Protect Our Patriarch

……

"What!?" Zuoqiu Guanyu's face turned beet red, as if he'd been slapped hard. His anger surged uncontrollably. "Wang Shouzhe! How dare you speak to me like this?!"

"Heh~"

Wang Shouzhe glanced at him dismissively and ignored him.

He picked up the teacup on the table and took a slow sip.

Seeing Zuoqiu Guanyu's face grow increasingly livid, almost to the point of breaking, Wang Shouzhe finally spoke leisurely, "Master Guanyu, a wise person knows their limits. The Zuoqiu Clan is currently beset by internal and external troubles and needs my help. I really don't know where you get the nerve to put on airs in front of me."

"If I refuse to negotiate, just the accountability from the capital would be enough to bring the Zuoqiu Clan to its knees."

"Even if the capital can be smoothed over with your connections, and you can suppress internal unrest in Qing'an Commandery with force, how many years can your clan's resources last if you can't sell your grain seeds? A large family business may seem impressive, but can you sustain the annual expenses? Or perhaps you could reduce the number of Celestial and Purple Mansion transitions, and have your clan members live more frugally. That might buy you a few more years."

"But no matter how much you save, you can't change the fate of decline."

As the head of the Zuoqiu Clan, no one understood their current economic situation better than him. Just supporting six Purple Mansion Ancestors was a massive expense, not to mention the numerous Celestial Realm elders below them, burning money every day.

As for reducing support, could he dare?

Each of the six Purple Mansion Ancestors could easily deal with him. Even if the two direct-lineage Ancestors, De Ye and Zheng Hua, supported him, the other four direct-lineage Purple Mansion Ancestors would not. If internal strife broke out in the Zuoqiu Clan, the consequences would be even more severe.

Without selling grain seeds, the current stability of the Zuoqiu Clan couldn't be maintained.

"Aren't you afraid we'll turn against you?" Zuoqiu Guanyu clenched his fists, his eyes filled with murderous intent as he looked at Wang Shouzhe. "With the strength of the Zuoqiu Clan, destroying the Wang Clan would be a piece of cake."

"Heh~" Wang Shouzhe sneered and turned to Taishi Ankang. "Governor, since when does Daqian law allow high-ranking clans to wantonly destroy lower-ranking clans?"

"Master Guanyu, mind your words," Taishi Ankang warned sternly, glancing at Zuoqiu Guanyu. "The eight thousand Black Armored Guards of Longzuo Commandery are not to be trifled with. Moreover, if you've investigated the Wang Clan, you should know Miss Liyao's reputation. She is a great prodigy and the beloved disciple of Tianhe Daoist."

A great prodigy, just the title alone was enough to make many Purple Mansion Realm cultivators wary. Not to mention, she had a Divine Realm master.

Even if the Zuoqiu Clan wanted to bully others, they had to consider Miss Liyao. In a hundred years, she would be a Purple Mansion Master, and in a few hundred years, a Divine Realm Zhenren.

Wouldn't they fear Miss Liyao's revenge when she became a Divine Realm Zhenren if they attacked the Wang Clan?

"Furthermore, the Changning Wang Clan is not without roots," Taishi Ankang continued. "Many of its members have apprenticed under Purple Mansion Masters, and its main lineage is part of the prestigious Daqian Wang Clan!"

A clan that could bear the name "Daqian" had to be at least a third-rank clan or had once been one.

Though the Zuoqiu Clan of Qing'an Commandery was a fourth-rank clan and nearly omnipotent in Qing'an Commandery, it could only bear the name "Qing'an." To presumptuously bear the name "Daqian" would invite ridicule and disbelief.

Just like the Wang Clan could bear the name "Changning" but not "Longzuo." The Longzuo Wang Clan, once a fifth-rank clan, still bore the name "Longzuo" despite its decline.

Hearing Taishi Ankang mention the "Daqian Wang Clan," Zuoqiu Guanyu's already grim expression became even more complex.

Although intelligence indicated that the current Changning Wang Clan had little contact with the main lineage of the Daqian Wang Clan, if things escalated, someone might go to Daqian to pull some strings.

For instance, if Wang Liyao went to the Daqian Wang Clan, her status as a great prodigy would ensure a warm welcome, and she might even be able to invite a Divine Realm Ancestor.

These considerations made the Zuoqiu Clan hesitant and cautious...

