The officials promoted by the Lu family, even if they harbored different intentions now, would gradually become Lu family supporters in the future.

Who knew how many people the Lu family had planted in the court using this method, and how much silver they had earned.

In the blink of an eye, it was the tenth day of the tenth month—the exact day Qiu Feishan had told Pang Xiao that the Qiu family would conduct business with the Lu family. It was also the day for the banquet at Prosperity Restaurant.

Having announced early that anyone could come eat and drink today, a large crowd had already gathered outside Prosperity Restaurant from the moment it opened in the morning.

When the restaurant began letting people in, many common folk from Danzhou City flooded in like a tide, everyone saying “Congratulations, ten thousand blessings, happy birthday!”

Pang Xiao stood with Qin Yining in the first floor’s main hall, right next to the counter.

Pang Xiao wore a long robe with precious flower brocade and arrow sleeves. Such gaudy colors, combined with his deliberately hunched posture and listless stance, performed the image of a sucker throwing away money for a beauty to perfection.

He acted as if hosting a banquet at his own home, grinning proudly and constantly cupping his hands saying “Mutual congratulations, thank you so much!”

Many people curiously observed him, and some came forward to chat.

Pang Xiao didn’t mind at all, talking freely with people and often boasting about his beautiful concubine’s looks.

Qin Yining was delighted to watch the show from the side, frequently embracing Pang Xiao’s arm with undisguised coquettish charm, leaving many who came to eat at the banquet dumbstruck.

Near noon, a master-servant pair at the entrance caught Pang Xiao’s attention.

The master was over forty, wearing a front-opening brocade jacket in the style of a wealthy merchant, with a stocky build and kindly countenance. A servant around twenty followed behind him.

This alone wouldn’t be remarkable, but Pang Xiao keenly observed that when entering, the supposed master was asking his servant’s opinion, and the servant had an outstanding bearing that couldn’t hide his arrogance.

Pang Xiao and Qin Yining exchanged glances, both unconsciously moving around the round table in front of them to get two steps closer to the pair.

The pair noticed Pang Xiao and Qin Yining immediately upon entering—their appearances were simply too outstanding to ignore.

As the two approached, the stocky middle-aged man cupped his hands and smiled: “I heard it’s your beautiful concubine’s birthday? This humble one came to request a cup of wine—young master won’t mind, will you?”

Hearing this person had some Jianchuan City accent, Pang Xiao confirmed the visitors were indeed from the Qiu family. He smiled: “Most welcome! But how could just wine be enough?” Moving closer to the man, he asked quietly: “Are you here from Guangtong Company to do business?”

The other man was startled and cupped his hands with a smile: “Forgive my poor eyesight—you are?”

Pang Xiao smiled and said quietly: “I’m someone close to Young Master Lu.” Then he raised his voice: “There are still seats upstairs. Please go upstairs.”

The two exchanged glances, looked around cautiously to confirm it was safe, then went upstairs. First, meeting strangers made them wary of being untrustworthy; second, they feared being noticed by interested parties. After all, buying official positions wasn’t a small matter—such business should naturally be conducted secretly. Who would publicize it?

Seeing the Lu family’s “contact” person act so cautiously, knowing business would be discussed today and deliberately creating such a lively, chaotic scene to cover their tracks, the master and servant became even more careful.

Watching the pair go upstairs, Qin Yining moved close to Pang Xiao, draping her arm over his shoulder and leaning near his ear as if joking with him, but actually asking: “Will they believe you?”

Pang Xiao pinched Qin Yining’s cheek, smiling very lecherously.

“What’s to fear? Haven’t we already made contact? Coming to do such business, they naturally hope for maximum secrecy. Our actions perfectly match their suspicions—they should already believe our identities.”

Qin Yining couldn’t help but chuckle: “Once the business is done, hurry them away. Better to avoid complications and exposure.”

“I know, I have discretion.”

While speaking, they reached the second floor and saw the pair already seated at a corner table, drinking tea and waiting for food. They didn’t know that several tables of banquet guests on this floor were all Pang Xiao’s subordinates.

Pang Xiao brought Qin Yining over, cupped his hands and smiled: “Your honoring us is truly my privilege. I felt an instant connection with you—may I ask your name?”

“I’m surnamed Qiu, a manager from Guangtong Company.” Manager Qiu kept his voice very low, showing a kindly smile on his round face. “Please sit, young master.”

Pang Xiao nodded and sat down openly.

As a woman, Qin Yining naturally shouldn’t participate in men’s conversation and tactfully withdrew.

Pang Xiao smiled and said quietly: “I’m someone close to Young Master Lu, surnamed Wan. Coincidentally, I share a surname with your Guangtong Company’s master. Perhaps a hundred years ago we were the same family.”

Pang Xiao looked smilingly at the servant behind Manager Qiu: “Don’t you think so?”

Manager Qiu was startled and turned to look at the servant with anxiety and hesitation.

The servant pondered briefly, then smiled frankly, standing with his hands behind his back and nodding: “Indeed so. It must be fate.”

Pang Xiao could confirm this servant was the Qiu family’s negotiator for this trip, while the seated man was actually the attendant.

Pang Xiao smiled and asked: “Why doesn’t Young Master Wan sit down to talk?”

Young Master Wan remained standing, smiling: “Speaking like this is fine.”

