Sir Song, do you want to pledge yourself to me?

Ji He already resented Ji Nuan. She felt that it was Ji Nuan who had forced her to marry Zhang Qinghu. When she heard Ji Nuan mention the word "bride," it felt like she was mocking her, and she couldn't control her emotions at all.

This sudden action stunned everyone, and the room fell into a dead silence. Tears glistened in Ji He's eyes. She bit her lip tightly and said in a trembling voice, "It's all you! You're the one who hurt me! All of this is your fault!"

Seeing this, the second sister-in-law finally couldn't help but stand up, her voice filled with dissatisfaction: "Ji He, you're not right to say that. You know what's going on better than anyone else!"

After hearing this, Ji He's emotions didn't calm down, but instead became even more agitated. She began to turn her anger on everyone present, as if they were all against her. "You're all in this together! Don't think I don't know what you're up to! Ji Nuan, you're even more hypocritical. Stop pretending to be so kind! Who knows what shameful things you put in your face cream!"

The second sister-in-law firmly defended Ji Nuan and said, "We've all used the cream made by Ji Nuan, and our skin has visibly improved. How could she possibly harm you? Stop being so unreasonable and thinking such bad things of everyone."

Ji He's mood did not seem to be eased by her second sister-in-law's words. She still wanted to escape the reality of marrying Zhang Qinghu by making a big scene.

Ji Nuan watched Ji He struggle feebly, her eyes devoid of emotion. She said coldly, "Ji He, today is your wedding day. If you really want to make a scene, go ahead. But I want to remind you that by doing this, you'll only make the Zhang family feel embarrassed during their wedding. Then, you'll see if they'll treat you better because of this."

Ji Nuan's words were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the anger in Ji He's heart. She finally realized that her unreasonable behavior would not change anything, but would only put herself in a more passive position. So, she gradually calmed down, and tears began to glisten in her eyes.

Seeing this, the aunt hurried forward to comfort Ji He, patted her on the back, and said gently: "He'er, don't be sad. Marriage is a woman's second life. Although you may feel unwilling now..."

Seeing this, the others left the room.

Ji Nuan had no intention of staying too long at her uncle's house, so she said a few simple words to the people she was traveling with and went home first.

At noon, Ping'an Clinic delivered six carriages of medicinal herbs. After lunch, Ji Wei arrived with her helpers.

Ji Nuan took a look and saw that they were all young people from the same village, two girls and four boys.

Ji Nuan stood in front of everyone, her voice clear and firm, her eyes revealing unquestionable seriousness.

"I think Ji Wei has already informed you that your wages are twenty coins a day, which is based on the amount of work you can complete. I believe that you have all considered carefully before choosing to follow her here."

"What you are about to do is quite special. Therefore, I ask that you all keep it strictly confidential and not reveal any details about the work to outsiders."

After saying this, Ji Nuan gave everyone a chance to choose: "If you feel you can meet this requirement, you can stay. If you feel you may not be able to comply with the confidentiality regulations, you can leave now. I respect everyone's choice and hope that everyone can make a responsible decision."

After the words were spoken, the whole scene fell into a brief silence.

The young people from the same village looked at each other in surprise. They didn't expect Ji Nuan to be so serious.

Some showed a determined look, while others seemed hesitant. But in the end, no one chose to leave.

Ji Nuan had taught Ji Wei how to grind medicinal herbs before, so now she asked her to teach others how to grind medicinal herbs first.

The medicinal materials ordered this time include not only hemostatic powder, but also health pills and beauty pills.

Ji Nuan returned to her room, recalling the design of a pill-rolling board and sketching it on paper. Currently, kneading pills one by one was not only inefficient, but also difficult to ensure that different people produced pills of the same size. She decided to use a pill-rolling board to achieve mass production.

In the Song residence's study, flickering candlelight illuminated Song Jinbai's slightly anxious face. The document book in his hand seemed like a wordless book; no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't concentrate on reading. The inexplicable sense of emptiness in his heart made him think of Ji Nuan again.

"Song Bai, go call the housekeeper." He finally couldn't hold back his inner thoughts anymore and ordered outside the door. There was a subtle urgency in his voice.

Song Bai left immediately. A moment later, Butler Wu hurried over and stood respectfully in the center of the study. "What do you want me to do, sir?"

Song Jinbai pondered for a moment and said, "Prepare a thank-you gift for Song Huai. I will personally deliver it to the Ji family tomorrow." He finally found a suitable reason to see her.

When Butler Wu heard this, a trace of doubt flashed across his face. "Sir, shouldn't we prepare two? And your thank-you gift hasn't been delivered yet."

Song Jinbai smiled gently, and there was some deep meaning hidden in that smile, "I haven't forgotten. I will give my share after I personally select the thank-you gift."

Of course he wouldn't forget. He said this deliberately, but he had other plans in mind. He didn't give a thank-you gift or pay the consultation fee, so that he could always owe Ji Nuan for saving his life. He enjoyed this feeling of "owing a debt" because it gave him more opportunities to get closer to Ji Nuan.

Seeing this, Butler Wu seemed to understand something and a knowing smile appeared on his lips. "I understand. I will prepare it right away."

"Well, it doesn't have to be too expensive. Pick some practical items." Song Jinbai reminded again.

"Don't worry, sir. I will pick out some items that are both practical and decent, and I will not be impolite."

Butler Wu took the order and left, and the study returned to peace again.

Song Jinbai looked at the back of Butler Wu as he left. He was certain that he had developed unusual feelings for Ji Nuan, and this feeling was quietly growing, making it impossible for him to ignore it.

Early the next morning, Song Huai heard from the housekeeper that the master would go to the Ji family in person to deliver a thank-you gift on his behalf. As the person involved, he felt that he should go, so as to show his sincerity.

He ran to the adult's Tingfeng Courtyard happily, and was stunned by the adult in front of him. He almost forgot the purpose of his trip.

Song Jinbai's hair was tied up high in a bun, secured with a white jade hairpin. The few strands of hair on his forehead accentuated his handsome features. He wore a light blue robe embroidered with cloud patterns, and a white jade waist belt clasped tightly around his slender waist, making his posture even more upright.

"Sir, this is going to..." Song Huai finally found his voice, but asked with some stuttering.

Song Jinbai turned around and looked at Song Huai with a gentle look, a faint smile on his lips, "I'm going to go to the Ji family in person to give a thank you gift, you should come with me."

Before Song Huai could even ask to go with them, the adults arranged for him to go. He quickly nodded in agreement and followed behind Song Jinbai, secretly observing him as they walked.