The gate of Rong Shan Tang was really splendid. There were more than ten doors open, and on top of the main gate was a black horizontal board with the words Rong Shan Tang written with green ink. It looked not only solemn and respectable, but also represented the practice of medicine.
Looking in from the gate, the citizens who came to have check-ups were lining up systematically while the trainees of Rong Shan Tang were either getting the medicine according to the prescriptions or leading the patient to get medicine. There was a clear contrast between the liveliness inside and the quietness outside.
But the citizens who were there were mostly in old and broken clothes. It seemed like this Xiao Nie daifu was rather kind. Otherwise, how would poor people have the courage to step into such grand and luxurious gate?
"Let's go in!" When the two of them went down from the carriage, they had already worn their gauze hats. Qu Fei Qing went into Rong Shan Tang first while assisted by Le Yao.
Yun Qian Meng slightly frowned at Qu Fei Qing's impatience, before she followed her into Rong Shan Tang.
When they stepped into Rong Shan Tang, they immediately saw Xiao Nie daifu sitting right in the middle of the main hall. He was concentrated on taking the pulse of a patient. Qu Fei Qing's steps slowly stopped when she saw him.
"Are you two xiaojie here to consult with the doctor?" a trainee approached them and asked politely.
"Our xiaojie has something to consult from Nie daifu. Is he free now?" Mu Chun answered for Yun Qian Meng.
The trainee smiled and replied, "Then please wait for a while. Nie daifu still has three more patients. Xiaojie, please wait to the side first."
Yun Qian Meng looked at Rong Shan Tang's architecture, then nodded to the trainee. She went to one side with Qu Fei Qing and sat down, quietly waiting for Xiao Nie daifu to finish.
While waiting, Yun Qian Meng thought of a feasible plan. If she could come to an agreement with Xiao Nie daifu, that would be a considerable boon.
After half an incense stick's time, Xiao Nie daifu had finished with all his patients for the day, so.the trainee immediately went to him and whispered. Xiao Nie daifu quickly washed his hands then came over.
When he approached, he discovered that it was Fu Guo Gongfu's and xiangfu's eldest xiaojie who were waiting for him. He was surprised and immediately apologized, "Pardon me for the long wait."
Yun Qian Meng stood up and said, "The patients are naturally more important. Today, we just came to thank Xiao Nie daifu for the medicine the other day."
Hearing Yun Qian Meng's words, Xiao Nie daifu smiled and said, "For myself, it had not been a lot of effort. Yun xiaojie is being too polite."
Yun Qian Meng still smiled, but she glanced around Rong Shan Tang then slowly said, "Rong Shan Tang occupies a really big area, but it isn't fully utilized. Xiao Nie daifu is excellent in the art of healing, yet doesn't excel in entrepreneurship."
It had been unexpected of Yun Qian Meng to say that, Xiao Nie daifu slightly blushed, as if his hidden weakness had been revealed, he then fake-coughed and said, "I am indeed not good at entrepreneurship. But there are specialists for everything. I also still have a lot to learn about medicine; thus, have no time and energy to think about other things."
Although his words were said unconsciously, it had a meant differently when Qu Fei Qing heard it.
Feeling Qu Fei Qing's emotions fluctuate, Yun Qian Meng immediately changed the topic, "I have an idea actually, would Xiao Nie daifu like to cooperate for it?"
Xiao Nie daifu looked curious. He somewhat doubted that Yun Qian Meng really came here only to thank him, what other intentions did she have?
Although Yun Qian Meng's face was still covered by the gauze, Xiao Nie daifu could still feel the calculative rays from her bright eyes, just like when she stared at his medical box the other day, so he was more vigilant facing her.
"What good idea is it? Wouldn't it be even better if we work together?" suddenly, a bright and clear voice sounded from the door. Everyone looked over and saw Rong Yun He walk in with Si'er.
Seeing Rong Yun He, Xiao Nie daifu showed excitement, but because there were too many people nearby, he hid the extreme joy he felt.
Yun Qian Meng, on the other hand, had not expected Rong Yun He to be there. She smiled and said, "Undoubtedly, as the richest merchant in Western Chu, you really know where to find business opportunities."
Rong Yun He smiled lightly, but his eyes were filled with sincere joy, and explained, "It was a coincidence. I was checking out the stores in this area, then I saw xiangfu's carriage by the entrance of Rong Shan Tang, so I came over to look and had indeed seen you."
Seeing the two of them talk like old friends, Qu Fei Qing and Xiao Nie daifu's attitudes toward Rong Yun He also became more lively and welcoming.
Yun Qian Meng turned around and faced Xiao Nie daifu. She intended to force him and said, "Xiao Nie daifu, I believe you're also aware of Rong gongzi's talent in business. With his joining in the plan, what do you think of it now?"
