Chapter 372 Qi Xuan Steps Up
Shang Shaoyan never dreamed of seeing Qi Xuan. As soon as he stepped out of his car, a figure darted towards his window. He initially ignored it, but the words that reached his ears made him stare intently outside. The sight of the person's face twisted his expression.
Qi Xuan’s heart had indeed pounded a few times when she saw Shang Shaoyan, but seeing the distortion of his face and his obvious disgust and aversion instantly extinguished her hopes.
“Young Master Shang, you can consider it. Here’s my address. Let’s talk once you’ve made up your mind!”
Qi Xuan tossed the slip of paper with the address into the car window and turned to leave without a trace of hesitation.
Shang Shaoyan watched her receding figure, falling silent for a long moment before taking a deep breath.
“Chase after her.”
“Yes.”
Qi Xuan was on foot, and no matter how fast she walked, she couldn't match four wheels.
“Get in.”
A cold voice sounded. Qi Xuan knew who it was without turning around. It seemed there was room for negotiation. Qi Xuan shrugged and quickly opened the door and got in.
“Do you know the consequences of threatening me?”
“It’s all the fault of some people who ask for the moon. I’ve already been paid twenty thousand for one medicinal herb, and they’re still not satisfied, wanting the whole of Huizhou Province. So, I had no choice but to resort to some… less conventional methods.”
“Heh, did Zi Yisheng give you that information?”
Qi Xuan didn’t answer. Neither of them was a fool. What could she, Qi Xuan, possibly do on her own?
“Terms?”
“Very simple. Give me the medicinal herb, and this matter ends with me. As for the affairs of Huizhou Province, Second Master Shang will surely be willing to negotiate with Young Master Zi personally.”
Shang Shaoyan didn’t even realize when Qi Xuan had left. This piece of information, if leaked, could force his second uncle into early retirement.
“Zi Yisheng, Zi Yisheng. I didn’t expect you to still hold everyone’s weaknesses in your grasp even when you’re not here.”
However, Shang Shaoyan knew that Zi Yisheng hadn't intended to threaten them. He was merely angered by his second uncle, especially since they had no irreconcilable conflicts.
“Head to Huizhou Province.”
“Yes.”
Qi Xuan left with A Liang. Everything had to be resolved in Huizhou Province. Her task was complete. All she could do now was wait, waiting for her uncle and the other party to clash.
Qi Xuan leaned against the car, closing her eyes. When had she ever dealt with such schemes and open strife? But thinking of her own defiant demeanor just now was incredibly satisfying.
You, Young Master Shang, hate me, don't you? Yet you had to obediently listen to me, had to be threatened by me. Uncle is so handsome, Uncle is so mighty!
Shang Shaoyan was truly getting a headache. It had started with a single medicinal herb. The opposing party’s offer of twenty thousand was already a substantial sum, but his second uncle… No, both his second uncles and his father were stubborn mules. Now, it involved the black market, threats, and being blackmailed by a woman.
Zi Yisheng spent several days at home with Ye Shenggge. Second Master Shang hadn't sent any news, but he wasn't in a hurry. If something better could be exchanged, great. If not, Huizhou Province wasn't going anywhere.
Ye Shenggge was at home preparing a local specialty hot pot, with both lamb and donkey meat. They were meant to be sliced thinly, but here they were cut into thick chunks. After boiling in the pot and dipping in sauce, each bite was satisfying and hearty.
“Eating meat like this is so satisfying. In Spring City restaurants, the meat in dishes is sliced so thinly it's almost transparent.”
“Hahaha, A Long is missing out on good food.”
Actually, they hadn't lacked for food since arriving at Bai Rong Brigade. If there was no meat at home, they would go into the mountains. Plus, the black market would always send over good quality meat. It was just that they hadn't eaten this much meat at once before.
“I’m not missing out, just not getting my fill.”
Just then, A Liang returned with Qi Xuan. No one asked about the success of her mission; instead, they urged the two to join the feast.
“Wow, Auntie, what kind of cooking is this? It’s so delicious!”
Qi Xuan’s earlier gloom was gone, her arms working furiously. She ate just as much as the men.
Ye Shenggge couldn't eat much meat after a few pieces, resorting to the untouched vegetables and vegetarian dishes to cleanse her palate.
“The method seems simple enough. We can try it when we get home, though I’m worried about it being too ‘heaty’.”
“Mm-hmm, what is this?”
“It’s dried tofu made from soybeans. Does Mire Province not have it?”
That couldn’t be right. Dried tofu was quite common. Why wouldn't Mire Province have it?
“Who knows? I’ve certainly never eaten it.”
This presented a good business opportunity. Bean products were low-cost to produce. If there was a market for it in Mire Province, it would be a lucrative business.
Zi Yisheng patted Ye Shenggge’s head. She was always thinking of new ideas.
“Too much labor, too thin a profit. Too much trouble, don’t think about it.”
