Chapter 92 The Tang Family’s Intentions

"Sixth, go and talk to your eldest brother," Old Master Tang instructed.

Tang Qiming was furious but dared not speak out, his resentment directed straight at his elder brother. "Zai Zai has concocted a medicinal recipe, unique in the world, with remarkable effects."

Old Master Tang produced a document. "This shows the results of the trials."

Tang Qicheng glanced at his sixth brother, the look making Tang Qiming's hairs stand on end. He was about to explain, but his brother had already bowed his head to examine the document.

Tang Qiming leaned in as well, barely through the first page. "Zai Zai is incredible!"

"Blockhead!" Old Master Tang scolded him.

Tang Qicheng held his tongue, then snapped, "Be quiet!"

Tang Qiming, feeling aggrieved, fell silent.

Only then did Tang Qicheng continue reading, his eyes growing brighter with each page. When he finished, he handed the document back to his grandfather. "Grandpa, your intention is?"

"Zai Zai wants to use this to exchange for your Fourth Uncle and his wife," Old Master Tang said.

Considering Tang Qiming's feelings, Tang Qicheng hesitated, but as Old Master Tang's personally taught heir, he spoke up. "I don't think it's appropriate."

"I don't know everything about Fourth Uncle’s matter, but just this medicine alone may not be enough."

Though Tang Qicheng wasn't privy to all the details, the fact that Fourth Uncle's situation had affected the entire family—and despite Grandfather's efforts, Fourth Uncle and Aunt had still been sent away—confirmed for him that it was no simple matter.

Old Master Tang looked at him with approval. "Tell me your thoughts."

Tang Qicheng pondered for a moment. "If handled properly, this could relieve the family's current predicament, so we need someone of our own involved."

"Zai Zai is still young and has never dealt with such things. Someone must look out for her," Tang Qicheng mused aloud.

He was thirty-five, already in the position of Tang family successor, and had witnessed much darkness. His first thought was always to secure the family's interests and safety.

Old Master Tang remained silent, sipping tea slowly, while Tang Qiming idly spun his cup.

Tang Qicheng’s mind raced, considering each family member's current position and abilities. At last, his fingers stopped tapping the table. "Let Xingyi go. She has the capability and the means, and with Mo Ling assisting, there should be no issue."

He then looked to Old Master Tang for approval.

Old Master Tang asked only, "Which position do you want Xingyi to take?"

"Director of the Revolutionary Committee," Tang Qicheng replied without hesitation. "The county's committee director has been dismissed, and there's no replacement yet. Let Xingyi take the post."

"Mo Ling can assist, or be placed in the Armed Forces Department. That way, if anything happens... we’ll have the advantage."

Old Master Tang was well pleased. "Then I'll leave this matter to you."

It was a clear granting of power.

In his lifetime, Old Master Tang had four sons and one daughter. The eldest was mediocre but deeply protective of his siblings; the second son had other ambitions and made his own way in the army; the third was a dreamy soul, untouched by worldly concerns; the fourth was pampered; and his only daughter was hopelessly romantic.

So, when choosing an heir, he set his sights on his grandson. Fortunately, the eldest grandson was outstanding—sharp in vision, capable, and resourceful. In these turbulent times, the Tang family needed such a leader.

Old Master Tang was patriotic but not stubborn. As long as it didn't harm the country, he would pursue the family's interests without hesitation.

He was growing old; it was time to pass the family on to the younger generation, especially after seeing his eldest grandson’s keen mind today.

Tang Qicheng was naturally delighted, but he also felt the weight of responsibility. Yet he welcomed it—he had been waiting for this day since he was ten years old.

After settling some details, Tang Qicheng said, "Sixth, send Zai Zai a telegram. Tell her not to hand over the medicine yet. Wait until Xingyi arrives."

Tang Qiming, half-asleep, replied, "Alright!"

Having considered everything, Tang Qicheng left in haste, even refusing Grandmother Tang’s invitation to stay for dinner.

Returning home, he immediately set things in motion, and informed his wife as well.

For Xingyi to parachute into the post, he needed his wife's support—family connections were everything.

When it concerned the family, Sister-in-law Tang didn’t hesitate and acted at once.

Far away in Guyue Village, Tang Banxia was unaware that because of her, the entire Tang family had mobilized.

She was currently dealing with Director Yu, who had come to urge her about the medicine.

"Director Yu, I truly apologize—I broke my promise," Tang Banxia said sincerely. "I've been overwhelmed lately, and the medicine’s production has been delayed."

She had just received a telegram from her second brother, and Director Yu had arrived immediately afterward.

Fortunately, she had a strong constitution.

Director Yu was clearly disappointed. "It’s been a month and a half. Still not ready?"

Tang Banxia kept her smile. "You may have heard, for the past month I’ve been busy with the knowledge handbook. The herbs aren’t even fully processed yet."

"Plus, I still need to dry them, steam them, grind them, mix the medicine... There are many steps left."

"And I’ve a few ingredients not yet prepared," Tang Banxia said, genuinely apologetic.

She had indeed broken her promise, so facing Director Yu, she couldn't be too assertive.

Director Yu was visibly angry, but maintained his gentlemanly composure. "Can you give me a deadline, then? When will it be ready?"

Tang Banxia hesitated. "Perhaps another month?"

"You know, the earth will thaw soon and it’s time for spring planting. I’m the village barefoot doctor, so my primary job must come first."

Director Yu’s brows furrowed. "Are you certain about one month?"

"I honestly can’t guarantee it," Tang Banxia replied, unsure when Grandfather would finally relent.

Truthfully, if the young woman before him wasn’t extraordinarily talented in pharmaceutical arts, Director Yu would have lost his patience already.

Her words sounded like the tricks of someone making promises only to renege later.

She had taken his herbs, yet what he wanted was nowhere near ready.

Tang Banxia realized she was being unreasonable. "Do you still need Beast Lure Powder? I still have plenty left."

Director Yu regarded her deeply. "Very well."

Tang Banxia promptly turned to fetch the Beast Lure Powder.

Once it was handed over, Director Yu confirmed again the delivery date for the Muscle Mending Powder, but Tang Banxia dodged every question with vague replies.

Frustrated, Director Yu left in a huff.

Watching his stormy departure, Tang Banxia opened her mouth to say something, and then closed it.

Wen Mubai, ever curious, asked, "What were you about to say?"

"He hasn’t paid for the Beast Lure Powder yet," Tang Banxia replied. That was her hard-earned labor—she couldn’t let it go so easily.

Wen Mubai sprang up. "I’ll go after him."

"Forget it." Tang Banxia pulled him back. "We’re at fault here. Let it be a peace offering."

Wen Mubai agreed, "Alright, I’ll listen to you."

After a brief moment of laughter, Aunt Hu arrived with Hu Chunhua.

"Little Tang, check Chunhua’s pulse."

Seeing their hopeful faces, Tang Banxia understood at once. Sure enough, after a careful examination, she said, "Her pulse flows like pearls—she’s two months along."

Hu Chunhua blushed, bashful and radiant, while Aunt Hu’s joy couldn’t be contained.

Tang Banxia reminded them of precautions for expectant mothers, and watched them leave in high spirits.

"Xiao Bai, what’s for lunch?"

Wen Mubai poked his head out from the cellar. "You tell me."

Tang Banxia thought for a moment. "Let’s have hotpot. You take the tomato broth."

"Alright!"