Jinyi Spring

Chapter 64 Shangguan's Investment
When Feng Chuchen turned around, it was Shangguan Ruyu again, her thin lips, like flower petals, smiling happily.

What a coincidence.

Feng Chuchen really didn't want to run into this guy on the street.

His gaze, which had been fixed on him, shifted to her.

When Shangguan Ruyu called him "Miss Feng" again, those who saw him were reminded of Miss Feng who had saved Shangguan Ruyu using the Feng-style choking method, and the mocking look in their eyes intensified.

Feng Chuchen ignored him and turned her head to continue walking forward.

Shangguan Ruyu quickened her pace and laughed, "Miss Feng, I heard you're opening a clinic and have set some strange rules. You're thinking too simply, young lady. With your abilities..."

He shook his head and pursed his lips. "It's not that I look down on you, it's just that those rules don't apply."

Feng Chuchen agreed with this view and slowed down.

Shangguan Ruyu added, "Why don't you let me take a two-way stake? With me there, no one will dare to cause trouble at your clinic, and those rules can be enforced."

Feng Chuchen stopped and turned around to look at him in surprise. "I run a maternity and children's clinic, specializing in delivery and treatment of gynecological and pediatric diseases. You, a grown man, want to invest in it?"

As Shangguan Ruyu approached Feng Chuchen, the scent of ambergris wafted from her.

He swung open his large folding fan and laughed, “Hehe, I know it’s the Women and Children’s Clinic. Guo Jialing said so. I admire Dr. Feng and I also admire Dr. Feng. In your eyes, human life is of utmost importance, regardless of gender, and you are virtuous doctors.”

"Haha, Miss Feng doesn't understand me. I am a friend of women, I understand women's hearts best, and I have never looked down on women. Besides, I only spend money to make money, I don't treat patients."

His words stirred something in Feng Chuchen's heart; this man was truly a rare, rebellious oddball in ancient times. His hobbies were eccentric, and his ideas were equally eccentric.

Feng Chuchen was most afraid that the clinic would encounter some unavoidable problems, so she thought Shangguan Ruyu's suggestion was worth considering.

She hesitated before saying, "The Princess and the Prince Consort wouldn't agree, would they?"

There's a way!

Shangguan Ruyu closed her fan and said, "It's not a good place to talk. Let's go to a teahouse to discuss this in detail."

Feng Chuchen ignored the stares directed at them and followed Shangguan Ruyu into the teahouse diagonally opposite.

We booked a private room on the second floor.

Shangguan Ruyu sat down first, pointing to the person opposite her and saying, "Miss Feng, please sit down."

The waiter brought over a pot of Longjing tea and four small dishes of snacks.

Only Duan Yan was serving inside the room, while two guards waited outside the door.

Feng Chuchen said sincerely, "The maternal and child health clinic is a special case. It's not suitable for someone like Young Master Shangguan to invest. People will laugh at us, and the Princess and the Prince Consort will be unhappy if they find out."

Shangguan Ruyu swung open her large fan and said arrogantly, "I never care about what others say. My parents only have me as their son, so even if they're unhappy, they won't blame me."

Feng Chuchen thought to herself, "It's not your fault, it's mine."

She said, "It's not easy for ordinary people to open a clinic, and they have to think about many things. I have a way that can satisfy both sides: Young Master Shangguan can invest through Madam Guo."

"It was Guo Jialing who made the deal; ostensibly, it was his wife who invested, but in reality, it was you, Young Master Shangguan."

Shangguan Ruxia quickly put away the large fan and looked at Feng Chuchen with shining eyes.

"Brilliant! You actually came up with such a good idea. In this way, my parents will not only not blame me for using this method to invest, but they will also praise me for being clever. I can also support you. It's a win-win situation."

He looked Feng Chuchen up and down again. She was beautiful and intelligent, but unfortunately, they were not meant to be together and she could not be his woman.

