He wanted to persuade his grandson not to give up, even if he continued to practice alchemy and kept failing. He wouldn't let his grandson give up because he valued his resilience more than his ability to become a Divine-level alchemist. He saw his grandson's kind-hearted nature as something truly precious. Liu Haonan nodded; he wouldn't easily give up.
With the support of the royal family and an abundance of medicinal herbs available, he had plenty of opportunities and time to advance. "I will definitely work hard, Grandfather!" Liu Haonan said with determination, meeting Elder Liu's gaze.
Elder Liu nodded and then shifted the conversation, speaking in a serious tone. "Haonan, there will be an alchemist assessment at the end of each month. You must strive hard. Qier is a pill appraiser, so if there's anything you don't understand, make sure to ask him in a timely manner. Asking questions and learning more will help you progress faster."
"In that case, would Su Gongzi be willing to help me?" Liu Haonan's eyes lit up as he looked at Su Qi with anticipation.
"Liu Gongzi, there's no need to be so polite. As an appraiser in the Alchemy Tower, my role is to guide alchemists below Divine-level Grade Three to produce better pills and serve our Emperor," Su Qi replied naturally. He had no intention of withholding his assistance, as alchemy required one's own abilities.
Most of the alchemists here ranged from twelve to thirty-five years old. After the annual alchemy competition, according to the rules of the Lu Alchemy Competition, any alchemist who participates in the competition, regardless of their status as a legitimate or illegitimate child, is generally retained in the Alchemy Tower to continue serving the royal family.
"By the way, Elder Liu, which alchemists were retained after this competition?" Liu Haonan asked.
"Hmm!" Elder Liu pondered for a moment and said, "There's Ji Yu, Prince Ji; Lan Jie, Prince Wang; He Lan Min; Yan Bocheng; Li Xin... Eight of them were retained this time. In previous years, your second uncle, Mu Yunhan, was also among them, but the Mu family has significant business and won't stay in this small Alchemy Tower."
"Oh!" Su Qi nodded. The person who tried to attack him yesterday was Lan Jie. This Alchemy Tower was going to be lively from now on.
Meanwhile, Jun Lin Tian, after causing havoc, still felt unsatisfied. He believed that if he didn't confront Su Zi Mo and resolve the situation, he would go mad.
As the opening day approached, Su Zi Mo, He Yun Ting, and Liu Shi Yu were about to go out and visit the stores.
At the entrance, they unexpectedly encountered an enraged Jun Lin Tian. If it were anyone else, seeing Jun Lin Tian's furious expression, they would have screamed in fear. But Su Zi Mo was only slightly surprised and furrowed her eyebrows. She knew that Jun Lin Tian might be so angry that he would storm into the Moonlight Villa, and the matter had to be resolved eventually.
Jun Lin Tian's eyes were cold, his face twisted, and his black-clad figure resembled a ghostly apparition. His domineering and formidable aura left Su Zi Mo somewhat stunned.
"Su Zi Mo, I'm not as good as Mu Yunxuan in your eyes, why did you treat me like this?" Jun Lin Tian roared in a fierce voice.
"If you're not as good as Yunxuan in any way, why did you do what you did six years ago?" Su Zi Mo muttered under her breath. This jerk, did he come here to cause trouble? Sensing something off about Jun Lin Tian's aura, Su Zi Mo slightly frowned and crossed her arms, glancing at him askance. "Third Prince, instead of going through so much trouble to make things difficult for me, why don't you do something productive for the people?"
Under the sunlight, Jun Lin Tian's eyes glared at Su Zi Mo with cunning and hostility, taunting her. "Su Zi Mo, you will regret this. I will never give up so easily."
A flicker of doubt flashed in Su Zi Mo's eyes, but she remained calm and composed. She looked at Jun Lin Tian, undisturbed, her lips pressed firmly. "Jun Lin Tian, I'm telling you clearly that I won't regret today's decision for the rest of my life. You can go as far away as possible."
Jun Lin Tian carefully observed Su Zi Mo after weighing the pros and cons. He had never seen a woman who dared to write a letter of divorce to a man and then coldly look at him with such an indifferent gaze. It was unprecedented.
"Su Zi Mo, you are truly a daring and presumptuous woman!" Jun Lin Tian said, looking at Su Zi Mo's indifferent expression. Six years ago, she was meek and submissive, and everything was just an act to deceive him.
"Su Zi Mo, do you think it's fun to toy with me?" Jun Lin Tian taunted.
"Third Prince, can you please speak sensibly? When did I play with you? It was you, Jun Lin Tian, who destroyed a genuine love between Su Zi Mo and yourself. Now, why are you acting this way?" Su Zi Mo looked at Jun Lin Tian coldly. Su Zi Mo had attempted suicide over a divorce document, and she couldn't fathom that Jun Lin Tian would be driven insane over a mere divorce paper.
