The Lucky Heiress

“After some thought, Wei Ruo said, “Mr. Fan, isn’t it a bit too hasty to believe in my abilities to aid the development of your tea garden based solely on those few rumors you’ve heard?”

Although those incidents do reflect, to some extent, her understanding of agriculture, they seem quite far off from the notion that she can assist Fan Chengxu with his tea business.

‘Indeed, they cannot. But I’m willing to gamble. I’m not the kind of businessman who likes to follow rules and protocols; they’re too constraining. I prefer taking risks, enjoy trying my luck,”

Fan Chengxu continued to smile at Wei Ruo.

His original plan was to have Xu Heyou fix the ruined seedlings on his estate first. This way he could assess whether Xu was qualified, and discuss the potential tea partnership later.

After all, a tea partnership is not a small matter.

However, Xu Heyou’s recent actions made him abandon this idea. He is now ready to venture a risk; as long as Xu Heyou dares to take this job, he will give him the chance to experiment with his tea garden and negotiate a partnership.

“I cannot give you an answer right away, I need to consider this,” Wei Ruo responded.

“No problem, take your time and contact me when you’ve made up your mind,” Fan Chengxu said with a relaxed smile.

Saying this, Fan Chengxu ordered the servants to bring the latest dishes from Zuixian Residence for Wei Ruo to taste, “Mr. Xu, these are the recently launched new dishes at Zuixian Residence for you to try and provide feedback on.”

Wei Ruo didn’t hesitate to indulge, picking up her chopsticks, she slowly savored every dish.

Braised fish, fried meatballs, white boiled vegetable hearts… all of these dishes used the seasonings provided by Wei Ruo.

“Very good,” Wei Ruo commented.

The chef’s skills were commendable, and when paired with her seasonings, the taste was indeed quite impressive.

“Do you think there’s room for improvement, Mr. Xu?” Fan Chengxu asked again.

“I am not sure. The chef at Zuixian Residence certainly knows more about cooking than I do. It’s not my place to suggest improvements,” Wei Ruo replied. Although Wei Ruo had ideas, she preferred to keep them to herself. When it came to cooking, it was better to let the chef of Zuixian Residence decide for himself.

“Guests don’t necessarily need to know how to cook to provide feedback.”

“I truly have no suggestions.”

“Alright then, I won’t ask further. Please, enjoy your meal, Mr. Xu” Fan Chengxu didn’t ask any more questions, and let Wei Ruo enjoy her meal.

As Wei Ruo and Fan Chengxu were having lunch together, the door suddenly opened.

Wei Ruo and Fan Chengxu both looked towards the entrance, and saw that the newcomer was Chu Lan, who was hiding his face under a bamboo hat.

The relaxed expression on Wei Ruo’s face instantly transformed into vigilance and solemnity.

This subtle change in her demeanor didn’t escape Chu Lan’s attention, which inexplicably aggravated his mood.

Fan Chengxu was the first to react, standing up and walking over to greet, “Master Zhu, what brings you here today?” Since Chu Lan hadn’t revealed his identity, Fan Chengxu still referred to him as “Master Zhu.”

Chu Lan nodded his head and followed Fan Chengxu to his seat.

After sitting down, Chu Lan never took his eyes off of Wei Ruo.

Even though there was a screen between them, Wei Ruo could still feel his gaze on her.

Initially, Wei Ruo was in the mood to enjoy the cuisine, but now her entire demeanor had become serious and formal.

“Mr. Fan, you and your guest probably have matters to discuss. I won’t intrude any longer,” Wei Ruo stood up, preparing to leave.

Fan Chengxu subconsciously looked towards Chu Lan.

But he saw Chu Lan just sitting there, not moving or saying anything.

And because he couldn’t see his expression, Fan Chengxu couldn’t gauge his intentions.

So, Fan Chengxu kindly asked Wei Ruo, “Mr. Xu, why don’t you sit down again? There’s still time, let me brew another pot of Biluochun tea for you to sample.” Weu Ruo shook her head, “I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Fan, but I have some errands to run and can’t stay any longer.”

“Alright, then. Let me see you out,” Fan Chengxu didn’t insist.

Fan Chengxu accompanied Wei Ruo to the door, watched her and her servant leave, then immediately returned to the private room.

“Your Highness.”

“What were you discussing with him?” Chu Lan asked.

“We talked business. As you know, I’m nothing but a vulgar man who cares only for money, so my interests are limited to such matters.”

After answering, Fan Chengxu cautiously asked Chu Lan, “Your Highness, did you come to see me about some important matter?”

“Nothing urgent,” Chu Lan said.

While talking, blood seeped from Chu Lan’s right arm.

Fan Chengxu was shocked, and immediately stepped forward.

“Your Highness, you’re injured?”

After confirming that it was indeed blood seeping out, Fan Chengxu realized that Chu Lan was injured; his blood had soaked through the sleeve of his robe, but wasn’t conspicuous due to the black fabric.

We had a battle with the Japanese Pirates over the past half month. Although we ultimately defeated them, we also suffered heavy losses,” Chu Lan calmly stated.

‘TH get a doctor!” Fan Chengxu couldn’t delay. He couldn’t afford to have anything happen to Chu Lan while under his care.

No need. It’s not serious. I’ve already had it treated.”

The injury he sustained this time on the battlefield was insignificant compared to the injury he received from a sneak attack last time.

But it’s bleeding again. I need someone to re-bandage it.”

“We have the medicine, just find anyone to apply it.”

Fan Chengxu felt his heart pounding, “Your Highness, you’re of imperial lineage and your well-being is of utmost importance. You shouldn’t be so casual. If anything happens to you, I don’t have enough heads to offer in exchange!”

“You won’t need to offer your head,” Chu Lan said.

“Your Highness, you should rest properly after getting injured, not gallivant around,” Fan Chengxu couldn’t help but mention.

“I don’t trust anyone else in Taizhou Prefecture, including the people in the military camp,” Chu Lan replied.

Fan Chengxu cursed in his heart: even if you don’t trust others, don’t burden me! If you were to die here, I couldn’t clear my name even by jumping into the Yellow River!

“Then why didn’t you speak to Mr. Xu just now? He saved your life, you should trust him. Moreover, he is skilled in medicine and should have been allowed to examine your wound!”

Fan Chengxu wanted to summon the recently departed Wei Ruo, but was stopped by Chu Lan.

“1 don’t want to owe him anymore,” Chu Lan said.

“Didn’t you pay him? He’s like me; it doesn’t count as a debt when you pay,” Fan Chengxu said.

“He is different from you,” Chu Lan replied.

Fan Chengxu didn’t know how to respond for a moment, and seeing Chu Lan’s stubbornness, he could do nothing but comply.

###

By the time Wei Ruo, dressed as a woman again, returned to the Military Prefecture, it was already dark. The servants in the prefecture were hastily busying about, indicating an unusual situation.

“What happened?” Wei Ruo grabbed a maid who was running towards Cangyun Garden and asked..