Simply Trading

As Qin Feng expected, the white-haired fellow didn't take long to make his position known. And he had to agree that it was all very reasonable:

"Regardless of their motives, beating an Outer Court disciple to such an extent is a little too much. And I shall definitely support Elder Ming when we see the Administrator of the Medicine Hall later. As for Feng'er's losses ... I think we should write off the damage that his fields had received. And claim damages from the Rear Garden. At least, the ones who were responsible for this mess.

"What do you think, Elder Ming?"

Ming Guanhe dipped into a bow at once. And with a broad smile on his lips. "This one is grateful for your support, Elder Xuan. With your recommendation, I have no doubt that the Administrator would agree at once."

Elder Xuan merely nodded his head and turned back to Lingxi. And his demeanor was more than merely kind as he spoke to the woman. "Your efforts on behalf of your sisters at the Rear Gardens should be praised. But I think the situation is getting out of hand, if the different groups there are already resorting to violence to snatch away the herbs required for the same.

"As you mentioned before, Qin Feng here is the only one who had bothered to cultivate those herbs, so he will no doubt remain a target. Nor can we allow him to put in all of that effort without gain. I shall have a word with the Medicine Hall later, to see if we can put those herbs that you, and the other women, require onto the list of contributions."

He paused to squint at Qin Feng then, who was still quietly watching the show. Which was enough to hint to the young man just who his proposal was meant for. "That way, they should be able to exchange their services, and their points, for the herbs, rather than relying on silver. I believe that should make things easier for everyone, don't you agree?"

Qin Feng merely dipped his head as he rubbed at his wet eyes again. But that subtle gesture was all that Lingxi needed to realize that he was agreeing to the old man's proposal. He was the one who was going to making a loss, if anything. Of course, he had expected something like this to happen, so he was certainly not about to protest.

Lingxi didn't have any difficulty catching his subtle signal either. So she dropped into a deep, respectful bow immediately.

"That would be greatly appreciated, Elder Xuan. It would certainly help all of us from the Rear Gardens. It is a rather ... inconvenient matter, that has been bothering us for a good while now," she replied with what seemed like heartfelt gratitude.

Elder Xuan merely smiled at her words, and turned to the waiting Chen Xing. "You had best head over to the Medicine Hall with me, and report what you had seen at ... the boy's medicine field. I do not doubt that the Administrator would prefer to have a first hand account of the damages to the place. And its surroundings."

Chen Xing barely had time to acknowledge the instruction, before the Elder laid his hand on the senior disciple's shoulder, and dashed away with him. Qin Feng managed to control his amusement at the sight, although it was clear from the shocked expressions on Elder Ming's and Lingxi's faces that neither of them had been expecting that.

The middle-aged Elder, however, managed to recover rather swiftly. And simply shook himself as he stared at his senior's abrupt departure.

Elder Ming Guanhe soon calmed down, and he patted Qin Feng on the shoulder, in a reassuring fashion. But his words were clearly directed at the woman next to him.

"It seems Elder Xuan has already formed an idea about the whole situation. He had probably heard something from his daughter regarding the issue. But I doubt if he shall be making things difficult for the two of you.

"Qin Feng here has gone through a lot already, Lingxi. Best that you bring him back to his ... garden, and see what can be done with the hut he has there. The weather will be starting to get wetter soon, so we shall only have a little time to handle the necessary repairs. Do what you can, to make him more comfortable."

Lingxi dipped into another bow, acknowledging his instructions. But Qin Feng saw him turning and stepping away with his Lightness-of-Body art before she could straighten up again. No doubt, he was heading over to the Medicine Hall as well. After all, he was supposed to be the Elder in-charge of the disciples attached to the medicine fields.

Clearly, both elders had decided that dealing with the Administrator of the Medicine Hall, and the rampant disregard for rules among the Rear Gardens female disciples was more important than the well-being one insignificant Outer Court disciple.

The woman in pale green didn't waste any time, once both Elders had left the courtyard. She hauled Qin Feng back up on his feet, and started to drag him away from the same. And from the look that she wore on her face, he had the impression that she was trying her best to get away from the Elders' Court as quickly as she could.

And she was certainly using her own Lightness-of-Body martial art as she led him away. So much so that he had to use his own rather limited accomplishment in the same, to keep up with her lead.

But why was she in such a rush?

She must have seen the question in his expression, for she soon gave him a rather forced smile, as she whispered softly in his ear:

"We may have cleared both Elders now, but who knows who else might wish to stick their paddle into the matter. I have no wish to stay here and answer all of their questions. Let us go quickly. We can talk more freely once we are back at your field."

Then she clutched onto his arm, and waved for him to hold his tongue. And quickly started for his particular medicine field at once.

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