Chapter 30

Once they left the tea house, Cheng Ruyi was still fuming. She said huffily to Rong Mo, “Cousin, when we get back, let’s pile up three big, glittering rockeries right at the entrance of the main courtyard!”

Rong Mo fell silent for a moment. He hadn’t expected his fiancée to be so persistent. After a long pause, he finally nodded: “…As long as you like it!”

In truth, he had been serious. The Rong clan’s hidden wealth was vast; he was incredibly well-off. On their wedding day, he truly intended to give her mountains of gold and silver, and hills of jewels—a wedding for the ages.

“No, besides piling up those three shiny rockeries, we can’t lose face, and we certainly can’t lose momentum. From tomorrow on, let’s go earn some silver! I know exactly which business makes money the fastest.” Cheng Ruyi balled her fists, her eyes burning with ambition.

She was finally going to fulfill her role as a time-traveling heroine who was exceptionally good at raking in the cash. Just thinking about it felt inspiring.

“Ahem, Cousin… stealing and robbery are illegal,” Rong Mo felt compelled to remind her.

He was terrified that if he didn’t pay attention, his little fiancée would get herself thrown into prison, turning their life into a drama titled Memoirs of a Jailbird . His aunt and uncle would skin him alive.

Cheng Ruyi, feeling underestimated, glared at her cousin. She bristled instantly and hissed in a low voice, “I’m not stupid! Why would I do something so low-class? I’m talking about selling medicine! Medicine!”

“Selling medicine is the fastest way to get silver.”

Fortunately, Ruyi still realized they were on a busy street with many eyes watching, even if people didn’t dare get too close.

Rong Mo’s lip twitched. “…” His little fiancée wants to sell medicine? This sounds even less reliable!

“Cousin, just you wait to count the gold. The mountain of gold, the mountain of silver, and the hill of jewels will all be mine!” Ruyi was brimming with confidence, her smile radiant. Those stealing glances from the sidelines were momentarily stunned by her brilliance.

In the apocalypse, “miracle drugs” were incredibly hot commodities, always in short supply. Ruyi’s mutated wood-element ability was exceptionally useful; the “Indomitable Golden Spear” pills she made using herbs she had accelerated with her powers were top-tier and highly coveted by male supernatural ability users.

The “miracle drug” was actually her Da Jiejie’s recipe; Ruyi was responsible for the production, and they split the profits 50/50. Because of those pills and her wood ability, she had lived a very comfortable life in the apocalypse. Thus, making “Indomitable Golden Spear” pills was what she did best.

She was just returning to her old profession. And, being a filial child, she decided to give the first completed pill to her father. He would surely be delighted to receive her gift.

Rong Mo grew more worried and asked in a low voice, “Cousin, exactly what kind of medicine do you want to sell?”

Ruyi leaned into his ear and whispered mysteriously, “Indomitable Golden Spear Pills.”

Rong Mo turned to stone. “…”

Did I hear that right? She wants to sell Indomitable Golden Spear Pills? Is it… what I think it is?

Rong Mo looked at her with a very strange expression. Medicines like that were sold in many pharmacies. They worked, but— ahem —if you took them too often, they stopped being effective.

“This medicine has a great future for profit!” Ruyi continued excitedly. Then, she added with a bit of annoyance and regret, “If only I’d remembered this sooner, I’d have earned a whole hill of jewels by now.”

Rong Mo: “…” Recalling her actions from last night, was she… implying something?

He asked somewhat awkwardly, “Cousin, are those pills of yours actually effective?” If there were side effects, it would be big trouble.

Ruyi, misinterpreting his concern, smiled with supreme confidence. “Of course they work! They take effect instantly. Don’t worry, Cousin, I’ll have some ready for you when the time comes.”

Being suspected of being “unfit” yet again, Rong Mo’s handsome face darkened. “…I don’t need those pills!” In his heart, however, he was secretly thinking that he would have to give his little fiancée a very “thorough lesson” on their wedding night.

The inadvertently reckless Ruyi had just said it in passing; she wasn’t actually planning to give them to her cousin. Action follows thought—time is money! She grabbed Rong Mo’s sleeve and said urgently, “Cousin, let’s go to the pharmacy and buy herbs. I brought plenty of banknotes today!”

Rong Mo: “…” I’ll just humor her for now. Once she makes those ‘Golden Spear’ things, I’ll just pay for them myself and destroy them.

Unaware that her fiancé was plotting the destruction of her miracle drug, Ruyi excitedly pulled his hand toward the pharmacy.

Suddenly, two middle-aged men who looked like traveling merchants passed by them as if by accident. They were slightly plump and appeared to be wealthy businessmen.

Both Rong Mo and Ruyi possessed sharp senses. They exchanged a look and slowed their pace, wanting to see what these men were up to.

“Li Wu, did you hear? Master Bu Jie of Xiangguo Temple has returned from his travels. He’s currently interpreting fortune sticks for the pilgrims. Should we go ask for one?”

