Ger, So Proud

Chapter 107

Luo Zhanming, holding He An’s hand, led him out of the cell. Once outside, he let go of He An’s hand, feeling an inexplicable sense of loss.

It was nearly dusk, and the setting sun painted the sky with hues of orange and red. He An, who had been tense all afternoon, finally began to relax. He looked up, wanting to say something, but stopped at the word “you.”

He noticed Luo Zhanming’s face, slightly red with faint finger marks.

“Who… Who hit you?” He An’s hand instinctively reached up to touch Luo Zhanming’s face, but Luo Zhanming turned his head slightly. “It’s nothing, it doesn’t hurt.”

With such a serious incident at the family pharmacy, the impact was significant. The other two family pharmacies had already closed, and the restaurant and freight business were also affected. These were secondary concerns; his father, who had always valued his reputation, was now embroiled in a criminal case involving the family’s shop. After learning from his dad about his previous near-drowning incident and its connection to the He family, his father, thinking he had fallen in with bad company, had hit him in a fit of anger.

He An, although used to acting like a child in front of his dad and brother, was not foolish. He felt a surge of guilt in his eyes. “Is it because of my family that you’re in trouble?”

If it was indeed the work of that man surnamed Wang, then the Luo family was unfairly implicated because of them, and Luo Zhanming too…

“It’s not that at all. Don’t overthink it. Our family has weathered many storms over the years, and with my brother-in-law around… As long as the truth comes out, everything will be resolved.”

Although his elder brother was also a victim in this matter, despite Luo Zhanming’s comforting words, He An found it difficult to dispel the guilt in his heart.

He could only hope for the case to be quickly resolved and put behind them…

While Lin Yu had not yet come out, Luo Zhanming took He An to visit the manager of the pharmacy. By the time they returned to the flower shop after their meeting, it was already dark. Luo Zhanming then headed home alone. Just as he entered the courtyard, Ah Mu timidly ran up to remind him, “Young Master, you have an appointment. Master is waiting for you in the main hall.”

Luo Zhanming paused in his steps. “Alright, I understand.”

“Young Master, I didn’t mean to bring up the matter between you and the He family. Madam overheard something and insisted on asking me. I couldn’t hide it anymore, so I…”

Seeing him walk away, Ah Mu couldn’t help but explain.

“Don’t worry, it’s not your fault.”

All the manservants and servants in the main hall were dismissed. Luo’s father sat at the head with a cup of tea in his hand, looking as if he was presiding over a court session.

“You’re back? Where did you go?”

“I went to the prison to visit Brother He and Manager Chen.” Luo Zhanming replied straightforwardly.

“At least you have some sense. How is Manager Chen? Tell him that our family will definitely clear his name, and reassure the elderly and children at home that I will take care of them.” Luo’s father spoke spontaneously, overlooking the earlier name.

“Father, rest assured, I’ve already told Manager Chen all of this.”

“Hmm.” Luo’s father glanced at Luo Zhanming, then immediately looked away. “How’s your injury? Your dad has prepared some ointment for swelling and pain relief. Remember to apply it later.”

“Yes, Father, I know.” Luo Zhanming smiled. “I knew Father would worry about me.”

As the only seedling and an old child, how could Luo’s father not worry? Luo’s father gave him an annoyed look and took a sip of tea before continuing, “Still laughing, even at your age, you don’t know how to be steady. Always making me and your dad worry! Making friends recklessly aside, you even mix personal matters with public affairs. If…”

“Father, I’m not at fault in this matter. The purchase of that batch of baizhi was entirely in accordance with our family’s usual practices. I believe in Brother He’s character. This incident is just an unfortunate mishap that will eventually be clarified.”

“Alright, fine, you’re devoted and loyal.” Luo’s father slammed his teacup on the table. “Let’s not talk about your Brother He’s character. Let’s talk about the business losses and reputation recovery for our family in the coming days. How do we remedy them? And our reputation, how do we salvage that?”

“Father!”

Ignoring him, Luo’s father continued, “Your brother-in-law just came over and pointed out a clear path. He said that if we want to quickly get out of this, although it seems difficult, as long as Manager Chen changes his testimony and shifts the blame, with your brother-in-law’s mediation, this case can be resolved quickly, and we can minimize our losses in time.”

“Don’t worry, this case isn’t too severe. At most, it’s manslaughter. It’s just that Manager Chen and your friend He will have to spend a few more years in prison. Our family will compensate them appropriately.”

“Father, how can you say that!” It seemed like Luo Zhanming couldn’t anticipate that his own father would say such words, and his eyes were filled with disbelief.

“As the only male descendant of the Luo family, shouldn’t you consider the family’s interests? The Luo family has built its reputation over generations, and I won’t allow any flaws under my watch!”

“Father—since childhood, you taught me that business is built on integrity and honesty. Now are you telling me all of that was a lie?” Luo Zhanming questioned. “I met He Ze by chance, we share common interests, and I’ve already considered him a friend and even a brother. An accident brought An-ge into my life, and I care for him deeply. He’s the person I’ve chosen. Manager Chen has worked diligently in our pharmacy for decades, contributing his efforts. Father, do you understand what you’re saying?”

“What am I saying?” Luo’s father remained composed.

“You’re asking me to betray my friends, my wife, my partners. You’re asking me to become an unscrupulous person!”

“And what about the Luo family? Where do you place our family in all of this?”

Luo Zhanming breathed a sigh of relief, calming down a bit. “The investigation is ongoing, and the truth will clear everyone’s name. We will eventually recover our losses, and as for our reputation, the Luo family’s reputation has been built over generations. The truth will prevail against any false accusations!”