Knowing the other party was cautious, Pang Xiao didn’t insist and said directly: “In that case, to avoid complications, I’ll make this brief. This amount, delivered to my designated location within ten days. You provide the candidate, then you can return and await good news.” Pang Xiao held up one palm.

Both Young Master Wan and Manager Qiu were somewhat dumbfounded.

“This amount? Five million taels of silver?” Manager Qiu asked tentatively.

Pang Xiao blinked.

That much?

He had originally only wanted five hundred thousand taels.

“Yes.” Pang Xiao nodded calmly with a natural expression.

Young Master Wan and Manager Qiu exchanged glances again, momentarily silent, privately grumbling: The Lu family, a century-old prestigious clan, was only this much—five million taels could settle it?

Before coming, they had wondered what price they’d pay to buy an official position from the Lu family. The reality was such preferential treatment. If they could settle everything with five million taels in one payment and then part ways, it would actually be wonderful.

Pang Xiao frowned: “What? You think it’s too much?”

Manager Qiu was about to speak when Young Master Wan said: “It is somewhat much and not readily available. Could we have more time, or perhaps pay a portion as deposit first? When our chosen candidate becomes imperial inspector of the old capital, we’ll pay the remainder.”

Remembering Lu Zheng’s attitude when they spoke that day, Pang Xiao immediately imitated Lu Zheng’s expression perfectly: “Pay a portion? Sorry, our Lu family has never seen anyone pay silver this way.”

Pang Xiao’s eyes showed contempt as he said indifferently: “Or are you worried our Lu family can’t accomplish the task and will pocket your silver for nothing?”

Young Master Wan felt somewhat embarrassed at having his thoughts exposed.

Five million taels of silver would naturally be a drop in the bucket for the original Qiu family. After all, their foundation was solid with plenty of assets, and in recent years Sitong Company had operated successfully—when had the Qiu family ever lacked silver?

However, now the Qiu family had split into several factions. Sitong Company had followed Qiu Feishan in establishing independence, taking away more than just half the gold and silver.

Qiu Yuanqing faced much controversy, with many family members voicing opposition. The silver in Qiu Yuanqing’s hands was truly not as abundant as before.

Young Master Wan’s thoughts raced: “How could that be? The Lu family has great wealth and extensive business—they wouldn’t covet such a small amount. But…”

“It doesn’t matter. If you’re worried, we can call off this deal.” Pang Xiao smiled, but his eyes showed undisguised contempt and impatience. “To be honest, I have several other deals to handle. Since this won’t work, I need to meet the next client.”

Pang Xiao stood up.

Young Master Wan was extremely surprised—why didn’t the other party care at all whether the deal succeeded!

Or perhaps in their eyes, the Qiu family’s business wasn’t worth mentioning?

Thinking this way, Young Master Wan was immediately alarmed and stepped forward anxiously: “Wait!”

Pang Xiao raised an eyebrow.

Young Master Wan considered, deciding he couldn’t come for nothing, and nodded: “Very well. We must establish a written agreement. When we give the silver, you must write a receipt…”

“Such matters don’t need written agreements—oral agreements suffice. Receipts are even more unnecessary. Allow me to say again: our Lu family has conducted much business. If you’re worried about default, it’s truly unnecessary.”

Young Master Wan immediately understood the other party feared leaving criminal evidence.

“But without written agreements or receipts, only oral agreements—if problems arise, we won’t know whom to seek.”

Pang Xiao chuckled quietly: “For such matters, if real problems occur, could you report to the authorities?”

Young Master Wan was speechless, completely unsure how to respond.

“Forget it. Business is entirely voluntary. If you find it inappropriate, let’s part ways.” Pang Xiao smiled and cupped his hands, about to leave.

Now both Young Master Wan and Manager Qiu became anxious—it seemed the Lu family truly didn’t consider this deal important at all.

“Wait.” Young Master Wan said in a deep voice: “I agree.”

“Young master is truly straightforward.” Pang Xiao curved his lips: “Like this—send the banknotes to a newly opened grain store called Guangqing in Guangqing County. Manager Zhao there is our person. When I receive word from Manager Zhao, I’ll immediately begin handling your matter. You just wait for news.”

This Guangqing County wasn’t far from the old capital.

The Lu family had businesses throughout the country, so this wasn’t surprising.

Young Master Wan nodded, leaned close to Pang Xiao’s ear and whispered a few sentences: “…this person exactly. Thus, we await good news.”

“Easily said.” Pang Xiao was somewhat confused hearing the person they mentioned—he had completely no impression of this unremarkable sixth-rank official.

Pang Xiao’s expression remained normal, showing no excitement about completing a major deal, and he turned to go downstairs.

Only then did Manager Qiu breathe a long sigh of relief, saying quietly with emotion: “Truly wealthy and powerful.”

“Indeed.” Having been suppressed throughout the negotiation, Young Master Wan felt angry yet helpless: “Now we’re asking others for favors. Forget it—as long as the matter succeeds. Let’s leave the city immediately, return to prepare the silver, and send it quickly for quick results.”

Manager Qiu hesitated somewhat: “This situation is truly unsettling—completely without guarantees. If we send silver and they renege?”

“The knife handle is in others’ hands. Besides submitting to their control, what other options do we have? The Lu family has such great wealth—they wouldn’t stoop to this.”