"I've seen them," Liang Xiao sighed and went to retrieve the two letters.
Both of Qin Feng's letters bore Xiao Qing's annotations, clearly indicating that Qin Feng had allowed Xiao Qing to review them in advance to avoid suspicion.
The first letter was a letter of recommendation to the Medical Saint, requesting the Medical Saint, who treated no one of high status, to heal Liang Xiao, mentioning that Liang Xiao "could safeguard the lives of all people in the world."
The second letter informed Liang Xiao of the purpose of the first letter: if necessary, this letter could be presented to the Medical Saint. The Da Qian and Da Liang nations shared the same origins, and only with Liang Xiao present did Qin Feng have confidence in his prospects for fostering friendly relations between the two countries.
Everyone's expression grew serious, and the room fell into a brief silence.
The Da Liang nation did not lack ambitions towards the Da Qian nation, but they could expand their territory to the south and had no need to engage in a large-scale conflict with Da Qian. Therefore, stability in the north was crucial for Da Liang.
A moment later, Xiao Qing said softly, "This Marquis of Zhen Guo seems to truly respect the second young master Liang."
Luo Qingxue pouted coquettishly, "I'm starting to suspect that... he has more men who like him than women?"
Liang Xiao's face twitched, while Xiao Qing and Ning Xuejun exchanged knowing smiles.
"If you keep being so mischievous, we'll get married tomorrow, and I'll show you how powerful your husband is!" Liang Xiao retorted.
Luo Qingxue blushed and turned away, not daring to respond.
Watching the two flirt, a sense of loss and envy inevitably welled up in Xiao Qing's heart.
Suppressing her jealousy, Xiao Qing smiled, "With the Marquis of Zhen Guo's help, the Medical Saint will surely be surprised that the second young master Liang can command the admiration of a foreign hero."
Liang Xiao just shook his head and gave a bitter smile, picking up the letter of recommendation and placing it into the brazier.
"What are you doing!" Luo Qingxue and Xiao Qing exclaimed in unison.
Gazing at the brazier, Liang Xiao's expression was solemn, as if talking to himself.
"A gentleman born into this world, looks up without shame to heaven, looks down without remorse to man, the sun and moon shine brightly."
"You mean, as the Marquis of Zhen Guo of Da Liang, he shouldn't be concerned for you, a person of Da Qian?" Xiao Qing asked, perplexed.
Liang Xiao shook his head, "No, neither he nor I have anything to feel ashamed of. He has not committed any treason, and I am truly grateful for his kindness."
"Then why still..." Luo Qingxue was equally bewildered.
Liang Xiao explained, "This world is a chaotic one! Even if we have a clear conscience, our political enemies will not let go of any opportunity to make a fuss. If his assistance in my seeking medical treatment were known to his political enemies in Da Liang, what do you think they would do?"
Xiao Qing and the other two were stunned into silence.
Liang Xiao had merely spent a moment as a gentleman with Qin Feng, and he was already impeached by the noble families.
The noble families of Da Liang also held sway over the court, and naturally, they looked down upon Qin Feng, a Marquis of Zhen Guo who rose from humble beginnings...
"If I only admired him before, after reading these two letters, I now have genuine respect for him. This letter cannot be kept; I will only keep his personal correspondence," Liang Xiao said with utmost seriousness.
Xiao Qing came back to her senses and couldn't help but steal a glance at Liang Xiao, murmuring, "I finally understand why Zhuo Lingjun and the Marquis of Zhen Guo respect the second young master Liang so much. I thought they only admired your talent..."
At this moment, Xiao Qing's heart was pounding: this guy, sometimes he's detestable and cute, and on top of that, he's so dependable!
Luo Qingxue's beautiful eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Liang Xiao, filled with both admiration and heartache.
As she spoke, Xiao Qing couldn't help but worry, "But, second young master Liang clearly promised my emperor brother that he would seek treatment from the Medical Saint at any cost..."
"Don't worry, she has to treat me! I want to live a long life, and I want to see your emperor brother usher in an era of peace and prosperity," Liang Xiao patted his chest, confidently saying.