“Master Bu Jie? His interpretations are legendary, especially for marriage. I want to ask for one for my daughter. But we businessmen mostly care about wealth; my latest shipment had some issues, so it might be good to ask for guidance.”

“Exactly. Tomorrow is the eighth day of the eighth month. The Princess Consort of Prince Rong will be chanting and praying at Xiangguo Temple. We’d better hurry, or there will be too many people to even see the Master.”

“Right, let’s go. I heard the Princess Consort is holding a grand ritual. I wonder if there are any guest rooms left…”

And then, the two plump merchants hurried off… but as they left, they stole a glance from the corner of their eyes to see the couple’s reaction.

Cheng Ruyi was baffled. “…” Before she could even process what they were saying, they were gone. “Cousin, what were they trying to say?”

A cold glint flashed in Rong Mo’s eyes. He smirked and looked at his fiancée. “They just want to lure us to Xiangguo Temple. But, Cousin, the vegetarian feast at Xiangguo Temple is world-famous. It’s still early; if we go now, we’ll be in time for a meal.”

“Then… let’s go eat at Xiangguo Temple first, then come back to buy the herbs.” Clearly, Ruyi hadn’t given up on her pharmaceutical empire.

Rong Mo paused and suggested, “Cousin, you can write down the herbs you need. I’ll have the servants buy them for you.”

Ruyi brightened. Right! Why should I go myself? She happily agreed.

They went to a fabric shop under Rong Mo’s name. After he showed a scepter with black patterns at the cuff of his sleeve, he asked the shopkeeper for writing materials. Ruyi dictated, and Rong Mo wrote, quickly producing the list of herbs.

It was a good recipe. Even without Ruyi’s ability-enhanced herbs, the effect would be better than what was currently on the market. Having studied medicine for years due to his poisoning, Rong Mo recognized the recipe’s value at a glance. It seemed his fiancée wasn’t just acting on a whim. He felt a twinge of guilt for doubting her.

“Cousin, it’s best to collect fresh herbs that haven’t been processed yet. And seeds are even better,” Ruyi added.

Rong Mo agreed without asking why. However, he added about ten more herbs to the list—herbs that looked like they belonged to seven or eight different recipes—before handing the list to the shopkeeper. The shopkeeper took the list with a respectful bow and left.

“Cousin, is this shop yours?” Ruyi asked curiously.

Rong Mo nodded with a smile, saying casually, “Besides this one, I have many other shops under my name.” He was practically saying, Your fiancé isn’t short on cash.

Ruyi was momentarily dazed. Wait, wasn’t he supposed to be penniless? She had accidentally found herself a “glittering golden thigh” to lean on. How exciting! But she decided she still had to work hard to save up for her own dowry.

For now, though, it was time to eat that world-famous vegetarian food at Xiangguo Temple.

Xiangguo Temple, located on the outskirts of the capital, was the most prestigious temple in the Zhou Dynasty, filled with high monks and a constant stream of pilgrims.

Perhaps because of Master Bu Jie’s return, the flow of people was endless, especially female guests. With the “Model of Womanhood,” the benevolent Princess Consort of Prince Rong, holding a grand ritual tomorrow, the temple was even more crowded than usual.

When Ruyi and Rong Mo arrived by carriage, they saw officials and noblewomen everywhere. They asked a receptionist monk and learned that all the guest rooms were booked solid.

Ruyi was a bit disappointed that they wouldn’t be staying for the full feast experience. Remembering the merchants mentioned Master Bu Jie, they went directly to see him.

Master Bu Jie was a kindly-looking old monk in bright yellow robes, flanked by several monks in green. Before them was a long line of wealthy and noble families dressed in finery, followed by groups of servants.

Ruyi and Rong Mo were a strikingly handsome couple. The area for interpreting fortune sticks was dominated by women, and many recognized them. Various looks of envy, jealousy, and disdain were cast their way.

Ruyi didn’t care. Let them look; it wasn’t like she’d lose a limb. She had never cared about the opinions of others. The Zhou Dynasty was socially open; remarriage and female merchants were common. Of course, while “open,” a woman’s reputation was still valued; a ruined reputation made it hard to find a good marriage.

But what was with “Mobile Jewelry Vault” Li Meihua? To be ogling her fiancé right in front of her face—how infuriating! Her Da Jiejie had told her to nip all potential rivals in the bud.

An unhappy Ruyi glared at Li Meihua, then intimately hooked her arm through Rong Mo’s and gave her a brilliant, smug smile. “Cousin is mine!”

Realizing his fiancée was jealous, Rong Mo’s gaze turned doting. “Mm, I’m yours. Pay no mind to irrelevant people.”

Their intimate display of affection stung Li Meihua’s eyes. She huffed and looked away, no longer ogling him. Ruyi was delighted to have so easily defeated a rival. Rong Mo chuckled. She really is adorable.

