Chapter 367 - 365: Why Ask Where the Dongfeng Comes From (Part 1)

Chapter 367: Chapter 365: Why Ask Where the Dongfeng Comes From (Part 1)

Xiao Yi looked at her with a hint of inquiry in his eyes and said, "Indeed, but during that time, do you have anything you need to take care of?"

After the new year, they indeed have many tasks to undertake.

And Jing might be even busier than they are because she needs to quickly expand her Xinglin Hall in a short time to qualify to compete with Guangming Hall.

Xu Jing remained silent.

The original owner had planned against Xiao Yi during February as well.

She found it strange at the outset, even though the original owner had been uncharacteristically meticulous and cautious in her planning, using up almost all her mental resources. Still, how could a man who thrived both in the military camp and the court be so easily caught in a trap set by a secluded woman?

It turns out, by a twist of fate, the original owner implemented her plan precisely during the time of Xiao Yi’s mother’s passing. Xiao Huai’an had once mentioned that his father would always have a period each year when he was in a foul mood, drinking alone in the courtyard. It seems that Xiao Yi was in a daze of grief at the time, which led him to unwittingly step into the original owner’s trap.

However, these were not words Xu Jing could easily share with Xiao Yi. That matter was not a pleasant memory for Xiao Yi, and it represented the darkest Chapter of the original owner’s history, so it was best for Xu Jing, who now occupied the original owner’s body, to feign ignorance.

She cleared her throat lightly and said, "It’s nothing. Although I have a lot to deal with after the new year, the significant event of commemorating your mother naturally takes precedence."

These words evidently struck a chord with Xiao Yi, who gave a faint smile and said, "Mother would certainly be very happy to see you."

He couldn’t imagine how much his mother would adore such a good daughter-in-law like Jing if she were still alive.

But one should not be too greedy. Now that he has Jing and Chang Xiao, he feels fulfilled enough.

He worries that if he remains dissatisfied, the heavens might take everything he has away.

Although this was Xu Jing’s first New Year in this world, surrounded by family and friends, she found it inexplicably comforting, even more fulfilling than the New Years she had experienced in her previous world.

After all, back then, she was always alone, unable to fathom that one day her life would be this lively.

Xu Jing waited until after the Lantern Festival to find time to visit the Zhou Family and tell them about her plan to compete with Guangming Hall.

She was worried that if she told them too early, the Zhou Family would be too excited to properly enjoy the celebrations.

Sure enough, as soon as she mentioned it, Zhou Qizheng froze while holding his teacup, his expression unusually blank, looking at her without reacting for quite a while, evidently shocked.

Beside him, Zhou Xian widened his eyes and exclaimed, "Miss Xu, you—did you lose your mind over the New Year?!"

Previously, it was Miss Xu herself who repeatedly warned them never to confront Guangming Hall directly!

Ever since Zhou Xian started following Tianyi Hall’s Western Capital branch manager to learn the ropes, he matured significantly; however, in certain moments, he still couldn’t help but show his less composed side.

Like now.

Xu Jing’s lips twitched slightly, and she said irritably, "Is this how Zhou Wulang usually speaks to patients at Tianyi Hall?"

"Of course not!"

Zhou Xian immediately jumped up and, noticing the same clarity in her thinking as ever when she retorted, hesitated for a moment, looking incredulous, and said, "Could—could you be serious?"

"I’ve got plenty of time to joke with you about this."

Xu Jing responded helplessly, "Knowing full well the Zhou Family’s enmity with the Lin Family, how could I possibly spout nonsense about this? Would I still be human?"

"But—but..."

Zhou Xian didn’t know how to react, stammering, "Didn’t you say we lack the capability to compete with Guangming Hall, and that it was a suicidal endeavor..."

Before he could finish, a "click" resounded as a teacup was set on the table, and Zhou Qi’s steady voice came forth, "Could Miss Xu share with me the reason for suddenly changing your mind?"

Zhou Xian, stunned, couldn’t help but admire his older brother intensely.

No wonder he’s the older brother, receiving such shocking news and remaining so composed!

Unlike himself, who had almost forgotten his name...

However, his gaze barely reached Zhou Qi when he froze.

He saw his brother’s right hand on the table subtly trembling! His brother wasn’t calm—he was merely suppressing his emotions by reflex from years of habit!

Understanding Zhou Qi’s feelings, Xu Jing spoke to him, "I need the Zhou Family’s assistance next, and of course, I’ll share the broad strokes of the situation with Mr. Zhou. However... there’s some information I’m not at liberty to share with Mr. Zhou, and I hope for your understanding."

How could Zhou Qi not understand?

He knew that Miss Xu had a reputation with the Holy Emperor and was also assisting the government, so it was normal for her not to share some details with them.

Moreover, Miss Xu previously discouraged them from having ambitions to compete with Guangming Hall, knowing that Guangming Hall was backed by the Jiang Family. Even after reconciling with Vice Minister Xiao, she never changed her mind.

Zhou Qi realized that she didn’t want to rely on the Xiao Family’s strength, nor did she want the Xiao Family to get involved in this matter. Although he was disappointed, he chose to respect his partner.

Her sudden change of heart likely meant that the Xiao Family or another force capable of rivaling the Jiang Family would be involved in this affair.

Those forces must have a reason for intervening, possibly aligning with the unspeakable interests Miss Xu couldn’t share.

No matter the reason, as long as the Lin Family’s arrogance could be curbed and they could avenge their father’s murder, they were willing to do whatever was necessary!

Just as Zhuge Kongming borrowed the east wind without asking where it came from, the east wind arrived, and they must seize the opportunity!

Xu Jing never worried that Zhou Qi would be unreasonable. Seeing his immediate nod indicating he didn’t mind, she smiled and explained that Xiao Yi and Prince Zhao had discovered that the Jiang Family’s support for Guangming Hall might not be as straightforward as it appeared, so they couldn’t let Guangming Hall obtain the important qualification to supply medicine to the military.

Given this involved courtly struggles, Xu Jing considered and said, "Mr. Zhou, rest assured, while there are things I’m not at liberty to disclose, I can assure you that this matter won’t involve the Zhou Family, nor will I allow the Zhou Family to suffer any loss due to our affairs. Moreover, my husband and I have decided that Xinglin Hall will be the entity to compete with Guangming Hall, with Tianyi Hall supporting us. Will you mind this arrangement?"

Zhou Qi nodded immediately and said, "Of course not, how could I mind? Having cooperated with Miss Xu for so long, I trust her character implicitly. As long as it stops the Lin Family from being so triumphant, whether we bring them down ourselves doesn’t matter."

Miss Xu’s decision to have Tianyi Hall play a supporting role was likely also to protect Tianyi Hall.

Pausing, he said, "But, Miss Xu’s Xinglin Hall is too small, even with Tianyi Hall’s assistance. The main competitor will still be Xinglin Hall, and as it stands, it can’t possibly outmatch Guangming Hall. Does Miss Xu have other plans?"