"You..." Jun Lin Tian had no words to defend his actions from six years ago. It was because of his foolish behavior that he ruined everything today.
"Meng'er, I know I was wrong. I truly know I was wrong," Jun Lin Tian's thoughts shifted, and he looked at Su Zi Mo tenderly.
The corner of Su Zi Mo's lips twitched. Jun Lin Tian was acting crazy early in the morning.
He Yun Ting and Liu Shi Yu glanced at each other, thinking that Jun Lin Tian was indeed acting strange.
Behind them, Mu Rong Shao Feng observed everything with keen eyes. What Jun Lin Tian felt wasn't love; it was the frustration of not being able to have Mo Mo.
"Mo Mo," Mu Rong Shao Feng's voice sounded gentle.
"Shao Feng, I thought you didn't want to go out today," Su Zi Mo replied with a pleasant expression when facing Mu Rong Shao Feng.
Seeing such a stark difference in treatment, Jun Lin Tian's anger grew even more intense. His lips twitched, but he didn't say anything. He turned and left.
"I heard from Shi Yu that you have some activities planned for the opening day. I originally had no intention of going out, but your activities caught my attention," Mu Rong Shao Feng said. After a night's time, he had adjusted his mindset.
"Then let's talk while we walk," Su Zi Mo smiled, her true self without a mask. Her stunning smile was captivating, and any man who laid eyes on it couldn't look away.
"In three days, it will be the opening day for the thirteen stores. I asked Yun Ting to promote it. On the first day of the opening, we will have a buy one, get one free promotion for the goods from the Bright Moon Trading Company. With the excellent reputation brought by the Bright Moon Villa on the border, the business will surely be thriving on the opening day," Su Zi Mo explained.
"Buy one, get one free? That would result in a significant loss," Mu Rong Shao Feng frowned, as he hadn't seen her take such an approach in the border and Star Moon Kingdom's businesses.
"No, Shao Feng, as you know, most of the goods under the name of the Bright Moon Villa are produced by ourselves, so the cost is much lower than other trading companies. Moreover, the most important thing is that our company can guarantee the quality of the products. As long as the quality is ensured, the business will continue to flourish. Additionally, the majority of people in the capital are from wealthy families. Once the stores are established and on track, I plan to introduce some high-end products," Su Zi Mo explained confidently.
"Oh! Momo has come up with another brilliant money-making idea," Mu Rong Shaofeng's eyes sparkled, never leaving her exquisite beauty.
As he gazed at her radiant face, illuminated by the prospect of wealth, his lips couldn't help but curl upwards. Her every move continued to stir his emotions.
"It's a secret, but rest assured, Shaofeng, I, Su Zimo, won't forget about you when it comes to making money. I'm sure it will sell well in noble and royal circles. After all, money is easier to earn in the hands of the wealthy," Su Zimo chuckled, narrowing her eyes. Making money was her greatest pleasure, but she had been unable to balance it with her cultivation progress for almost a month now.
"Alright! Then I'll eagerly await good news from Momo," Mu Rong Shaofeng smiled happily.
He Hengting and Liu Shiyu exchanged glances and smiled, hoping that their journey together would continue forever.
"Oh! Brother, you're back?" Mu Yunhan looked at Mu Yunxuan entering the Yunxiao Hall, thinking that his brother only remembered the Mingyue Villa and forgot about their own home.
"What? Can't I come back?" Mu Yunxuan smiled as he walked towards the study.
"No, Yunhan thought you only remembered your sister-in-law," Mu Yunhan teased, looking at him playfully. Seeing his brother's appearance, he must have tasted the sweetness recently.
Thinking in his mind, he couldn't help but ask, "Brother, what about you and sister-in-law...?"
"What do you want to say?" Mu Yunxuan's mood was excellent! He sat down on the soft couch.
Soon, Qingfeng brought in the tea.
Mu Yunxuan took a sip of tea, his gaze filled with a smile as he looked at Mu Yunhan.
"Brother, you already know Yunhan's intentions, right?"
"Didn't you already guess?" Mu Yunxuan put down his teacup. Since he entered the study, the smile on his lips hadn't faded. Mu Yunhan knew he was in a good mood.
"Congratulations, Brother, for finally bringing the beauty home."
"Yunhan, don't be too happy too soon. Your sister-in-law and I still have an agreement," Mu Yunxuan returned for this matter as well.
"Brother, she's already part of our family. She can have whatever she wants. Why does she need to go outside and do business?" To be honest, Mu Yunhan wasn't very interested in business, but their family had been engaged in it for generations, and he had no choice but to help his brother manage the business in Yun City.
