Chapter 75

This seemingly high-and-mighty young nobleman, of course, is Chen Fangjie, Wang Shuzhe's future brother-in-law. The unremarkable household guard standing behind him is none other than Wang Shuzhe himself.

Of course, both of them had been made up, with Wang Mei personally doing the work. While they didn’t change their appearances completely, if one wasn’t very familiar with them, they would certainly not recognize them.

At the time, when Chen Fangjie heard about this plan, he found it quite interesting.

Not only could he please the relatives of his future wife, but such an entertaining thing was not often seen. Moreover, Wang Shuzhe entrusting the Chen family to participate in the plan meant they wouldn’t be allowed to work for free.

Therefore, to play the role of a haughty and high-and-mighty second-generation noble, he even took out the robes his family had custom-made for him to wear before and after his marriage.

Wang Shuzhe, playing the role of the household guard, was quite speechless. This future brother-in-law appeared very proper and had the demeanor of a young clan leader from a prestigious family, but deep down, he was a bit—perverse.

The half-reclined, lazy posture, the half-open, half-closed eyes, and the disdainful and contemptuous expression were truly convincing.

Seeing the Liu family’s faces turn pale,

Liu Yongzhou, the talented young man of the Liu family, turned red with a look of readiness to burst out.

“Cough, cough.” Liu Shengye, the head of the Liu family, ultimately remained calm like an old fox, smiling and bowing, “This young master must be the famous young master of the Donghai Wang Dantai family, right? As expected of Young Master Dantai, truly majestic and outstanding, a dragon among men.”

While speaking, he gave Liu Yongzhou a meaningful glance, reminding him that small things could ruin great plans.

“Dantai Heyu, I didn’t seek you for this transaction; you insisted on getting involved.” Zhong Luoxian’s tone was cold and tinged with some dissatisfaction, “The Liu family saved my life; please show some respect.”

“Yes, yes, since they are Luoxian’s benefactors, this young master will be polite.” Chen Fangjie slightly straightened his body, glancing sideways, “Speak, how much grain do you need to borrow?”

Liu Shengye’s heart leaped with joy, and he immediately bowed, saying, “Our Liu family needs to borrow 10,000 dan of grain to alleviate the disaster in our territory. We are willing to repay 20,000 dan of grain to your family after the next harvest.”

“10,000 dan?” Chen Fangjie’s lips curled into a half-smile, ignoring Liu Shengye and looking at Zhong Luoxian, “Luoxian, this isn’t Dantai Heyu looking down on you. Such a trivial matter, why would you use our Dantai family’s connections?”

“Zhong Luoxian” seemed to have a grudge against Dantai Heyu, but her voice was cold, “This transaction is a small amount for you, but it is for the Liu family to save the people. I hope Heyu will help.”

Liu Yongzhou’s heart skipped a beat. Luoxian actually went to beg that hateful Dantai Heyu for him. He felt humiliated and angry, and immediately said, “20,000 dan, our Liu family needs 20,000 dan.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Shengye almost lost his balance and fell. According to the situation, the Liu family had a shortage of about 15,000 dan. But with some effort, mixing some sand with the grain, 10,000 dan could have handled the situation.

However, Liu Yongzhou, for the sake of his pride, demanded 20,000 dan.

“Truly boring.” Chen Fangjie didn’t even blink, as if it was a great effort, “But for Luoxian’s sake, this small transaction of 20,000 dan of grain, we’ll do it.”

“Truly worthy of the Donghai Wang Dantai family, indeed magnificent. Then we’ll borrow 20,000 dan.” Liu Shengye, at this moment, could only accept the number. Otherwise, he was afraid that the temperamental Young Master Dantai would leave in a huff.

“20,000 dan of old grain, at 5 large copper coins per dan, is 1,000 gold coins.” Chen Fangjie said indifferently, “Our Dantai family firmly supports the laws of the Great Qian, and we will not speculate on grain prices. Therefore, the contract must specify that this transaction is a gold loan. We will lend your family 2,000 gold coins, to be repaid within five months, with an additional 1,000 gold coins in interest. Additionally, your family must provide collateral worth more than 3,000 gold coins. If the loan is not repaid on time, the collateral will belong to us.”

What?

The Liu family’s faces all changed. These terms were extremely harsh! Even compared to the Sun family’s terms, they were only slightly better, but not by much.

Moreover, using property as collateral was a major concern for everyone. All eyes were on Liu Shengye.

Liu Shengye’s face was serious and solemn. After careful consideration, he bowed and said, “Young Master Dantai, can the collateral of clan property be waived? Our Liu family is willing to use our reputation as collateral.”

“Reputation?” Chen Fangjie sneered, “Your reputation as a minor noble family is worthless to me. Are you planning to default, so you won’t use clan property as collateral? Humph, I have no time to play games with you.”