Xiao Nie daifu was doubting Yun Qian Meng's ability, but completely admired the Rong family—the richest merchant family in Western Chu, and Rong Yun He particularly. Despite his young age, all the businesses that went through his hands had flourished. Although Rong Shan Tang looked nice, because there were too many instances of giving out free medicine and not accepting payments from poor people, he could no longer afford it. If there were a good way to continue to help the poor while sustaining Rong Shan Tang, he was naturally more than willing to cooperate.
After thinking for quite a while, Xiao Nie daifu looked at Rong Yun He's sincere eyes and nodded.
Yun Qian Meng slightly frowned then approached Qu Fei Qing and complained, "Biaojie, how dare he doubt my abilities?"
Hearing that, she heard a soft and clear laugh from beneath Qu Fei Qing's veil.
"What is this brilliant idea? Could you tell us about it?" Rong Yun He turned to Yun Qian Meng and asked.
Being asked by a business expert, Yun Qian Meng's face lighted up and said excitedly, "Rong Shan Tang occupies a pretty large space, but it's only a one story building, which wastes the advantage it has. We can renovate it and make it into a multi-storied building. The first floor can be used to only fill the prescription of herbs and cook the medicine. The second floor is mainly for diagnosing men while the third floor, for women. This way, we can not only separate the infectious diseases, but could also secure everyone's safety."
Xiao Nie daifu's eyes lit up at Yun Qian Meng's suggestion. All doubts he had towards Yun Qian Meng had disappeared completely after her suggestion.
Rong Yun He also stared at Yun Qian Meng in disbelief. He had not expect her to have such a unique perspective.
Yun Qian Meng slightly sighed in her head. This was only basic knowledge in the modern century.
Seeing the two show so much interest, Yun Qian Meng knew that her idea had been feasible, so she continued, "A while ago, I saw that it was really tiring and stressful for Xiao Nie daifu to handle all the patients alone. We could add more segregation to the basics I've said a while ago. Each doctor can focus on dealing with certain types of illness. This way, we can have a more rational disposition of manpower and this way, the doctors would not be so worn out. Moreover, for the usual illnesses, it would be a waste of time for Rong Shan Tang to still cook the medicine for them. We can make those into pills and let the patients take those home and drink them with warm water. This way, we not only raise the efficiency, but also save a lot of time for everyone."
"Meng'er, this is really a great idea! We were born into rich and prosperous families and naturally don't really know the hardships of the normal citizens. But this way really makes things a whole lot easier." Even Qu Fei Qing who had only been listening at the sidelines was praising Yun Qian Meng's plan, let alone say the two men in front of her. The looks thei directed at Yun Qian Meng now were filled with amazement.
"Of course. I think that the art of healing isn't only about curing people's illness. Xiao Nie daifu has excellent skills, so why not invent some beauty products, like collagen! Rong Shan Tang should increase and you won't fall short even after doing charity." Yun Qian Meng then paused and looked at them.
"This is a great idea. If this is done, then Rong Shan Tang would be unique and irreplaceable in Western Chu! You really cannot be underestimated!" Xiao Nie daifu's eyes were filled with surprise now as he directly praised Yun Qian Meng.
But thinking of beauty products and that "collagen", these were words that he had never heard of, so he humbly asked, "What is that collagen? How is it made?"
Yun Qian Meng slightly stuck her tongue out. She had been too excited earlier and had been unaware of what she was saying. Based on the current medical advancements, it might be impossible to extract collagen.
But since she had already said it, Yun Qian Meng could only reply, "Are you the doctor or am I the doctor? Why would you ask me this kind of question?"
That being said, Xiao Nie daifu blushed and was only able to say, "Oh."
Yun Qian Meng was already discussing with Rong Yun He at one side, and the two of them exchanged ideas about the renovation while looking at the inner structure of Rong Shan Tang.
In the course of their following conversation, Yun Qian Meng noticed how business-minded Rong Yun He really was. Not only did his think fast, but he was also quick in accepting new knowledge. No wonder the Rong family had become the richest merchants of Western Chu.
"If the outcome of the plans turn out well, we could even open a second and third branch of Rong Shan Tang elsewhere. When that time comes, the citizens of Western Chu could have easy access to medical services anywhere. We would not only do charity work, but also increase the convenience for others." Yun Qian Meng said, rather impressed with some changes that Rong Yun He suggested.
"When the times comes, I can provide the properties." Rong Yun He happily replied.
At this moment, Xi Lin entered the room. When he saw Yun Qian Meng, he handed over the wooden box he was holding to Yun Qian Meng.
"What is this?" Yun Qian Meng asked Xi Lin as she accepted the box.
Xi Lin only politely replied, "Xiaojie, xiangye only told beizhi to give this to xiaojie."
Afterwards, Xi Lin swiftly left Rong Shan Tang as quickly as he had arrived.
Yun Qian Meng did not understand. She minutely opened the cover of the wooden box and saw a thick pile of land deeds. She immediately understood Chu Fei Yang's intentions and raised her head to looked outside, but did not see anyone.