"Yunhan, I've seen some of your sister-in-law's design sketches. Her jewelry designs are unique, unlike what we currently operate. Find someone who can design jewelry, clothing, and create unique wines in secret. We must surpass your sister-in-law so that she willingly follows me to Yun City. Ultimately, money is easier to earn in the hands of the rich," Mu Yunxuan explained.
"Alright!" Mu Yunhan wore an unwilling expression on his face. He also wanted to go to the Mingyue Villa and play with Qi'er.
"By the way, how's the investigation into the Witch Clan going?" Thinking of Zi Xu Dao Ren's words, Mu Yunxuan wanted to figure it out quickly.
"The information about the Witch Clan in the secret chamber is fragmented. Brother, if we want to truly understand the curse, Yunhan feels it's necessary to visit the Witch Clan. After all, outsiders are never allowed into their forbidden grounds. Perhaps the answers we seek lie within that Witch Clan's forbidden grounds. Yunhan read a passage in the ancient books that mentioned the connection between the forbidden grounds and the Mu family. The Witch Clan possesses a unique divine power, especially their Witch Priests, who have the ability to alter human fate," Mu Yunhan explained.
"I had planned to personally visit the Witch Clan. I'll go after your sister-in-law's shop opens," Mu Yunxuan stated.
"Why would a woman learn about men's business? She's already my daughter-in-law in Yun City. She can have whatever she wants. Why does she need to go outside and engage in business?" With a displeased voice, Jun Zixi's figure disappeared into the study.
"Mother, Mo'er enjoys doing business, and many of the products are designed and produced by herself. You should be happy to have such a daughter-in-law," Mu Yunxuan said with a good mood, speaking more than usual.
"Look at you, as soon as you raise a son, he belongs to his wife. You don't even listen to a word I say, and you're helping your wife speak. With the conditions we have in Yun City, she can completely stay at home and take care of the household," Jun Zixi said unhappily, walking over to Mu Yunxuan's side. Her son had been led astray by his wife.
"Mother, both Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law can handle the business. The business in Yun City will only grow bigger in the future. Mother, you should enjoy your leisurely life!" Mu Yunhan said.
"What leisurely life? Qier, Li'er, and Xin'er are all not in Yun City. You are all busy with business matters every day, and there is no one to accompany this old lady," Jun Zixi complained.
After all the talking, Mu Yunxuan and Mu Yunhan finally understood Jun Zixi's thoughts.
"Mother, Qier is now working at the Dan Pavilion, and Li'er is also helping Mo'er take care of the business. Xin'er is at Sanqing Mountain. If you want, you can go to Mingyue Villa and stay there with Qier and Li'er for a few days," Mu Yunxuan suggested, looking at his mother. His parents spent most of their time in Yun City, and it was indeed a bit boring for them.
"Xuan'er, your idea is good! I heard that your wife's clothes are very beautiful! I've seen her wearing them before, and they're even more beautiful than the clothes Li'er and the others wear. After all, I am the mother-in-law. I should at least have one made for me! The national celebration is coming up soon," Jun Zixi said, feeling extremely awkward and unable to look at her son.
Mu Yunxuan and Mu Yunhan exchanged smiles.
"Mother, I will talk to Mo'er about it..." Mu Yunxuan started.
"Why do you have to talk to her? If she is filial to me, does she need you to speak for me?" Jun Zixi quickly interrupted Mu Yunxuan.
"Mother, I won't say anything then," Mu Yunxuan understood that his mother sometimes had a childlike temper. It was just a dress, after all. He would ask Mo'er to design a set for his mother.
"Xuan'er, your mother is not someone who cares about these things, but there is one thing your mother wants. Since we are family now, let Su Zimo return to Yun City and live here!" Jun Zixi felt like she was aging rapidly recently, and she wanted to be happy with her grandchildren.
"Mother, don't worry, I will discuss it with Mo'er. I still have some things to take care of. You rest well, Mother!" Mu Yunxuan stood up and planned to return to Mingyue Villa.
"Go ahead, go ahead!" Jun Zixi said absentmindedly.
"Yunhan, I'm leaving. If there's anything, come to the villa," Mu Yunxuan smiled and left.
"Han'er, look, your big brother is completely enchanted by Su Zimo," Jun Zixi said.
"Mother, Big Brother finally found someone he loves. You should be happy for him," Mu Yunhan sat next to Jun Zixi, knowing that his mother was feeling lonely inside.
"Yes, you're right! If it wasn't for Su Zimo, your big brother probably wouldn't have married in this lifetime."
A mother should know her child best, so how come she can't see her son's thoughts?
"It won't be long until Xin'er comes back! Mother, go and have the room prepared. Xin'er needs to stay in Yun City after detoxifying in the God's Pool," Mu Yunhan suggested.
