Chapter 295: Blooming City
Chapter 295: Blooming City
As winter’s last breath faded into memory, the first tendrils of spring began to weave through the Mortal Realm. The frost voluntarily ceased its grip on the land, giving way to soft, green shoots that unfurled under the warming sun.
Trees stretched their limbs skyward, donning new coats of emerald leaves that shimmered in the gentle breeze. Flowers, bold and bright, blossomed in a symphony of colors, painting the fields and meadows with their vibrant hues. Birds returned from their southern sojourns, filling the air with melodies that spoke of renewal and rebirth.
And with the arrival of the beautiful season of Spring, arrived the prosperous days of Nanxia County and Chen Family. Under Zuan Hu and Hao Ran’s ownership, the Tranquil Cloud Inn became the most famous Inn in the entire Nanxia. Chao Xing took over the ownership of both the garment and cosmetic shops, making both the business boom with each passing day. The wine business that was under Li Xian’s control, also skyrocketed to success in no time.
During spring, Xiang Ling opened two more businesses in the same area which was now known as the business hub of the county - Blooming City. One was a jewelry shop that was in collaboration with the Jiang family, and the other was a combined shop that sold porcelain cutlery and pottery.
Since the younger generation of the Chen family was mostly spending time in Blooming City and it took hours to travel between the two cities, Xiang Ling started the construction work of a new Chen Manor in Blooming City.
After seeing the flourishing businesses of the Blooming City, several merchants from all around the realm started approaching Xiang Ling with their business proposals and one among them was from Lingshan Hall. They wanted to open a Herb hall in the city.
Xiang Ling became so busy in taking care of the business work that several times she ended up skipping meals. While everyone in the Chen family was happy to see her working so diligently and succeeding, they were also worried about her well being. Thankfully, the Young Masters took over the job of taking care of their wife. They always made sure that she was eating properly and taking enough rest.
When Xiang Ling wasn’t busy with business work, she was busy helping Magistrate Chen in making progressive plans for the County, or teaching the students.
Spring matured into early summer, and the days grew longer and more languid. The heat of the sun intensified, coaxing forth a lushness that was almost palpable. Gardens flourished, heavy with the bounty of ripening fruits and vegetables. The air was thick with the scent of blossoms and the hum of bees busily at work.
During the hot season of summer, the Chen Family’s new manor got ready to welcome its residents. After that, Xiang Ling started the construction work of two more shops and an academy in the Blooming City. This academy was to teach children and other interested students of any age group who wanted to learn certain skills. Throughout summer, she worked diligently in setting up the academy.
She chose the most skilled students, among those she had been teaching for over one and a half year, as the teachers who would be teaching at the academy. The courses provided were - cultivation, martial arts, medicine, scholar studies, art classes, music, dance, culinary classes, embroidery and designing, jewelry designing, pottery, cosmetic, skin care and hair care studies, agriculture and gardening classes, wine and tea making classes, and so on.
The news of opening of such a unique school spread like wildfire throughout Nanxia and became even bigger news when Crown Prince of the Realm announced that he would personally pay a visit to Blooming City to be present at the inauguration of the Academy.
As June melded into July, the sky often darkened with dark clouds, signaling the arrival of the rainy season. When the rains came, they transformed the world yet again. Torrential downpours drenched the thirsty earth, rejuvenating it with every drop. Rivers swelled and overflowed, their waters rushing with newfound vigor. The rhythm of the rain was a constant companion, a soothing symphony that washed away the last vestiges of spring. The scent of wet earth rose in the air, mingling with the fragrance of rain-soaked foliage. Life seemed to pause, taking a deep breath before the rains abated and summer resumed its sunlit reign.
As the days passed, the relentless heat of summer began to wane, subtly at first, then more markedly. The leaves, once a vivid green, started to blush with the first hints of autumn. The air took on a crispness, a subtle signal that the cycle was turning once more. Harvest time arrived, filling barns and cellars with the season’s abundance. Trees donned cloaks of amber, gold, and crimson, their leaves dancing to the ground in a final, brilliant display. The light softened, casting a golden glow over fields and forests as the earth prepared to rest.
The more time passed, the more famous Blooming City became in the Mortal Realm. There were a total of twenty businesses flourishing in the City with an academy that was going to be opened at the end of the week and two big manors - one for the Chen family and the second and smaller one for all the students that Xiang Ling was personally teaching for so long.
As the air started becoming colder and the winter once again knocked on the door, the day of the opening of the new Academy arrived. Just like Wu Tian promised, he arrived for the inauguration ceremony with Su LiangLin, Jiang Li, and Wu Ding who was accompanied by a few senior disciples of Jingshen Academy.
The day was filled with celebrations as everyone enjoyed a nice lunch with the entire Chen family. Chen Ming, who got the second rank in the Imperial Exams and was given the rank of a fifth-rank offcial, was appointed as the headmaster of the new academy by the Emperor, giving the academy Imperial recognization.
Everything was going perfect around Xiang Ling...!