Chapter 434: Chapter 418 Princely Heir
For two consecutive days, Xie Xun was shrouded in a low mood, and unilaterally initiated a cold war with Xie Jue. In front of Xie Jue, he tended to be a bit petulant. As the New Year approached, work-related matters were set aside, and Xie Xun was usually the liveliest at the dining table. He could keep the conversation flowing, amuse Ruyi, tease Fengyu, and even engage in casual banter with Xie Jue. But once he grew silent, the entire dining hall fell quiet.
Even Xiaoqi wisely kept his silence, unsure why the Xie brothers had quarreled. Since it had nothing to do with him, he couldn’t be bothered to care. Fengyu thought to herself, no wonder Xie Xun dared to start cold wars with Xie Jue!
Xie Jue, on the other hand, didn’t try to humor him. After all, this master was the true expert in silent stand-offs. No matter who quarreled with him, they were the ones to bow their heads first. Xie Xun starting a cold war? Xie Jue had plenty of experience dealing with it. He figured Xie Xun wouldn’t last more than a few days before finding an excuse to reconcile—there was no need to pay him any mind.
Besides, if he didn’t put a stop to Xie Xun’s antics now, future troubles over marriage matters would be inevitable. This younger brother of his could send portraits every few days, which was bound to disturb his peace. For the sake of future quiet, this needed to be addressed in advance. Unfortunately, Xie Xun only had so much courage and did not press the issue any further.
After breakfast, Chunlu returned. She had been to Zhongzhou to discuss the iron mine business and, after traveling tirelessly day and night, finally made it back to West State. Upon her return, she immediately sought Fengyu. "Miss, someone from Sannan has arrived to discuss the iron mine trade with you."
"Someone from Sannan?" Fengyu mused. "Did they give their identity?"
"No, but they said you’d know who they are when you see them." Chunlu had crossed paths with the Sannan envoy at Bei River. Once she crossed the border, she hoisted the Su Family’s Trading House flag, allowing for smooth passage. Trade routes, however, were still obstructed. The court had not yet lifted trade restrictions, but where there was demand, money dictated terms, not policy. For every regulation from above, strategies emerged from below. As long as ships could still navigate the Bei River, business found a way.
West State had not severed Jiangnan’s supply of iron ore. After all, Jiangnan’s stationed troops faced Sannan directly, and the supply of border defense military supplies could not be interrupted. However, this year, Jiangnan’s demand for iron ore had surged. Fengyu suspected Zhongzhou was buying iron ore from West State through Jiangnan. Hence, she sent Chunlu to Zhongzhou to investigate, only for her to encounter the Sannan envoy on her return journey.
Years ago, the West State Salt and Iron Department had rampant internal corruption, taking bribes with Southern officials and selling iron ore to Sannan. After Fengyu gained control of West State’s mineral resources, she halted iron production for a time. When Xie Xun fully seized control of the twelve provinces, she took the opportunity to unify the region’s salt and iron operations, handing management to the Su Family’s Trading House and restructuring the Salt and Iron Department, which now operated directly under her control.
These were the two most critical assets for livelihoods and military logistics and had to remain firmly in her hands.
"I know who it is. Arrange a meeting at West Wind Restaurant tonight."
"Understood!" Chunlu went to make the arrangements.
Xie Xun had gone to inspect the city defenses in West State. Fengyu sought out Xie Jue to inform him about the Sannan envoy’s visit regarding the iron mines. "It’s likely Han Ziqi. I’ve met him once before. Brother, will you be accompanying me?"
Xie Jue pondered for a moment. "I see no necessity or interest in meeting him."
"Understood!"
With Xie Jue and Xie Xun’s current status and rank, meeting Han Ziqi would be overly formal. He wasn’t worth it. As the person overseeing the Salt and Iron Department, Han Ziqi could only meet with her. Fengyu initially thought Xie Jue, being the son of the Sannan Princess, might want to meet Han Ziqi and gather some information. However, judging by his attitude, he seemed genuinely uninterested in Sannan.
Back then, Lin Helin had threatened to expose Xie Jue’s identity to pressure Xie Xun, but it never came to that. Why Lin Helin hesitated remained unknown, but it had given the brothers some breathing room.
If Xie Jue’s identity were exposed, it would undoubtedly deal a significant blow to Xie Xun.
"Ying Qi, gather intelligence on Sannan and deliver it to Third Miss."
"Understood!"
Outside, Ying Qi left to gather the information. When Fengyu returned to her study, Ying Qi also delivered a detailed report. Ever since Lin Helin revealed Xie Jue’s identity, Fengyu hadn’t seen Ying Yi, Xie Jue’s most trusted Shadow Guard, who was no longer in the Capital City. She vaguely knew Ying Yi had left for Sannan, but this wasn’t something she should concern herself with, so she never asked.