Xiao Qing almost shed tears on the spot, but then Liang Xiao changed the subject, "I also want to see him have many descendants. If I, this elder brother, leave too early, I'm afraid he'll be heartbroken, lose his appetite, and won't even be able to have children."
Ning Xuejun, who had been moved to tears, almost wanted to jump up and kick Liang Xiao's backside.
Xiao Qing gazed at Liang Xiao tenderly, her feelings complex: this guy is truly annoying...
Liang Xiao added, "The harsh winter has passed, and with things here settled, I can depart tomorrow morning."
Xiao Qing was overjoyed, "At that time, Eunuch Ding will personally escort you to Mount Tianshan! As for the farming system and contract tax, you need not worry; the Emperor and the Prime Minister will vigorously promote them."
Liang Xiao instructed, "For the farmers in the farming system, if they use official oxen, let them take forty percent. If they use their own oxen, let them take fifty percent. They must not be exploited. Once the farming system is widely implemented and they get used to it, you can consider letting them take an additional ten percent to boost their enthusiasm."
Xiao Qing happily agreed.
Liang Xiao chatted with Luo Qingxue and Xiao Qing for a while longer, and the two sisters took their leave simultaneously.
This time, Xiao Qing led the imperial guards and escorted Luo Qingxue back to the Luo family.
The two sisters sat in the carriage with Ning Xuejun. Xiao Qing, blushing, dared not speak, letting Luo Qingxue hold her hand tightly as she listened to her hum a song.
Luo Qingxue saw that she had feelings for Liang Xiao, and she also saw that Luo Qingxue knew it.
The next morning, Luo Qingxue, with her luggage, arrived at Liang Manor early to meet Liang Xiao.
Liang Xiao couldn't bear for her to go through the hardship, but she pestered him with pleas and acted spoiled until Liang Xiao finally relented.
Zhen Mi was under the care of the manor's governess, and Yue Lian, who needed to change Liang Xiao's dressings regularly, also chose to accompany him.
"Third brother, according to the plan I left you, start production after the grain prices have fallen," Liang Xiao repeatedly instructed Liang Yun.
Liang Yun nodded like a pecking chicken, his face full of anticipation.
Were the businesses starting again?
Liang Qing wiped away her tears and admonished, "Xiao'er, the Medical Saint has a bad temper. As a junior, you must not be rude to her. Focus solely on seeking treatment."
Liang Xiao smiled and agreed.
Ding Wuyi, an old acquaintance of the Medical Saint, arrived as promised, still wearing his mask and accompanied by a contingent of the imperial guard for escort.
The convoy set off, heading towards Mount Tianshan, three hundred li northeast of the capital.
Inside the Shenwei Mansion, seven hundred White Robe soldiers stared blankly at the hundred jars of Yi Zui Bai Nian laid out before them.
"For our army?" Lü Changhe quickly asked Liang Yun.
Liang Yun nodded, "This is a gift from His Majesty, one hundred jars of Yi Zui Bai Nian. Please accept them, White Robe soldiers!"
Lü Changhe felt a little embarrassed.
He knew very well that the Yi Zui Bai Nian that Liang Xiao had sent to Xiao Qing as tribute today was actually given by Liang Xiao. Xiao Qing had then bestowed half of it directly upon the White Robe soldiers, strictly forbidding its resale.
The price of these wines was said to have been driven up to six hundred taels a jar by those super-rich individuals, and their purchase price then was only five hundred taels!
The noble families, wealthy merchants... Yi Zui Bai Nian had become a symbol of status and wealth for the capital's wealthy elite, and now the soldiers, whom these noble families looked down upon, could experience it for free!
Everyone was deeply moved, pouring a bowl each, first paying respects to the Heavenly General at the Heavenly General Temple, and then opening the jars to drink heartily, toasting and feasting.
"We're going back the day after tomorrow, so we won't go home tonight until we're drunk!"
At the North City Gate, the convoy escorting Liang Xiao finally left the city.
In an alley, eighteen people, led by Zuo Wushang and Huyan Jialuo, looked anxious.
"Zuo Wushang, he's already leaving the capital! What are we going to do! The Left Virtuous King gave us a strict order before he left: kill Liang Xiao at all costs!" Huyan Jialuo was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.