Chapter 86: Live for Self

The holiday began on the twenty-ninth of the twelfth lunar month, but many went home on the twenty-eighth. When Hua Changxi returned to her quarters and saw that Du Ruo was apparently waiting for her, she was taken aback.

"Manager Du, is something the matter?"

Du Ruo looked at her: "After each month's salary is distributed, the managers are supposed to go see Steward Leng together. The other managers are all waiting for you."

Understanding what this was about, Hua Changxi shook her head: "Our group won't be handing in the tribute fee."

Hearing this, Du Ruo's expression changed: "Hua Changxi, don't act recklessly. This has been a rule in the Chores Hall for many years. Those who break the rules come to no good end."

Hua Changxi remained unmoved, but still expressed her thanks: "Manager Du, thank you for the reminder. I haven't collected the tribute fee, and I won't. If Steward Leng blames me, I'll just resign from being the Third Manager."

Seeing this, Du Ruo was very troubled. She just couldn't understand why Hua Changxi had to be so unconventional. Suppressing her impatience, she said: "Some rules are unreasonable, but since they've persisted, it means they have their reasons."

"If you refuse to collect the tribute fee, you may appear noble, but how will the other managers face themselves? How will they face the people under them?"

"By doing this, you won't just offend Steward Leng and Eunuch Lu, you'll offend all the other managers too."

Hua Changxi knew Du Ruo meant well, but disagreed with her words. She looked at her: "Manager Du, when you first entered the Chores Hall, you were just a chore worker, right? Back then, when you realized that after a month of hard work you had to hand over nearly half your salary, do you still remember what you felt in your heart?"

Du Ruo was taken aback by the question. She was silent and said nothing.

Hua Changxi: "Manager Du, thank you for your kind reminder, but I have my own principles in doing things."

Du Ruo looked at her: "Hua Changxi, I know you're different from others, but I still have to warn you: offending too many people is not a good thing."

Hua Changxi: "I haven't offended that many people, have I? Steward Leng, Eunuch Lu, plus nine Third Managers—that's just over a dozen people. And not all of those nine Third Managers will necessarily blame me, so where have I offended many people?"

Du Ruo choked, and said helplessly: "By breaking the rule, you're not just affecting the Sixth Bureau, but the entire Chores Hall."

Hua Changxi smiled: "Manager Du, you're overthinking it. It's not that serious." Then she dropped the smile: "Don't tell me—if I could actually break this oppressive rule of the Chores Hall, it wouldn't be a waste of my time here."

Du Ruo looked at Hua Changxi, who seemed fearless and even proud of it, and didn't know what else to say.

"Are you really set on being so stubborn and going your own way?"

Hua Changxi saw that Du Ruo still wanted to persuade her and felt quite helpless. It was really annoying when people gave advice under the guise of 'for your own good' and she couldn't just get angry and drive them away.

"Manager Du, what kind of person do you think I am?"

Du Ruo didn't spare Hua Changxi's feelings: "Unruly and defiant, lawless."

Hua Changxi laughed out loud: "I didn't expect to be so formidable in your eyes."

Seeing that she looked flattered, Du Ruo was speechless. Was that a compliment? How could she not tell good from bad?

Hua Changxi stopped smiling and looked at her seriously: "When I do something, either I don't do it at all, or I see it through to the end. Once I make a decision, I'm prepared to pay any price."

"I'm not afraid of offending people. I'm afraid... of living like someone else."

Du Ruo frowned: "No one is asking you to become someone else."

Hua Changxi stared sharply at Du Ruo: "But your 'kind advice' just now was telling me to live like you. You wanted me to become a Third Manager just like you."

Du Ruo's lips trembled slightly. She wanted to retort but didn't know how.

Hua Changxi: "Manager Du, you're a good person. You care about others' opinions, you consider this and that, trying to be thorough in everything. But not everyone wants to become a 'good person' like you."

"You don't like conflict. To avoid trouble, you're willing to endure, compromise, and give in. But if I were willing to compromise and give in, I wouldn't have come to the Chores Hall as a chore worker."

