Chapter 60

The next day, a man claiming to be the future head of the Fang family came to visit.

Out of curiosity, Gu Yang met him. This man was in his early thirties and introduced himself as Fang Kaihui, a direct descendant of the Fang family.

Upon meeting, Fang Kaihui spoke confidently, "I am the current head of the Fang family, and I have come to discuss a collaboration with you. If you help us deal with Lin Zisheng and the Lin family, we are willing to offer half of our family's assets..."

"Wait a moment."

Gu Yang interrupted him, "Do you have Xue E's approval for this?"

A hint of disdain flashed in Fang Kaihui's eyes as he said, "This is a family matter of the Fangs. Although she is my brother's widow, she has been unfaithful and consorted with other men. She has no right to be the head of our family."

Gu Yang immediately lost interest in continuing the conversation and dismissed him, "You can leave now."

"Huh?"

Fang Kaihui was taken aback. He couldn't believe that despite offering such a generous condition, the other party would react this way. He stammered, "Why is that?"

Gu Yang's tone was cold, "If your Fang family is full of ungrateful and treacherous people like you, I wouldn't even bother to look at you. If you want to discuss anything, have Xue E come."

Fang Kaihui's face turned red with shame and anger, but he didn't dare to say anything harsh and left in a huff.

...

In the afternoon, Xue E arrived, looking somewhat weary with a bitter smile on her face, "I apologize for the inconvenience."

After her husband's death, two people took over as the head of the family, both of whom died mysteriously within a month. The Fang family was in turmoil.

Lin Zisheng was relentless, even coming to the Fang residence to directly annex the Fang family.

The Fang family's elders and young masters were intimidated by Lin Zisheng's reputation and dared not oppose him. It was she, a woman, who stood up and fought to save the Fang family.

In recent years, Lin Zisheng had changed his strategy, gradually encroaching on the Fang family. The Fang family members turned a blind eye and lacked the courage to resist.

If it weren't for her mediation, the Fang family would have been swallowed by Lin Zisheng long ago.

Now, with the opportunity to escape Lin Zisheng's clutches, Fang Kaihui, a descendant of the Fang family, was eager to push her aside and claim the position of head of the family, coming to discuss a collaboration with Gu Yang.

Gu Yang could imagine how difficult it was for her, a woman who had married into the family and carried such a reputation, to lead a large family. He said, "Every family has its own troubles, and I can understand."

Xue E's eyes welled up, not out of acting. She had heard about Fang Kaihui's failed attempt to meet Gu Yang that morning and felt grateful to the man in front of her.

If Gu Yang had also dismissed her, she would have lost her standing in the Fang family.

Although she had saved the Fang family's centuries-old legacy during its most difficult times, she had also tarnished the family's reputation. Once the crisis was over, the Fang family would not tolerate her.

It was Gu Yang's stance that forced the Fang family to continue recognizing her position.

"After consulting with a few of the elders, I am willing to offer 500,000 taels. This is all the silver the Fang family has left. In recent years, we have spent a lot to counter Lin Zisheng's encroachments," Xue E said sincerely.

Gratitude aside, she still had to strive for the Fang family's interests.

Gu Yang remained unmoved and said, "Do you know what Fang Kaihui offered? Half of the Fang family's assets."

Xue E's eyes widened, and she felt a surge of frustration. As a direct descendant of the Fang family, Fang Kaihui had offered such a condition to regain power.

He was selling his ancestors' land without a second thought.

This was the legacy that the Fang family had built over hundreds of years, and he was willing to give half of it away.

He was a terrible teammate.

Gu Yang held up two fingers, "2,000,000 taels."

"This—"

Xue E was completely deflated by his words and lacked the confidence to negotiate.

She could only lament, "It might be difficult to gather that much silver in a short time. Perhaps we could use land and shops..."

"I only want silver."

Gu Yang didn't give her room for discussion. The Fang family, being such a large family, could not possibly be unable to come up with 2,000,000 taels.

Not to mention, they owned vast amounts of farmland. The Fang family was the largest landowner in Ping County, and the annual rent alone was a substantial income.

"Here's a proposal: 500,000 taels now, another 500,000 taels in a month, and 1,200,000 taels in six months."

Gu Yang made a concession.

The extra 200,000 taels were naturally interest.

Xue E felt a sense of relief at this condition, as it gave her half a year to gather the funds. With some effort, it could be done.

"Also, from now on, you will give me an annual dividend of 100,000 taels."

Gu Yang made another request.

If he helped the Fang family deal with Lin Zisheng, outsiders would see the Fang family as under his protection. The Fang family would definitely act under his name.

Of course, he had to be paid, like a protection fee.

"Agreed."

Xue E didn't hesitate to agree. 100,000 taels was a lot, but if it could ensure the Fang family's safety, it was worth it.

At this moment, Zhang Xiaohai came in with a visiting card, "Master, someone is here to see you, and they have quite a grand entourage."

Gu Yang took the card, opened it, and a smile appeared on his face. What a coincidence.

Xue E, standing in front of him, saw the card and her expression changed slightly.

The design on the card was unique to the Lin family, and only core members of the Lin family could use it.

A core member of the Lin family was visiting Gu Yang.

Gu Yang told her, "Go behind the screen."

...

Xue E hid behind the screen and held her breath. Soon, a clear voice rang out, "I am Lin Zihua of the Lin family. I apologize for the sudden visit, please forgive me, Brother Gu."

Her heart skipped a beat. Lin Zihua was the eldest son of the Lin family and the future head.

It was said that Lin Zisheng was exiled to Ping County because he was competing with this eldest son.

This was a core member of the Lin family.

What was even more shocking was that he spoke to Gu Yang on equal terms.

Who exactly was Gu Yang?

The conversation outside continued, "My younger brother acted rashly and did something he shouldn't have. I will give Miss Xu a proper explanation."

Miss Xu?

Suddenly, Xue E had a realization. Could it be her?

Gu Yang said, "Lin Zihua should say this to Miss Xu himself."

"I am ashamed to face Miss Xu. Please convey my message to her."

"Conveying the message is fine, but Lin Zihua should know that the disciples of the Sword Palace always seek revenge."

Lin Zihua sighed, "Is there no room for negotiation in this matter?"

"When Lin Zisheng put the Locking Essence Bracelet on her, he should have known the consequences."

Lin Zihua fell silent.

"Of course, Miss Xu's character is such that she would not blame others."

"Please intercede for me, Brother Gu."

Gu Yang suddenly changed the subject, "Does Lin Zihua know about the Fang family's situation?"

Xue E's heart skipped a beat at this.

She finally understood why Gu Yang was so confident that he could deal with Lin Zisheng and the Lin family.

He had an extraordinary relationship with the disciple of the Sword Palace.