"Aunt, please line up. Those who don’t line up won’t get any vegetables from our shop," Li Si shouted to a middle-aged woman. "Oh, little girl, I’m old. Can’t I get mine first? My legs hurt, and standing in line for too long will make them ache," the woman said, drawing annoyed looks from others in line. Weren’t their legs hurting too? Li Si looked at the woman and slowly shook her head. The woman wasn’t that old, just a strong middle-aged woman. "No, Aunt. You must line up, or you won’t receive any.” The woman showed a bit of displeasure but grudgingly went to the end of the line. Many people came to He Family’s Vegetable Shop, but they had prepared enough vegetables and fruits. After three hours, the crowd thinned out, and the vegetables were finally gone. No one in the He Family’s Vegetable Shop noticed two pairs of eyes watching with ill intent. Luanchen and Sunu, having observed until the crowd dispersed, then left. Zhenzhu watched them with a puzzled look. "A’Zhu, what are you looking at?" Li Si nudged her. "Nothing, just a bit curious." "Curious about what?" "I saw two people from town waiting since the shop hadn’t opened, but now they left without getting any vegetables." "Eh? Really strange. Maybe they did not come to get the vegetables because of the crowd?" "I don’t know. Never mind. Let’s go eat. Are you hungry?" “Haha, you glutton.” The two girls walked home with their arms around the other’s neck, in high spirits. Meanwhile, Luanchen and Sunu, upon returning to their manor, went to discuss matters in the room. “Father, what should we do? That Master He is no ordinary person now. The Emperor even granted him a gold plate with his own handwriting, and he has a good relationship with Taizi as well,” Sunu said, frustrated. Seeing Master He’s daughter had infuriated her even more. She initially thought she was just a maid from a wealthy family, never imagining she was that Master He’s daughter. “There’s nothing we can do now. Didn’t you see that Taizi is still here? Let’s wait until he returns to the capital first.” With the royal eyes and ears so close, it wasn’t convenient to act. Moreover, Taizi was astute; if anything drew his attention, and he started to look into their secrets, it could cost them their lives. “But the vegetable shop... the Emperor even granted it a gold plate with his handwriting.” “What are you afraid of? The Emperor is far away in the capital. His eyes and ears don’t reach Fengfu.” It was difficult to manage affairs from the capital. The water that was far could not put out the fire. “If we can’t eliminate them openly, we can do it secretly. It’s not that hard.” Luanchen had amassed his wealth through commerce and had eliminated many competitors along the way. How difficult could it be to deal with an ordinary family? “Let’s wait until Taizi leaves; it won’t be too late to act then.” “Yes, Father,” Sunu agreed, though she felt a surge of anger recalling the mischievous face of that girl. Thinking back to the day the girl had stood with her hands on her hips, competing for fish with her, made her want to make that girl come and rub her feet. A few days after the plate was put up at He Family’s Vegetable Shop, Wenlang, Yong Saiweihao, and Li Si returned to the capital. Zhenzhu didn’t forget to pack several baskets of caomei for them to take along. During this time, Zhenzhu began to inscribe Dimensional Character in anticipation of the contract from Wenlang. She eagerly awaited the decision on the armors. Less than seven days later, a fast horse brought a letter from the capital. The messenger delivered contracts for the rental of the dimensional items, the profit-sharing from the Rainy Formation, and the purchase of the armors. The contracts were detailed, without missing a thing, and bore the Emperor’s signature. Zhenzhu hugged the contracts, beaming. Finally, she had secured business with the royal court. She quickly ran inside to fetch the blueprint for the Rainy Formation and the manual for cultivating Erdan mushrooms, which she had written, and handed them to the soldier who brought the contracts. “Brother, please give this to Taizi.” Once the messenger had departed, she hurried to show the contracts to her father. “Father, the Emperor has sent the contracts.” He Lei stopped tending the seedlings, quickly washed his hands thoroughly, and examined the contracts with the same excitement. “Very good. It seems we’ll have to buy more land on a large scale again.” “Yes, Father. Today, I’ll have Xin Xi go negotiate with the villagers to buy some land.” “Hmm, it’s fine to buy land a bit farther away. The land close by is already very expensive. A little further out isn’t a problem; we can hire workers to guard the fields,” He Lei suggested. “Big Sister! Big Sister! Something terrible has happened. Come quickly.” He Yu came running with panic face from the back of the field, holding a drawing paper. “What’s wrong, Yu’er?” “Someone has sneaked into the field. Right now, they’re trapped in the formation.” Today, he had intended to practice drawing near the waterfall at the back of the field, as it was a beautiful spot. His landscape painting skills had improved significantly. However, not long after he started, he heard rustling sounds. Upon investigation, he saw about ten men dressed in black sneaking into the garden. They couldn’t get in because of the formation his big sister had set up and were now trapped inside it. “Where are they? Take me to see,” He Lei said. He Lei and Zhenzhu