stonecrandall Chapter 1184 - 1173: The Wealthy Merchant
Chapter 1184 - 1173: The Wealthy Merchant
"Qiu’er, do you know what you just said?"
"You... why do you have such thoughts?"
"Why can’t we have such thoughts? What’s lacking in our Ye Family? In these troubled times, if we want to recruit soldiers, as long as we provide the money, who can’t we recruit? As for horses, our family has two ranches, and weapons can be made too. Why must we depend on others? Uncles, haven’t you had enough of doing business at the mercy of others?" Ye Qiu said passionately.
"But this is outrageous, we’re just merchants."
"Outrageous? Now those Vassal Kings each act independently, which of them isn’t outrageous? In these chaotic times, with heroes vying in the struggle, if others can, then so can our Ye Family. Haven’t the two of you already analyzed it, whether we depend on anyone, there’s still a hidden danger? Why should our Ye Family spend all our wealth yet still obey others?"
"But Prince Donghe and Prince Linsan’s men are arriving in Jing’an City soon, our family only has some guards, how can we contend with them?" Ye Qiu’s uncle said hesitantly.
"If this time I can have our Ye Family retreat safely, could my two uncles fully support my grand endeavor in the future?" Ye Qiu said ambitiously.
The two uncles of Ye Qiu exchanged a glance, finally affirming: "If you can indeed guard the Ye Family completely, then we’ll trust you have this ability, and will fully assist you in the future."
"Great, with the words of my two uncles, I’m at ease. You uncles just await the good news; however, I have a small request that what’s discussed today should not be disclosed to mother and third sister for now."
Ye Qiu was born of the previous Lady, as the legitimate eldest son, and now Li Dezhen entered the house later, there has always been some discord between them, everyone knows this, especially listening to the previous analysis by Ye Cheng, their stepmother is intent on attaching to Prince Linsan, the news indeed cannot be spread before the matter’s done.
"Rest assured, Qiu’er, neither your younger uncle nor I are talkative persons."
Ye Cheng also cupped his hands: "Big brother, I won’t say anything."
"It is precisely because I trust my two uncles and second brother that I am sharing these heartfelt words. Second brother, prepare tomorrow and accompany me to the City Lord Mansion."
Ye Cheng pondered for a moment and then asked tentatively: "Big brother intends to utilize the City Lord to..."
"Precisely." Ye Qiu nodded.
Ye Cheng frowned: "But the City Lord is a man of Prince Donghe, would he, in his grand position as City Lord, heed our words?"
"City Lord Liu is a wise person, when we provide enough strength, he’ll know what’s appropriate." Ye Qiu smiled mysteriously, Ye Cheng didn’t know the meaning but chose to believe him.
"Family Head Ye, your esteemed presence is a loss for not welcoming you earlier." The City Lord of Jing’an City, named Liu Dong, has been occupying this position for ten years. Though Jing’an City is small and national affairs chaotic, under his governance, the city has been particularly peaceful, showing sufficient evidence of his abilities.
The City Lord Liu appeared gentle and amiable, looking extraordinarily kind and friendly, he patted Ye Qiu’s shoulder warmly, without any airs of a City Lord.
"Family Head Ye, having finally come to see me, you must not leave drunk today. Did Family Head Ye bring Drunken Immortal Wine today? Your family’s Drunken Immortal Wine is truly something I dearly miss!"
"City Lord is too polite, just call me Ye. Knowing City Lord’s fondness for Drunken Immortal Wine, how wouldn’t I bring it?" Ye Qiu was respectful in manner, yet his bearing was extraordinary, neither servile nor overbearing, evoking admiration from people.
Liu Dong sighed internally, regretting that if not for such worldly state, he would have gladly betrothed his daughter to the young man in front, only the Ye Family’s prominence might render the future not peaceful.
"Come, drink! If Ye hadn’t come today, my wife would still not allow me to drink." Liu Dong had intentions in mind, but his face revealed it not, with no show of airs throughout.
"City Lord is too courteous, I toast to you first, but please don’t get drunk; I’ve come to discuss some matters with the City Lord." Ye Qiu straightforwardly said.
The smile on City Lord Liu’s face gradually faded, his gaze profound: "Family Head Ye, I feel that today we should just drink and dine contentedly."
Ye Qiu looked into his eyes and smiled gently: "Frankly, Ye has come today to seek assistance from the City Lord.
The smile completely disappeared from City Lord Liu’s face, he set the wine cup down heavily: "I might know why Family Head Ye is here today, but forgive me, I cannot help with this matter."
"No, City Lord Liu will help me."
"Then I can only escort you out, how unfortunate about this Drunken Immortal Wine, I fear I do not have the blessing to enjoy it."
"As long as you help me with this matter, you may have as much Drunken Immortal Wine as you wish, City Lord."
"It’s not worth it for a bit of Drunken Immortal Wine."
"Then how about for the City Lord’s wife?"
Liu Dong’s gaze instantly sharpened: "What do you mean?"
"City Lord should know our Ye Family’s business spans nationwide; coincidentally, we acquired a thousand-year-old ginseng recently, which should have some effect on your wife’s condition." Ye Qiu took out a box from his bosom and opened it, revealing a full-grown ginseng in humanoid shape right before Liu Dong.
His eyes sparkled with excitement, as if a mere glance might cause the ginseng to become a spirit and run away.
"Word is already out about City Lord’s deep love for your wife, seeking famed medicines countrywide for her. You only need to assist me in this small task for this ginseng to be yours. Additionally, whenever you wish more Drunken Immortal Wine, simply send someone to the brewery, it’ll always be available." Ye Qiu said still smiling.
Seeing how composed he appeared, Liu Dong sighed internally at the small courage of this fellow: "You’ve only brought your brother today, without even a guard. You must know that if I wanted this ginseng, you couldn’t take it away."
Ye Qiu laughed openly: "I dared to come without a guard because I trust City Lord’s character."
Liu Dong sighed deeply: "You indeed have courage; although I wish for this ginseng, but to thereafter oppose both Prince Donghe and Prince Linsan, this deal seems a bit disadvantageous, I can’t do it."
"City Lord thinks too much; how could I set City Lord in an unrighteous predicament? I merely need that at the moment, City Lord remains a spectator, not joining the actions of either party."
"Oh?" Liu Dong revealed a suspicious look, "Family Head Ye has a clever plan?"
"I dare not call it clever, merely that our Ye Family has engaged in business for many years, possessing some means for self-preservation." Ye Qiu laughed bashfully, speaking nothing of his plan.
Liu Dong suddenly laughed heartily: "Youngsters today truly are promising, I’m indeed old now, having recently caught a cold, I will embark with my wife tomorrow to the countryside for a quiet while."
Ye Qiu bowed deeply: "Then, many thanks to City Lord!"