For some reason, Du Ruo didn't dare to meet Hua Changxi's eyes. She quickly said, "I was being presumptuous," and hurried away.

Having finally gotten rid of Du Ruo, Hua Changxi breathed a sigh of relief and began to pack her things. Looking at the few dozen taels of silver she had, she felt a bit troubled.

So many days had passed—she wondered how Pucao and A Niu were doing with the shop.

One hundred taels of silver certainly wasn't enough for decoration. She needed to find a way to get more silver.

She had accumulated a pile of spirit pills in the Shennong Ding, but she had no channel to sell them.

Hua Changxi realized she had too few channels to turn things into cash. Only Yu Gui could help her sell martial artist pills—too few options.

Ultimately, her network was too narrow.

Hua Changxi took out some of the martial artist pills she had previously refined and went to the warehouse again to find Yu Gui.

Yu Gui was overjoyed at the sight of the pills: "Don't worry, little sister. I'll sell these pills as quickly as possible."

Hua Changxi looked at him: "Brother Yu, I want to change the way we cooperate."

Yu Gui was taken aback. "What method?"

Hua Changxi: "I've opened an herbal medicine shop. Every month, I can provide you with a batch of pills. I'll give them to you at eighty percent of the market price. How you sell the pills is up to you. What do you think?"

She had no people under her, and most of her time needed to be spent on cultivation. The best way to sell was to find a wholesaler.

Yu Gui said in surprise, "Little sister, you've opened a medicine shop? You've solved the problem of herb supply?"

Hua Changxi nodded with a smile.

A look of realization dawned on Yu Gui's face. No wonder Hua Changxi was unwilling to continue cooperating with his godfather. He carefully considered Hua Changxi's proposal.

Twenty percent profit was not insignificant. Moreover, he didn't have to invest anything; he only needed to sell the pills. It could be called a business with no capital.

"Little sister, thank you for looking out for me. I'll work with you."

Hua Changxi smiled. "My medicine shop is still being renovated. Once it's done, I'll take Brother Yu there to get familiar with the place. At that time, we'll need to sign an agreement."

Yu Gui agreed readily. "Alright, whatever you say, little sister."

Afterward, Yu Gui tallied up the pills Hua Changxi had brought this time—a total worth three thousand taels of silver. "Little sister, I don't have that much silver now. I'll give you five hundred taels first, and the rest after I sell the pills."

Hua Changxi: "Fine, but this is the only time. After my medicine shop officially opens, Brother Yu, the amount of silver you give me will determine how many pills I give you."

Yu Gui's expression paused. "Given our relationship..."

Hua Changxi interrupted him. "It's precisely because I treasure my relationship with Brother Yu that I'm doing this. Brother Yu, your experience is broader than mine. You should know that whenever money is involved, if not handled well, even blood brothers can become enemies."

"Doing things by contract this way is the least harmful to our feelings. What do you think?"

Yu Gui had no rebuttal. He gave an awkward smile. "What you say is right, little sister."

After Hua Changxi received the banknote, she chatted with Yu Gui for a while, then returned to the dormitory to pick up her bundle and went straight to the Feng'an Lane medicine shop.

Pucao and A Niu were both diligent and capable. In just a few days, they had already cleaned up all three storefronts and the rooms in the backyard.

Everything that needed to be added in the backyard had been added. For the decoration style of the three storefronts, Pucao and A Niu had visited all the medicine shops in the East Market and West Market, drawn a few simple renovation sketches, and were just waiting to get Hua Changxi's approval.

After Hua Changxi arrived, she looked over the front shop and backyard, showing satisfaction. When she saw the renovation sketches Pucao brought, she was a little surprised.

Having looked over the account book kept by Pucao, where every expense was recorded clearly, Hua Changxi looked at Pucao. "Have you studied?"

Pucao shook her head. A look of reminiscence appeared on her face, and her voice was somewhat low. "My family's Sixth Lang studied for a few years. He taught me."