quickly followed He Yu to the back of the field. When they arrived, they saw the men in black balaclava fighting illusions within the formation. Zhenzhu noted that these men were not ordinary villagers trying to steal vegetables but were armed and had martial arts skills. They couldn’t possibly be just common townsfolk. He Lei noticed the same. “Father, I think we should report this to the authorities. These aren’t ordinary townsfolk,” Zhenzhu discussed. During the harsh cold and drought periods, there had been hungry townspeople trying to sneak into their vegetable and fruit gardens, but Zhenzhu saw them as merely starving people and let them go without reporting them. This time, it was different. “Hmm, good idea. It looks like they were sent by someone. If we let them go, they might come back.” “Yu’er, go quickly tell Brother Xin Xi to come to see me at once.” “Yes, Father,” little boy nodded firmly and ran off. Soon, he ran back with Xin Xi following behind. “Xin Xi, go to the Governor and tell him that someone has sneaked into our vegetable garden to steal vegetables. Ask him to send about 20 officers.” “Yes, Master,” Xin Xi left immediately. Zhenzhu looked at them and could only furrow her brows while thinking. Could someone already be plotting against He Family’s Vegetable Shop? Even after they put up the Emperor’s inscribed plate, these people still dared to cause trouble? They truly didn’t know how to behave. It didn’t take long for about 30 government officers to arrive at Master He’s house. He Lei instructed Zhenzhu to let them into the garden. By this time, the intruders looked battered, as if they had been through a battle. “Gentlemen, these people have broken into our garden to steal our vegetables. Put them in jail,” Zhenzhu told the officers to arrest the intruders. “No! Huff... Huff... Huff... We didn’t steal anything. Don’t falsely accuse us,” one of the intruders said, still panting heavily. He didn’t know how they had ended up in the vegetable garden; the next thing they knew, they were surrounded by government officers. Once they got a break to breath, they realized they were doomed. They hadn’t expected Master He’s vegetable garden to be guarded by such a beast. “You intended to steal vegetables from my family’s garden. Even if you didn’t manage to steal anything, you still trespassed on someone else’s land. Surely you’re not going to say we invited you in for tea?” Zhenzhu said. “...” Faced with this question, the intruders were at a loss for words. They were in someone else’s garden, and no one would believe it if they were to say they were just out for a stroll. If they had known that the He family’s garden was guarded by such beast, they would never have taken on the job from that wealthy individual. “Tell us who hired you!” one of the government officials shouted. “...” The intruders remained silent. Though they were hired thugs, they had enough integrity not to reveal their employer’s name. “Are you still going to stay silent?!” “...” They continued their silence. “Please take them for further questioning,” Zhenzhu told the officials. “Yes, Miss.” The officers arrested the intruders and led them away. Worried, Zhenzhu walked around the fields to inspect for any damage to the formations. After confirming that everything was intact, she felt more at ease. Small beads of sweat trickled down her hair line, and her clothes were soaked during her walk around the field. “Zhu’er, don’t worry. We still have Baihu, Xiao She, and Fenghuang. If any more intruders come, they won’t stand a chance,” He Lei reassured his overly concerned daughter. “Father! Why did you hire those incompetent thugs? They got caught!” Su Nu rushed into her father’s residence, agitated. Just now, a servant returning from the market reported that many government officials had arrested the intruders at Master He’s garden. The news spread quickly through the town, and everyone was cursing the despicable thieves. It seemed that Master He’s reputation was not to be underestimated. “What?! They got caught?!” Luanchen exclaimed. Those men had boasted about never failing a job. How could they fail such a simple task as destroying someone’s vegetables? It seemed he paid for the boasting. “Did they implicate us?” Luanchen asked. “Fortunately, they didn’t reveal who hired them. Next time, you need to vet who you hire more carefully.” Her reputation almost got ruined. Su Nu thought about it frustratedly. “Father, I think Master He is too well-respected by the townspeople. Should we shift our focus to the Ruyi Pharmacy instead? It might make our plans go more smoothly,” she suggested. Luanchen pondered for a moment. To destroy that pharmacy, they would first need to cut off its supply line—those who provided it with herbs. “No, we must eliminate the source. That would be a permanent elimination, to ensure they cannot rise again.” “Then what should we do? Those thieves were caught. Will you use our own men, Father?” “No, using our own people is too risky. I’ve heard there’s a Water Dragon Sect in this area. Hiring martial artists would be easier.” “Water Dragon Sect is a large sect. They handle goods escort services and have salt trading rights. Would they take such a job?” “Whether they will or won’t, we must contact them to find out.” Without delay, Luanchen sent someone to contact the Water Dragon Sect. The longer they delayed, the later his business could start. On Mount Luoshan, Xincheng listened to a report from one of his