The Jiang family had always controlled the largest connections for medicinal herbs in the imperial city and had been the supplier for the Imperial Hospital.
Even many of the medicinal herbs used by the Four Great Medical Halls were purchased from the Jiang family.
Normally, it wasn't the season to deliver large quantities of medicinal herbs to the Imperial Hospital, but due to the ongoing war, the army urgently needed a substantial reserve of medicinal herbs to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.
"The medicinal herbs are needed urgently and at a low price. Many of my suppliers are unwilling to provide them," Jiang Guangcheng said, clearly troubled.
Merchants sought profit. They wouldn't even bother with small gains, let alone when the imperial court had driven the prices to the absolute minimum.
"If that's the case, I would like to discuss a deal with you, Second Brother Jiang." Ji Zizhao hadn't expected the court to suddenly require so many medicinal herbs, many of which she had in abundance.
Jiang Guangcheng smiled helplessly, not believing her at all. "Eldest Sister Ji, you can't be joking."
Ji Zizhao continued, "How can military supplies be joked about? It's quite a coincidence, actually. The Luo Yi county medicinal land is currently under construction, and we've just received a shipment of medicinal herbs needed by the army, which is being sent to the imperial city. I was actually wondering how to handle this batch of herbs, and then I ran into Second Brother Jiang."
Jiang Guangcheng's mind seemed to stutter. "Weren't the Four Great Medical Halls the ones who initiated the construction of the Luo Yi county medicinal land?"
Ji Zizhao smiled and nodded. "Indeed, it was the Four Great Medical Halls, but I happen to be the head of the Four Great Medical Halls."
Jiang Guangcheng: "..."
This time, his mind completely froze.
After Jiang Guangcheng took over the Jiang family's business, he had heard that the Four Great Medical Halls actually took orders from a single head.
He had even sent people to investigate the person behind the Four Great Medical Halls.
However, after years of investigation, there was still no news.
And now, this person was right before his eyes?
Jiang Guangcheng felt he should be suspicious, but looking at the beautiful face before him, he couldn't bring himself to doubt her.
"If Second Brother Jiang trusts me, we can sign the agreement once the medicinal herbs arrive at the imperial city."
Originally, Ji Zizhao had intended to use the medicinal herbs from Luo Yi county during the imperial examination.
As long as the effects were significant, it would naturally attract the attention of the Imperial Hospital, and then recommend them to the court.
However, her fourth sister had not returned on time. She had only received a letter from her fourth sister a few days ago, stating that she had encountered heavy rain and landslides along the way, forcing her to slow down her return to the city.
Seeing Jiang Guangcheng's mouth still slightly agape, Ji Zizhao paused and added, "It's alright if Second Brother Jiang doesn't believe me. Tomorrow, Second Brother Jiang can personally accompany me to the Four Great Medical Halls. Then it will be clear whether I'm telling the truth or not."
Ji Zizhao wanted to continue encouraging the court to establish medical halls in the counties, thereby using the court's convenience to further expand the cultivation of medicinal land.
The Jiang family's strength was considerable in the imperial city, and they would be able to handle the large quantities of medicinal herbs from the county.
Thus, their cooperation would have to be long-term.
Since it was long-term, honesty was the most basic requirement.
It was like between a doctor and a patient; if even basic honesty couldn't be achieved, then the illness was probably beyond treatment.
"Of course, I believe Eldest Sister Ji. It's just that the news is a bit sudden, and I find it hard to accept." Jiang Guangcheng regained his senses, his gaze towards Ji Zizhao deepening.
He had observed everything about Ji Zizhao, her medical ethics and character, all of which commanded respect.
Naturally, he was more inclined to believe her.
"The court has pushed the prices to the lowest point this time, Eldest Sister Ji probably won't make much money." Jiang Guangcheng found it difficult to speak too directly, otherwise, he really wanted to tell Ji Zizhao to run for her life, as far away as possible. This time, forget making money; not losing a fortune would be considered a great mercy from heaven.
