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"Xu Mubai kneels to thank Miss for saving my life! Your kindness, Miss, I will never forget for the rest of my life!"
He had been chased all the way to the capital, too afraid to seek refuge in an inn or visit a doctor even when injured and sick.
Had it not been for this young lady, he would have already reunited with his family in death, let alone think of revenge.
Su Li’s feelings toward Xu Mubai were complex.
In her past life, if it weren’t for this man, Jun Hui wouldn’t have ascended to that position so quickly, and her Su family and the Duke Wei household wouldn’t have been annihilated as swiftly.
But reason told her that even without him, the outcome would have been inevitable—it was only a matter of time.
Seeing Su Li remain silent for a while, Mo Hua stepped forward and whispered, "Miss?"
Su Li, with a calm tone, instructed, "Extend your hand."
Xu Mubai was momentarily stunned.
Mo Hua, who had become somewhat familiar with him after frequently delivering medicine recently, clarified, "What are you hesitating for? The Miss wants to take your pulse."
Xu Mubai quickly extended his hand, bowing slightly, his demeanor respectful.
Su Li examined his pulse.
"There’s no issue. You can stop taking the medicine now."
Xu Mubai thanked her again, "Thank you, Miss."
"There’s no need to thank me. That day, I merely happened to save you—it was fate that spared your life."
Mo Hua thought inwardly: What do you mean ‘happened to’? We spent hours going back and forth just to save this person.
Who exactly is he? Is he really worth all this effort from the Miss?
Su Li continued, "Your illness has healed; you may return home now."
Xu Mubai's expression dimmed. "I no longer have a home."
Su Li was taken aback.
In her past life, she only knew that Jun Hui had saved Xu Mubai but was unaware of his other circumstances.
Taking a sip of tea, Su Li asked indifferently, "Then what are your plans moving forward?"
Xu Mubai appeared lost.
Of course, he wanted revenge—but he lacked connections, resources, and wealth.
A man who had always been confident now despised himself for being so powerless.
Worse still, he didn’t even know who his enemies were!
Seeing his state, Su Li refrained from asking further questions.
She simply stated, "If you currently have nowhere to go, you may stay here temporarily. But I don’t support idlers—what skills do you possess?"
Xu Mubai expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Miss. I am skilled in commerce."
Su Li suppressed a smile. This was exactly what she had been waiting for.
Nodding slightly, she said, "Very well. Coincidentally, I’ve been considering opening some businesses recently and lack manpower. In a few days, I’ll provide you with some silver and a storefront. The rest is up to you."
Xu Mubai was about to agree but hesitated, his expression darkening. "Miss... I cannot show my face. If I do, my enemies will find me."
"It’s fine," Su Li reassured him. "I’ll prepare a mask for you to wear initially. Later on, you won’t need to personally appear for everything."
Xu Mubai’s eyes lit up, his last concern dissipating completely.
He believed that before long, he would gain the ability to protect himself and could reveal his identity openly.
After meeting Xu Mubai, Su Li took her maids to an apothecary to purchase more medicinal herbs before returning home.
Sitting in the carriage, Su Li thought of someone.
Someone crucial to Jun Hui—the daughter of Yu Qiao, the Salt Transport Commissioner, Yu Banxia.
In her past life, Su Li envied Yu Banxia. Unlike other noblewomen, she was always vibrant and free-spirited, unbound by the rigid rules expected of ladies of high society. She acted according to her own will.
She often made startling remarks, confidently proclaiming ideas like 'gender equality,' which were unacceptable under societal norms at the time.
Perhaps it was this uniqueness that attracted many outstanding men, including Jun Hui.
Yu Banxia was indeed a woman full of innovative ideas, though some of them were impractical.
Her novel business concepts, such as 'hot pot' and 'buffet,' were handed over to Xu Mubai for implementation, which contributed significantly to his rapid rise as the wealthiest man.
Her proposals regarding flood control and disaster relief, though immature, offered fresh perspectives.
Jun Hui typically assigned Zhao Huaian to refine these suggestions further and implement them.
However, the one who ultimately perfected these ideas wasn’t Zhao Huaian—it was Su Li herself.
Su Li had long realized that while Yu Banxia’s ideas were good, following them blindly would lead to dire consequences.
Her thoughts were shallow, as if she didn’t fully understand Tianqi.
Even until her death in the previous life, Yu Banxia hadn’t married Jun Hui because the concept of 'one partner for life' was something he couldn’t fulfill.
In her past life, Su Li secretly mocked Yu Banxia for her naivety but also admired her courage to voice what every woman desired yet dared not say aloud.
Yu Banxia, in my past life, I was the one who refined your ideas, yet you received all the praise.
This time around, borrowing a few of your ideas evens the score.
Upon returning home, Su Li retreated to her room.
Recalling the hot pot restaurants from her past life, Su Li began sketching and jotting down notes on paper.
She would utilize everything at her disposal to rapidly accumulate wealth and reputation.
After all, in the future, she would be facing opponents like Jun Hui and Consort Yun.