Feng Jiu’er chatted and laughed with the brothers for quite a while before finally leaving the back courtyard.

Yu Jingfeng still hadn’t returned. Led by two brothers, Feng Jiu’er, Xiao Yingtao, and Jian Yi went together to the mountains behind the residence.

With nothing pressing to attend to yet, Feng Jiu’er didn’t want to waste time on idle worry.

When there was free time, it was best spent thinking about ways to make money — that was never wrong.

Once things truly got underway, she wouldn’t have much free time to spare.

Yu Jingfeng didn’t return until evening, by which time Qiao Mu, Xing Zizhou, and Zhao Yusheng had all arrived as well.

When Yu Jingfeng walked into the main hall, Feng Jiu’er was seated in the main seat, still reviewing matters related to Longying from these past months.

Qiao Mu and Xiao Yingtao sat on either side of Feng Jiu’er, both holding brushes, calculating something.

Zhao Yusheng and Xing Zizhou were also busy nearby; only Jian Yi seemed to have some free time, leisurely reading a book.

Yu Jingfeng stopped in the hall and cupped his hands toward Feng Jiu’er.

Feng Jiu’er looked up at him and asked softly, “How are things?”

“Reporting to Miss Jiu’er, all the brothers have been settled. Besides Yue City, there’s also Li City and Xiang City, the two cities neighboring Yue City.”

“Many brothers have already reached their assigned posts; those further away haven’t arrived yet.”

“With Longying’s brothers having made preparations in advance, our arrival hasn’t caused much disturbance to the local people.”

“In other words, we’ve managed to gain a foothold in the Feng Clan territory, but there’s still a great deal to do before we can truly establish ourselves.”

“Mm.” Feng Jiu’er nodded. “A tree that grows tall draws the wind. To avoid being blown down, the tree must grow large enough, and its roots must run deep enough.”

“How are things with Yue Jianfei? When can arrangements be made for me to meet him?”

“Miss Jiu’er.” Yu Jingfeng cupped his hands. “At noon today, I already sent someone to inquire, in the name of Longying’s Deputy Sect Master.”

“His response was… he refuses to meet.”

In Bei Mu Kingdom, the only people the Prince had ever wanted to meet but couldn’t were those who simply didn’t exist.

Yet who would have thought that the moment they arrived in the Feng Clan territory, they’d be turned away at the door.

“Did he give any reason for refusing?” Feng Jiu’er asked flatly.

“No.” Yu Jingfeng shook his head. “From what the brothers heard, his only response was two words: ‘Refuse to meet.'”

“What kind of person is so arrogant?” Qiao Mu said disdainfully.

“It’s not so strange, really — Yu Jingfeng did say this Yue Jianfei doesn’t even hold the Emperor in his eyes.” Xiao Yingtao pressed her lips together.

She turned to look at Feng Jiu’er and sighed softly. “Jiu’er, so what do we do? Do we still ask him for help?”

“We ask, but we’ll need to think of another way.” Feng Jiu’er closed the book in her hands. “In the Feng Clan territory, those who openly dislike Feng Qiongcang probably aren’t many.”

“By the way, Yu Jingfeng, do you know whether Feng Qiongcang has ever approached Yue Jianfei, especially regarding the search for my father?”

“Miss Jiu’er, that’s hard to say.” Yu Jingfeng replied softly. “If it were a formal visit, then certainly not.”

“It’s said Feng Qiongcang hasn’t come to Yue City in a long time. Yue City is the border of the Feng Clan territory — beyond it lies Hei Tan, with no other nations past that.”

“For any other nation to come here, they’d have to pass through Hei Tan, which is not only a long journey but also has quite a few defensive formations, making it no easy task.”

“Without any external threats to worry about, as long as taxes are paid on time, Feng Qiongcang wouldn’t bother paying attention to a place as far off as Yue City.”

“As for whether Yue Jianfei and Feng Qiongcang have exchanged any correspondence, Miss Jiu’er, I can’t say for certain.”