“Is that your opinion?”

“Yes, and I will never agree to what you want!”

Luo’s father fixedly looked at his son for a while. After a moment, his stern expression suddenly softened, and he chuckled while patting his hands together. “Well done! You truly deserve to be a descendant of the Luo family!”

“Father, you—”

“Zhanming, since you were young, I taught you that as businessmen, we must be smart. But today, let me teach you one more thing: being smart is important, but it should never lead you astray morally.”

“Business is important, but being a good person is even more important. Isn’t that what scholars say? To be upright in front of heaven and humble to others. That’s the principle. Yes, you’ve not embarrassed our Luo family.”

If Luo Zhanming still didn’t understand that his father was just acting, then he might as well not have lived! Though rare, being praised by his father made him feel somewhat happy. However—

“Father, you’ve gone too far! I really thought you…”

“What? Do you think your old man is just an unscrupulous person? Do you even think that, even if your old man wanted to do something like that? Would your brother-in-law agree?” Luo’s father said, with a bristling beard and staring eyes.

“That’s right. My brother-in-law isn’t that type of person.” He had been too impatient earlier, so he hadn’t noticed the obvious issue. “But Father, what exactly did my brother-in-law say when he came to the house just now?”

“He said exactly what I just said.”

“Huh?”

“Today he went to Lord Li’s banquet, where Lord Li hinted to him about Wang Fucheng’s uncle, Li Deming,” explained Luo’s father.

“How could that be? The case happened just a day ago. How could Li Deming know so quickly? Even if he wanted to get close to my brother-in-law, he wouldn’t have to do it in such a controversial manner, right?”

“You understand all of this, but it makes no sense that Li Deming, who’s been an official for so many years, doesn’t understand,” Old Man Luo reminded, “So, when things go contrary to expectations, there must be something sinister going on! You said He Ze has old grievances with that Wang family? It seems this matter truly is related to them.”

“Father, aren’t you angry anymore?”

“Why should I be angry? My previous anger was about you falling into the water and not telling me or your dad. I was angry because your personal relationships were affecting business, thinking you couldn’t differentiate between public and private matters. Since you solemnly assured me of your friend’s character, I naturally have to trust your judgment, right?”

“Father, you’re the best!” Luo Zhanming said happily.

“Don’t be too quick to be happy. Think carefully tonight. Tomorrow, your dad and I will wait here to hear about this An-ge that you like so much.”

Luo Zhanming: “…”

“The kitchen has dinner heated up for you. Go and eat while it’s hot. Rest early tonight. Pay extra attention to the case these days. Your father has enough resources to handle manpower and money here.”

“Yes, Father.”

Luo Zhanming put away his smile and watched Old Man Luo leave. This day had truly been thrilling!

…

In the Wang family courtyard, Li Deming and several Wang family members gathered together. The doors were tightly closed, and all servants had been dismissed.

Wang Fucheng’s dad wiped tears from his eyes and couldn’t help but ask again, “Brother-in-law, must you really feed Fucheng that poison? What if something goes wrong… Can’t we wait a bit longer and think of another solution?”

“Yes, younger brother-in-law, our Wang family only has this one heir…”

“Uncle, do I really have to drink it? I don’t want to!”

“Do you want to die or go to prison? Choose one.” Li Deming sneered, “This is the best way to eliminate suspicion against Fucheng. Didn’t we consult the doctor earlier? As long as we control the dosage, there won’t be any problems. Brothers, have you thought about it? Will Fucheng go to prison or face life-threatening danger, or just suffer a minor illness from this poison?”

“Well…”

While they were discussing, a servant from beside Wang Fucheng knocked on the door and entered with two bowls of medicinal soup. “Master, I personally brewed these according to your instructions. There are absolutely no mistakes.”

“The news of Young Master’s illness has already spread throughout the mansion?”

“Yes, everyone in the mansion knows.”

Li Deming said no more, picked up one bowl of soup and handed it to Wang Fucheng, “Drink it. After drinking, you’ll fall asleep, and when you wake up, everything will be over. Rest assured, since you have a grudge with that He surname, Uncle will make him pay.”

“Uncle…”

“Drink it to avoid unnecessary troubles during the long night. We still need to buy time.” Li Deming held the bowl of medicine to Wang Fucheng’s lips. With determination, Wang Fucheng tilted his head back and swallowed it down.

After Wang Fucheng drank the medicine, he quickly fell into a deep sleep. Wang’s father and dad watched over him by the bed, while the servant said, “Master, there’s still… one more bowl left.”

Li Deming didn’t answer immediately. He glanced at the servant and then said, “Let me ask you again, did you handle all of Fucheng’s previous instructions on your own?”

“Yes.” The servant was a bit nervous.

“Did you buy the baizhi from Tongchun Hall as well?”

“Yes… I knew little about medicinal herbs before, so I bought them to see what they looked like and make it easier to act.” The servant didn’t dare to conceal anything; Li Deming asked, and he answered truthfully.

“What about Chaiwu you bought from your fellow townsman? What’s his relationship with you?”

“He mainly digs medicinal herbs in the mountains as an adult. These pieces of Chaiwu are his family’s inventory. Originally, he wanted to find an opportunity to sell them at a high price, and I bought them from him. We had a good relationship when we were young, but we’re not close now.”

He wasn’t close at all, yet he demanded ten taels of silver for just a few pieces of Chaiwu! Thinking of this, the servant felt quite bitter.

“Alright, you’re not completely stupid…” Knowing he didn’t buy from the pharmacy, Li Deming tapped the table and stared straight at the servant, speaking slowly and deliberately, “Drink this bowl.”