Chapter 394: A Hint of Vinegar

The topic over there had already progressed to the first Cha Yuan of future Xi Bei.

Gu Xixi is the host, and also the most core technical staff.

He Jinglan is a prospective shareholder, with experience in accounting, personnel, etc.

An Qinghe is a partner, handling management and sales.

Jiang Mingyuan was the first to propose the public-private partnership concept, and is about to return to Xi Bei to serve as an official.

The establishment of the Cha Yuan was originally related to the several of them.

As Minister of Revenue He Jinghui, planting tea and making a profit through management naturally fall within his official duties, so he is naturally interested as well.

Even Lv Jing, the newcomer, whose family grows tea, can smoothly join the conversation.

Only Mu Nan Zhao sat there, hardly speaking at all.

Given his erudition and broad experience, even without having served as an agricultural official, he would not be at a loss for his own opinions.

He was simply in a bad mood and did not want to speak.

He Jinghui hinted both openly and subtly several times, but seeing Mu Nan Zhao remain silent, he could only give up in annoyance.

Fortunately, the Regent Prince managed to keep up appearances, not leaving midway; when others occasionally spoke to him, he could reply with a few sentences, showing no obvious sign of displeasure.

After the banquet, when they went downstairs, they actually ran into an acquaintance.

Lv Jing first waved and greeted, "Officer Meng, you're also here to eat?"

Meng Chengping saw the group, his gaze lingered on He Jinglan's face, then he smiled and said, "Yeah, if I had known you were upstairs, I would have had a drink or two just now."

Lv Jing said, "I have heard Officer Meng describe the scenery of Xi Bei several times before, and now I finally have the chance to see it with my own eyes."

"Xixi promised to take me back there, and perhaps I'll still get to see the Northwest Army camp later."

Upon hearing the two words "Xi Bei", Meng Chengping's whole being glowed with a different radiance.

"Really? That's great, I must congratulate you!"

"Xi Bei is vast and boundless, completely unlike the capital, and its people are also warm-hearted."

"I think you will definitely not regret going there!"

Lv Jing jumped up happily, "I think so too!"

"Being able to see Officer Meng today and tell you this is really wonderful!"

He Jinglan gazed at Meng Chengping, a soft sourness welling up in her heart.

That somewhat naive and straightforward young general from Xi Bei, after arriving in the capital, has gradually become more restrained and steady, and a bit smarter, no longer wearing his thoughts on his face as before.

But at this moment, He Jinglan faintly saw again that enthusiastic, sincere man who laughed foolishly.

Xi Bei is his homeland, and also the place where he shed sweat and hot blood.

He has kin and friends there, his comrade‑in‑arms brothers, his memories and dreams—how could he not be haunted by them?

After Meng Chengping finished speaking with Lv Jing, he then greeted the others in turn.

Gu Xixi laughed, "When I come to the capital next time, I'll definitely bring you more local specialties."

Mu Nan Zhao's eyes were light, "Calling me Mu brother over and over, yet I never see you often coming to my door."

Meng Chengping scratched his head, "Wasn't it just last month that I accompanied you for drinks? You can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, so I dare not go every day."

Everyone laughed.

Meng Chengping and Gu Xixi have long been friends, and with Mu Nan Zhao they are sworn brothers—needless to say, they are close.

Although Meng Chengping had never spoken with Jiang Mingyuan before, they had met a few times; as fellow natives of Xi Bei, they felt an immediate affinity upon speaking.

Only when facing He Jinghui did Meng Chengping involuntarily stiffen, as if he were still being made to stand at attention in the Northwest Army camp.

"This subordinate pays his respects, Minister He!"

He Jinghui chuckled, "How come everyone else is brothers and friends, but when it comes to me I'm left with only a boring official post."

Meng Chengping stared, suddenly not knowing what to say, and stammered, "This subordinate, this subordinate has long heard of your great name, Minister He; I respect you, I respect you, Minister He—oh no, Brother He."