“Oh, I was just thinking.”
After the meal, Qi Xuan couldn't resist loudly recounting the scene of Young Master Shang’s twisted expression, clearly enjoying the spectacle and letting everyone know she had truly let go. It was true; it was just a fleeting infatuation. Anyone who wasn't a love-struck fool could recover.
Meanwhile, Shang Shaoyan arrived in Huizhou Province shortly after and immediately went to his second uncle’s home.
“Shaoyan, why are you here?”
“Second Uncle, I truly didn't expect you to do something that would give people leverage, let alone threaten Zi Yisheng.”
Second Master Shang, who was eating, paused. He looked at his family beside him, then tossed his chopsticks aside and stood up, heading for the study. Shang Shaoyan, with no appetite for conversation or food, followed him.
“What is it? I just threatened Zi Yisheng, didn’t I? I didn’t threaten anything major. Why did it reach you?”
Shang Shaoyan didn’t hide anything. He recounted Qi Xuan’s words verbatim. Second Master Shang’s expression shifted from surprise to rage as he smashed the teacup in his hand.
“Zi Yisheng! How dare he?!”
“Heh, why wouldn't he dare? You're probably the first person to threaten him and then try to get something for free, aren’t you?”
Indeed, when Second Master Shang served in another region, needing to support many people and located in a remote, resource-scarce area, he had resorted to becoming a highway robber, targeting several wealthy merchants. Although no lives were lost, their fortunes were plundered. Fearing exposure, he had them relocated to impoverished regions where they would never be able to leave.
“I never imagined the Shang family would produce bandits.”
Second Master Shang could no longer maintain his haughty demeanor. Among the prominent families, perhaps only he had committed such a despicable act.
“I need to send those people away first. I’m afraid…”
“It’s too late. The people are already in Zi Yisheng’s hands. Zi Yisheng’s leverage is always solid. We need to negotiate now.”
Second Master Shang slumped back into his chair, regretting ever provoking the wild wolf that was Zi Yisheng.
“So you know about Huizhou Province, then?”
“I do. And you, you had twenty thousand for a useless medicinal herb and still weren’t satisfied? You’re truly too greedy. Just give it to them. Don't even bother with the money.”
Second Master Shang’s lips moved for a long time before he haltingly relayed Zi Yisheng’s terms. Shang Shaoyan was so amused he let out a sharp laugh. He stood up abruptly and paced the room.
“Second Uncle, do you know how much larger the territories Zi Yisheng wants are compared to Huizhou Province? You threatened him? You’re practically giving him money!”
“Then what do we do now? I haven't dared to tell First Uncle yet.”
“Heh. If you told him, First Uncle would probably come and kill you on the spot.”
Shang Shaoyan thought for a long time, then suddenly extended his hand.
“What?”
“Bring the medicinal herb. I’ll go talk to Zi Yisheng first.”
Shang Shaoyan sat in the car, looking at the house beside him. He never imagined he would one day have to beg Zi Yisheng. These people, despite not having overt conflicts, possessed deep-seated pride. None of them wanted to bow to another.
Shang Shaoyan smoked two cigarettes before getting out of the car. Zi Yisheng, having received the news beforehand, was already waiting in the living room, accompanying the little girl with snacks and tea.
As for Qi Xuan, her back was straight. She felt confident and exhilarated. She would watch the renowned Young Master Shang bow down, maybe even call her mommy. Heh, she could only dream.
Ye Shenggge looked at Qi Xuan, who had been lounging on the sofa without any regard for her image. Upon hearing that Shang Shaoyan was at the door, she immediately sat up straight, a hint of unfamiliar pride on her face, which was rather endearing.
When Shang Shaoyan entered, his first sight was of Ye Shenggge. He hadn't expected to see her again.
“Shenggge, you're here too? Are you feeling better?”
Ye Shenggge smiled and nodded. Zi Yisheng’s face darkened, and Qi Xuan’s body tensed up.
“Please, have a seat. Is Young Master Shang’s health also fully recovered?”
“It’s recovered. I’ve even regained much of my strength. I haven’t contacted you before because I’ve been extremely busy.”
“It’s alright. Contacting me doesn’t usually bring good news, as I only know how to detoxify, and I’m only halfway proficient.”
Zi Yisheng’s darkened expression lasted only a moment. Now, he quietly listened to the little girl chat with Shang Shaoyan, not interrupting or participating. Shang Shaoyan deliberately conversed with Ye Shenggge, as he really didn't know how to address Zi Yisheng.
Shang Shaoyan placed the box in his hand on the table and glanced at Qi Xuan.
“This is the medicinal herb you wanted.”
Qi Xuan, who had been planning to maintain her proud demeanor in front of Shang Shaoyan, deflated immediately upon hearing the words "medicinal herb." She reached out and hugged the box to her chest. Opening it, she detected a slightly bitter scent and, looking at the shape of the herbs, couldn't be entirely sure.
