Ch 10. Hydrangea, A New Case

I was about to leave until I see a hydrangea on the corner of my eyes. It is lying within a small box next to his vintage arithmetic calculator.

"No way. Hydrangeas!" I point to the box in surprise.

One of my top favorite flowers when I was studying botany. I didn't know they discovered hydrangeas during this era.

He swiftly turns his head to me and say, "You know the identification of these flowers?"

I nod, "Its botanical name is Viburnum Macrocephalum. I presume you found them as rounded, vase-shaped shrubs. Deciduous in winter and evergreen otherwise. The color of the hydrangeas are influenced by the soil pH. I see you have a vibrant pink hydrangea there, which indicates a high pH, or alkaline soil." I think to myself again, "Alkaline substances tend to have pH up to 14, very basic."

Woo hoo! The botanical research and pH studies on plant germination have come to use.

He looks at me with his eyes open, blinking cluelessly. "Well," he coughs, "You are very knowledgeable about this plant. We have just discovered it near the plantations." He indulges in a deep thought before saying, "How about this," he opens the wooden box and exposes the flower to me.

He offers, "If you help me solve a case, I will reward you with the herb you wish for."

My face blossom into a smile as I quickly nod. "Yes, what case?"

Before he was about to speak, his eyes suddenly trace behind me, to the pharmacy's entrance. "Sir Xu?"

Sir Xu?

Oh no, is it who I think it is?

I turn around to see the figure and I was right. Our eyes met for a second until he rests his gaze to Li ShiZhen.

Brocade-clad guard Co-Commander, Xu Kai.

Of course it's him. Darn my fate as a villain!

"Did you identify the plant yet, Scholar Li?" He saunters a few feet towards the counter, to my right. Dressed in his embroidered uniform again, I assume he is under another task.

"Scholar Li?" I ask Li ShiZhen curiously, "Did you pass the civil service exam?"

He scratches his head and laughs nervously, "I failed three times. The title masks my failure as a student. That's not the point though." He faces Xu Kai again, "I did not. This Miss has a clue, to my chagrin."

Xu Kai glances at me, "You?" He seems conflicted and doubtful of my abilities.

I gulp down and nod. "Yes, me."

He frowns and his brows furrow, "She cannot."

I open my mouth in shame of his comment, "I can!"

Xu Kai sighs and gives me an ice cold gaze. It would have sent shivers down someone's spine, "This mission is far too dangerous for Miss Yuan to attend to, let alone get involved in. Should Master Yuan deem fault, the blame will be on me."

I shake my head, "You guys need me. I am the only one who is knowledgeable of this plant; if I am involved, you can efficiently and conveniently solve this crime. And finally, my family is least concerned with my life, if I should say."

His lips twitch into an unsatisfied frown. I can observe that he is facing a dilemma due to his facial expressions. "Fine. Should anything happen to you, don't cry on the way to your Manor."

I grin widely, "Thank you, thank you!"

My only savior to return home!

I still have a string of hope; I am so glad.

The next few days, they introduce and familiarize me with the confidential case.

"Recently, there has been anonymous imports and exports of items into the Hubei province. Although the exchange of goods proceeds, the rural villages seem to suffer more than they gain," explains Li ShiZhen in the table. We are all sitting down and engaging in a conversation within the pharmaceutical store.

May the adventure and case solving begin!