Gu Xixi broke into a cold sweat, glancing sideways, only to see He Jinglan wearing an expression of 'basically not even looking'.

He Jinghui, however, laughed openly, "Brother He? That's good—affable, down‑to‑earth, I like it!"

He said to He Jinglan, "This little brother is not bad; you've stayed in Xi Bei for so long, you must know him too, right?"

Gu Xixi lowered her half‑lidded eyes to control her expression, while Mu Nan Zhao subtly raised an eyebrow.

The gazes of the two who were directly pointed at both tightened.

Meng Chengping was so nervous he didn't dare to look at He Jinglan.

Fortunately, He Jinglan was composed, saying, "We know each other; he often asks Xixi to help the Northwest Army with tasks, so we're all acquaintances."

He Jinghui looked at Meng Chengping appreciatively, "I think Brother Meng also feels we've met too late."

"If there's a chance, I'll organize a gathering and we'll get together again!"

Meng Chengping laughed and agreed.

It wasn't that he wanted to hide it, but Jing Lan gave no instruction, so he dared not take the initiative to confess.

At this moment Gu Xixi stepped in to mediate, "Let's not block the way here; let's go."

As He Jinghui passed by Meng Chengping's side, he patted his shoulder, smiling with deep meaning.

"When there are flowers to pluck, one should pluck them; a man must be decisive, and knowing how to seize the moment is crucial."

Meng Chengping was stunned.

When he came to his senses, he turned around excitedly, but everyone had already vanished.

Seize the moment, pluck the flowers…

Could it be that Brother He actually knows everything?

Is this future older brother-in-law encouraging him!

Could it be that he wants him to go straight to the door to propose marriage!

Meng Chengping's mouth corner curved up rapidly, and he couldn't stop smiling.

He realized many people around were looking, so he quickly wiped his smile and walked away solemnly.

Gu Xixi and the others left the restaurant; Jiang Mingyuan had something to do and left first.

He Jinglan couldn't hold back her curiosity and asked casually:

"Brother, what secret did you just tell Meng the military officer?"

He Jinghui smiled, seeing Lv Jing not paying attention here, and said, "Looking at Meng Junior and Miss Lv's appearance, do you guys feel this hero-saving-beauty scene has a sequel?"

"So I just gave that kid two words of encouragement, lest he miss the beauty and regret it later."

Gu Xixi's mouth corner twitched fiercely.

I don't know whether to say He Jinghui always encounters such situations unexpectedly, or to say the parties involved are hiding too deeply.

He Jinglan's face had gradually darkened.

She suddenly snapped, "Brother, since you love meddling so much, why not resign your position as Minister and go become an official matchmaker down there!"

He Jinghui hadn't noticed anything odd yet, and laughed, saying, "Official matchmakers also fall under the Ministry of Household."

He Jinglan put on a stern face, ignored him, and hurriedly walked toward the carriage to vent her anger.

Seeing He Jinghui's clueless look, Mu Nan Zhao gave a cold snort and said nothing.

Gu Xixi had no choice but to smooth things over, saying, "If Lv Jing really had that intention, why would she actively suggest going back to Xi Bei with me?"

"Perhaps it's really Minister He who misunderstood."

He Jinghui suddenly realized, "That makes sense; I forgot about that."

His gaze shifted back and forth between Gu Xixi and Mu Nan Zhao, and just as he was about to speak, the night watch drum sounded on the street.

Gu Xixi let out a sigh, hurriedly said, "I still have an appointment, I'll go first; you two do as you please."

Watching Gu Xixi walk away, He Jinghui turned his head to size up Mu Nan Zhao.

"Have you noticed, when she left she only looked at you?"

Mu Nan Zhao said with a cold face, "So what?"

"It doesn't stop her from looking at one, then another, then another."

He Jinghui took a deep breath, understood, "Jealousy!"

"I said, when eating I always felt something was off!"

"It's just a mouthful of aged vinegar held in my heart that I can't speak out!"