The intel on Sannan was exceptionally thorough. The summary report Ying Qi provided focused on border defense and supplies. Fengyu now understood why Han Ziqi wanted to purchase iron ore.
Sannan was rich but lacked military supplies. Their mineral resources were scarce, requiring trade with Yanyang. When Han Ziqi negotiated an iron ore deal with Yanyang, it coincided with the Yangzhou epidemic. At the time, all twelve provinces’ mines halted production, cutting off Sannan’s supply. This urgency likely spurred Sannan to seek direct talks with the court.
After the epidemic subsided, Lin Helin rejected Sannan’s request, souring relations between Sannan and the Yanyang Court and nearly disrupting trade between the two nations.
Fengyu thought to herself, Han Ziqi is truly short-sighted. With both Xie Jue and Xie Xun in the city, he should have sought them out for negotiations!
The sky gradually darkened. Snow piled thickly on the streets. Zhang Da, Xiaoqi, and Qiuxiang accompanied Fengyu as she set out for the meeting.
West State was an ancient city, with four main streets connecting its eastern, southern, western, and northern districts. Their intersection formed the commercial hub at the city’s center. The West Wind Restaurant occupied prime real estate within this bustling area. As the City Lord and West State’s primary architect, Fengyu had a comprehensive understanding of how the city would develop. She knew precisely where population density would peak and activity would flourish.
Early commercial growth had centered around this crossroads, gradually spreading to other districts.
In such heavy snow, aside from a few merchants working late, hardly anyone was out at night. The biting cold was relentless, and Qiuxiang handed Fengyu a hand warmer as she stepped off the carriage, clutching it for warmth.
The shopkeeper greeted them at the rear entrance and escorted them to a private room on the second floor.
"They’ve arrived with a party of sixteen. The private room contains just one young master; the other fifteen have been placed in an adjacent room. The second floor has been cleared," the shopkeeper whispered. "If you need anything, have Girl Qiuxiang relay your message to me. I’ll be downstairs."
"Got it." Fengyu smiled lightly. "No need to be nervous. It’s just a business deal. Let the waiter bring up a few kettles of West State’s strong liquor."
"Understood!"
Fengyu pushed the door open and stepped inside. Because she disliked the cold, the private room contained two additional hand warmers, making it noticeably warm. However, the east-facing window was ajar, letting in a stream of icy wind. Han Ziqi, clad in luxurious winter robes and a jade crown, lounged lazily against a cushion while admiring the snowy scenery.
When he spotted Fengyu, he broke into a relaxed smile but didn’t rise. Remaining reclined, he said lightly, "It’s been years, yet Third Miss remains a beauty capable of enchanting a nation."
"You flatter me, Heir." Fengyu noticed he hadn’t stood up, so she refrained from showing him any courtesy. "Heir, I am sensitive to the cold. Shall I close the window? You wouldn’t mind, I presume?"
Han Ziqi spread his hands as if to say, "Go ahead."
Qiuxiang stepped forward and shut the window, blocking out the freezing wind and snow. Fengyu shed her cloak and handed it casually to Xiaoqi, who stood protectively beside her, his gaze cold and disapproving as it settled on the irreverent Han Ziqi.
"When I conduct business, I bring no one along," Han Ziqi remarked lazily. "Yet Third Miss comes with an entourage. Isn’t this overkill? Shall we talk privately?"
His comment was directed at the three people standing behind her: Qiuxiang, Zhang Da, and Xiaoqi.
Fengyu chuckled softly. "Qiuxiang and Zhang Da may leave. Xiaoqi stays."
"Understood!" Qiuxiang appeared reluctant but knew Xiaoqi was skilled enough to handle any situation. Besides, with the heir of Prince Han in West State, it was unlikely he would dare to act recklessly. If he did, he wouldn’t leave this city alive.
Han Ziqi sat up straight and poured himself a glass of liquor. "Third Miss appears delicate, but she possesses more courage and resolve than many men. I failed to see it before and underestimated you. Allow me to punish myself with three drinks as an apology!"
True to his word, he downed three cups in quick succession. Fengyu smiled faintly. "There’s no need for such formality. I’ve long forgotten about the incident from years ago."
"But I haven’t," Han Ziqi replied with a devilish grin. "A beauty like you is unparalleled in the world. Your breathtaking sword dance has haunted me for years—I can’t forget it!" His tone, though apologetic, carried his usual irreverence.
Xiaoqi’s face turned icy, his expression betraying his disgust at Han Ziqi’s lecherous eyes fixed on Fengyu. "Mind your words. If you’re here for business, conduct yourself with respect. Cross the line, and I’ll gouge out your eyes myself!"