Seeing the situation deadlocked, Wu Dinghai, the Governor of Qing'an Commandery, quickly intervened to smooth things over. "Alright, alright~ Both of you are young and impetuous, and some verbal sparring is inevitable. Let's talk it out. Master Guanyu, remember that it was your Zuoqiu Clan that sought negotiations. Don't put on airs as a fourth-rank clan. Make the necessary concessions and don't let anger cloud your judgment."

"The Governor is right."

Though Zuoqiu Guanyu was dissatisfied, he was a clan head and knew when to bend and when to stand firm.

He immediately took the opportunity to bow to Wu Dinghai in thanks and then adopted a refined demeanor as he looked at Wang Shouzhe. "Master Shouzhe, I was rash earlier. Let's do this: since the Zuoqiu Clan initiated the commercial war, we will make the first concession. From now on, the prices in the flying carriage market will be set by Shouda Trading Company. In business, everyone should profit together; there's no need to let others benefit for nothing."

His earlier attempt to intimidate was a strategy. If he could suppress the Wang Clan, it would be great. Even if he couldn't, it wouldn't cost him much. Seeing the Wang Clan's firm stance, Zuoqiu Guanyu immediately changed tactics.

"Good idea." Wang Shouzhe smiled. "Then our Shouda Trading Company will also enter the flying carriage market in Qing'an Commandery. We'll negotiate the prices. As for the grain seed business, we can do it together. You can sell to Longzuo, and we'll sell to Qing'an."

"Since Master Guanyu is so generous, giving Shouda Trading Company the pricing power in the flying carriage market, I, Wang Shouzhe, am not a petty person." Wang Shouzhe also adopted a grandiose demeanor. "You can set the grain seed prices, and the Wang Clan won't sell a single coin more."

Zuoqiu Guanyu's expression froze, and a thousand curses ran through his mind.

If our Zuoqiu Clan's grain seeds could compete with yours at the same price, would I have traveled all this way to be humiliated by you?

Zuoqiu Guanyu clenched his palms tightly, barely managing to force a smile. "Master Shouzhe, you're joking."

"You started the joke," Wang Shouzhe replied, half-smiling.

"So, what do you propose as a solution?" Zuoqiu Guanyu, realizing Wang Shouzhe was not to be trifled with, probed cautiously.

"There is a solution," Wang Shouzhe said, tired of circling around. "First, dissolve your Qingfeng Trading Company's flying carriage business and let Shouda Trading Company take over both the business and its debts."

Zuoqiu Guanyu's mouth twitched.

Wasn't that too harsh? And that was just the first condition...

"Second, open the flying carriage market in Qing'an Commandery to our Shouda Trading Company," Wang Shouzhe said nonchalantly. "Meeting these two conditions will show your sincerity, and we can then discuss the grain seed business."

Such harsh conditions were just the prerequisites?

Even Wu Dinghai, the Governor, looked displeased. "Master Shouzhe, isn't your appetite too big? Isn't your approach too aggressive? You should leave some room for negotiation."

Before Wang Shouzhe could respond, Taishi Ankang laughed heartily. "Wu Dinghai, why do your words sound so familiar? A year ago, when I personally went to Qing'an Commandery to discuss this with you, didn't you say the same thing to me?"

He mimicked Wu Dinghai's tone, "Taishi, it's just legitimate business competition, a good thing for the people. You're worrying unnecessarily."

Then he looked at Wu Dinghai with a half-smile. "By your logic, wouldn't it be a great thing for the country if Master Shouzhe sold grain seeds at low prices to the various clans in Qing'an Commandery?"

Wu Dinghai's face turned red as if he'd been slapped.

He couldn't just storm off like he did before. If the Zuoqiu Clan collapsed, they might do something desperate, and his days would be numbered.

Given the Emperor's increasing sensitivity in recent years, any major mistake would likely result in him being sent to the outer regions' battlefields, where he might end up as cannon fodder.

"Governor Taishi," Wu Dinghai, knowing he couldn't escape this, forced a smile. "I was wrong, and I apologize to you."

Taishi Ankang felt a surge of satisfaction, looking at Wang Shouzhe with increasing admiration.

With Wang Shouzhe at the helm, the Changning Wang Clan was destined to flourish.

"Though these conditions seem harsh," Wu Dinghai said, trying to smooth things over, "it was the Zuoqiu Clan that initiated the conflict. If there's a reasonable arrangement for the grain seeds, Qing'an might agree."

