Chapter Sixteen: Money Above All Else

Page 1/3
The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.
Since Su Chen had secured the allegiance of the Cheng and Niu families, Emperor Taizong of Tang had begun to take notice.
He was well informed about the recent happenings in Chang’an city.
"Young man, are you trying to win over Li Jing as well? I underestimated you; your skills are truly formidable."
Su Chen had treated Li Jing’s wife at Li Jing’s residence, and news of this had reached Emperor Taizong.
The emperor immediately understood—Su Chen was cleverly replicating his strategy to bring Li Jing over to assist him.
It seemed that this time, Zhangsun Chong was truly about to face a worthy rival.
Even Zhangsun Wuji had to show respect to Li Jing, a figure regarded as a military god of the Tang Dynasty.
“The Physician and Zhijie must have realized this long ago, yet they still gave Su Chen a chance, proving this young man indeed possesses extraordinary talent.”
The Physician was Li Jing’s courtesy name, and Zhijie was that of Cheng Yaojin.
Li Jing and Cheng Yaojin were no ordinary figures; it was impossible for them to be easily swayed by Su Chen.
Undoubtedly, they were already aware of the situation, but Su Chen’s exceptional abilities had earned their cooperation.
Moreover, their occasional dissatisfaction with Zhangsun Wuji might have prompted them to use Su Chen to send a warning to the Zhangsun family.
At that moment, a report arrived: Li Chengqian had sent several artisans from the Crown Prince’s residence to Su Chen.
“Artisans? Su Chen already requisitioned several from the palace which have yet to be returned. Why does he need more?”
Emperor Taizong was puzzled.
What did Su Chen intend to do with these artisans?
Furthermore, Li Chengqian had sent several artisans to Su Chen personally.
These two young men were becoming increasingly mysterious.
The emperor ordered continued surveillance and timely reporting of any developments.
The artisans sent by Li Chengqian had arrived at Su Chen’s place.
At Su Chen’s clinic, a crowd had gathered.
After acupuncture treatment by Song Lao San’s father and administration of an “An Gong Niu Huang Wan” pill, the patient could now stand and walk, albeit slowly.
The facial paralysis had significantly improved.
The onlookers outside marveled in astonishment.
“That’s only natural. The rhinoceros horn alone is extremely rare. If not for the efforts of a few of us, perhaps not a single piece could be found in the whole of Chang’an.”

Page 2/3
Zhou Taifu had spent quite a bit this time.
Several ingredients in Su Chen’s prescription were exceedingly precious and not commonly found.
Fortunately, Zhou Taifu’s family had some stockpiled, which they brought over, contributing to Su Chen’s clinic.
“You’ve truly gone to great lengths, Doctor Zhou. How much do I owe you? Tell me, and I’ll pay.”
Su Chen was well aware that several ingredients in the “An Gong Niu Huang Wan” were rare.
Bovine bezoar and musk were naturally sourced in this era and came at a steep price.
Only the imperial physicians typically had such stockpiles.
Serving in the palace, they often brought some supplies home, which accumulated over time, so these were never in short supply.
“You flatter me, Young Master. It’s nothing. We offer these willingly, and considering how miraculous the ‘An Gong Niu Huang Wan’ is, just knowing the formula is already a great gain for us.”
What Zhou Taifu said was true—a medicinal formula could be passed down for generations.
Hearing this, Su Chen said no more.
Though the clinic’s income was decent, it was somewhat modest for Su Chen.
“Stay here at the clinic; you won’t miss out on rewards in the future.”
Su Chen was clear—this clinic was merely the beginning. His forthcoming ventures would astonish all of Tang. Those who followed him would undoubtedly reap great benefits.
Had Su Chen said this before, Cheng Chumo might not have taken it seriously.
But now, Cheng Chumo recognized Su Chen’s vast knowledge and believed he might indeed strike it rich.
“Brother, don’t forget about me. My father just kicked me out recently, and I’m strapped for cash.”
These second-generation scions spent money like water; even a slight income disruption left them financially strained.
Seeing the bustling clinic during the day, Cheng Chumo envied the thriving business.
Su Chen gave him a sidelong glance; the boy was simply envious.
“Don’t be fooled by the daytime crowds. This clinic barely makes any money.”
Su Chen shook his head. Though many patients came, the clinic was not his money-making venture.
Cheng Chumo clearly didn’t believe this.
At that moment, the artisans sent by Li Chengqian arrived.
Cheng Chumo wondered what Su Chen intended to do with so many artisans.
“Follow me.”
Su Chen had already chosen a location belonging to the Su estate, situated behind the main residence—secluded and seldom visited.
Few locals frequented this area.
Su Chen had long prepared several houses here.

Page 3/3
“Brother, you’ve got me confused. Why so many artisans? Are you having them make pills for you?”
Cheng Chumo assumed Su Chen was manufacturing medicinal pills.
After all, he’d seen Su Chen’s “An Gong Niu Huang Wan,” which required some time to produce, but those were handled by imperial medical apprentices, not artisans.
Clearly, with such a remote location and numerous artisans, Su Chen was up to something else.
“Didn’t you ask for money earlier? This place is where we’ll make our fortune.”
Su Chen had already prepared a weapon; he intended to recruit all the generals under his banner.
If he could also make some money along the way, all the better.
These artisans came either from the palace or were dispatched by his brother-in-law Li Chengqian—reliable individuals.
Su Chen trusted these people implicitly.
“Money here?”
Cheng Chumo was skeptical.
What valuable goods could these artisans possibly produce?
To him, the clinic was the real source of income, but Su Chen disagreed.
“Of course. Don’t keep fixating on my clinic. It hardly earns anything. Only here is the real place to make money.”
Su Chen had divided this area into two parts.
One part was already being prepared.
Before the artisans from Li Chengqian arrived, Su Chen had already set others to work.
Cheng Chumo took a look and felt it resembled a distillery.
“Brother, you’re not planning to brew wine, are you? Don’t let it distract you from the main business. Brewing doesn’t make much money.”
After a brief inspection, Cheng Chumo finally understood.
He saw several things fermenting.
This was clearly a distillery.
Such a place, yet it was shrouded in secrecy. Brewing wine wouldn’t yield much profit.
Cheng Chumo was deeply disappointed.