Investigating the Mastermind Behind the Sealing of Shen Nong Tang, Business Manager Old Nine was extremely proactive, almost utilizing all his connections to gather information.
However, due to the circumstances, Shen Nong Tang's establishment, from selecting the shop to opening it, had almost entirely been his endeavor. Publicly, he was considered the steward of Shen Nong Tang.
On the side of the Li family, negotiations had always been conducted with Li Wu Ya and Li Er Ya alone. With one sister aged ten and the other thirteen, even if he were to claim they were the ones in charge of Shen Nong Tang, few would believe him.
He found himself in a difficult situation!
Currently, the authorities had only sealed the shop and apprehended the resident physician and apprentice, sparing the steward any investigation. However, if the individuals behind Shen Nong Tang were unable to provide what was being sought, the next step would inevitably involve him.
Business Manager Old Nine was in a state of anxiety, as most of his wealth was in Rong City. He couldn't escape from the predicament. If he mishandled this situation, it could very well jeopardize his dental practice and trading caravan.
Oh, as expected, everything in life had its pros and cons, its blessings and misfortunes. Encountering the Li family, he had believed he found a refuge. Yet, he hadn't expected trouble to find him so quickly.
He could only hope that the Li family would be reliable and not entangle him further.
Determined to resolve the situation, Business Manager Old Nine actively gathered information. That very evening, he discovered the mastermind behind the sealing of Shen Nong Tang and promptly informed Li Wu Ya, "It's the son of the commanding officer."
Li Wu Ya furrowed her brows upon hearing this. She hadn't anticipated that the adversary targeting Shen Nong Tang was so influential.
Business Manager Old Nine anxiously watched Li Wu Ya's reaction. He was well aware of the implications now that he knew it was the commanding officer's son who had acted against them.
The commanding officer, a second-ranked official, was the highest authority in Rong City. The only one who could exert control over him would be the Imperial Governor sent by the court.
Examining Li Wu Ya's expression, Business Manager Old Nine plucked up his courage and continued, "Miss, the commanding officer's son seems to have taken an interest in the medicinal pills our pharmacy sells."
"I was able to uncover this information so quickly because they deliberately leaked it, hoping that we would take the initiative and approach them."
Pausing briefly, he continued, "Miss, in fact, this matter isn't too difficult to resolve. If you are unwilling to part with the medicinal formula, you can consider partnering with the commanding officer's son to open another pharmacy. When the time comes, we could give him a share of the profits."
Before he could finish his sentence, Li Wu Ya interrupted him, her voice resolute, "I've worked so hard to establish this shop and sell medicine. That person hasn't contributed anything, yet I'm supposed to share the profits with him? Is there any justice in the world?"
Business Manager Old Nine's expression revealed a bitter smile. "Miss, the situation is stronger than individuals. If we still wish to continue operating in Rong City, we might have to bow our heads and comply."
Li Wu Ya's face turned cold. "Rong City has no shortage of lucrative business opportunities. Why are they fixated on us? Are they trying to bully us just because they can?"
"That's enough. I understand the situation. I will handle it. You can go rest."
Business Manager Old Nine desperately wanted to ask her how she intended to resolve this, but Li Wu Ya had already turned and entered the house. He could only leave with a heavy heart.
Back in their room, Li Er Ya was waiting for Li Wu Ya. When she returned, Li Er Ya immediately inquired, "What did Business Manager Old Nine say?"
Li Wu Ya smiled faintly. "He's just a small figure. It's easily resolvable."
Li Er Ya cast her a curious look. "How do you plan to resolve it?"
Li Wu Ya chuckled. "Sister, rest assured. We've just settled in Rong City. I won't act recklessly."
Li Er Ya hesitated for a moment and suggested, "Considering it's a matter involving the authorities, what if we send Seventh Brother with the jade pendant to approach Imperial Governor Cai?"
"No!"
Li Wu Ya rejected the idea outright.
Seeking help in times of trouble wasn't her style. Shen Nong Tang had just opened its doors and already faced a challenge. Who knew how many more challenges lay ahead? Could they keep seeking help every time?
"Even my older brother was willing to delay his enrollment in the imperial academy for a year rather than approach Imperial Governor Cai. My trivial matters are even less worth mentioning."
Li Er Ya wasn't entirely reassured by Li Wu Ya's response. "Wu Ya, no matter how you plan to resolve this, you have to let me know. Although I may not be the sharpest, I can still lend a hand."
Li Wu Ya leaned against her with a smile. "Sister, you're not dull at all. If our family considers me and Seventh Brother the 'independent' type, then you and older brother are the 'cultured' type. If I am the wild horse, you and older brother are the reins, guiding us and preventing us from running wild."
Li Er Ya smiled and playfully tapped Li Wu Ya's head. "Do you even realize you're describing yourself as wild and independent?"
Li Wu Ya nodded. "I have a clear sense of self-awareness."
Li Er Ya retorted, "Then why don't you try to change your nature?"
Li Wu Ya shrugged with a grin. "It's impossible to change, and I don't even want to."
After chatting for a while, the sisters each retired to their own rooms to sleep.
In the first hour of the ugly hour (around 1:00 AM), when it was certain that everyone in the household was fast asleep, Li Wu Ya quietly opened the window and, with a few nimble leaps, left the Li family's courtyard.
In the quiet of the night, a figure moved gracefully and nimbly across the rooftops, heading straight for the center of the inner city.
The commanding officer's residence had been carefully noted by Li Wu Ya during her previous investigation of the Huyan family's stronghold. Easily navigating her way, she approached the residence.
