Pan Rong rushed out onto the main street, finally catching his breath. His attendant found it amusing but dared not show it, instead saying solemnly, “Young Master, we’ve been out for a while. Shall we return?”
Adjusting his robes, Pan Rong quickly regained his composure. “Where is the He family’s jewelry shop?” he asked casually. “My wife’s birthday is approaching, and I’ve forgotten to take this opportunity to get her something nice. Let’s go see what they have. If we can find a piece or two, she’s sure to be pleased.” In truth, he was eager to discover Li Xing’s intentions for buying that pearl. Was it for profit? Or perhaps purchased for someone specific?
Meanwhile, after leaving the treasure exhibition, He Zhizhong sent the three children home. In high spirits, he led Li Xing, Mudan, and the others to his family shop for a private conversation. He answered all of Li Xing’s questions thoroughly and openly.
Mudan glanced guiltily at Dalang. In their society, continuing the family business was of utmost importance. He Zhizhong’s actions were essentially inviting Li Xing into the trade, potentially creating future competition – especially given Li Xing’s official background. This was particularly concerning for Dalang and his siblings.
Noticing Mudan’s guilty look, Dalang smiled reassuringly, silently telling her not to worry. The He family owed the Li family a favor, and since Li Xing didn’t want any other form of compensation, allowing him to make some money this way was acceptable. He Zhizhong wasn’t necessarily inducting him into the trade permanently. Moreover, if Li Xing truly wanted to enter the jewelry business, he would find a way with or without the He family’s help.
Li Xing, displaying self-awareness, asked only a few interesting questions before stopping. “I’m feeling a bit thirsty,” he said with a smile. “I remember there’s a private room in the back. Shall we go brew some tea?”
He Zhizhong eagerly invited everyone inside and instructed a young servant to prepare tea. Mudan commented, “It’s a pity Bishui isn’t here. We could have watched her brew tea again. Just observing her tea ceremony is a treat in itself.”
Li Xing smiled faintly. “If you like her so much, I can give her to you. You could enjoy her tea tonight.”
Realizing he wasn’t joking, Mudan was startled. “No, no! How could I take someone you favor? Besides, I wouldn’t truly appreciate her skills. It’s best if you keep her, cousin.”
Li Xing gave Mudan an odd look, then lowered his eyes, unable to suppress a slight smirk. Li Manniang chuckled, patting Mudan’s hand. Mudan quickly pondered her words, wondering if she had misspoken. Suddenly, a possibility occurred to her, causing her face to flush. To cover her embarrassment, she laughed, “What’s so funny?”
Li Xing sighed softly and joined He Zhizhong and Dalang in quiet conversation, occasionally erupting into hearty laughter. Li Manniang examined the items she had purchased that day, then suddenly asked, “That agate lamp tree was actually from your family, wasn’t it?”
Dalang looked a bit embarrassed, but He Zhizhong, who hadn’t intended to hide this from Li Manniang, admitted frankly, “Indeed, it was ours. It’s been my prized possession for years, and this is the first time I’ve brought it out.”
Li Manniang smiled. “Whose idea was it?”
The men exchanged knowing glances, and Li Xing, supporting Li Manniang’s arm, said with a laugh, “Aunt, why ask for such details? We’re all involved in this, after all.” He glanced at Mudan and added, “Even Danniang played a part in today’s events.”
Mudan smiled slightly. Li Xing was right; if she hadn’t been there to provoke Liu Chang, he might not have acted so impulsively and fallen for their trap. However, even if he hadn’t taken the bait this time, as long as he wanted to continue doing business, He Zhizhong and Li Xing would find a way to make him pay eventually.
Just then, there was a light knock at the door. The shop manager spoke quietly from outside, “Master, there’s a guest outside who claims to be Pan Rong. He says he wants to buy the pearl you brought back from the treasure exhibition today.”
Why would he come? Could he have seen through their plan? He Zhizhong and Li Xing exchanged puzzled glances before rising to greet the visitor.
Pan Rong craned his neck, casually examining the jewelry presented by He’s assistant. He kept muttering, “I don’t want these ordinary pieces. I only want that pearl. The price is negotiable.”
He Zhizhong stood quietly outside, listening as Pan Rong ordered the assistant back and forth, complaining loudly for a while. Finally, he stepped in with a smile, “Young Master Pan, what good taste you have.”
Pan Rong immediately approached him, pestering him about buying the pearl. “My wife is turning twenty soon. I’ve been searching for the perfect gift for a long time. I had my eye on that exquisite piece today, but you were quicker. And since you already let us have the agate lamp tree earlier, I didn’t want to compete with you again. Now I’m here sincerely asking if you’d sell it to me for a small profit. What do you say, Uncle He?”
He Zhizhong smiled with utmost sincerity. “Treasures like these are about fate. Magistrate Liu seemed determined to have it, likely because he truly loved it or had a specific use for it. Unlike us who are merely in it for profit, it was only right to let him have it. As for that pearl, I didn’t buy it – Li Xing did. I merely invited him in to help him make some money as thanks for assisting my family.”
