Chapter 713: Expanding Business

Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi was not there to find fault; she was there to observe everyone’s attitude towards their work. Although they were inexperienced, their earnestness was apparent.

“Master Li, I understand.”

Li Changjiang nodded and focused on his work once again.

After observing for a while and seeing no issues, Chu Qingzhi left the paper-making area, ready to return home.

At that moment, Tang Jinghong received a letter. After reading it, he approached Chu Qingzhi, “Qingzhi, the group of disabled soldiers who have been withdrawn from the border has arrived.”

“Let’s go back immediately.” A month ago, Tang Jinghong had discussed with Chu Qingzhi about the issue of the disabled veterans, and she had agreed to help.

“Okay.” Tang Jinghong nodded and left with Chu Qingzhi for the village.

In the Chu Village.

There were about thirty disabled soldiers, all orphans with no one to rely on and nowhere to go.

Fearing they might frighten the villagers, they did not enter the village but waited at the village entrance for Tang Jinghong to return.

Sitting on the ground, leaning on each other, their heads bowed, their eyes devoid of spirit.

The leader among them was named Wan Haonan, sitting beside someone named Luo Hongping.

Luo Hongping, massaging his deformed left leg, spoke with a hint of despair, “Brother Nan, can General Tang really solve our livelihood problems?”

Wan Haonan himself was unsure but knew this was not the time to dampen spirits. “General Tang has no reason to deceive us. If he didn’t care, why would he bother to bring us here from afar?”

Luo Hongping thought about it and felt hopeful, “If General Tang is willing to take care of us, maybe our lives won’t be so miserable in the future.”

Wan Haonan patted Luo Hongping on the shoulder, “It will get better.”

Luo Hongping nodded, “Yeah.”

Soon, Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong arrived at the village entrance.

When the disabled soldiers saw Tang Jinghong, they immediately stood up. Their expressions turned solemn as they cupped their fists and bowed. “Greetings, General Tang.”

Tang Jinghong, without any pretense, said warmly, “No need for formalities. It’s getting dark. Let’s go to the county town for now. We’ll treat your injuries and find work for you slowly.”

The soldiers were grateful, “Thank you, General.”

In the county town, Tang Jinghong arranged for them to stay in a courtyard house, with a nearby inn for meals, which was convenient.

After making the arrangements, Tang Jinghong and Chu Qingzhi left the courtyard.

On the way back, Tang Jinghong said, “Qingzhi, I’m leaving their injuries to you.”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “No problem.”

Tang Jinghong thanked her, “Thankyou, Qingzhi.”

“There’s no need for thanks.” Chu Qingzhi respected those who had served and protected the country, and she was happy to do something for them.

Back home, seeing her younger brothers playing with a wolf cub, Chu Qingzhi approached, “How did your exams go today?”

Chu Xuyuan turned and smiled brightly at Chu Qingzhi, “It should be okay.”

Chu Xuyao nodded in agreement, “It didn’t feel difficult.”

“That’s good. I’ll make something delicious tonight to boost your spirits.”

“Thankyou, Fifth Sister.”

At that moment, Shen Ruyue approached, “Qingzhi, I have something to discuss with you.”

Chu Qingzhi turned to her, “Let’s talk at the swing pavilion.”

“Okay.”

They sat on the swing, gently swaying, surrounded by the faint scent of chrysanthemums, feeling somewhat relaxed.

Chu Qingzhisaid, “Ruyue, just speakyour mind.”

Shen Ruyue pondered for a moment before speaking, “Xuhua and I have discussed it. The business in the capital is stable now, and we don’t need to spend much effort on it. We’ve also explored business opportunities in the surrounding counties. So, we’re thinking of expanding our business to Wan City. What do you think?”

Chu Qingzhi looked at Shen Ruyue with admiration, “I support this idea, but we don’t have any connections in Wan City, so it might be difficult to enter the market.”

Shen Ruyue was confident, “We’ll figure it out slowly, there will always be a way.”

Chu Qingzhi pondered, “Let’s go to Wan City together in a few days to see if there are any opportunities.”

Shen Ruyue nodded.

In the room, Chu Qingzhi opened the cardboard box that Xiao Zongchao had given her, took out the paper cranes that had been strung on lines, and hung them in front of the window, arranged in a row. Then, like curtains, she divided them into two parts and tied them with a rope to form a curtain.

Chu Qingzhi stepped back two steps to admire, it looked quite nice.

There was a knock on the door, followed by Hong Yujun’s voice, “Qingzhi, are you there?”

Chu Qingzhi responded, “Come in.”

Hong Yujun gently opened the door and tiptoed in, “Qingzhi, I have a favor to ask of you.”

Chu Qingzhi was slightly puzzled, “What is it?”

Hong Yujun took out a letter from his clothes and handed it to Chu Qingzhi, cautiously saying, “Qingzhi, you are the only one who knows the whereabouts of the young master. Please could you send this letter to him? I am getting married and hope he can attend.”

Chu Qingzhi was slightly startled, “Getting married?”

Hong Yujun shyly nodded, “Shaoyuan said he would marry me next time he returns to the village. The young master is the one who helped me escape my misery, and I hope to see him at my wedding.”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Yujun, the young master is traveling. I will send the letter, but I cannot guarantee his attendance.”

“Just do your best,” Hong Yujun said. “Qingzhi, thankyou.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

Chu Qingzhi sent Hong Yujun out. After Hong Yujun went downstairs, she returned to her room, closed the door, and opened the letter…

The content of the letter was simple, expressing gratitude to the young master, then mentioning Hong Yujun’s upcoming marriage, and finally hoping for the young master’s attendance at the wedding.

Unexpectedly, Yujun still remembered the young master.

Finding someone to impersonate her? Yujun was very meticulous and it’s unlikely she would be deceived.

After thinking, Chu Qingzhi decided to write back to Hong Yujun in the young master’s voice. It wasn’t necessary for the person to actually come; a suitable excuse might suffice.

However, as Chu Qingzhi started to write, she couldn’t continue. If the expected person didn’t come to the wedding, it would be a lifelong regret, wouldn’t it?

Never mind, playing dual roles wasn’t impossible. It’s better to fulfill Yujun’s wish.

So, Chu Qingzhi wrote on the letter, “I will definitely attend…” and planned to give it to Hong Yujun after some time.

After putting away the letter, Chu Qingzhi wrote to Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang, asking them to come the next day to help her treat the wounded soldiers.

First, heal their wounds, then arrange work for them. As for what work, she had already planned.

Taking the letters downstairs, Chu Qingzhi asked the eagle to make a trip. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

The eagle gladly went. It always got a lot of treats for delivering letters, always eager to do the task.

Chu Qingzhi worried that it might lose its hunting skills if it kept delivering letters.

At dinner time, Chu Qingzhi brought the birthday cake that Tang Jinghong had given her to the table, “Now that everyone is here, let’s share it.”