Hua Changxi: "...My condolences."

Pucao smiled. "Sixth Lang only wanted me to be well. Now that I'm living so well, he must be happy watching from above. I'm not sad."

Hua Changxi didn't continue this topic. She picked up the renovation sketches, looked them over, and made some modifications.

Meanwhile, Pucao went to the kitchen to cook, and A Niu helped by drawing water and chopping firewood.

Both of them were very satisfied with their current life. Pucao was no longer frightened by men's harassment; she was radiant. A Niu, because he could eat his fill and keep warm, had his previously worried face relaxed.

Hua Changxi finished modifying the renovation sketches, and by then Pucao and A Niu had also finished cooking.

Seeing that Pucao was about to go back to the kitchen after bringing the dishes to the table, Hua Changxi stopped her. "Eat together. Call A Niu over too."

Pucao looked at her, beamed a smile. "Alright, I'll go call A Niu."

A Niu came over holding his rice bowl, looking a bit uneasy.

Hua Changxi didn't deliberately say anything. After dinner, she handed Pucao the five-hundred-tael banknote from selling the pills. "After the New Year, the three medicine shops need to be renovated quickly."

Pucao took the banknote. "Changxi, don't worry. I have this in mind. A Niu and I have already met several craftsmen, and those people take on work even during the New Year."

Hua Changxi nodded, then said to the two of them, "When you have free time, you can read more medical books. In the future, the medicine shop will be entrusted to you. You can't be completely ignorant of pharmacology."

Pucao and A Niu nodded in agreement.

Hua Changxi didn't leave that evening but stayed there directly.

The backyard rooms: three main rooms—the western room was the alchemy room, the middle room was the living room, and the eastern room was Hua Changxi's living quarters. Two side rooms would be used for storing herbs in the future.

There were two eastern wing rooms; Pucao and A Niu each took one. A Niu didn't mind the Green Ox Demon and let it stay in the same room with him.

The western wing rooms: one was the kitchen, and one was used for processing herbs.

The rooms in the backyard could be said to be just enough.

That night, Pu Cao, A Niu, and the Green Ox Demon all smelled the scent of the pill. They knew it was Hua Changxi refining pills. When they woke up the next day, they also found the west wing and the two side rooms piled high with all kinds of medicinal herbs.

"After I leave, you all go buy some New Year goods and have a good holiday. I'm going home."

After leaving the herb shop, Hua Changxi went directly back to the Hua family, buying some New Year goods along the way.

As soon as Hua Changxi entered Xiuzheng Ward, someone recognized her.

"Ninth Lady is back. Hurry home—there's an honored guest at your place."

Hua Changxi was a little surprised. What honored guest could the Hua family have?

Puzzled, Hua Changxi quickened her pace toward the Hua house. From a distance, she saw two imposing carriages.

There really were guests!

The courtyard gate of the Hua house was wide open. Before she even entered, she heard lively laughter and chatter from inside. As soon as she stepped in, she saw several servants sitting in the courtyard, with Hua Sanlang and Hua Liulang receiving them.

Hua Liulang had sharp eyes and spotted Hua Changxi first: "Ninth Lady, you're back." As he spoke, he quickly walked over and took the bundle from her shoulder and the New Year goods from her hands.

"I originally wanted to go pick you up at the Medical Office, but people showed up at home, so I couldn't get away."

Hua Changxi: "Who came?"

Hua Liulang: "The steward of Marquis Wuyi's mansion, and Granduncle Hua Tai."

Hua Changxi's face showed surprise: "What are they here for?"

Hua Liulang: "To pay New Year's respects and deliver New Year gifts."

Hua Changxi's eyes flickered: "Neither the marquis's mansion nor the main clan sent us New Year gifts last year. This year it's strange—they even came in person."

Hua Liulang nodded in agreement: "I think it's strange too."