Jun Zixi stood up, finally finding something to do. "If you're really feeling bored, Mother, you can go to Mingyue Villa. Qier and the others are there, and you won't feel lonely."
"It's troublesome to keep going back and forth. Today is the day Qier went to the Dan Pavilion, right? If you have nothing to do, go and see. Don't let anyone bully our Qier," Jun Zixi complained.
Suddenly, Jun Zixi remembered the Ji family, and not a single one of them was a good person!
"Mother, you don't have to worry about these things. Qier is not someone who can be easily bullied," Mu Yunhan assured her, knowing what his mother was concerned about. Those who dared to bully Qier didn't end well.
"Second Young Master, Madam," Jing Huai walked in.
"Yes! Jing Huai, why are you back? Weren't you secretly protecting Qier?" Mu Yunhan looked at Jing Huai with confusion.
"Well, the Second Young Master asked Jing Huai to bring the Divine-grade Rank 3 Soul-Prolonging Pill to Madam and the former City Lord. The Second Young Master said that the alchemy competition would be crowded and chaotic, so he asked me to deliver it today," Jing Huai explained and handed the jade box to Jun Zixi.
Jun Zixi received it excitedly. "Oh! My precious grandson is so filial."
"Mother, do you understand now? Only by treating others with sincerity and being open-hearted can we receive greater rewards," Mu Yunhan said with a smile, knowing how thrilled his mother was. Tonight, she probably wouldn't be able to sleep.
"You, teaching Mother now. Of course, Mother understands this principle. That's why she accepted Su Zimo as her daughter-in-law. It doesn't matter if Mother doesn't like her. What matters is your big brother. How could Mother not consider your big brother's feelings?" Jun Zixi spoke gently, her heart at ease. Before, she used to constantly think about how to respond to her son, but now that she had accepted them as mother and son, she felt relieved.
The capital city of Haoyue Kingdom was always bustling, with crowds of people on every street.
Su Zimo's clothing store and jewelry store were both located on Qinyang Street.
"Oh! Isn't this the renowned Mistress of Mingyue Villa, Su Zimo?" Su Zimo and He Yunting had just come out of the clothing store when they ran into Ji Rui and Helan Min.
Muran Shaofeng had something to take care of, so he separated from Su Zimo when they reached the main street, while Liu Shiyu went to manage his own shop.
The mocking voice made Su Zimo and He Yunting's eyes narrow involuntarily.
"Su Zimo, you're really fortunate to have handsome men accompany you wherever you go. I wonder how you manage to do it?" Ji Rui looked at He Yunting and felt jealous to the point of wanting to kill.
No matter where Su Zimo went, there would always be one or two handsome men following her, treating her extremely well! This despicable woman not only seduced other men, but she even managed to lure Yunxuan as well.
"Ji Rui, let me give you a word of advice: speak sincerely," Su Zimo replied coldly. She understood very well what Ji Rui was trying to say on this busy street.
"It depends on who I'm speaking sincerely to," Ji Rui said coldly.
"It seems that Miss Ji has a lot of resentment towards me," Su Zimo smiled faintly, stunningly beautiful.
"Not just resentment, Miss Ji, I wish I could kill you. Even if I did, it wouldn't relieve my hatred." Ji Rui glared at Su Zimo with cold anger. Their clothing stores and jewelry stores were both on this street. With Su Zimo's store nearby, their conflict had escalated even further.
"Yunting, let's go," Su Zimo didn't want to waste her breath arguing with Ji Rui.
"Yes!" He Yunting nodded and glanced at Ji Rui with narrowed eyes. Did Ji Rui think she had suffered enough?
That night, Su Zimo was planning for the opening day.
Mu Yunxuan quietly entered the room, his long arms reaching out and forcefully pulling Su Zimo into his embrace. Lowering his head, his warm breath brushed against her face.
As Su Zimo struggled to break free, Mu Yunxuan's firm grip tightened, forcing her to get closer, their bodies pressing tightly against each other, without any gaps, intimately entwined. The ambiguous atmosphere surrounded them, lingering in the air.
"Mo'er, it's late at night," Mu Yunxuan's voice was warm and full of temptation, causing Su Zimo's body to tremble.
"Mu Yunxuan, let go! I still have things to do," Su Zimo protested, but it only provoked him to tighten his hold even more, urging her to get closer. The masculine aura enveloped her, and Su Zimo blushed with embarrassment.
"Mu Yunxuan, have you gone mad? If you really want it, just leave Mingyue Villa and go straight ahead after leaving the main gate. Take a left and then a right, and you'll reach Qunfang Ge," Su Zimo's words instantly ignited Mu Yunxuan's fury, a mixture of anger and helplessness reflected in his eyes. "If you dare say that again, I'll punish you right here."
She actually suggested him going to a brothel. Did she think he needed to fulfill his marital duties tonight?