guards with a straight face. "Someone wants to get rid of Master He?” How foolish. Didn’t the Emperor himself bestow a plate with his own handwriting to Master He? And still, there was a person who dare to make an enemy of someone so favored by the Emperor? "Agree to their request and find out who they are." Eliminating Master He required understanding his allies and enemies. It wasn’t a task that could be accomplished with just a few thousand taels. Xincheng wouldn’t bother with such a small reward. Xincheng hadn’t visited that little friend in a while, so he decided to take this opportunity to visit her. He ordered his horse prepared and set off from Mount Luoshan. Traveling on horseback made Xincheng be able to arrive in Fengfu City quickly. As he entered the city, he was surprised. He hadn’t been here in a few months, and Fengfu had transformed into a bustling hub filled with merchants and travelers. Moreover, the once-dilapidated city walls were now tall and sturdy. The townspeople no longer looked impoverished; the economy seemed to have improved significantly. Instead of heading to Ruyi Pharmacy as usual, he rode north towards the He Family’s Vegetable Shop. The road was now lined with shops, replacing the overgrown grass. In no time, Xincheng reached the He Family’s Vegetable Shop. Though it was not morning, and the vegetable shop was already closed, the adjacent He Family’s Fruit Shop was still open and bustling with customers. Lady Zhu’s business seemed to be thriving. Xincheng continued riding towards the He family’s house. Peipei, who was about to go into town to buy her personal items, saw a handsome young master on horseback stop in front of the house. She approached him to inquire. “Who are you here to see, Young Master?” “I’m here to see Lady Zhu.” “Oh, may I have your name to inform her?” “Young Master Xincheng.” “Please wait a moment,” Peipei said before running into the house to inform the lady. Shortly after, she returned with the bright-faced young girl he remembered well. “Master Xincheng, what brings you here?!” “I was passing through and decided to visit. How have you been, Lady Zhu?” “I’m well, thank you. Please, come inside Master Xincheng.” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅✦𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾✦𝗇𝖾𝗍 She invited the guest into the house, where she promptly served refreshments. “How are Hui Furen and Lady Huilin?” Zhenzhu asked according to how one should do. “My mother is well. She’s recovering steadily. As for Huilin, her eyesight remains impaired from the hot water incident. Her temperament is still as fiery as ever,” Xincheng sighed. Zhenzhu was taken aback. Did It cause a vision impaired? It was the incident Zhenzhu had caused. But if she hadn’t acted, it would have been Xin Xi whose eyes were damaged. With that in mind, she swallowed her guilt. “Besides visiting, I also have a warning for you, Lady Zhu.” “A warning? About what?” "Someone hired the Water Dragon Sect to destroy all the He family’s vegetables and herbs, and to cripple both Master He and Lady Zhu, for a sum of 5,000 taels.” "What?!" Zhenzhu was shocked. "Lady Zhu, there’s no need to be alarmed. I have already ordered an investigation to find out who hired us. I just need your and Master He’s cooperation." Xincheng thought her shock was due to the threat against her. However, what truly shocked Zhenzhu was that crippling her and her father was only worth 5,000 taels. How outrageous! For the past few days, Zhenzhu and He Lei hadn’t stepped out of the house, as part of Xincheng’s plan to lull the perpetrator into a false sense of security and trace back to the employer. Currently, rumors were rife in Fengfu City that Master He had been gravely injured and it was uncertain if he would regain his consciousness. Every day, several doctors came and went from the He family’s manor, their faces solemn. Townsfolk who had been helped by Master He gathered at the gates to offer their support. "Who dares to harm Master He?!" "Indeed, such audacity! Master He is such a good man. It must be out of envy." "I think so. I heard someone even sneaked into Master He’s garden to destroy the vegetables. There’s been a lot of damage." "Despicable! If I find out who did it, I’ll avenge Master He." The townsfolk, who respected Master He greatly, could only curse and swear, not knowing who the perpetrator was. Meanwhile, Master He, who was ‘gravely injured’, was sitting and drinking Yuchong liquor with Young Master Xincheng. "Master He, I never expected to have the fortune to taste Yuchong liquor. You honor me," Xincheng said humbly. "Young Master, don’t be so modest. Drink up." Meanwhile, at Zhong Manor, Luanchen and Su Nu were sipping tea, happily listening to the guard’s report. The Water Dragon Sect truly lived up to their reputation, accomplishing what others could not. "Give the Water Dragon Sect an extra 2,000 taels," Luanchen said cheerfully. "Master, the man from the Water Dragon Sect wish to pay his respect. He hopes to be called upon for future tasks.” "Oh? Where is he? Invite him in," Luanchen said, in high spirits. The Water Dragon Sect had performed well, and he still needed them to eliminate that master of the pharmacy. Moreover, he wanted to do business, and having an alliance with such a powerful sect in the north would consolidate his trading dominance. Read ‘Rebirth: This Farmgirl Has Spirit Fish Scales’ before anyone else with more Chapters at https://www.jinovel.com/en