Transmigrated Leftover Woman in Rural Style

Passing through the moon gate and onto the surrounding corridor, after several twists and turns, a rather beautiful courtyard appeared before them. The courtyard's furnishings were slightly ornate, perfectly matching someone's temperament. Li Xiaonuan couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, whispering to the servant who was two steps behind her:

"I can tell at a glance that this is your young master's residence. The interior must be quite beautiful."

Xiao Si pursed his lips, looking like he wanted to laugh but didn't dare. He glanced at Wei Yu, who was walking with his head down, and whispered, "My young master's taste is beyond the reach of ordinary people. He knows how to enjoy life to the fullest."

Xiao Si was the same servant boy in blue robes from before. When Li Xiaonuan learned his name, she teased him, "Your young master really knows how to name people; it's easy and remembers."

Xiao Si's face was bitter, but the young master was arrogant. He said disdainfully, "You common folk don't even know 'Time flows like this,' how could you know that 'this' refers to the rushing river?"

The two were speechless for a moment. To actually be able to justify the name one had arbitrarily chosen—that's quite a skill, isn't it?

In a flash, Li Xiaonuan was led into a study. The study was furnished fairly modestly. Of course, this was the conclusion after ignoring the brightly colored curtains, the ornate vases, and the fresh dahlias of various colors.

Li Xiaonuan and Wei Yu sat one after the other at the desk. The dutiful servant served them tea and then obediently left. Watching the door close, Li Xiaonuan's brow twitched. Could this be considered a man and woman alone together?

Wei Yu, however, didn't intend to speak first, slowly sipping his tea. The study, now only occupied by the two of them, fell silent, the atmosphere slightly awkward. Li Xiaonuan, realizing she needed to finish quickly, tried to ease the tension by touching the dahlia on the corner of the desk and praising it:

"These flowers are grown so well, they're still so fresh and tender even when you pick them."

Wei Yu remained noncommittal. He put down his teacup, took out his folding fan, and unconsciously tapped it on the desk. He said, "Don't change the subject. Tell me about your astonishing deal."

Since Wei Yu's expression remained largely unchanged, Li Xiaonuan couldn't guess what he was thinking. Therefore, she asked nervously, "If I could provide you with nautical maps and color brochures on high-yield crops, would you find them useful?"

"Why would I do a private deal with you if I don't need it? Stop asking all sorts of irrelevant questions and just tell me how you want to trade." Wei Yu's expression remained unchanged, but his tone was unpleasant.

Li Xiaonuan awkwardly suppressed her suspicions and said to Wei Yu in a negotiating manner, "Young Master Wei, you must know about my family's situation. My father's illness is very serious and can only be cured by a master surgeon."

Wei Yu stopped tapping on the desk, rested his chin on his folding fan, and asked, "You want me to help you invite a top surgeon to treat your father's illness?"

Li Xiaonuan nodded and continued, "You will have to cover all the expenses for hiring him until my father recovers."

"That's all?" Wei Yu asked.

"Also, the crop seeds you brought back must be planted by me free of charge, and they must be the first batch planted. After they grow, you have to buy them back at their value at the time. Otherwise, I will sell them at a high price," Li Xiaonuan continued to make demands.

Wei Yu pondered for a moment before saying, "I can't make that decision. I'll try my best to get you some seeds, but I'm afraid we'll get very few."

"Then try to get at least twenty catties of each. Less won't do, and the crops won't grow well." Transactions involving the royal family are not something a commoner like her can control; she will just do her best.

“Besides that,” Wei Yu continued.

"I demand that you keep this a secret, and not let anyone know that I gave you the nautical charts and crop atlases. You can take all the credit, but you can't harm our family. I promise, I will not cooperate with anyone else but you."

"Anything else?" Wei Yu asked again.

"First, I need the materials for drawing. Second, I refuse to explain the contents of the drawing to anyone other than you. Of course, I also refuse to answer any questions about the source of the drawing and any related questions. Third, it's best not to let any third party know about today's transaction except for you and me."

How can you guarantee that the nautical charts are genuine?

"I'll show you a globe for reference. You know, the Earth? The ground we're standing on is part of the Earth."

“I know that. Back then, Emperor Taizu had books on this subject printed and spread the word everywhere. There was also a globe in the palace that you mentioned.”

"That would be perfect. Once I present you with the globe and map, you can simply compare them and determine whether the map is genuine or not."

"I cannot agree to anything until I see the map and the globe. If, as you say, the map is genuine, I can guarantee the transaction will proceed as you say. Of course, there will be a generous reward afterward, so you don't need to worry about that."

"Alright, I'll bring those two things over as soon as possible. As for the high-yield crop atlas, I wonder if the higher-ups have it?"

"The picture book above isn't finished yet; there are only two or three items, and they're still uncolored."

"Then I'll offer that up as well."

"Okay, give me a deadline so I can get someone to start making arrangements."

"One month, I'll be able to bring those things over in a month."

"Alright, to maintain confidentiality, I won't take notes on today's conversation. We'll discuss everything after we confirm the map's authenticity. Don't worry, your family's safety is absolutely guaranteed."

"I'll believe you for now, but I hope you won't go back on your word. Otherwise, you'll be punished by heaven." Only then did Li Xiaonuan realize she was covered in sweat. In this era where nothing is known, carrying such a secret could very well bring about her death.

Seeing Li Xiaonuan's worry and helplessness, Wei Yu couldn't help but comfort her, "Although I'm not exactly a saint, I consider myself to be trustworthy and keep my promises. You really don't need to worry, I'm not the kind of person who would abandon someone after they've served their purpose."

After saying that, he took out a jade pendant from his neck and handed it to Li Xiaonuan, saying, "This pendant can represent my identity. You can use it to freely obtain money and manpower in any of our Wei family's shops. Of course, you can also take it to any shop with the emblem on the back of it to seek protection."

The teardrop-shaped pendant felt cool to the touch, not warm from being worn for a long time. Li Xiaonuan examined the emblem on the back but couldn't make out what it was. It resembled a flower but wasn't. But with this token of her trust, she felt much more at ease.

"Then I'll accept the pendant. Since we've reached an agreement, I'll be leaving now. I'll bring it back when everything is ready."

After speaking, Li Xiaonuan stood up. Only then did she realize that her legs were trembling slightly. After taking a few breaths to calm herself down, she took a step towards the door. Wei Yu, reverting to his peacock-like nature, also stood up to see her off.

As we approached the door, he asked, "How should I get your drawing supplies?"

"Send it to the Tibetan Herbal Medicine Clinic. My father stays there for treatment, and we go there every day. We can send it there around noon." Li Xiaonuan had forgotten about this.

Wei Yu nodded, took a few steps forward, opened the door, and called out, "Xiao Si, come and see the guest out."

A moment later, the servant ran in from the courtyard gate with a bright smile and said, "Young master, I will definitely send the person out as quickly as possible. You just wait. Oh, the eldest young master just sent someone to summon you, saying he has something to discuss with you."

Wei Yu glared at Xiao Si and muttered, "What a nuisance. Alright, send him out."

Xiao Si bowed and scraped, gestured for them to enter, and said to Li Xiaonuan, "Miss, this way please."

Seeing the obvious theatrics of the master and servant, Li Xiaonuan was speechless. She nodded to Wei Yu and strode out.