Doing Business With a Fake Imperial Daughter
Once these words came out, the people were given just enough of a shock. Looking over at where Fu Ya was holding the injured person’s wrist, but of course, Fu Ya was not even touching the vein. She was just holding a normal part of the wrist.
Someone left out a “pft” sound and laughed, saying to the old doctor: “Even a divine doctor cannot possibly find out the problem just by randomly grabbing someone’s wrist!”
Another person directly asked Fu Ya: “Imperial Daughter, what exactly are you doing?”
Fu Ya was left feeling very embarrassed from all of this, and she felt extremely anxious. Fortunately, she did not show anything on her face. In her mind, she quickly reacted and thought of a method to deal with it, quickly replying: “The method is different from what you usually see. This is a technique that I have learned from my Persian master. It’s not something that is often used in Da Shun.” She had a certain level of understanding of Feng Yu Heng, thus she came up with this lie. Without waiting for the people to say anything else, she quickly pulled out a pill and gave it to the old doctor, “For this sort of medicine, give it to him twice a day, one pill each time. Continue taking it for seven days, and there will be no problems in saving his life.” Fu Ya did not know what sort of medicine this was, but Feng Jin Yuan had told her that it could treat someone that had been trampled by a horse, thus there were definitely no problems.
The old doctor looked at her and did not say anything, but he turned his gaze on the pills that she had in her hand. The pills had come from the Hundred Herb Hall in the capital. Feng Yu Heng had taken these medicines out of their original plastic containers and repackaged them in a special paper. It still looked very classy and high-end. The old doctor had been living in the South the entire time, and he had only heard about these medical pills; however, he had never seen them before. Now that he saw them, he felt that they were very mystical. Placing them below his nose, he smelled them and found that they did not have a strong smell. He could not help but begin to question just how much of an effect this sort of small thing could have. How could it possibly compare to the medical soups that were prepared with so many medicinal herbs?
Xiao Tao’er could see the doubts in the old doctor’s eyes. The corners of her lips slightly curled up, as her confidence swelled: “Imperial Daughter Ji An is proficient in making medical pills and tablets for the sick to use instead of the bitter medical soups. Everyone in the world knows this. There’s no need to feel puzzled any longer. This sort of medicine was also part of the Persian medicine that our Da Shun does not have. Because Hundred Herb Hall has not expanded to the South, this sort of thing can be considered quite new, but in the capital, it’s not very rare. The price of the medicine is just higher, and it’s not something that the normal person can use.”
Fu Ya quickly pretended to scold Xiao Tao’er: “What are you talking about with high costs? Using it in a proper way and to treat people is very worthwhile. No matter how valuable something may be, it can’t only be used for the wealthy. In the future, do not say this sort of thing again.”
Xiao Tao’er immediately acknowledged her mistakes, and Fu Ya’s words brought about a cheer from the people outside. She let out a sigh of relief and did not continue to linger. Standing up, she bid farewell and hastily returned to the Feng residence amidst the cheers.
Xiao Tao’er was a bit afraid. Only after the residence’s gates were closed did she say to Fu Ya: “It really was quite dangerous. How is it that you don’t even know how to check a pulse?” To pretend to be a divine doctor, one had to have some preparation. Think about the basics, alright?
But it just so happened that Fu Ya had not thought about it. She had thought of thousands and even tens of thousands of things, but this had been forgotten. Thinking about it at this time, a cold sweat broke out. When she went to see Feng Jin Yuan, she felt a bit guilty.
The servants were dismissed by Feng Jin Yuan, and the two entered the study. Fu Ya recounted what had just happened, and Feng Jin Yuan wanted to reproach her; however, he also knew that this was not his daughter. If he said too much, he was worried that Fu Ya would have some thoughts about it. Fortunately, his temper was no longer as it had been in the past. He was also no longer as forceful as when he was the prime minister. After suffering a loss, one would at least gain some wisdom. Now, he was gradually beginning to understand that getting angry was not the best method for resolving problems. The most important thing was to think of how to help Fu Ya get over this hurdle. He pondered for a while then said: “Going to learn medicine now is definitely too late, but you need to learn the basics. At the very least, you won’t end up in the same situation as today, where you didn’t even know where to find a pulse.”
