Chapter 30: Tenderest of Treasures, A Precious Companion

Chapter 30: Tenderest of Treasures, A Precious Companion

Huo Xuning, born into the wealthy Huo family of Jiang Nan, was the second legitimate son, aged twenty-two, unmarried, of average height, with a decent appearance, his skin not particularly pale but rather a healthy wheat color. Most striking were his fox-like eyes, long and narrow, looking quite sharp—though not the coquettish kind one might find in a woman. Of course, if you insisted, Young Master Huo could certainly put on such an act.

Having been involved in business for years, traversing various places, Young Master Huo could effortlessly switch between different personas. He could be upright and kind, a gentleman, or appear simple and approachable, seemingly easy to take advantage of. He could also be flirtatious, cunning, and slippery when necessary. Outsiders found it difficult to discern his true nature.

This was Wen Ruan's friend from Sizhou, or more accurately, a friend he had cleverly brought into his circle.

Five years ago, upon his arrival, he knew nothing about his surroundings. To survive, let alone thrive, was incredibly challenging. He had meticulously planned his future, and showcasing his abilities required a partner. At that time, Young Master Huo, fresh out of the gate, was already making a name for himself, known for his boldness and unique vision. It was only natural to give him a try...

That trial proved fruitful, as both found common ground and shared ideals, making them excellent business partners. The only issue was this partner's mouth...

"Look, look, quick! Isn't this what you called the Resounding Cloud Silk? See how it drapes, how ethereal it is, and listen to its sound—it makes a whooshing noise!"

Huo Xuning shook the piece of fabric in his hand, then flicked it, showing Wen Ruan the appearance and sound. "Following your instructions, I personally went to Min Nan and found a plant called Dioscorea cirrhosa. I boiled and extracted its juice, going through three steams, nine boils, eighteen sun-dries, and twenty-one days of river mud treatment. After countless attempts, the fabric turned out splendid, combining all the advantages of silk—the drape, the touch, the luster—but with added durability, quick-drying properties, water resistance, and no clinginess. Wearing it in summer feels like wearing nothing at all, incredibly dry and comfortable. I'm so moved I could cry!"

"Ding ding ding ding—look at this!"

His eyes gleaming, he unveiled a wrapped bundle, revealing a finished garment. "This is the first batch, the very first piece, made especially for you. There are six sets in different colors, for you to alternate. From now on, you won't have to fear the heat anymore! Aren't you happy and touched?"

Wen Ruan was indeed delighted. The material was exquisite. This fabric, known as Fragrant Cloud Silk, would rustle softly when worn and moved, hence also called Resounding Cloud Silk. In his era, it was an intangible cultural heritage, favored by women domestically and adored by the elite abroad, often referred to as soft gold, the perfect fabric for summer. Due to the Dioscorea cirrhosa and river mud treatments, the colors tended to be darker. One could say that aside from limited color choices, there were no flaws.

This fabric seemed to have existed since the Ming and Qing dynasties, but upon his arrival here, he discovered it was unknown. Being someone who truly disliked the heat and struggled during summers, having a partner he could 'employ' was ideal. Thus, he encouraged Huo Xuning to experiment, and now that it had succeeded, he was genuinely moved.

It was just that this partner was too loud, causing him a headache.

"The first piece?" Wen Ruan glanced at the clothes sent by the Sixth Prince, placed at the bedhead.

Young Master Huo coughed. "Look at you, clearly not the type to fuss over being first or second, yet you're teasing me, aren't you? Could I forget your kindness? When something good is created, it must be sold. Without fetching a good price first, how could I face you? Let me tell you, I've never sold this fabric in Jiang Nan before. This time, I brought some to the capital. As soon as word got out, it was bought by a noble person, who heard about it and had clothes made overnight. This noble person likely has a tenderest of treasures, a precious companion, whom they can't bear to see suffer from the heat..."

Tenderest of treasures, precious companion...