"Governor! These conditions..." Zuoqiu Guanyu protested.

But Wu Dinghai cut him off sternly. "Master Guanyu, don't you understand? The Zuoqiu Clan is now at the mercy of others. You have no room for negotiation. Focus on resolving the grain seed issue; that's your clan's foundation."

Zuoqiu Guanyu felt as if he'd been struck by lightning, his face alternating between red and white.

He knew the truth... but the pride of a fourth-rank clan was hard to let go. They were used to controlling others' fates, not having their own controlled by a mere seventh-rank clan.

After a long pause, he regained some composure. "Master Shouzhe, we can agree to those conditions. But we want to buy the cultivation rights for the grain seeds in Qing'an Commandery. A flat price of five million top gold for the cultivation and sales rights of five grain seeds."

"Otherwise, we'd rather fight to the death. The outcome will be left to fate."

His tone hardened. A fourth-rank clan still had its pride.

Wang Shouzhe saw that buying the cultivation and sales rights was their bottom line.

But the price wasn't.

Wang Shouzhe had already estimated and investigated the Zuoqiu Clan's finances.

"We can sell the cultivation and sales rights in Qing'an Commandery," Wang Shouzhe said, sipping his tea. "But the Zuoqiu Clan must first pay fifty million top gold as a monopoly fee, and then two million top gold annually as a licensing fee."

The Zuoqiu Clan didn't want to fight to the death, and neither did the Wang Clan.

The Wang Clan was on the rise, with a bright future. Wang Shouzhe didn't want to clash with any Purple Mansion Clan unless necessary.

Selling some low-sequence grain seeds for a large sum of money to solve the Wang Clan's financial problems and Shouda Trading Company's crisis, while pushing back the Zuoqiu Clan, was a win-win.

The Wang Clan needed time and money.

Given enough time and space, the Wang Clan wouldn't fear the Zuoqiu Clan in a century or two.

As for money...

The Wang Clan's prodigies, geniuses, and clan members consumed vast amounts of top gold annually. With new clan members being born, this number kept growing.

If not, why would Wang Shouzhe develop Xin'an Town and eye "Qingluo Garrison"?

The future development of Qingluo Garrison would be a massive money pit.

Wang Shouzhe's offer shocked Zuoqiu Guanyu, who roared, "Master Shouzhe, even extortion has limits. Do you think we're lambs to be slaughtered? One million! Just one million, not a coin more, or we..."

"Master Guanyu, don't be so agitated. We can negotiate the price~ How about this, forty-five million..."

For their clans' interests, the two clan heads haggled like market vendors.

This process lasted half a month.

Finally, after several walkouts and consultations with his clan's Ancestors, they reached an agreement.

The Zuoqiu Clan would exit the flying carriage market and open Qing'an Commandery's market to Shouda Trading Company. They would pay twenty million top gold for the grain seed cultivation rights and ten percent of annual sales as a licensing fee.

The contract would last a hundred years.

During this period, the Wang Clan wouldn't sell grain seeds in Qing'an Commandery.

Thus, the grain seed conflict ended, with a "happy" resolution.

……

Some time later.

Qing'an Commandery, the famous gourmet estate—Qingya Residence.

After seeing off Zuoqiu Guanyu, Xiaoyue returned to Bamboo Courtyard, her brows furrowed.

Though Zuoqiu Guanyu had spoken politely, his meaning was clear: the Zuoqiu Clan had suffered too much and would no longer participate in plans against the Qian and Wang Clans. They asked Young Master Ce to find another partner. As for the favor of renting flying carriages, the Zuoqiu Clan would find a way to repay it.

With Zuoqiu Guanyu's clear stance, Xiaoyue couldn't insist and had to see him off politely.

Honestly, she hadn't expected things to escalate this far.

Clan conflicts had always been about wealth and power.

A fourth-rank clan with two thousand years of history, countless strong members, and far more wealth and power than the Qian and Wang Clans combined, should never have lost.

Yet the Qian and Wang Clans had turned the tables, a near-miracle worthy of the Longzuo Commandery Chronicles.

Even with the Qian and Wang Clans' clever tactics and preparation, the result was still "unbelievable."

Moreover, according to information from Luo Yuqing's [Dawn], the Wang Clan, not the Qian Clan, had led the fight against the Zuoqiu and Cao Clans.