Seeing the Liu family’s difficulty, Zhong Luoxian glanced at Liu Yongzhou, bit her lip, and her voice carried a hint of pleading, “Dantai Heyu, I know grain is hard to come by now. But can you consider the Liu family’s efforts to save the people and offer some discount?”

At that moment, Liu Yongzhou’s heart trembled.

Luoxian, Luoxian actually went to beg that haughty Dantai Heyu for him.

Chen Fangjie laughed heartily, “Since Luoxian has spoken, I will waive 500 gold coins in interest. However, the Liu family’s property collateral must be transferred. It will be returned after the principal and interest are fully repaid.”

The waiver of 500 gold coins made the Liu family’s faces light up, a significant discount. But hearing that the property must be transferred… their hearts still skipped a beat.

“The property you transfer should preferably be an estate.” Chen Fangjie narrowed his eyes, looking at Zhong Luoxian, “Luoxian has been in a bad mood recently. Since she wants to relax outside, she needs a place to stay. It will be temporarily registered under Luoxian’s name.”

“Since Young Master Dantai is so generous, I won’t be picky.” Liu Shengye’s eyes lit up, and he smiled, bowing, “Since we are doing business, we will hand over the grain and the estate transfer documents at the same time. Before that, Miss Luoxian can move in first.”

The Liu family owned an estate that had been developed for over ten years, with beautiful scenery. It had comfortable courtyard buildings, 800 acres of good farmland, a 200-acre lotus pond, and potential for further development.

The total value of this estate, while not quite 3,000 gold coins, was not far off.

Liu Shengye’s only concern was that after the estate was transferred, they might not get the grain. He didn’t have the power to cause trouble for the Donghai Wang.

“Money and goods should be settled clearly.” Chen Fangjie agreed, then waved his hand impatiently, “Alright, you can all leave. This transaction will be handled by Luoxian.”

His attitude was so casual, as if this transaction involving 2,000 to 3,000 gold coins was a trivial matter.

Leave?

The Liu family had never experienced such disdain. However, the other party had the right to be arrogant. If not for Miss Zhong’s mediation, how could they have formed a relationship with such a person?

The older members of the Liu family didn’t mind, but Liu Yongzhou’s face turned red, as if he had a fire in his heart.

As Liu Shengye led the clan members out of the pavilion, inside, “Dantai Heyu” laughed mockingly, “Luoxian, I know you don’t like me, which is why you left home to protest. Unfortunately, when I return, I will ask the patriarch to arrange our marriage. Who can refuse?”

“You!” Zhong Luoxian’s voice was suppressed and angry, “I am just a common woman, why must you be so persistent?”

“My nature is to pursue what I cannot get. Zhong Luoxian, you will never escape my grasp.” His voice grew more arrogant, “But as a favor to you, I will let you enjoy your last bit of freedom.”

The Liu family didn’t react much to this. The high-and-mighty noble family’s love and hate had nothing to do with them.

However, no one noticed that Liu Yongzhou’s eyes were turning red, and his whole body was trembling. He had never felt such humiliation and heartache in his life.

He understood, finally understanding that Luoxian wanted to be close to him but had a major concern. He thought it was just the difference in status between noble families, but there was another obstacle.

But he, a direct descendant of a minor noble family, had no power to change anything.

No matter how much anger he felt, it was just a joke to that high-and-mighty young noble.

As the Liu family’s boat sailed away, Liu Yongzhou’s heart sank. The pain in Luoxian’s eyes, which he had seen inadvertently, could not be erased from his mind.

...

At the same time, inside the pavilion on the boat.

Chen Fangjie was in high spirits, drinking tea, his face slightly excited, “Shuzhe, how did I do just now? Did I look like a second-generation noble from a prestigious family?”

Wang Shuzhe looked him up and down, “Is this your true nature? As the clan leader, I have the right to break off my sister’s engagement.”

“Pfft!” Chen Fangjie spat out his tea, hurriedly saying, “Misunderstanding, a huge misunderstanding. I was just acting as you said. Don’t misunderstand. I, Chen Fangjie, am a talented and unpolished gem, with a simple and honest nature.”

“Alright, Chen brother, this unpolished gem will be left for my sister to polish.” Wang Shuzhe said, “Quickly get your act together, we have more guests to receive in the afternoon.”

Receive guests?

Chen Fangjie’s cheeks twitched slightly. The term made him grind his teeth.

But this future brother-in-law was not a simple person. The more they interacted, the more he found him profound and unpredictable.

Similarly, Wang Mei was increasingly satisfied with the clan leader.

Previously, her family had been loyal to the Wang family for generations. But this loyalty was only to the family. No matter who was the clan leader, she would do her best.

But Clan Leader Shuzhe was different. He was steady, intelligent, insightful, and considerate, and most importantly, he was handsome and heroic.

Meeting such a perfect clan leader is my good fortune.

If the clan leader asks for something like a night of intimacy… what should I do?

What role should Mei play? Hehehe~ She felt happier the more she thought about it.

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