Shangguan Ruyu's gaze made Feng Chuchen uncomfortable.

Considering his personality and the rumors, Feng Chuchen solemnly said, "Young Master Shangguan, I am a girl from a good family, and I value my reputation as much as my life."

Shangguan Ruyu was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"Haha, Miss Feng must have heard some rumors and is afraid that I have impure thoughts about you, right? Those are all nonsense. I, Shangguan Ruyu, am just as my name suggests. I am a gentleman, gentle and refined, like a clear breeze and a bright moon, blending in with the world..."

"Don't worry, I'm a good person. We're already engaged, and I won't do anything to damage your reputation. Think about it again, aside from those romantic escapades, have there ever been any rumors about me bullying men and women or exploiting the people? No!"
"Some people are jealous of my good looks, and others are implicated because of Ming Shanyue. Their rumors have become increasingly outrageous, even including me in them. Ming Shanyue is a cursed star destined to bring misfortune to his wife, what does that have to do with me?"

He fanned his beautiful peach blossom eyes, appearing exceptionally sincere.

Feng Chuchen's lips twitched.

She had indeed never heard of Shangguan Ruyu committing any evil deeds.

Shangguan Ruyu then asked, "How much money do I need to invest in two shares? Is one thousand taels of silver enough?"

That's incredibly arrogant.

Feng Chuchen said, "No need to pay, just one request: if our clinic encounters any trouble in the future, please ask Lord Guo to help resolve it. If he can't, then we'll have to ask Young Master Shangguan to step in."

Shangguan Ruyu said generously, "It's a must to show up, and you also have to pay the investment money. My father always said that we shouldn't compete with the people for profit, so we can't skimp on this money."

Feng Chuchen said, "One thousand taels of silver is too much. If you must give it, then one hundred taels will do."

“Miss Feng underestimates me, Shangguan Ruyu. One hundred taels of silver is not even presentable as a gift, let alone for investment. So, six hundred taels it is, I’ll take it.”

As soon as Shangguan Ruyu raised her hand, Duan Yan hurriedly took out a stack of silver notes from her bosom and presented three of them.

He took it, glanced at it, and handed it to Feng Chuchen.

Feng Chuchen was very excited to receive the huge sum of money. Now that he spends money like water, his savings are almost gone.

"Please send someone from Young Master Shangguan to the Jingzhao Prefecture to change the shareholding of the medical clinic."

Young Master Shangguan pointed to Duan Yan, "He's the one."

Adding Guo Jialing's wife's name to the contract only requires informing Guo Jialing; there's no need to write an agreement.

Feng Chuchen smiled and said, "Let's meet in front of the Jingzhao Prefecture at noon tomorrow."

Duan Yan smiled and said, "Yes."

Shangguan Ruyu then said to Duan Yan, "Remember, once the clinic opens, all the servants and guards' wives in the mansion should go to Tongji Maternal and Child Health Hospital to give birth. If business is good there, Master can make more money."

The guards were not servants; they were subject to the control and rotation of the personal guards.

Feng Chuchen was delighted; the clinic hadn't even opened yet, and business was already booming.

This person is not only handsome, but also kind-hearted.

Having said what needed to be said, Feng Chuchen got up to take her leave.

Shangguan Ruyu remained seated, then vigorously fanned her peach blossom eyes a few more times.

"What's the rush? Have some tea before you go. Miss Feng is incredibly intelligent and has a refined air about her; she must enjoy poetry and literature. I especially admire the poet Liu Yuan from the previous dynasty... haha, his lyrics are sung by the most courtesans..."

He almost blurted out the word "brothel".

Feng Chuchen smiled and said, "I am a woman of limited knowledge and do not understand poetry and songs. I have been out all day and I still have many things to do at home."

He thought to himself, "This guy looks like a playboy, but he's not very good at flirting. He must be a rather simple person."

Rumors are not to be believed.

If Wen Shu marries him and has a son, she will still be able to live a good life.