Ji Zizhao, however, smiled faintly and said, "I can offer the medicinal herbs supplied to the court for free."
Jiang Guangcheng: "..."
He felt he should say something, but nothing came to mind.
"You must have heard how difficult it was to establish medical halls and pharmacies in Luo Yi county, Eldest Brother Jiang. However, Yulin county has more than just the areas around Luo Yi. If all the people in every county are to receive medical treatment, the court must continue to establish pharmacies and medical halls. Therefore, we must offer the court some benefits for them to agree."
"But what's in it for Eldest Sister Ji?"
"There are many benefits."
For the court to develop medicinal land, the first priority was to establish medical halls and pharmacies.
But once all that was built, where would the court find the spare money to develop medicinal land?
Thus, she could use this opportunity to negotiate further with the court.
She would spend money to build medicinal land, and the profits would be split with the court. The court would only need to nod and issue a land deed.
This was an obvious deal of getting something for nothing, and the court would naturally not refuse.
Unbeknownst to them, over time, the medicinal land under her control would spread throughout Yulin, from north to south.
And the medicinal supply chain and county medical halls and pharmacies that she would gradually control would be her greatest weapon to protect the Ji family.
Medicine for power, herbs for money.
By then, the Ji family would no longer be like fish on a chopping board at the mercy of the court.
Even if the Seventh Prince successfully ascended the throne and, like his father, decided to turn his back on her, she would still have the capital to protect herself.
A person can't fall into the same pit twice.
Looking at the smile playing on Ji Zizhao's lips, Jiang Guangcheng couldn't help but feel a pang of cold sweat for the imperial court.
However, Ji Zizhao's batch of free medicinal herbs had indeed resolved Jiang Guangcheng's pressing issue.
After confirming the specific time to sign the agreement with Ji Zizhao, Jiang Guangcheng felt his entire worldview had been refreshed.
Since taking over the Jiang family, he had dealt with countless people.
Yet, Ji Zizhao was the only woman among them.
Jiang Guangcheng had never imagined that a woman could be so powerful.
While Ji Zizhao and Jiang Guangcheng were having a pleasant conversation, Xie Jingqi's expression was far from good.
Liang Xiu looked at his prince's face, which was darker than the sky, and said softly, "Perhaps Eldest Sister Ji and Official Jiang are just having a simple chat."
Xie Jingqi was so angry his teeth itched. "Why would a chat take so long? To put it bluntly, Ji Zizhao is not upholding her virtue. She already has my Fourth Brother, yet she's still flirting around outside."
Liang Xiu chuckled inwardly.
If his prince dared to say that to Eldest Sister Ji, his subordinate would surely respect him as a true man.
The fear that Ji Zizhao had instilled in him still lingered in Xie Jingqi's heart, so he naturally wouldn't dare to do so. Otherwise, he wouldn't be sitting here fuming to death.
However, to let it go like this, he still couldn't swallow his pride.
It had taken his Fourth Brother a long time to show affection to a woman since childhood. Could he just stand by and watch his Fourth Brother remain single forever?
Of course not.
So, Xie Jingqi looked at Liang Xiu and said, "From now on, you will monitor Ji Zizhao's every move. Keep a close eye on her, and you will be rewarded."
Liang Xiu felt a prickle of dread.
Xie Jingqi glanced at him. "You don't want to be rewarded?"
Liang Xiu: "..."
He wanted to! But his subordinate wanted to live well more.
"Look at you, so spineless." Xie Jingqi said this, but he had grown accustomed to using Liang Xiu and Sun Li during this time and felt a pang of reluctance to send him away.
If Ji Zizhao discovered them, it might not be impossible for them to not return at all. Even if they were sent back, they would likely be half-dead.
"Let's go."
"Where is Your Highness going?"
"Naturally, to Fourth Brother's residence..."
To lodge a complaint!