As the most influential figure in Rong City, it was natural for the commanding officer's residence to be heavily guarded. From a street away, Li Wu Ya detected the presence of two or three strong auras, all originating from the commanding officer's residence.
"No wonder they dare to be so unruly, seizing whatever they want. They even hired three ninth-ranked experts as guards!"
According to Li Wu Ya's personality in her past life, anyone who threatened her safety and interests wouldn't be spared. However, this wasn't a chaotic apocalypse; there were still rules to be followed. She suppressed her urge to kill and instead extended her mental power to silently evade the three ninth-ranked experts, avoiding a direct confrontation.
The commanding officer had only one son. With the help of her mental power, Li Wu Ya easily located his courtyard and silently entered his room.
"Good-looking, but a pity he's useless!"
Li Wu Ya shook her head in disappointment. A small iron bead shot out from her hand, opening his mouth, allowing her to feed him a Broken Heart Pill.
Watching the commanding officer's son's lips turn dark red within moments, Li Wu Ya didn't linger. She quickly left the room.
Before leaving the commanding officer's residence, Li Wu Ya paused for a moment, then turned back and entered the commanding officer's room. She placed a Broken Heart Pill by his bedside before departing.
"Ah~"
When Li Wu Ya had flown two streets away from the commanding officer's residence, a piercing and mournful roar suddenly echoed through the night sky.
Glancing in the direction of the sound, Li Wu Ya's lips curled into a faint smile. With a lightened heart, she headed home to get some sleep.
"Have you heard? There was a break-in at the commanding officer's residence yesterday!"
"How's that possible? The commanding officer has a lot of skilled guards. How could they let burglars enter?"
Having had a restless night, the next morning, Merchant Lao Jiu, sporting a pair of panda eyes, opened the gate of his dental clinic. Immediately, he heard neighboring shopkeepers discussing the matter.
"What are you guys talking about? A break-in at the commanding officer's residence?"
The nearby shop owners were familiar with Merchant Lao Jiu and didn't hold back. They quickly told him what they knew, "Yes, there was a break-in, and it seems like the commanding officer's son got injured too."
Hearing this, Merchant Lao Jiu's face changed abruptly, and his heartbeat intensified. Just as he was about to gather more information, he saw Li Wu Ya approaching.
With everything else forgotten, Merchant Lao Jiu rushed back into his shop and exclaimed urgently, "There was a break-in at the commanding officer's residence!"
Li Wu Ya glanced at him, "Aren't you the head of both the dental clinic and the merchant caravan? Can't you be a bit composed in times of crisis?"
Merchant Lao Jiu gave a bitter smile. The situation was too dire; how could he remain calm?
Li Wu Ya responded, "I came here to tell you about this."
Merchant Lao Jiu swallowed hard, "Was it the work of someone you know?"
Li Wu Ya looked at him and didn't say a word, essentially confirming it.
Merchant Lao Jiu struggled to ask, "What did the person you know do?"
Li Wu Ya sneered, "The commanding officer's son was so audacious and unruly, likely because he thought that no one on Rong City's turf could touch him. Now he's learned a lesson."
Merchant Lao Jiu's face paled, "Miss, I'm afraid I won't be able to continue operating in Rong City if things go on like this."
Li Wu Ya gazed at him and smiled, "Put your heart back in your chest. You can still carry on in Rong City. As long as you don't mess up, this might even propel you a step further once it's over."
Merchant Lao Jiu was momentarily stunned, looking at Li Wu Ya in confusion.
Offending the commanding officer and still being able to move up?
Li Wu Ya produced a small white porcelain bottle about an inch long, "After lunch, take this medicine bottle to the commanding officer's residence. Tell them that you can cure the poisoning of the commanding officer's son."
Merchant Lao Jiu's face turned even paler, "If I go like this, won't it reveal that I'm involved in what happened last night? They might just kill me on the spot!"
Li Wu Ya fell silent for a moment, "You helped me establish Shen Nong Tang. Even if you don't go, they'll likely come to you soon."
"Merchant Lao Jiu, I haven't intended to deceive you. You're in business; you should know that higher risks often lead to higher rewards. After this incident, you could become the public face of Shen Nong Tang."
"I'm just a girl and rather lazy at that. I like money but not administrative tasks. Do you get my drift?"
Merchant Lao Jiu's mind raced. He understood that those pills had made the commanding officer's son envious. He realized that there must be significant benefits involved, "But how can we resolve this massive issue?"
Li Wu Ya's confident smile appeared, "The higher the rank and power, the more people fear death. The commanding officer's residence employed three ninth-ranked experts as guards, yet someone easily managed to poison their son. What does that signify?"
Merchant Lao Jiu's face turned grim, "It means that someone can easily take their lives!"
"Exactly!"
Li Wu Ya nodded, "That will definitely make them cautious. Once people have reservations, their actions won't be unrestrained."
"Tell them that Shen Nong Tang only aims to do honest business. This time, they overstepped their boundaries first, which is why someone had to step in and teach them a lesson."
Merchant Lao Jiu quickly calculated the risks and potential gains. After a moment, he clenched his teeth and approached Li Wu Ya, holding the porcelain bottle in his hand, "Miss, rest assured, I'll handle this."
Li Wu Ya smiled with satisfaction and stood up, "I have to attend class now. Await good news from you." With that, she left.
Merchant Lao Jiu watched Li Wu Ya's cheerful departure and took a deep breath to steady his shaken emotions.