Shangguan Ruyu added, "We're partners now. I'll come to your house to discuss business and exchange ideas with your brother when I have free time."

Feng Chuchen couldn't refuse any longer, "Welcome." Feng Chuchen went out, and two guards came into the house.

Shangguan Ruyu pointed to one of the guards and asked, "I heard your wife is about to give birth. When will she give birth?"

The guard was taken aback, then bowed and said, "Reporting to Second Master, my wife will give birth around October."

Shangguan Ruyu said, "Your wife gave birth at Tongji Women and Children's Hospital. The young master of that hospital invested money in her."

The guard was extremely unwilling; he had never heard of anyone going to a clinic to give birth.

He dared not refuse, and bowed, saying, "Yes, I will obey your orders, Second Master."

Feng Chuchen went to the pharmacy to buy some medicine and then took a donkey cart home.

I had just arrived home when suddenly there was thunder and lightning, followed by a torrential downpour.

Feng Chuchen and Shaoyao moved the potted plants in the courtyard to the porch, and Aunt Wu ran out to chase the chickens home.

Feng Chuchen took an umbrella and prepared to go pick up Feng Buji, but Shaoyao said, "Miss, the rain is too heavy, I'll go and carry the young master back."

Wu San walked over from the side door, saying, "This old servant will go instead."

Feng Buji was carried back by Uncle Wu.

Lying on his thick, warm back, Feng Buji had a rather unique feeling.

This is the first time in my life that a man has carried me home in the pouring rain, and the first time I haven't been afraid of him falling in the rain and then falling off again.

His aunt and sister were his strongest support, but their frail backs pained him.

He secretly resolved to eat well, practice Tai Chi and finger-flicking skills diligently, and grow up to be as strong as the old Duke Ming, so that he could be a support for his sister.

Feng Chuchen stood under the eaves of the main house waiting for him.

Feng Buji stretched out a hand and called out, "Sister."

Feng Chuchen picked up her younger brother, patted the water splashed on him with a handkerchief, and touched his forehead. "Go inside and put on a jacket."

He then poured a bowl of hot water for Feng Buji to drink.

She was most afraid that her younger brother's cold would trigger his asthma.

The heavy rain continued, and by 5 PM the sky had completely darkened.

During the meal, Feng Chuchen mentioned that Shangguan Ruyu had invested in the company under the name of Guo's wife.

Aunt Wang beamed with joy.

The clinic the young woman described was good, but she was always worried about encountering unreasonable people. There were many nobles and high-ranking officials in the capital, and Lord Hu was only a fourth-rank official; there were many people he couldn't afford to offend.

Guo Jialing is an official under the Princess's household. As long as he gets involved and uses the Princess's name, many things will be easier to handle.

She clasped her hands together and chanted Buddhist prayers, "The Princess's Mansion is actually doing business with us. I never dared to dream of it before. Princess Yanghe, the Prince Consort, and Young Master Shangguan are all good people. May the Bodhisattva bless them to live a long and healthy life."

Banxia's face flushed with excitement, "Mother, perhaps Young Master Shangguan will come to our house as a guest, and we will be able to see him up close."

Peony grinned, revealing her big buck teeth. "Everyone says that Young Master Shangguan's skin is even whiter and more delicate than yours. I didn't see it clearly last time. Next time he comes to our house, I'll have to take a closer look to see if he's been using jasmine powder."

Aunt Wang warned, "Silly girl, you mustn't stare at those important people like that. They have terrible tempers; they'll beat you half to death."

"I'm not stupid, I'm not going to peek."

Feng Buji thought more deeply. "Sister is so beautiful. Is Young Master Shangguan helping us like this because he has ulterior motives towards her? He is the future son-in-law of Miss Wen. He can't mess with other girls."

Feng Chuchen smiled and pinched his cheek; the little brat was really cunning.

