One day, Su Ling heard that Ji Shan Tang in the town was purchasing medicinal herbs and had a considerable reputation in the medical field. The news shone like a ray of light into her heart, which was troubled by worries for her family's livelihood. She immediately decided to give it a try.
Thus, she carefully organized the herbs she had gathered, categorizing them meticulously and packing them into a clean burlap sack. Each herb was arranged neatly, like soldiers awaiting inspection, as she hoped to make a good impression on Ji Shan Tang.
The next morning, before dawn broke and only a hint of light appeared on the horizon, Su Ling rose early. She quickly tidied her hair into a neat ponytail with a cloth ribbon, then slung the sack over her shoulder and set off on the road to the town.
The winding path to the town was flanked by fields and woods. The gentle morning breeze brushed against her, carrying a hint of coolness, but Su Ling's heart was filled with anticipation as her steps were firm and resolute.
Ji Shan Tang stood in the bustling center of the town, a two-story wooden building adorned with intricate carvings and flying eaves, exuding an air of ancient elegance. The bright red door stood wide open, with a golden plaque bearing the words "Ji Shan Tang" hanging above it, glistening in the sunlight as if narrating its glorious history.
Standing at the entrance, Su Ling gazed at the imposing structure, feeling an overwhelming sense of nervousness. Her hands unconsciously tightened around the sack, her knuckles turning slightly white from the pressure. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she mustered her courage and stepped inside.
The interior was filled with a rich aroma of medicinal herbs, complex and robust as various scents mingled together. The attendants bustled about, some organizing herbs while others prepared prescriptions for customers at the counter.
Su Ling approached the counter and addressed one of the busy attendants, "Brother, I have some herbs I wish to sell to Ji Shan Tang. May I ask if your establishment is interested?"
The attendant looked her up and down. Dressed in simple farmer's clothes with several patches and her hair hastily tied back, she bore traces of travel on her face along with a hint of dirt.
The attendant scoffed disdainfully, snorting lightly through his nose before coldly replying, "We only accept top-quality herbs at Ji Shan Tang. What good could come from a little girl like you?"
Though fear gripped Su Ling's heart, thoughts of her impoverished mother and her determination to change their fate steeled her resolve. She opened the sack and began to lay out the herbs on the counter one by one.
Her hands trembled slightly, but her voice remained clear: "Brother, please take a look. Though I am just a farmer's daughter, these herbs are all carefully gathered and potent. I searched diligently in the mountains and prepared them according to ancient methods; I would never be careless."
The attendant impatiently pursed his lips, but under her insistence, he reluctantly picked up the herbs to examine them.
Initially intending to dismiss Su Ling casually, he was taken aback to find that the herbs were meticulously prepared and of excellent quality.
As he marveled at the herbs, a warm voice floated in from the back room, "What is causing such a commotion here?" The voice carried a hint of authority and concern, as if it could penetrate the bustling atmosphere of the shop.
Su Ling looked up to see a young gentleman approaching gracefully. He wore a moonlight-blue robe, made of what seemed to be fine silk that flowed smoothly against his form, swaying gently with his steps like flowing moonlight.
A light blue silk ribbon was tied around his waist, fluttering lightly in the breeze, accentuating his tall and upright figure. His features were strikingly handsome; his brows were like ink paintings—thick and well-defined, resembling two willow leaves resting above his eyes. His eyes sparkled like stars, deep and bright, with dark pupils that seemed to hold endless wisdom and gentleness. His nose was straight and prominent, akin to a towering peak, while his lips were thin yet rosy, with the corners slightly upturned in a faint smile.
His jet-black hair was neatly tied up with a jade hairpin made of sheep fat jade, intricately carved with delicate patterns that shimmered softly in the sunlight, complementing his overall demeanor.
As the gentleman approached the counter, his gaze fell upon Su Ling's herbs, and a flicker of appreciation crossed his eyes.
He leaned slightly forward, carefully examining the herbs with long, fair fingers that gently caressed them as if he were touching the most precious treasures in the world.
"Did you gather these herbs yourself?" His voice was deep and magnetic, as melodious as flowing water.
Su Ling quickly nodded. "Yes, sir. My family is poor, and my mother is weak. I want to sell these herbs to earn some money for our household." A hint of nervousness and anticipation shone in her eyes as she unconsciously tugged at her clothing.
The gentleman nodded slightly and straightened up, shifting his gaze from the herbs to Su Ling, his expression now filled with curiosity and admiration.
"You are quite remarkable at such a young age. It is truly rare. I am Jun Yichen, the young master of Ji Shan Tang." His self-introduction was brief yet powerful, exuding confidence and composure.
"I will accept these herbs for Ji Shan Tang."
Upon hearing this, Su Ling felt a surge of joy. Her hands, which had been nervously clutching her clothes, relaxed, and a radiant smile blossomed on her face as she hurriedly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, young master. Your kindness is greatly appreciated, and I am truly grateful."
Jun Yichen looked at Su Ling with curiosity. He had encountered many wealthy young ladies and delicate misses, most of whom were pampered and beautiful but lacked substance. In contrast, the farm girl before him, though simply dressed, radiated resilience and intelligence.
She faced the challenges posed by the workers with dignity and determination in her eyes, which drew Jun Yichen's attention even more.
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