Hua Changxi looked at the main hall and saw Hua Silang, Hua Shiyi Lang, Hua Qiniang, and Hua Shier Niang all sitting inside. She immediately turned to look at Hua Sanlang, who was receiving the servants, and frowned: "Sixth Brother, why didn't you and Third Brother go in to keep them company?"

Hua Liulang pouted: "They looked down on us, that's why. Fourth Brother and the others were personally called in by Granduncle Hua Tai."

At that moment, activity came from the main hall. The steward of the Marquis's mansion and Hua Tai were about to leave. Old Master Hua and Hua Minghe saw them out with smiles.

As soon as everyone came out of the house, they saw Hua Changxi standing in the courtyard.

The marquis's steward and Hua Tai remembered Hua Changxi quite vividly, and both took their time appraising her.

Seeing that Hua Changxi didn't take the initiative to greet the guests, Old Master Hua was displeased: "Ninth Lady, why don't you come over quickly and pay your respects to your Granduncle Hua Tai and Steward Kong?"

Hua Changxi walked over, performed a junior's courtesy to Hua Tai, and merely nodded slightly at Steward Kong.

Seeing this, Hua Tai raised an eyebrow, while Steward Kong's smile remained unchanged.

Old Master Hua, however, felt her attitude was not respectful enough. Just as he was about to scold her, Hua Tai spoke first: "Ninth Lady, how are things going in the Miscellaneous Duties Hall at the Medical Office?"

Hua Changxi: "Pretty well."

Hua Tai smiled: "The fifth young lady of the Hua Marquis mansion and your elder sister Wanyue have just entered the Disciple Hall at the Medical Office. If you encounter any problems, you can go to them."

Hua Changxi's eyes flickered with surprise. Yu Gui had said that in the past two months, many nobles had inserted people into the Medical Office. She hadn't expected that the Hua Marquis mansion was already involved.

Seeing that Hua Changxi didn't respond, Hua Tai felt a little annoyed. He had originally planned to give her a chance, thinking she hadn't yet undergone the spirit-testing, but seeing her arrogance, he dropped the idea.

Hua Tai no longer paid attention to Hua Changxi. He made a gesture toward Steward Kong, and the two walked out, talking as they went.

Old Master Hua glared at Hua Changxi and hurriedly followed to see them off.

"Ninth Lady, Steward Kong just said that Fifth Sister is pregnant."

Hua Qiniang happily approached Hua Changxi to share the good news: "Fifth Sister wanted to come home herself, but her condition makes it inconvenient. Steward Kong said that when she gives birth, family members can go and stay with her."

Hua Changxi looked at the happy faces of the Fourth Branch and smiled: "That's really great."

Hua Qiniang clasped her hands together and prayed: "Thank heavens. With a child, Fifth Sister can finally hold her head up in the Marquis's mansion."

Hua Changxi didn't know how to respond. Just then, Hua Shier Niang walked over, raised her chin proudly, and said: "Ninth Lady, after the New Year, Fourth Brother, Seventh Sister, and I are going to the Hua Marquis mansion."

Hua Changxi was puzzled: "What are you going to the Marquis mansion for?"

Hua Shier Niang: "Granduncle Hua Tai said the Marquis mansion has hired cultivators to teach clan members who have awakened their spirit roots how to cultivate, and they'll even give us spirit stones."

"Do you know what spirit stones are?"

"Here, this is it."

Hua Changxi saw it and wanted to reach out to take a look, but Hua Shiniang withdrew her hand: "You're not a cultivator, so better not look."

Hua Qiniang shot a glare at Hua Shiniang and handed her own spirit stone to Hua Changxi.

Hua Changxi took it and saw it was a low-grade spirit stone: "Did the Count's manor give this?"

Hua Qiniang nodded: "The four of us, including Fourth Brother, each received a hundred pieces because we've already drawn Qi into our bodies."

Hua Changxi's eyes flickered. The Count's manor is something else—distributing spirit stones to the clan's cultivators shows they definitely have spirit mines in hand.

These nobles really know far more news than ordinary people.