Specifically, it was Wang Shouzhe, the head of the Wang Clan.

From start to finish, the Qian Clan had followed Wang Shouzhe's plan, as if confident he could turn the tide.

Unconsciously, Xiaoyue recalled Luo Yuqing's evaluation of Wang Shouzhe: "He has grand plans, decisive strategies, and meticulous caution."

At the time, she thought the praise was a bit high.

Now, it seemed even that was an understatement. Perhaps it should include "unpredictable."

Having Wang Shouzhe as a friend would be delightful, but as an enemy...

Xiaoyue rubbed her temples, feeling a headache.

Oh well~ Since things had come to this, worrying was pointless. Better to think about the aftermath~

The Han Yue Immortal Dynasty and Daqian were separated by the vast Storm Ocean, making communication difficult. The master wouldn't know Daqian's situation for now. But the master would return someday, and she had to give an account.

With that in mind, she quickly returned to her room.

Soon, two messenger birds, one blue and one white, flew from her window into the sky.

……

Longyuan Commandery, Cao Clan's main residence.

Leaving Cao Bangyan's courtyard, Cao Youqing felt uneasy.

Nearly a year had passed since Bangyan was captured. The entire Cao Clan had been busy dealing with the investigation, barely managing.

Fortunately, the investigator was finally sent away, and Bangyan was successfully redeemed, ending the ordeal.

But for her, it was far from over.

Cao Youqing's gaze swept around.

Along the way, Cao Clan members passed by, showing respect, but she knew they secretly blamed her.

Otherwise, why would they avoid her gaze?

The Cao Clan had suffered greatly.

Six million top gold was a huge sum, even for a Purple Mansion Clan. To raise it, Cao Bangning had to cut resources and sell several ships. The clan members couldn't help but resent her.

Moreover, the elders who took the blame were mostly over three hundred years old, with dozens of descendants, essentially the patriarchs of their lines.

Though they sacrificed for the clan and Bangning promised compensation, they couldn't be without grievances.

All this weighed heavily on Cao Youqing.

The more she thought, the more oppressed she felt. The more the clan members avoided her, the worse she felt.

This continued until she reached the Ancestor's Kunwu Residence, where she felt slightly better.

The Cao Clan's Ancestor, Cao Kunhao, was nearly six hundred years old. With his lifespan nearing its end, he rarely appeared, spending most of his time in seclusion at Kunwu Residence.

But even in seclusion, Cao Youqing could visit anytime.

Entering as usual, she saw the Ancestor sunbathing in the courtyard.

Compared to decades ago, he looked much older, with white hair and wrinkles, like a mortal in his seventies or eighties.

"Ancestor."

Seeing the familiar figure, Cao Youqing's grievances surged.

She wavered to the Ancestor's lounge chair, knelt on the grass, and hugged his arm, complaining, "Ancestor, I'm so unwilling, really unwilling~~"

"Sigh~"

Ancestor Kunhao sighed, opening his slightly cloudy eyes.

Though he hadn't appeared, as the Cao Clan's only Purple Mansion Ancestor, he knew what had happened.

He patted Cao Youqing's head lovingly. "Child, a loss is a loss. With your current strength, if you focus on cultivation, you'll reach the Purple Mansion in less than a century. The Cao Clan can't afford more turmoil."

"Ancestor, you've always spoiled me. You know my nature; if I can't overcome this, I'll be plagued by inner demons, making the Heavenly Dao trial difficult." Cao Youqing's eyes flashed with hatred. "I underestimated Wang Shouzhe. If he isn't removed, he'll be a future threat. When he reaches the Purple Mansion, the Cao Clan will suffer."

"Sigh~ Child... Fine, you have a point. He's indeed a huge threat." Ancestor Kunhao's face grew serious at the mention of Wang Shouzhe. "But we must be cautious. Unless we're certain, we can't alert him."

A hint of killing intent flashed in his eyes.

"Ancestor, I won't fail this time."

Thinking of Wang Shouzhe, Cao Youqing gritted her teeth, her beautiful face filled with hatred.

Though Luo Yuqing was annoying, always reporting to the master, she was nothing compared to Wang Shouzhe.

This time, she might have to seek out Luo Yuqing and ask her to keep an eye on Wang Shouzhe.

She couldn't believe Wang Shouzhe would never be alone!

……

My child has finished exams and has been disciplined~ Finally, I can relax and sleep in tomorrow…

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