Ruyi looked at Master Bu Jie and saw just an old monk. She was disappointed and lost interest. She tugged at Rong Mo’s sleeve. “Cousin, interpreting sticks is boring. Let’s go explore the back mountain of the temple.”

Hehe, the back mountain of Xiangguo Temple is a great place for secret plots. Her father had said the Princess Consort planned her murders and “root-pulling” operations there. Maybe she’d stumble upon some “goodies.” Just the thought was exciting.

As she spoke, she glanced at the queue and saw Cheng Qingyao’s group. It turned out they had come to the temple for fortune sticks as well. “I can’t believe we ran into them again.” Ruyi felt her luck was truly terrible.

Rong Mo: “…”

Cheng Qingyao had watched the interaction between Ruyi and Rong Mo. Her beautiful eyes flickered. Seeing Ruyi look at her, she walked over with a smile. Cheng Wanru merely smiled from a distance, not approaching.

Wanru was the eldest miss of the Jian’an Marquis Manor, but she wasn’t close to the Changle Manor; there was no conflict of interest or grudge between them. She didn’t understand why Qingyao was always trying to cause trouble for Ruyi. Regardless, Wanru knew who her real enemy was—it was a fight to the death with Qingyao. Her birth mother, Concubine Song, had been beaten to death by the legal wife. She only had herself to rely on now. Tang Shuhua was her only lifeline.

Wanru lowered her eyes, her hands clenched into fists under her sleeves, a trace of bloodlust in her gaze. She would never let Cheng Qingyao ruin her plans again.

“Is Cousin Ruyi here to ask for a fortune stick as well?” Qingyao asked.

Ruyi rolled her eyes. “I’m here to watch the show. Fortune sticks are unreliable. Putting your hope in gods and buddhas is just plain stupid.”

Qingyao’s smile stiffened. She suddenly felt that something uncontrollable was about to happen. Her intuition was usually spot on, so she quickly said, “…I see. Then I won’t disturb you.”

Ruyi watched her scurry away with confusion. “Cousin, what did she come over for?”

Rong Mo smirked, his eyes full of amusement. His fiancée’s words were truly shocking to the public. “I don’t know, but you scared her off.” Ruyi beamed at that.

Just as they were about to leave, Ruyi saw a group of people with sorrowful faces lining up before a massive merit box to donate silver. They were stuffing hundred-tael banknotes into the box one after another. Ruyi’s eyes turned green with envy.

She muttered, “Cousin, this temple is so good at accumulating wealth. With this much silver coming in every day, the monks must be living the high life. I wonder where the rest of the silver goes—it must be a mountain of gold by now.”

The usually composed Rong Mo almost laughed hearing her mention “mountains of gold” again.

Suddenly, there was a stir in the crowd. A beautiful, dignified noblewoman appeared, accompanied by an elegant, ethereal-looking middle-aged monk. A cluster of brightly dressed maids followed behind.

“It’s the Princess Consort of Prince Rong and Master Huiyuan!” someone shouted in excitement.

Rong Mo and Ruyi remained calm. Neither wanted to see the Princess Consort right now and prepared to slip away while everyone was distracted. However, the Princess Consort spotted them and walked over with a smile.

Rumors said she favored Cheng Ruyi, and now the public saw it was true. The onlookers looked at Ruyi with envy and hatred—especially Cheng Qingyao, whose shock was palpable. She couldn’t believe Ruyi’s luck.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” Ruyi and Rong Mo said, bowing reluctantly in public.

“No need for formalities. Are you here for the fortune sticks?” the Princess Consort asked gently with a smile.

“No. We don’t believe in gods or buddhas. We heard there was a show to watch at the temple, so we came to see it,” Ruyi replied with typical bluntness. “Oh, right—also for the vegetarian feast. But we’re late and couldn’t get a room. I don’t suppose Your Highness has an extra reservation?” Ruyi added, her eyes sparkling. A freebie is a freebie.

Rong Mo’s lip twitched. “…So direct as always!”

The Princess Consort seemed to have prepared for Ruyi’s personality. She maintained her elegant smile. “If you like it, I’ll have someone bring a portion to you.”

“Then I won’t be polite. Thank you, Your Highness!” Ruyi thanked her with very little sincerity.

The onlookers’ eyes nearly popped out of their heads. “…”

“Master Huiyuan, could you please take a look at these two children?” the Princess Consort asked the monk.

It was said that Master Huiyuan was a polymath who knew the past and future, and only read the fortunes of those “destined.” He was incredibly famous, but few were ever granted a meeting. The crowd sucked in a breath, their envy turning into a desire to take Ruyi’s place. Cheng Qingyao, in particular, bit her lip so hard she drew blood.

Rong Mo’s gaze grew cold. So this is where she was waiting for us.

Only Ruyi was still confused, her head in a fog. But to someone who believed in neither buddhas nor fate, all schemes were in vain.

Sansukini: “Ahem, Cousin… stealing and robbery are illegal,” – Rong Mo knows how mischievous his fiancee is.

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