Wen Ruan struggled to raise his hand. "Stop, don't say any more. I understand."

He used the motion of reaching for tea on the small table to sit on the set of clothes at the bedhead, preventing Huo Xuning from seeing them.

"Here, this is the gold the noble person spent on their precious companion. All for you!"

As Young Master Huo spoke, he pushed a small box over. Upon opening it, dazzling gold greeted their eyes, almost blinding.

Wen Ruan: ...

Didn't I tell you to stop talking!

Young Master Huo was practically winking, signaling Nanxing to accept the gift on behalf of her master. If she didn't, he'd become anxious. "You know, I never back down when dealing with outsiders, but with you, I wouldn't ask for anything in return. What kind of relationship do we have? If you don't accept it, you're being distant!"

Nanxing snapped the box shut and took it. "Isn't it because you're after our master's skills?"

Young Master Huo: ...

What nonsense is this child spouting!

"Hehe, we're all friends, right? Just friends..."

Ah Ruan was like a deity, incomparable to anyone else! A deity deserved diligent service, hoping for a day when they'd be pleased and let slip a hint, enough to keep him busy!

Speaking of which, Young Master Huo's expression turned serious as he scolded Wen Ruan. "Tell me what's wrong. Before coming to the capital, didn't I remind you to prioritize your health and happiness? Most importantly, you shouldn't let anyone bully you. If someone dared to mistreat you, you should have told me immediately. Why didn't you say a word, treating me like a stranger?"

Young Master Huo's eyes reddened, genuinely hurt and frustrated, angry yet heartbroken. "Upon arriving in the capital, I heard about the mess you were in. Was the Duke's Mansion treating you poorly? You even fainted and fell ill?"

Wen Ruan sipped his tea. "I get sick whenever it rains, you know that. Why make a big deal out of it? Am I not fine now?"

Young Master Huo puffed up his cheeks. "In my opinion, Nanxing isn't enough. We need more help. I'll send some people..."

Nanxing looked at him coolly. "Does Second Young Master really think that more people automatically mean better results?"

Young Master Huo choked. "Alright, alright, sending a few people to assist you will work, right? I know you're capable, the most competent one. Ah Ruan trusts you the most, but with only you, what happens when things get busy and overwhelming?"

Nanxing fell silent. Indeed, the master needed more assistance now.

Young Master Huo lowered his voice. "You've always disliked asking for favors. Using the Canal Gang's connections means you must have encountered a significant challenge, yet you still refuse to tell me?"

"Really, nothing major. Just saving someone, not an issue with me."

Wen Ruan's gaze drifted to the window. It wasn't yet dinner time, and Li Yue'e wasn't in the kitchen. Instead, she was outside, familiarizing herself with the environment alongside the servants, exploring what she could do. Previously, she had appeared heartbroken, as if she could shatter at any moment. Now, she was full of vitality, sunlight dancing on her, showcasing the beauty of youth.

When he saved her, he hadn't anticipated the immense life force she possessed. She dared to bravely move forward, and he was determined to protect her.

"I do need your help, though, to deliver a gift." He looked at Huo Xuning.

Young Master Huo: "Why would I need to help with that? Chi Jianglong can transport the grain. Do you need to use your influence to arrange it? If he doesn't respect you, does he still want canal grain? Does he still want his subordinates to follow him? As for Master Ang, you saved the matriarch years ago. If she didn't worry about her son's shady dealings affecting you, she would have adopted you as her godson long ago. If he doesn't protect you, the matriarch will beat him senseless! She's only fifty this year, still robust. She used to slaughter pigs; a slap from her could knock out a pig, let alone a human!"

Wen Ruan lowered his brows. "I'm just a farmer growing rice. I don't have that much influence. Don't exaggerate."

Young Master Huo knew he didn't seek credit, willing to give much without wanting others to remember him. It was precisely this trait that made him both cherished and hard to scold.

