Chapter 165

The medicine was brought back, Qiqi helped brew it in the kitchen while Xia Zhi guided her.

Zhu Zi stood by the stove, smelling the bitter strange medicinal aroma wafting from the clay pot, her expression troubled.

"Boss, is this medicine bitter?"

"I've never tasted it, but medicine is usually bitter."

"It smells so bitter just from the scent, can we add sugar?"

"No, this prescription is all poison medicines, adding sugar would disrupt the balance of medicinal properties."

"Ah? Poison medicines?"

"Yes, like Aconite - eating it causes full body paralysis, Blue Star Root - eating it causes breathing difficulties, Crystal Grass - eating it causes abdominal cramping..."

"Boss..."

"Don't worry, I've balanced everything properly. As long as you don't add anything extra, there won't be any problems."

"Then I won't add sugar!"

"If you're scared to drink it, I can write you a new prescription without poison medicines."

"Really?"

"But that prescription would need Qingxin flowers, it would taste even more bitter, and because the medicinal properties aren't as potent as this one, you'd need to drink over twenty portions."

More bitter? Over twenty portions? This prescription only needs five portions!

Whether it's poison or not doesn't matter, she just doesn't want the medicine they bought to go to waste!

Zhu Zi's expression firmed up, and she immediately said: "Boss, no need! This one is fine!"

"You're not afraid?"

"I trust Boss!"

"Mm... Although we can't add sugar to the medicine, I'll make some pastries later. What would you like? I can make it for you."

"Boss, can I have osmanthus cakes?"

"Sure, Qiqi, is there any pastry you'd like?"

"I... want... mooncakes."

Xia Zhi was a bit surprised: "Mooncakes?"

Qiqi lowered her head, speaking softly: "Mm... I couldn't taste the mooncakes last time... but Yaoyao told me they were delicious... if Mr. Xia thinks it's too troublesome, never mind, I..."

"It's no trouble, and you've reminded me - we should make some mooncakes."

"Eh?"

"Shenhe is visiting Chongyun's family tomorrow. I was thinking of making some pastries for her to bring, as a gesture from us. When Chongyun ate at our shop last time, I remember he really liked mooncakes. He probably told his family about it after returning home. Making some mooncakes for Shenhe to bring for them to try would be a nice thing."

Standing nearby, Shenhe's expression froze slightly at his words, a strange warmth rising in her heart.

When the medicine was ready, Qiqi poured it out, a small bowl's worth.

"Zhu Zi, once the medicine cools a bit, you can drink it."

"Mm..."

Then, Xia Zhi began making pastries, with Shenhe, Yaoyao, and Qiqi helping, while Chi Yu tended the fire.

Zhu Zi picked up the bowl of medicine, grimacing, and tried a spoonful.

The taste wasn't good, but not as terrible as she'd imagined.

After drinking it, she waited a while and felt no signs of poisoning, then gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and gulped down the whole bowl.

"Boss, I finished it!"

"Mm, go wash the bowl and clay pot."

"Okay!"

"Don't carelessly dump the medicinal herbs in the pot, dig a hole in the back and bury them."

"Will it poison rats?"

"Enough to kill a whole nest."

"..."

Zhu Zi's face paled as she unconsciously touched her stomach.

"Boss, I feel kind of hot."

"That's the medicine taking effect."

"I'm not being poisoned, am I?"

"Relax, if you were poisoned, you'd already be on the ground. Go wash the dishes."

"Oh."

After a busy afternoon, Xia Zhi finished making many pastries.

He specially put extra effort into the appearance, making each pastry look very delicate and beautiful.

"Shenhe, go get some food boxes to pack one for Granny Ping, one for Miss Ganyu, and several for you to take to Chongyun's family tomorrow."

"Yes, thank you for your trouble, Boss."

"It's nothing. Qiqi, how are the mooncakes?"

"Delicious!"

"If you like them, eat more. I'll make them for you again next time."

"Mm."

"You're going herb gathering tonight, right? Pack a box of pastries to eat on the way. Be careful out there, it's dangerous."

"Okay."

"Oh right, Miss Chi Yu, pack two boxes to take back for Director Hu Tao to try. Thanks for tending the fire earlier."

"Thank you, Boss!"

After everyone packed their pastries, it was almost dinner time.

Xia Zhi flexed his wrists, feeling a bit tired, and said: "Since we have pastries to fill our stomachs, let's make something simple for dinner. We still have some unused dough, and Zhu Zi can only eat light food anyway, how about noodles?"

"Good!"

"We're eating early today, Yaoyao, want to stay for a bowl of noodles before going home?"

"Yes!"

Using some lean meat for the soup base, frying some eggs sunny-side up, everyone got a bowl of egg and shredded meat noodles, plus a small dish of sour crispy pickles and a salted duck egg - quite satisfying.

After dinner, Qiqi and Yaoyao left together.

Considering Zhu Zi needed rest and feeling somewhat tired himself, Xia Zhi decided they wouldn't go for their evening walk tonight.

After closing the shop, the three played mahjong with Miss Chi Yu for a while before bathing and going upstairs to sleep.

--

Yuehai Pavilion.

Ningguang was listening to Baiwen report some important intelligence.

Though all three were Ningguang's personal secretaries, they each had their strengths and different responsibilities.

Baiwen mainly handled intelligence collection and organization, serving as her personal intelligence officer.

Baixiao mainly handled business dealings and diplomatic activities, serving as her personal external steward.

Baishi mainly handled daily life matters and personnel work, serving as her personal internal steward.

"Miss Yelan has uncovered some leads regarding Zhiyi. He was originally poor and unknown, but suddenly gained an unusually good reputation at the harbor, seemingly deliberately spread by someone."

"Mm, just as Secretary Ganyu said, this person is suspicious."

"The Jade Chamber reconstruction is progressing smoothly. Countless workers and merchants have come to participate, and several adventurers with Geo Visions have accepted our commission posted at the Adventurers' Guild. Miss Keqing has also gone to supervise. As long as the Sunset Vermillionite and Wonder Core arrive on time, it can ascend again next month."

"Next month... mm... how is Uncle Tian's health?"

"Dr. Baizhu from Bubu Pharmacy has examined him. He was indeed poisoned, and though the residual poison has been cleared, the damage to his body cannot be recovered quickly. Dr. Baizhu left a prescription; if he takes the medicine daily, he should fully recover in two to three years."

"That's good... Has anything else happened these past two days?"

"No other important matters, though Wangshu Inn sent some strange news yesterday."

"Strange?"

"Yes, they noticed merchant caravans from Mondstadt have suddenly increased lately, with many adventurers traveling with them. When they inquired, the answer was that these adventurers came just for Summer Shop's rainbow juice."

"..."

Ningguang paused, then shook her head with a smile.

"Tell the Millelith to strengthen security. Mondstadt adventurers love to get drunk and rowdy, don't let them cause trouble in the city."

"Yes."

----

You can join my P@treon to read 40+ chapters early and support me and my work.

P@treon.com/rivyura