When Rong Yun He saw the deeds, the smile on his face slightly faded. Bitterness flashed through his eyes at Chu Fei Yang understanding Meng'er so well. They had just spoken about the stores a while ago, yet he already had someone send over land deeds. Chu Fei Yang clearly did not want him to join the plan.
How could Yun Qian Meng not understand Chu Fei Yang's motives? Although she was happy that he trusted her so much, it was not all doing business required. Having Rong Yun He by their side would be their biggest guarantee to succeed.
But she could not deny Chu Fei Yang's kindness either, and thus, she tried to negotiate, "I'll provide the stores and ideas, Xiao Nie daifu will be in charge of the medical aspect, and with regards to the funds needed to create beauty products and the marketing them, we will have to trouble Rong gongzi."
Rong Yun He smiled and nodded at the tasks being distributed accordingly; Xiao Nie daifu was even happier. He immediately told a trainee to bring them pen, ink, and paper for the three of them to sign the contract on the spot, so that they could start immediately.
Afterwards, they discussed some more details. Yun Qian Meng left Rong Shan Tang with Qu Fei Qing when she had seen how dark the sky was getting.
"I didn't expect that Meng'er would have such a talent! I saw how impressed Rong gongzi was!" Qu Fei Qing said as she was taking off her veil hat once they were in the carriage.
Not only Rong Yun He and Xiao Nie daifu, even Qu Fei Qing, who thought she knew Yun Qian Meng well, was surprised by Yun Qian Meng today.
Yun Qian Meng stared at Qu Fei Qing calmly then said, "Biaojie, the person you like is Xiao Nie daifu, right?"
When Qu Fei Qing heard Yun Qian Meng's words, the smile on her face suddenly became stiff and her face grew pale. She avoided Yun Qian Meng's stare and the hands holding the hat were tightly pinching the sides. She did not know how to reply.
Seeing her reaction, Yun Qian Meng became sure.
While she was discussing with Rong Yun He and Xiao Nie daifu a while ago, she had not forgotten to observe Qu Fei Qing. She saw that although Qu Fei Qing was quiet, she still emitted an aura of joy, which was the complete opposite of the sadness she expressed when speaking of the tea they had at Chu Yun Ge. Now, she was reassured of Qu Fei Qing's feelings.
"Meng'er, I…" When she finally had the strength to speak, Qu Fei Qing still did not know how to explain herself. She eventually lightly said, "He tried his best to cure father. From diagnosing to concocting the medicine, he did everything all by himself. Compared to those young men from the rich and influential families, a man who has such seriousness is really rare."
Qu Fei Qing's eyes gradually became slightly red as she spoke. "But I also know that my marriage cannot be decided by my parents. If the the Empress Dowager were to find out, she would have already sentenced him to death. That's why I suppressed my feelings. It's just that, Meng'er, I just can't take it! If I hadn't been born in this kind of family, I wouldn't need to be restricted by so many people."
Tears fell from Qu Fei Qing's eyes all the while.
Seeing her thin and weak shoulders trembling, Yun Qian Meng also felt her sadness and pain. She sat beside Qu Fei Qing and pulled her over by her shoulders to give silent support. But Yun Qian Meng's delicate brows were tightly knitted.
Xiao Nie daifu was different from Chu Fei Yang. Even if he became a taiyi because of his excellent medical skills, he would still only be a taiyi. It was impossible for the Empress Dowager to agree to let Qu Fei Qing marry a useless taiyi.
Needless to say, when Xiao Nie daifu was still among the grass roots. If the Empress Dowager knew of Qu Fei Qing's feelings, she might really do something extreme.
Yun Qian Meng felt that she had been extremely lucky to meet Chu Fei Yang, who was so strong and forceful, but still treated her differently. No wonder Hai Tian and the others hated her so much.
"Meng'er, only you and I know about this, but…" Although Qu Fei Qing trusted Yun Qian Meng, this matter also concerned Xiao Nie daifu's life, she could not not be careful about it.
"Don't worry, biaojie. This matter will rot in Meng'er's stomach." Yun Qian Meng sincerely promised, even before Qu Fei Qing finished her sentence. She then hugged the lonely Qu Fei Qing tight until they were back at the gates of Fu Guo Gongfu.
After sending off Qu Fei Qing, Yun Qian Meng immediately went back to Qi Luo Yuan. She reopened the box, took out all the deeds, and carefully examined all of them. She was so shocked afterwards that she thought to herself, 'Was Chu Fei Yang really giving all his wealth to her? These land and house contracts were all in the best parts of the capital. Could he really be so generous?'
Although surprised, Yun Qian Meng also felt very happy inside. A light smile appeared on her face while she carefully counted the contracts. She then took a calligraphy brush and carefully listed all the areas in the contracts, while thinking of what businesses would be suitable in each area.
But she still sighed in her heart about Qu Fei Qing's matter. In these old times, she was afraid that no one would accept a relationship between two people from totally different classes and backgrounds.