Fu Ya nodded: “Yes, today’s matter was indeed unexpected, but how should I learn?”
Feng Jin Yuan thought for a bit then said: “I will immediately go to the prefect’s manor to have Lord Ji send a doctor over. It would be better if it’s someone that is trustworthy, and it also needs to be someone that can be killed after providing instruction. Either way, this matter must not be allowed to become information that can be used against us; otherwise, I fear that something will happen. For the three of us living here, our fates are tightly connected. If you succeed, I will also succeed. If things go well for me, things will also go well for you. We must not tear each other down.”
Feng Jin Yuan explained the situation, and Fu Ya nodded seriously: “Daughter understands. Would father please not worry.”
As the two spoke, a servant came in from the outside and reported: “There is a medicine merchant from Lan Zhou that has come and asked to see Imperial Daughter.”
Fu Ya was puzzled and asked: “Did they say what they came for?”
The servant replied: “They only said that they had come to discuss some business with Imperial Daughter. They did not specify anything else. But that person has been working as a medicine merchant in Lan Zhou for a long time. Thinking about it, it might be related to this.”
Fu Ya looked toward Feng Jin Yuan and heard him say: “Have that person wait in the main hall. Prepare some tea.” He then said to Fu Ya: “This visit is bad. I fear that it will be related to medicine once again. Father will go along with you. We must not be suckered in by this person.”
To have Feng Jin Yuan following along, Fu Ya let out a sigh of relief. She was not afraid of anything else, but she was afraid of running into situations relating to medicine. She did not understand anything of it. If anything went wrong, things would get ugly.
The two arrived in the main hall and found that there was a man sitting there. He looked to be around 40 years of age, and he had a noble atmosphere. He also looked very shrewd, and he definitely looked like a merchant. Seeing them walk in, he quickly stood up and saluted to Fu Ya then very sincerely said: “This commoner pays respects to Imperial Daughter.”
Fu Ya nodded and did her best to speak in the same way as Feng Yu Heng would: “You may rise. There’s no need to be so courteous.” She then said to the servants: “Why has tea not been prepared for the sir?”
That person then waved his hands, “I don’t dare. I don’t dare.” He then saluted Feng Jin Yuan, “I have heard much about Mister Feng; however, I could never meet you because of the great distance. Today, it’s this lowly commoner that is very fortunate.”
Feng Jin Yuan chuckled and took the initiative to sit in the head seat. Fu Ya also sat to the side and heard Feng Jin Yuan say: “I previously lived in the capital and have never come to the South before. This time, I came with my wife and daughter to Lan Zhou, and I must thank the citizens of Lan Zhou and the lord prefect for their concern. Just now, I heard the servants say that mister is a medicine merchant?”
The person was also seated and replied with a smile: “Mister is correct. This lowly one is named Fang Ru Jiang, and I spend my days as a merchant of medicinal herbs in Lan Zhou and Luo Province. I have also opened a few medicine shops. Today, I heard that Imperial Daughter Ji An has come to Lan Zhou, and it could be said that I was attracted to this place. Coming without prior invitation, I hope that Imperial Daughter will not assign blame.”
Feng Jin Yuan smiled but did not speak, only faintly nodded, as he turned his attention to Fu Ya. Fu Ya took a sip of tea then asked the person: “May I ask why Mister Fang has come?”
Fang Ru Jiang did not evade the question. Hearing Fu Ya ask, he immediately said: “Not to hide it from Imperial Daughter, but it is related to business. This lowly one came for the sake of asking if Imperial Daughter had any plans of opening a Hundred Herb Hall in Lan Zhou? I heard that Imperial Daughter has opened quite a few Hundred Herb Halls in the various provinces, including the capital; however, only the South has not had any built. Now that Imperial Daughter has come to Lan Zhou, if there is such an intent, this lowly one wishes to support it fully.”