"Forget it. You don't have to worry about external matters. Remember, although you came to the capital alone, you're not without friends," Young Master Huo said earnestly. "We may not understand the grand affairs of the court or have a say in them, but in the world of the jianghu, there are connections everywhere and friends in every corner. When you need help, don't hesitate to ask. Understand?"

Fearing that Wen Ruan wouldn't heed his advice, Young Master Huo held his hand. "Don't look down on the jianghu. No matter how powerful someone is, they still need help from those below them, right? Cats have their ways, mice have theirs. What we can accomplish is far greater than you imagine."

Wen Ruan lowered his gaze, looking at the hand that was much darker than his own.

Young Master Huo silently withdrew his hand. "Anyway, I've said what needed to be said. You're as clear as a mirror, surely understanding everything. I won't waste words further. There's just one thing—I don't understand why you chose to cooperate with the Liang family. That fragrance, such a remarkable product, why did you give it to them? Can't I serve you alone?"

Wen Ruan: "No."

Young Master Huo: ...

Wen Ruan looked at him. "One person can't handle all the businesses in the world."

The capital was a deep and treacherous place. No matter how powerful the Huo family was, their territory primarily lay in Jiang Nan. Upon arriving in the capital, one had to offer some benefits and pay respects to the local powers.

"Alright, I know you're smart."

Young Master Huo sighed. If not for this, he wouldn't be able to handle them.

It wasn't really about control; Wen Ruan never intended to manipulate anyone. He simply didn't crave fame or profit. He was willing to give much—recipes, ideas, strategic directions, personal assistance. As long as those who came before him had decent character, he was open to cooperation in various fields, without concern for profit sharing. What he sought was merely convenience in his farming endeavors. He wanted nothing more than to focus on agriculture and nurture good seeds. For this purpose, the money required could be exchanged with his intellect, recipes, and ideas. The grains he produced weren't for himself but were mostly donated to the needy victims of disasters.

The young master had no personal desires. As long as he had three meals a day and a bed at night, he never pursued any luxuries. How could such a person make others want to scheme against him?

They even wanted to hand themselves over to be controlled by the young master. After all, if they didn't work hard, there were others who would willingly come forward... The young master remained calm and content, while these merchants were caught up in a whirlwind, guarding this precious treasure like dragons protecting their hoard. None of them wished to leave.

They dared not send money to the young master, knowing he wouldn't accept it. All due dividends were invested back into the fields. It was only when they couldn't bear it that they sent clothes, food, shelter, and other necessities. Everything related to life's essentials.

Merchants valued profit above all and were most skilled at taking advantage of others, yet they feared being exploited themselves. However, people like Wen Ruan were whom they admired the most.

The Liang family, perhaps, was the next group eager to get involved.

But not everyone was honest.

A glint appeared in Young Master Huo's eyes. "Does Ah Ruan know that the Duke Wen's Mansion has designs on your soap recipe?"

Wen Ruan didn't know, but he could guess.

Young Master Huo continued, "They've found a Sun family. You don't need to know who this grandson of the Sun family is, just that they can be considered the Liang family's rivals in the capital. This grandson wants to invite me for drinks, and you can imagine he doesn't have anything good planned. Somehow, he learned that I'm coming to the capital and has tried to send letters through roundabout ways several times. I ignored them, but now that I'm here, I'll inevitably have to deal with them. Does Ah Ruan have any instructions?"

"In business, you're the expert," Wen Ruan replied, offering no guidance. "Decide what to do in the business arena as you see fit."

Young Master Huo laughed. "Profit must indeed be fought for. A merchant who doesn't strive for profit might as well not be in business. But business is business, and personal feelings are separate. Now that I'm in the capital, you can't keep everything from me."

He didn't forget to casually needle Wen Ruan.

Wen Ruan: ...

Nanxing: "Aren't you leaving yet?"

"What time is it? Why should I leave?" Young Master Huo raised his voice. "You're Ah Ruan's student, and so am I. Why does he teach you and not me? I've come all this way, so Ah Ruan must take the time to give me something substantial! Come on, finish telling me about that business warfare case from last time!"