The hall fell quiet for a moment. Before Feng Jiu’er could speak, Yu Jingfeng continued, “Oh, right, Miss Jiu’er.”

“As for the Night Prince’s matter, even if Feng Qiongcang really did approach Yue Jianfei, I doubt he’d have been able to help.”

“Why do you say that?” Feng Jiu’er asked softly.

“I heard that half a year ago, Yue Jianfei’s mother became paralyzed, unable to even sit up.” Yu Jingfeng replied.

“These past six months, Yue Jianfei has been gathering news of renowned physicians everywhere. I hear he’s brought in one doctor after another.”

“Yue Jianfei is known far and wide as a filial son. Since he already disliked Feng Qiongcang, he wouldn’t bother dealing with him.”

“What’s the situation now?” Feng Jiu’er asked.

Yu Jingfeng frowned. “The situation? What situation do you mean, Miss Jiu’er?”

“The condition of Yue Jianfei’s mother, of course.” Qiao Mu glanced at Yu Jingfeng. “Yu Jingfeng, how can you be so dense? Isn’t the finest physician right in front of you?”

Yu Jingfeng looked at Qiao Mu, then his gaze immediately returned to Feng Jiu’er.

“Right, Miss Jiu’er, if you were to cure Yue Jianfei’s mother, perhaps he’d agree to help us search for the Night Prince.”

“Miss Jiu’er, I’ll go find Yue Jianfei right now and discuss this with him — how about that?”

Feng Jiu’er took a deep breath, the corner of her mouth curving up slightly. “Rather than us going to him, wouldn’t it be better to wait for him to come to us?”

“Yu Jingfeng, make arrangements — tomorrow I’m going to the herb shop. Starting tomorrow, besides buying herbs, we’ll also see patients.”

“Jiu’er, does that mean our Tianji Hall is reopening?” Xiao Yingtao leaned over the table, looking at Feng Jiu’er, her face full of excitement.

“Yes.” Feng Jiu’er nodded. “I’m no immortal — I can’t cure every illness.”

“I don’t know the details of Yue Jianfei’s mother’s condition, so it wouldn’t be wise to rashly offer to go treat her uninvited.”

“More importantly, it’s time our Longying name became known to the world. As long as we’re strong enough, no one will dare turn us away at the door, understand?”

Feng Jiu’er held the book in front of her and stood up.

“That’s enough for today. Yu Jingfeng, prepare for tomorrow’s matters in advance, and bring along Xing Zizhou — this small task shouldn’t be too much for him.”

“Understood.” Yu Jingfeng looked at Feng Jiu’er, cupped his hands, and nodded. “Miss Jiu’er, any other instructions?”

“None.” Feng Jiu’er waved a hand and turned to walk out. “Whatever else comes up, we’ll discuss it tomorrow.”

“Understood.” Yu Jingfeng bowed his head and turned to leave.

Feng Jiu’er left, and Qiao Mu, Xiao Yingtao, and Jian Yi followed after her.

Their first night in Yue City was somewhat busy, but all things considered, it remained peaceful.

……

The next day, at the third quarter of the hour of Chen, was the most auspicious hour of the day.

On the eastern side of the most bustling street in the heart of Yue City, outside a shop, baskets upon baskets of fresh flowers were set out.

After the crackling of firecrackers, the crowds gathered on the street streamed steadily into the shop.

Inside the shop, the display cases all around held all manner of medicinal herbs, while the long table in the center was laden with various pastries and fruits.

Xiao Yingtao, along with several other women, welcomed the townsfolk coming into the shop, everyone’s faces alight with cheerful smiles.

“Welcome to Longying Herb Shop’s first branch in Yue City — starting today, our shop is open for consultations.”

“No matter what ailment troubles you, feel free to come in and ask. Today’s consultation fee is completely waived, for one day only — a rare opportunity, don’t miss it!”