“Oh?” Fu Ya’s heart went “thunk.” She had just been troubled by the matter of medicine. Now, Hundred Herb Hall had been brought up. What sort of day was today? Was it intentionally opposing her? But even if she felt troubled, she could not allow it to show on her face, especially since Feng Jin Yuan had just glanced at her. The message was clearly to remind her that she must not make any mistakes when it came to this matter. Thinking of Feng Yu Heng, it was indeed as that person had said. Many Hundred Herb Halls were opened, and that meant that Hundred Herb Hall was an important thing to Feng Yu Heng. To bring up such an important thing, she also needed to get serious.
Pretending to think, Fu Ya picked up the cup of tea and brought it to her lips; however, she was thinking about how she should say her next words. After a long time, she finally put it down and had some thoughts, saying: “The reason that Hundred Herb Hall had not been opened in the South in the past was that it belonged to the Southern Army. Starting from the Luo Province and continuing all the way South, all of the cities were controlled by the Southern Army. The Southern Army was led by His Highness the eighth prince, and everyone knew that this imperial daughter and the ninth prince were engaged. That was why there were no considerations for this side.” She spoke with reason, and Fang Ru Jiang repeatedly nodded.
Feng Jin Yuan also added: “At that time, the engagement with His Highness the ninth prince was something that was decided when Her Highness the Empress Dowager was still alive.” While he spoke, he waved his hand: “It’s fine if this matter is not brought up. It’s an internal matter for the Feng family.”
Fu Ya nodded and continued to say: “If His Highness the ninth prince and I have canceled our engagement, and I have come to the South, the matter of opening a Hundred Herb Hall is something that must be considered. But you also know that my father, my mother and I only just arrived not long ago. We are not familiar with this area, and I have not thought of hurrying to open a Hundred Herb Hall so soon, thus… there is no rush for this matter.”
She said that there was no rush for this matter, and there really was no rush. She hated that they simply could not speak about it, but Fang Ru Jiang was very sincere, as he wholeheartedly advised her: “The South is a border region, and not to mention the frequent skirmishes that will occur, but it’s also a hot place, and the medicine business is very good. Moreover, Imperial Daughter has miraculous medical abilities. This lowly one will say the same thing once more. We are discussing business. If Hundred Herb Hall can be opened in the South, it would be a great thing for the citizens of the South. Of course, there is also a great amount of profit to be earned. I heard that Imperial Daughter has been fully supporting His Highness the eighth prince. That also means supporting the Southern Army too. To the army, medicine and money would be great guarantees.”
Fu Ya nodded, “That’s right. I will consider this matter. Would mister please leave a method for contact to the servants later on. That will allow for communications in the future.”
Fang Ru Jiang heard this and rejoiced internally. Quickly accepting it, he then said once more that if Hundred Herb Hall was opened, there would be no need for Fu Ya to worry about the location, medicinal herbs and clerks. He would take care of it all. He would also provide the money. He just needed Imperial Daughter Ji An to provide her name and provide some of the medical pills and tablets that were used in Hundred Herb Hall. The two would split the profits 40, 60, and he would take the 40 and give Fu Ya the larger portion. It would even be fine if he took 30 percent. He was hoping that there would be an opportunity to work with Imperial Daughter Ji An. It would not be a perversion of his half a lifetime spent in the medicinal herb business. This would be considered prestigious and supporting his standing.
Finally managing to be rid* of Fang Ru Jiang, Fu Ya frowned and asked Feng Jin Yuan: “What does father think of this?”
Before Feng Jin Yuan could reply, Yao shi suddenly entered the hall and resolutely said: “It must not be opened!”
*TN: Not sure what verb the author intended. There was no verb written, and I have no clue what the intended word was.
