s people would fully handle trading matters. Once both sides agreed, and details were discussed, people would come to Yanzhou for business.

Behind these merchants might stand various forces, but definitely not those from Xie Yunzhen’s side.

Xie Yunzhen’s mood remained unaffected.

Mingzhu had called Liu Xu to Yanzhou early on and had organized caravans, making the matter much easier.

When it was time, they hosted a meal for the guests.

It wasn’t until dark when the party dispersed, guests returning to their respective quarters, that everything was settled, and Xie Yunzhen and Ji Mingzhu strolled back to the main courtyard.

Seeing the man so composed, Ji Mingzhu asked him, "Why don’t you worry at all?"

"Worrying is useless. What must come will come."

Ji Mingzhu sighed suddenly.

Xie Yunzhen cupped her hand in his, "Tired?"

"A little."

Prosperity often comes with intrigue; it’s not yet to the point where the Emperor suppresses them, and she already felt weary.

Xie Yunzhen embraced Ji Mingzhu’s waist, enclosing her with a strong arm, allowing her a moment’s respite.

"Once Zimu and Zishan grow up, we’ll travel the world."

Ji Mingzhu deliberately teased him, "When they marry and settle, won’t you help care for grandchildren?"

"No, their own children, their own care."