His voice was loud enough to be heard outside the walls. Li Yue'e looked over, wondering if she should start cooking?

Nanxing walked to the window. "It's fine, ignore him. Don't cook for him."

Li Yue'e chuckled.

They were still a bunch of youngsters.

She prepared a table full of delicious dishes, beautifully presented and in large quantities. After eating, there was no need for another meal. After all... Nanxing only said not to cook for the guest, not that she shouldn't prepare dishes for him.

Her cooking skills were indeed excellent, and since she enjoyed it, the dishes she made were incredibly tasty. Young Master Huo was thoroughly satisfied, not forgetting to praise Ah Ruan. "I owe it all to Ah Ruan. I've never eaten such delicious food in my life!"

Nanxing had endured a whole meal and couldn't hold back anymore. "Dare you say that to your old man's face?"

The Huo family was a major merchant house, especially in Jiang Nan, where they enjoyed the finest delicacies. What good food hadn't they tasted?

"Nanxing, as your older brother, I must say something to you," Young Master Huo said earnestly. "In the world, if you take everything too seriously, it becomes boring."

Nanxing: "Mm, I remember three years ago when you tricked our young master into playing hide-and-seek. Late at night, you stood right in front of him, and he didn't see you at all. He lost so unfairly, and it was quite amusing."

Young Master Huo slammed the table. "You, Nanxing, are calling me dark-skinned, aren't you! So what if I'm dark? It's healthy, handsome, and manly! The young master said it was precisely because I have dark skin that he became friends with me. At first glance, I appear honest and reliable. Don't talk nonsense if you don't understand!"

"Are we fighting?" Nanxing stood up, adjusting his sleeves. "I'll oblige!"

Wen Ruan put down his bowl. "Enough, we've eaten. It's getting late, Huo Er. You should head down the mountain and get back to your business."

"Okay—"

Young Master Huo threw an empty punch at Nanxing, immediately reining in his aggressive stance. "Then I'll be off. Ah Ruan, take care of your health and don't ignore the doctor's advice. On this trip to the capital, I brought a cartload of medicinal herbs for you. The road isn't easy, so they probably won't arrive until tomorrow afternoon. And your corn seeds, last time you wrote that you regretted having too few. I brought some along for you. Remember, if you need anything, you must speak up. What's the capital to me? Who dares to bully you? Watch me turn everything upside down!"

He was truly busy. After hastily finishing his business, he left the estate and galloped back to the capital. His mind was still spinning. The Liang family, huh? Wanting to compete with him for Ah Ruan... It was time to give these people a small shock!

A series of orders went out, stunning the attendants who followed him. "This... is rather harsh. Will the young master be angry?"

Young Master Huo gave him a glare. His fox-like eyes narrowed, revealing cunning intelligence. "Tell me, who has a deeper bond with Ah Ruan, me or this newcomer from the Liang family?"

"Of course, it's you, young master."

Young Master Huo hummed. Regardless of age and experience, Ah Ruan was easily deceived by women. He had to watch out. Some women were far from weak!

Nanxing was also discussing Young Master Huo of the Huo family with Wen Ruan. "...His arrival in the capital will certainly stir things up. As for Madam Liang..."

Wen Ruan: "Don't worry about it. He knows what he's doing."

Huo Xuning showed great potential in business, possessing courage and tactics. He seemed reckless but was actually principled and had a moral code. Huo family's patriarch had been a soldier in his early years and had his own set of rules. A grandson personally taught by him wouldn't go wrong.

"The recent talk in the capital's streets revolves around the border trade between countries. Since the court has allowed such rumors to spread, it seems likely that they will push for its success. By mid-summer at the earliest, and latest by autumn, the northern envoys will surely arrive..."

