Seeing she didn't take his bait, Ying Xiong proactively inquired of Zhao Jiaqi, "I've long heard that you, sister-in-law, are quite skilled at farming. Perhaps you could offer some advice to Ying, so I can avoid some detours? I'd like to hear your suggestions and opinions!"
Zhao Jiaqi chuckled and turned to meet his deep gaze, saying, "I don't even know what you intend to plant, so how can I give you honest advice? However, looking at this piece of land, planting ginseng is unlikely, but growing Lingzhi mushrooms should be perfectly fine!"
Ying Xiong's eyes lit up. From her words, he could tell she knew the methods and conditions for growing both ginseng and Lingzhi!
"Could you please elaborate, sister-in-law?"
His eagerness to learn made Zhao Jiaqi a little uncomfortable. She turned and walked a few steps ahead, creating some distance between them.
She bent down to examine the soil, knowing that only after analyzing the soil could one ascertain what could be grown.
After a careful analysis and a simple assessment of the surrounding environment, she had a clear idea.
"This plot of land is suitable for growing Lingzhi, but not for ginseng. Ginseng requires strict control over humidity, shade, and ventilation. Unlike Lingzhi, which can be grown in greenhouses, ginseng has far fewer relaxed requirements!"
Zhao Jiaqi only offered a general outline, not going into further detail.
Why give away the money that could be earned? Besides, she had originally planned to start an aquaculture business with Fang Mingjiang and Song Fei, who had both resigned from their official posts. Now, instead of cultivating her own medicinal garden, she was helping others establish theirs. She truly felt a pang of maternal affection.
Therefore, without at least half of the profits from this medicinal garden, she wouldn't offer a single word of opinion or suggestion!
"Every man for himself, and the devil take the hindmost!"
Furthermore, she still had those disabled soldiers to take care of behind her. At the very least, she had to ensure they lived a life free from want until their dying day!
Having been in business for so many years, Ying Xiong had seen many people like Zhao Jiaqi and knew what she was thinking. Nevertheless, he had to consider the matter carefully.
After all, he could undertake this venture alone; it would merely require more investment over the years and more capital. If they were to partner up, a few percentage points of profit would likely not satisfy the person before him.
Merchants prioritize profit!
Seeing that he remained silent, Zhao Jiaqi guessed his thoughts and didn't press the matter further.
The afternoon sun was not as scorching as the midday heat. The medicinal estate, nestled against the backdrop of green mountains, was caressed by a gentle breeze carrying a hint of cool relief from the summer heat.
Seeing this, Zhao Jiaqi tugged at her husband's sleeve, wanting to explore the mountains, gather some wild fruits, and catch some game for a limitless barbecue that evening.
The mention of barbecue piqued Ying Xiong's curiosity. He said, "They say the former Empress's culinary skills are exceptional, and her dishes are highly sought after, even imitated to no avail in capturing their exquisite taste. To have the opportunity to sample the former Empress's cooking today is truly a blessing for Ying!"
Zhao Jiaqi looked at him with amusement. She hadn't explicitly stated she would be doing the barbecue herself, yet he had made a definitive decision for her. Was he simply trying to observe her cooking process to imitate it later?
What difficulty was there in that? Not only would she let him watch, but she would even teach him hand-in-hand. She dared to guarantee that the taste would be entirely different from hers!
"Alright, I haven't showcased my culinary skills in a long time. Since we are at your medicinal estate today, I'll offer a gift by preparing a barbecue for you to taste my skills!"
Zhao Jiaqi's little schemes could be hidden from others, but not from Fan Zehao. He lowered his head, his lips curving into a subtle, knowing smile. He occasionally glanced towards the mountains, contemplating what he would eat later to have his wife prepare it.
After all, such opportunities were rare. If he didn't eat his fill, he felt he would be doing his stomach an injustice!
"Excellent. Former Empress, you are forthright. This commoner will not be stingy either. When we go into the mountains later, whatever the former Empress wishes to eat, Ying will catch more of it!"
Fan Zehao, listening from the side, found his words amiss. Even if he wanted to curry favor with his wife, shouldn't he at least ask his husband if it was acceptable?
He displeasedly retorted, "No need to trouble yourself. As my wife's husband, I naturally know what she likes to eat. You catch whatever you like, and don't concern yourself with us two."
"Oh, right. Please dispense with the titles of former Emperor and former Empress. If you truly consider me a brother, call me by my name. Of course, if you're unwilling, calling me Prince and my wife Princess is also acceptable!"
His series of actions left Ying Xiong completely dumbfounded!
In this world, there were people like him who refused to have their noble titles acknowledged. It truly broadened his horizons once again!
Using his name was, of course, preferable as it could foster closer ties, provided all self-interest was set aside!
Ying Xiong cupped his hands and said, "Brother Ze, I shall not be polite."
Fan Zehao was quite pleased to have made another friend in this world. He reached out and clasped Ying Xiong's fist, his expression clearing from a frown to a smile, and he grinned, "Brother, that's more like it!"
In the martial world, one followed the rules of the martial world!
If he were in the imperial court, he would naturally adhere to the rules of the imperial court!
Whether in the martial world or the imperial court, nothing could stop him from making friends. His wife had once said a sentence: it's not to be afraid of knowing scoundrels; if you place scoundrels in a certain position, perhaps their abilities will surpass those of gentlemen.
Of course, people interact based on mutual benefit. True friends are rare, and soulmates even rarer!
But it was still better than having one more enemy!
Zhao Jiaqi smiled at the two of them, then turned to give some instructions to Su Ya behind her. Only then did she follow her husband into the mountains.
Upon entering the forest, she cautiously realized that the mountain was vast, comparable to Phoenix Mountain.
She stopped, knowing that if she went any further, it would be more than just a casual stroll. She said, "I don't know martial arts, so I won't go deep into the mountains. I'll just wander around here, pick some wild vegetables, and head back."
Fan Zehao didn't stop her. This mountain was larger than the one back in their hometown, and it wasn't suitable for a woman to venture further in. If they encountered something large, it might frighten his wife.
"Let Shi He follow you. If you get tired, you can head back first. We'll catch some game and come down the mountain."
Zhao Jiaqi didn't refuse. She nodded and reminded him, "Be careful, don't be too greedy. Just catch enough."
Her only reply was his retreating back. He waved to her, indicating he understood!
She and Shi He were left to wander the periphery. There weren't many edible wild vegetables, and even if she picked them, it wouldn't be enough for two people. Zhao Jiaqi finally gave up!
Shi He noticed that the grass on the slope showed signs of being trampled. Looking down at the surrounding area, only this medicinal estate existed. The rest was uninhabited, not even a village in sight.
Why were there signs of people having passed through here?
Shi He, disregarding propriety, grabbed Zhao Jiaqi's arm. "Mistress, something is not right here. Not only is the grass trampled, but there are also footprints on the ground!"
Zhao Jiaqi looked down at the ground and indeed discovered footprints. There weren't just one or two. She looked up and met Shi He's gaze.
She asked suspiciously, "Could it be that this medicinal estate is being monitored?"
Shi He was also unsure and dared not jump to conclusions. "It's possible. Or perhaps... these horse gangs are hiding in these mountains, and this is their activity area? Or perhaps..."
Shi He's subsequent words were hesitant, hinting at something that offered her limitless imagination!
Zhao Jiaqi subtly raised an eyebrow. She knew Shi He well. If he was hesitating to directly state his conjecture, it was likely because the matter involved her and her husband.
She pondered for a moment. What could make him hesitate like this? Besides herself and her husband, the only other person was Ying Xiong.
The wealthy merchant Ying Xiong?