Pan Rong’s eyes widened. “Then I’ll buy it from him! Didn’t he buy it for two million? I’ll offer two million five hundred thousand – he’ll make a five hundred thousand profit right away. Uncle He, could you please help negotiate this for me?”
He Zhizhong, not daring to underestimate this seemingly carefree and harmless heir to the Marquis of Chu, replied seriously, “I don’t know if he’s willing to sell. But I can ask on your behalf.”
Pan Rong fixed He Zhizhong with a meaningful look. “Isn’t he here? Why not have him come out and speak to me directly? Are you hiding him because you’re annoyed I’m using your shop to discuss business with others? Or has he done something he’s ashamed of and doesn’t dare face me?”
These words carried a sharp, implied accusation. He Zhizhong’s expression remained unchanged as he calmly replied, “Young Master, you misunderstand. I never said I wouldn’t ask him to meet you, but whether he wants to see you is his decision. You’re both my customers, and I can’t afford to offend either of you. Please forgive me.”
Unable to read anything from He Zhizhong’s face, Pan Rong laughed heartily. “Then please go ask him for me, Uncle He.” Before he finished speaking, Li Xing entered with a smile, bowing. “Young Master Pan, do you want to buy my pearl?”
Pan Rong raised an eyebrow. “Why else would I come all this way? Two million five hundred thousand – will you sell?”
Li Xing replied frankly, “I can’t sell it because I’m not the true owner of this treasure.”
Pan Rong’s heart skipped a beat. Could the rumors be true? Doubt filled his mind, but his face revealed nothing. He playfully persisted, “Come on, Xing, you’ve traveled far and wide. You’ve seen all sorts of treasures. Can’t you find a way to convince the owner to sell it to me? If you make my wife happy, I’ll be very grateful.”
Li Xing laughed heartily, putting an arm around Pan Rong’s shoulders and steering him towards the exit. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. The owner has important plans for it. However, I do have a few other items. If you’re truly interested, we can take a look later to see if anything catches your eye. Come on, it’s rare for you not to be angry with me. Let me treat you to some wine.”
Pan Rong’s eyes lit up, and he enthusiastically said, “I want to go to Fugui Tower. They have two beautiful new girls.”
Li Xing smiled, suppressing a chuckle. “Whatever you wish.” He was determined to get the young master completely drunk. The two men, each with their hidden thoughts, left arm in arm, looking like close brothers.
After they left, Li Manniang, Dalang, and Mudan, who had been listening from the back, emerged. Li Manniang asked Mudan softly, “Do you know who Xing is giving this pearl to?”
Mudan smiled. “I don’t know. You should ask my brother or my father.”
Before Dalang could speak, Li Manniang said with a smile, “Let me tell you. He bought it for Prince Ning. The Princess is about to give birth, and Prince Ning wants to find a rare treasure for her. What could be more suitable than this smooth, round pearl?” She observed Mudan’s expression closely and added gently, “He has always been favored by Prince Ning, and this will count as another small achievement for him.”
Mudan was startled and looked up at Li Manniang. She felt that Li Manniang’s words were full of implications. Yes, the Li family had worked hard to shed their merchant status and become officials. They should cherish this and strive for even greater heights. With someone as unconventional as Li Xing in the family, his aunt and uncle should have been disappointed, but they weren’t. On the contrary, they never hindered Li Xing and even doted on him, valuing him highly. What did this mean? “He has always been favored by Prince Ning, and this will count as another small achievement for him.” It meant that Li Xing was working for Prince Ning.
Seeing understanding in Mudan’s eyes, Li Manniang changed the subject. “This is men’s business, we needn’t concern ourselves. The day after tomorrow, a few of us old friends are going horse racing outside Qixia Gate. Would you like to join us?”
Despite her conflicted feelings, Mudan smiled gracefully. “Aunt, you’re going with your friends. Would it be appropriate for me to tag along?”
Li Manniang patted her hand. “Of course it’s appropriate! I’ll send someone to fetch you. It’s good for young people to get out and socialize.”
Dalang, who had been listening quietly, suddenly interjected, “Danniang, I’ve found a piece of land for you, coincidentally near Qixia Gate. You can take a look at it then.”
Li Manniang asked curiously, “Oh? Are you buying land?”
Dalang smiled sheepishly. “Danniang has established her household. She wants to build a villa outside the city and buy some land to grow flowers for fun.”
Li Manniang nodded approvingly. “Having something to do is better than being idle.”
After seeing Li Manniang’s home, where Madam Cui greeted them joyfully and invited the He family to stay for dinner, Madam Cen politely declined on their behalf. As Mudan was about to mount her horse, Madam Cen called her over with a grave expression. “Danniang, come ride in the carriage with me. I have something to discuss with you.”