Wen Ruan lowered his gaze. This wasn't something he should worry about, but knowing it, he couldn't help but think more about it. "When the merchants of the capital are in chaos, wouldn't it be a laughingstock for outsiders? By setting order now, we can unite and fight for the greatest profit. Then, it will be us laughing at others."

He hadn't expected Huo Xuning to bring him corn seeds. This was an unexpected surprise.

"I need to raise some funds..."

Having seeds without land was truly distressing.

Within ten days, no later. Corn was drought-resistant but not cold-resistant. A sudden drop in temperature would kill it, affecting yield and ultimately the quality of the seeds.

Nanxing reminded him expressionlessly, "The young master's illness hasn't fully recovered. He needs proper rest."

Proper rest was impossible.

Luo Linchang had arrived.

Since the day they worked together to save the seedlings and plant new seeds, he hadn't seen Wen Ruan again. Hearing that he had fallen ill, he was anxious, his heart aching. Now that he heard Wen Ruan was much better, he immediately came to visit. He didn't intend to discuss farming matters right away; he wasn't an inconsiderate old man. However, Wen Ruan was in high spirits, and as soon as he felt better, he couldn't sit still. He pulled the old man into the fields, and their conversation continued until nightfall.

As night fell, it became inconvenient in the fields, so they returned to the courtyard. The old and the young were still not done talking, continuing their conversation by candlelight. They discussed everything from crop varieties to breeding superior strains, from field tools to directions for improvement, from weather conditions to disaster relief... Their interests aligned, and they chatted happily well into the night.

"...These seeds can't be planted directly; you must first grow seedlings."

"I see, I misunderstood... No, what you're saying isn't correct. When planting these seeds, you must water them first, or they won't sprout. It also needs to be warmer..."

"You actually have this seed?"

"If you can't cultivate it, dare you hand it over to me for a try?"

"I want to try that too! Dare you compete with me to see whose seedlings emerge first, whose are stronger and healthier, and whose yield is higher!"

The candles at Duke Guogong's estate burned all night. Although the voices of the old and the young weren't loud, they carried far in the quiet of the night. This place was remote, and even Prince Li's estate next door made a great commotion, audible from here.

Luo Linchang looked outside. "What's happening?"

Wen Ruan lowered his voice. "Uh, maybe we were too loud. Prince Li has quite a temper?"

Prince Li indeed had a large temper. He didn't stay on the estate and left early the next morning. It was said that when he left, riding his horse, his face was long, and he was very unhappy.

Prince San, Zhu Fu, was also very unhappy. The Pan family was already beyond saving, and he had spent considerable effort trying to distance himself. Still, he was implicated by the censor Meng Weiyi and received a severe punishment from the emperor. He now had to act low-key.

But with so many events happening inside and outside the court, if he kept a low profile, others would seize the opportunity. How could this not give him a headache?

"Lustful and reckless, daring to make a move on a woman from a prominent family. Why doesn't Pan Qiantian just die!"

"Your Highness, please calm your anger. It was that Li Yue'e who provoked the incident. Shall I take care of her..."

"For now, don't touch her." Zhu Fu knew that this woman was being protected by Wen Ruan, a newly recognized young master of the Duke Guogong's household. To him, this young man wasn't significant, but his sixth brother seemed interested in the youth. At this critical juncture, it was best not to cause trouble.

"The most important thing now is the handling of the Pan family's assets. I've been punished by Father Emperor and can't openly claim them, but I can't let my good second brother benefit either. You should keep an eye on things. Let's do this..."

His mother's family was powerful, and he wasn't short of money. But thinking about all this wealth that he couldn't touch still caused him some pain. If he couldn't get it, neither should anyone else!

At the Second Prince's residence, Zhu Bin laughed heartily. "What did I say? Misfortune can turn into blessing. We only lost a small chance to meet Wen Ruan, but my good third brother lost the strong support of the Pan family!"

