Chapter 357
Chapter 357 The Emperor is in Trouble
Cried? Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment and then understood. The Eldest Miss was the type who acted tough but was soft-hearted. She must have overheard the Madam saying that Qiaoqiao was beginning to pack up the house and assumed they would soon move out. That must be why she was so upset. He knew her personality all too well. Outwardly, she might appear indifferent, but deep down, she was probably very anxious.
“Yesterday, after I shopped with Sister Xu, I saw the Eldest Miss hiding from us and crying secretly in her chamber,” Qiaoqiao said somberly. “Brother, the Eldest Miss is truly pitiable. She and the Madam have been so good to you. Can we not part ways with them, please?”
“Silly girl, who said we were parting?” Lin Wanrong pulled her into an embrace, the image of the Eldest Miss's determined yet gentle demeanor surfacing in his mind. He sighed softly, “Didn't I tell you yesterday? We, along with the Madam and Eldest Miss, will always be one family and will never be separated. Once she returns, I'll tell her that we should all move into the big house together. It’ll be warm and lively; how wonderful would that be?”
Qiaoqiao obediently nodded, looking up with a seductive smile and said sweetly, “Big brother, you're so kind.”
The two went inside. Lin Wanrong recalled the “Nose-piercing Grass” he had acquired from the Turkic people and took out a small bag, which was as precious to Ashile as life itself. He poured the long, thin tobacco leaves onto the table and examined them closely. This crude tobacco had been processed roughly; the Turkic people simply burned it in pots to inhale. But in Lin Wanrong’s hands, it was a different story. Being a cunning merchant, he wouldn’t miss such a lucrative opportunity.
He asked Qiaoqiao to bring a small blade and grindstone. He finely shredded the tobacco, then asked her for a thin piece of paper, and wrapped the tobacco in it, rolling it slowly. Qiaoqiao's skillful hands were renowned. Following her brother's instructions, she rolled the tobacco perfectly, handing it over to Lin Wanrong. The cigarette was straight and slender, somewhat resembling the cigarettes from his previous world.
Elated, Lin Wanrong lit the cigarette, and a mild tobacco scent filled his nostrils. Though it was bitter and dry compared to the superior tobacco of his world, having a cigarette to smoke in this era was a treat. This was innovation; a veritable goldmine.
“Big brother, what's this?” Qiaoqiao asked, covering her nose, finding the tobacco scent a bit overwhelming.