“Auntie, quickly check if it's real.”
Shang Shaoyan clenched his teeth, enraged by Qi Xuan’s words. This woman was as annoying as ever.
“Let me see.”
Ye Shenggge took out the drawing by Min Hang and compared it, studying it for a while. She even leaned into the box to smell it again.
“The roots are purplish, and the taste is slightly bitter. It should be real.”
“That’s wonderful! I’ll take it back now!”
Qi Xuan quickly closed the box and clutched it tightly in her arms, her actions fluid and efficient.
“Go ahead. Find someone to accompany you. You must protect the medicinal herb carefully.”
The book contained methods for making medicine. Last time, they had managed to produce medicine with one missing ingredient, and this time would be no different. Tears welled up in Qi Xuan’s excited eyes. It had been too difficult. Her grandfather could finally be saved. Seeing her aunt and uncle still entangled with the detested man, Qi Xuan felt guilty.
“Auntie, Uncle, I’ll remember this kindness for the rest of my life. If that man gets too greedy, I’ll steal from his entire family when I return!”
Although Qi Xuan lowered her voice, everyone present heard her. Ye Shenggge smiled and nodded. She was genuinely curious about Qi Xuan's thieving skills. Perhaps in the future, she and Qi Xuan could go on a robbing-the-rich and helping-the-poor spree.
“Hurry back. Leave this to your uncle to resolve. When I get back, we’ll try out a recipe first.”
“Okay, okay. Goodbye, Auntie and Uncle.”
Zi Yisheng suddenly felt a headache coming on. One could use medicine, and the other could climb walls and dig holes. If these two were to truly cooperate, wouldn’t they turn the world upside down? If Old Man Qi also recovered and wasn't a docile person, then the three of them together would leave him with nothing else to do but chase after people and clean up their messes.
Ye Shenggge watched Qi Xuan leave before returning. Zi Yisheng subtly squeezed her hand.
“Don't even think about it.”
“Hmm? That remains to be seen.”
Shang Shaoyan had been silent for a long time. It was time to speak.
“Young Master Zi, what are your thoughts on this matter?”
Zi Yisheng raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips.
“How can I see it? After all, the terms were first offered by Second Master Shang. So, I can only bargain.”
Shang Shaoyan found it a headache, especially when talking to Zi Yisheng. It was mentally exhausting. Ye Shenggge curiously nibbled on an apple, observing their expressions.
“I’ve already given you the medicinal herb, and for free. Can we consider everything that happened before null and void?”
“Can we?” Shang Shaoyan found the words difficult to utter.
“Just for this trip alone, my Shenggge was sick for several days. My subordinates and I put down our work in the fields. None of that can be for naught. Therefore, I want everything that was previously discussed with Second Master Shang. Not a single thing can be less.”
“Zi Yisheng, you’re asking for the moon! You’re exchanging Huizhou Province for at least two other provinces’ territories. Don’t you feel like you’re biting off more than you can chew?”
“I don't. I’m starving. My Shenggge is difficult to support. If I don't earn enough, we can’t eat.”
Ye Shenggge shot Zi Yisheng a glare. Was she really that much of a glutton? Shang Shaoyan watched their interaction. It was too much, as if they were afraid he wouldn’t feel heartbroken or miserable.
“So, there’s no room for negotiation?”
“Negotiation? It’s all settled.”
“And those people? Were they meant to threaten my Second Uncle?”
Zi Yisheng scoffed. If he wanted to threaten, he wouldn’t have waited until now.
“Is it worth it? A mutually beneficial exchange would be ideal.”
Shang Shaoyan knew he had no room to negotiate. He was afraid that if they continued talking, Zi Yisheng would bring up First Uncle, his father, or even himself. Could any of them claim to be completely clean?
“Then hand the people over to me. I’ll handle this.”
“That won’t do. After plundering their family fortunes, are you still unwilling to spare their lives?”
“You, Zi Yisheng, you’ve gone too far! Are we going to be blackmailed by you forever?”
Zi Yisheng was also displeased. He held leverage over many people, but he didn't use it on everyone. Besides, he had learned about the Shang family's affairs while investigating others. The matter of the medicinal herb was also initiated by Second Master Shang. It all seemed as if he was acting passively.
“If Young Master Shang feels this way, then there’s no need to talk further. And Huizhou Province doesn’t need to be exchanged anymore. Please leave!”
Shang Shaoyan was escorted out without even a chance to speak again, and could only grudgingly go to find his First Uncle.
“Are we going back now?”
“Yes, we’re leaving tomorrow. It’s too cold here for you.”
Ye Shenggge didn’t ask further, simply accepting that the matter was over. Ye Mu’en also hurried to buy some local specialties from Huizhou Province for his family to taste.
“Second Uncle is useless, ruining the Shang family’s reputation and getting manipulated. Doesn't he know who Zi Yisheng is? If you don’t have the ability, you should just lie low honestly.”