Not only was the Third Prince affected by the Pan family affair without gaining any benefits, but this matter also led to a series of factional conflicts within the court. The last two days had been filled with heated arguments. Meng Weiyi, that old man, couldn't even finish criticizing everyone involved. He dug up every past misdeed to criticize, providing a spectacle for those watching!

However, it was time for a break. If they continued to dig up old accounts, nothing good would come of it.

"Do you think our imperial family is lacking in joyous occasions?"

Father Emperor was heavy-hearted and hadn't bestowed any of them with the title of king. They were still mere princes without titles, which was embarrassing for him when standing in the court. Shouldn't they think of ways to provoke a change? For example, bring some joy...

Sixth Brother was still alone, unmarried.

Father Emperor disliked the growing power of him and Third Brother, but Sixth Brother was a good child. Apart from his outbursts outside, he had no ambitions for the court. As long as they didn't provoke him, he was a useful tool. Both he and Third Brother had used him before, and Father Emperor had used him countless times. Wouldn't Father Emperor be less opposed to granting the title of king to such a person?

He wasn't worried about what the mad Sixth Brother could do. Once this precedent was set, wouldn't he have a chance? What he could do would be more than what the Sixth Brother could.

He didn't know when or who reminded him, but after pondering it over and over, he believed this plan was feasible. Of course, he couldn't do it himself; he needed to nudge his good Third Brother to work together...

Prince San, Zhu Fu, soon heard rumors. He knew that Second Brother didn't have good intentions, but... this method seemed pretty good? At least in this direction, his goal aligned with Second Brother's. After the matter was accomplished, who would be the second to receive the title of king would depend on each one's abilities!

He immediately began to act, coordinating with Second Prince's actions, subtly bringing up the topic of marriage for Prince Li, Zhu Yan, in the palace.

In this imperial city, there was never a peaceful day. Today's winds and waves would surge, and tomorrow's storms would rise again. Standing at the forefront was none other than Prince San, Zhu Fu!

"Marriage?"

Prince Li, Zhu Yan, himself, had little interest in this matter. He continued to tune his lute strings, his gaze lowered. "Whatever, marry her in and kill her."

Lan Tian: ...

"Should Your Highness not go and see the young master?"

"Why should I go and see?" Zhu Yan paused, his expressionless face showing no emotion, his lips tightly pursed. "Just a pair of lute bones, how important is it?"

Lan Tian: ...

Then why did you get angry because the young master was entertaining guests and you couldn't see him? And why did you leave the estate early in the morning, holding back your anger!

...

"Marriage?"

In the Duke Guogong's residence, Lady Da Lu brought up Wen Ruan's marriage, and everyone fell silent for a moment.

During the trip to Le Feng Wine House, the family had lost both face and fortune. The money spent... hurt, and now, finally, could they recoup some of their losses?

When arranging a marriage, wouldn't distant and close relatives all have to contribute gifts? Moreover, Wen Ruan was currently special. He held the formula for Huazao soap and was favored by Prince Li. He was precious. Giving a small gift would be shameful. Once this opportunity passed, there wouldn't be such a prosperous chance for wealth again.

Lady Da Lu spoke eloquently. "It's also time to arrange a match for Jiejie. Doing it together would be convenient."

And it would prevent outsiders from saying anything.

But Prince Li... was a potential problem. No one knew the extent of his favor for the young master or whether he would become enraged for the sake of beauty.

Lady Xiao Lu's voice was gentle, her words implying something. "A' Ruan lives on the estate, so close to Prince Li's estate, yet he hasn't visited him, as far as I've heard."

Being treated merely as an object for lute bones, how could he have any face? Everyone knew Prince Li's temperament. Most of the time, when he was in the mood, he would play around casually, and once it passed, he would forget about it, never to think of it again.

Not having visited the person clearly showed he didn't care much.

Even teeth sometimes bit tongues; which family didn't have small misunderstandings or quarrels? Ultimately, they all shared the same surname Wen and were part of the Duke Guogong's household. They would manage Wen Ruan's marriage, and outsiders couldn't say a single word against it.