"Your sister is the most beautiful in your eyes, but in this young master's eyes she's just so-so. Don't worry, he's only doing this because your aunt and sister saved him, and he remembers our kindness. He won't do many things himself; instead, Lord Guo or his servants will handle them."

Feng Buji nodded in agreement.

Suddenly, the courtyard gate was pounded on loudly.

"Open the door, open the door, open the door quickly."

Peony ran to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, a man with an umbrella and an old woman rushed in.

The man said, "Tell Miss Feng to hurry to the Jin residence and wait for her."

After entering the house, the old woman handed over five taels of silver.

“We are from the Jin family. My wife is having a difficult childbirth, and Physician Zhou is waiting at the Prince He’s residence. We have no choice but to ask Miss Feng to come to our residence to wait for her.” He added, “My master is the commander of the Left Guard of the Jin Army, who is in charge of protecting the Emperor.”

Through Wen Shu's explanation, Feng Chuchen learned that the military organization of this era was somewhat similar to that of the Ming Dynasty in his previous life, but not entirely the same.

The vast majority of soldiers in the Great Yan Dynasty were under the command of the Five Military Commissions, but the Capital Garrison and the Imperial Guard were not under their jurisdiction, but were directly under the Emperor's command.

The capital city was surrounded by four major military camps: the Tiger Guard Camp, the Leopard Guard Camp, the Three Thousand Camp, and the Divine Machine Camp. These camps had a large number of soldiers, totaling 300,000, and were the most powerful field armies of the Great Yan Dynasty, responsible for protecting the capital city and the entire Great Yan Dynasty.

The top leader of each battalion is the commander-in-chief, who holds the rank of second grade.

Within the capital city, there were twelve imperial guards responsible for protecting the emperor and the city. These were the Flying Eagle Guard, the Standard Bearer Guard, the Front and Rear Golden Guard, the Front, Rear, Left and Right Feathered Forest Guard, and the Front, Rear, Left and Right Imperial Guard.

Each guard has five thousand soldiers, and the highest-ranking officer is the commander, a third-rank official...

Wu Yibo Wen Qian was the commander of the Right Guard of the Imperial Guard.

Feng Chuchen quickly got up to get the first-aid kit.

Aunt Wang said, "Peony and I will accompany the young lady, while Banxia will stay inside and take good care of the young master."

Several people, holding umbrellas, went to the alley entrance to board the carriage.

The old woman said, "My lady is enjoying herself. This is her first child, and she's very big. Oh dear, she's been in labor for two days and two nights and can't give birth. She's suffered terribly. The master has invited a female doctor and an imperial physician, and he's even sent Miss Feng to wait on her."

"Miss Feng, you must do your utmost to protect your masters and mistresses; your reward will be substantial..."

Feng Chuchen said, "No matter who it is, I will do my best."

Peony asked in confusion, "Commander's wife, this is your first child?"

She thought that a high-ranking official like the commander must be quite old, so why was his wife only having her first child?

The old woman frowned, but still explained, "My wife is a second wife, and she just turned nineteen this year."

She glared at Peony again, thinking, "What a clueless girl."

Aunt Wang gently tugged at Shaoyao with her hand, signaling her to speak less.

About half an hour later, we arrived at the corner gate of the Jin Mansion and walked to a small courtyard in the inner courtyard.

The courtyard was filled with umbrellas lying face down on the ground, scattered by the wind. Countless lanterns hung under the eaves, and all the windows were wide open except for one small window that was tightly closed.

Seven or eight old women and maids stood under the west wing corridor, while a royal physician carrying a medicine chest roared out from the tightly closed window.

A middle-aged man paced anxiously back and forth on the veranda of the main house. When he saw them come in, he stopped and scolded the old woman, "Why are you only coming back now?"

He wore a long black robe, was tall, had a large beard that covered half his face, and his eyes, as big as copper bells, were blazing with anger. His voice was as loud as a bell.

The old woman quickly curtsied and said, "Reporting to the master, it's raining, so the carriage is moving a bit slowly."