"This Soul Cleansing Pill is truly a rarity that has not appeared for a hundred years. I once heard my master's ancestor speak of it. As the name suggests, the Soul Cleansing Pill has the effect of cleansing the meridians and marrow. It can expel waste from the body, making the meridians, bones, flesh and blood more resilient. For martial artists who consume it, their physical functions reach optimal levels, even increasing their inner power. Some even say the Soul Cleansing Pill aids in the cultivation of immortality and longevity for ordinary people. In short, it is a priceless treasure."
"Cultivation? Cultivating what, to become an immortal?" Su Huan gave Xuan Little Three a dismissive look, finding him increasingly disagreeable today. "There is such a legend, but no one knows if it's true or not."
"Then it really is a good thing. We should take it to the auction house. People would scramble to bid tens of thousands of taels of silver for just one pill," said Su Qian, his eyes shining bright.
This Su Qian was an oddity in the Zhenguo General's Mansion. The Su family was a lineage of martial generals, yet from top to bottom, he alone was the exception. He had no interest in either literary or martial pursuits, only a love for business and making money. Fortunately, the Su family had three generations of heirs, so after scolding and beating him, they eventually stopped interfering. He was quite capable, having amassed a small fortune by the age of fifteen.
"Tens of thousands? You know the Detoxification Pills I took to the auction house before were already priceless. This Soul Cleansing Pill is far more valuable than the Detoxification Pills," Xuan Little Three scoffed.
"Priceless? Oh my, that's a lot of money to be made. Cousin, cousin, you can't play favorites. You have to give me a bottle too. Everyone else has one, you can't just leave me out, cousin..." Before he could finish, Su Li raised his foot and kicked him, almost knocking Su Qian off his chair.
"Look at you, all money-eyed," Su Li scolded.
"Ouch, uncle, you always..." Su Qian immediately jumped up and rushed to Su Yue's side, snatching a bottle of the elixir. "What's wrong with loving money? In this world, what can't be solved with money? Hehehe, cousin, this bottle is for me. I won't consume it, I'll sell it. Don't worry, I won't keep it all for myself, we'll split it fifty-fifty."
The others could only laugh at his antics. Su Yu was the first to object, "You little brat, hand it over. There's just enough for one bottle each, what will I do if you take one?"
Soon, the two were chasing and fighting, but Su Qian was no match for the battle-hardened Su Yu and was quickly overpowered.
Su Qian pouted at Su Yue, "Cousin, do you have any more? You can't just favor them over me, I'm your cousin too."
"If Third Cousin wishes to sell them, I'll give you another bottle later. But half of the silver earned must go to our grandfather for the army's use."
Su Huan and Su Li were momentarily stunned, then beamed with pride - this was the daughter of the Su family. "Yue, your grandfather has money. Keep the money for yourself, a young lady like you has many expenses. Look at those ladies in the capital, they all dress beautifully with jewels, cosmetics, and fine clothes."
"Yes, Yue, your uncle and grandfather understand your intentions. Keep the money for yourself."
"Grandfather, Uncle, I don't lack money. This isn't for you, it's for our Su family's soldiers."
Su Huan, Su Li, and even Su Yu looked at her with immense pride - this was the woman of the Su family.
By this time, Xuan Little Four had mostly finished eating and chimed in, "Little Apprentice Sister doesn't lack money. If she needs money, she can just withdraw from the bank. She'll never run out."
Su Qian waved his folding fan slyly at Xuan Little Four, "Never run out? How much money are we talking about? Tell me."
The two had a certain kinship and spoke casually with each other.
"I don't know, but it was given by my Senior Brother. I've never checked, I just have this gold token, and Little Five has a black one." Xuan Little Four wiped the oil from his hands and took out a gold token from his pocket inscribed with "Four Seas Bank."
Upon seeing it, Su Qian nearly fell off his chair again, this time from shock rather than being kicked. "A token from the Four Seas Bank, a gold one... my goodness, your Senior Brother must be a tycoon. And a black one? My god, a black token allows unlimited withdrawals from any Four Seas Bank branch worldwide."
Su Qian examined Xuan Little Four's token, his eyes gleaming with envy as he looked at his cousin. "Cousin, what about your black token? Let your cousin have a look, I've never seen one before."
At this point, Su Yu came over and snatched the gold token from Su Qian's hands, returning it to Xuan Little Four. "You call yourself money-eyed, but look at you drooling like a dog. Why would Cousin show you her token? Go sit down."
Their Senior Brother was the Emperor of Northern Qi, so how could Su Qian even think of touching something he gave them? Seeking death, no doubt.
"So, Grandfather, Yue really doesn't lack money. And she has no reason to spend it, so please accept my gesture."
"Good, good. Grandfather accepts, and thanks Yue on behalf of our family's army."
"Grandfather, we are family."
"Yes, family," Su Huan said affectionately, his face beaming with contentment.
"Yue, the gift you prepared for us is so precious that it makes the one I prepared for you seem rather insignificant. But I've carried it with me for many years. Take a look and see if you like it."
Su Li had someone bring over a black lacquered box. Su Yue opened it to reveal an exquisite dagger. Its outward appearance was understated in silver and black, but it was intricately carved with patterns and inlaid with two blue gemstones, clearly of immense value. As Su Yue picked up the dagger, her fingers felt a chill - it was forged from millennium-old spirit iron, truly a masterpiece.
Su Yue admired it more and more. "Thank you, Uncle. I love it."
"I'm glad, I'm glad," Su Li laughed heartily.
"Cousin, I have a gift for you too. See if you like it." Before she could react, Su Qian had taken something from his pocket and slipped it onto Su Yue's wrist.
A ruby red jade bangle now adorned her arm, lustrous and translucent, accentuating the delicate paleness of her wrist.
"Well, at least you did one sensible thing. The bangle's not bad, it looks good on Yue. Yue, your grandfather's gift isn't ready yet, we couldn't bring it. He doesn't want you to be upset with your grandfather."
"Of course not, I'm already happy just to see you, Grandfather. I don't need any gifts."
"No, no, that won't do. When we return to the capital, Grandfather has so many wonderful things for you to choose from."
"Wow, Cousin, you're going to be loaded! Grandfather's riches are no small matter, huh?" Once again, Su Qian wore a covetous expression. Alas, he was not born a daughter to enjoy such luxuries.
"Cousin, your brother has prepared a very special gift for you as well. Take a look and see if you like it." Su Yu clapped his hands, and a soldier brought in a scroll from outside the tent - it appeared to be a painting. "Open it and see."
Su Yue accepted it and slowly unrolled it to reveal an exquisitely beautiful woman smiling radiantly on a swing in autumn scenery. Su Yue's eyes flickered with recognition - it was her mother.
Su Huan saw the woman in the painting and his eyes turned red.
No one spoke. Su Yue gazed at it for a long while, then looked solemnly at Su Yu. "Brother, I love it. Thank you."
