"Xiangbei is right. Look, many of those who come here to buy shops for business are from out of town. They are all attracted by the many good things you invented. You don't know, Fuhai Building has opened up to fifty stores already, but Qiao Er's supermarket hasn't opened yet. His coal stove and stationery orders are selling like crazy throughout Yunmeng Dynasty. And those skincare products, such as the fragrant pancreas, are mainly sold to the Southern Sea Area. Yunmeng has only a small supply, so those savvy merchants come here to wait for the goods."
"So it's time to vigorously develop production. Ah Mo, I want to tell you a secret—"
"Master," Xiangbei's words were interrupted by Chengtian's sudden appearance. They two murmured aside.
"Xiaobei, Chengtian said that the Crown Prince's condition has improved, and he remembers many things from the past. He keeps mentioning that he came to find his younger brother and has something to tell him. So, I must go up the mountain now."
"Really? That's great. Let's go quickly then."
"Xiaobei, we will go directly up the mountain from here. It's too late, and I can't take you with me. Please wait for me at my prince palace, okay?"
"I might only drag you down if I follow you. The pier has just started, and there's a lot to take care of. Besides, I also want to plan the development of the farm. So I won't go to the palace. Can you take me to the inn? I'll wait for you there."
"Alright, come here, get on the horse." Chengmo let go of Xiangbei and rode off with Chengtian towards the Tong residence.
The same-city inn had been in operation for three months now. Bright lights, bathing facilities, and hot meals 24 hours a day had already become the source of comfort and warmth for the people of Dongbin when traveling at night.
Xiangbei had reserved a room on the third floor of the inn, exactly the same as the one at Fuhai Building, without any changes. Even the furnishings and decorations in the space were identical to those at Fuhai Building. This space became her shell in this strange world, a sanctuary she personally named.
Chengmo didn't know how long he would be away this time. Since Rongzhi's condition had improved, they must wait for the outcome. During all the days he was away, Xiangbei spent her nights in the sanctuary. Once she revealed the secret to Chengmo after the water buffalo told him, they could fully develop the oil mill, crops, and greenhouse.
While Xiangbei was busy writing the textbook on three-dimensional agricultural systems, Chengmo rushed into the Tong family pharmacy.
"Your Highness."
"Old Doctor Li, please don't be so formal. How is the Crown Prince?"
"Price Rong has taken the medicine and is now asleep. I added the milky liquid you gave me before leaving to each dose of medicine. It has shown noticeable effects, and Prince Rong can recognize me and remember you. However, he said he was knocked unconscious and fell off a cliff while trying to escape and find you, but he hasn't remembered the specific reason yet."
"Then I'll talk to him properly after he wakes up tomorrow. If this milky liquid is indeed important, I'll go down the mountain again to get some more. Old Doctor Li, you should have a rest as well."
"Yes, Your Highness." Old Li was exhausted indeed, he then back to rest and leave Mo stay alone.
The night was unsettling for Chengmo, like the darkness before dawn, where even the stars and moon had vanished, leaving only the silent, ink-like sky concealing something long-hidden, struggling to break through the darkness and reveal a glimmer of light. But perhaps, just perhaps, it was an eternal night.
He swiftly moved towards Xiangbei's room, enveloped by her familiar scent in the darkness. Before they parted, she mentioned having a secret to tell him. Yes, he also wanted to confide his inner unease to her.
"Imperial Brother? Are you here? But why are you here? Where is Sister Bei?" Just as he lit the candles, the Prince Rong appeared at the doorway, his eyes filled with excitement.
"Imperial Brother? You recognize me, Imperial Brother. How did you know to find me here?, oh yes, you are looking for your sister Bei."
"I come here every morning, and Xiaobei always prepares sweet milk tea for me. After she left the mountain, Tong Xi still prepared it for me. These days, I've been remembering some things and remembering who I am. I no longer come here for sweet tea. Imperial Brother, have I been embarrassing these days?"
"Imperial Brother, how can you think like that? You have no idea how excited I was when I saw you here. It's just that seeing you ill like that broke my heart. Big Brother, even when you were sick, you kept thinking of your little brother. Big Brother, thank you. Little Brother also missed you dearly."