Chapter 33

Chapter 32. You brat? Are you from the Zhongnan Sect? (2)

No one could speak.

The declaration that came from Xianzhong's mouth was so shocking that those who understood what he was saying couldn't close their mouths, and those who hadn't fully grasped the situation were too intimidated by the atmosphere to speak.

"Come now, Chief!"

"What do you mean by that? Chief?"

The commotion erupted suddenly.

The merchants, their faces flushed red, shouted as if cursing, but Xianzhong's expression didn't change. His cold demeanor, which was unusual for him, suppressed the merchants.

"Exactly as I said."

"But... but...!"

"We don't understand what's going on here..."

Just then,

"Quiet."

Gong Wenyan's cold voice silenced the merchants.

Xianzhong and Gong Wenyan's gazes met in the air.

"Chief."

"Speak, Master Gong."

Though his attitude hadn't changed, much had. Xianzhong no longer maintained his usual relaxed demeanor, and the softness that Gong Wenyan had feigned was gone.

"You seem to be taking this too lightly."

"Taking it lightly?"

"Yes."

Their gazes locked in the air. Xianzhong, who would usually have brushed it off, didn't back down this time.

"If the position of Chief of Huashan seems so idle that you can joke around, then I'm disappointed."

Gong Wenyan clenched his jaw, his lips twisting in a way they never did.

"According to this ledger, most of the Huayin Merchant Alliance's businesses belong to Huashan. If you can't provide evidence that you acquired these businesses from Huashan fairly, you have no right to complain if your assets are confiscated."

"I understand that."

"But..."

Gong Wenyan smiled, but it was a forced, awkward smile, different from the ones he usually showed.

"Isn't that only true if this ledger is genuine?"

Xianzhong glared at Gong Wenyan in silence, but Gong Wenyan continued without flinching.

"How can you prove that this suddenly appearing ledger is genuine?"

"In other words... you're saying that Huashan is presenting false evidence?"

"Surely Huashan wouldn't do such a thing."

Gong Wenyan took a slight step back, but his attitude didn't change.

"But Huashan could also be deceived by this false ledger, right? We can't trust this ledger until it's verified."

"Fair enough!"

"Very reasonable!"

The merchants supported Gong Wenyan's argument.

Xianzhong, who had been watching quietly, slowly nodded and turned to look at Xian Ying.

"Chief of Zaijing Hall."

"Yes, Chief!"

"What do you think?"

"Their argument has merit."

Chief of Zaijing Hall Xian Ying answered without changing his expression, which pleased the merchants.

"Then what should we do?"

"Chief, the discussion is off track."

"Hmm?"

Xian Ying smiled and said,

"Verifying whether the ledger is genuine is not our job or theirs. Isn't the place to settle such disputes the government office?"

"Indeed."

Xian Ying continued, bowing.

"That's why we've already entrusted half of the ledger to the Huayin government office for verification. If it's confirmed to be genuine, the government will confiscate their business premises."

Gong Wenyan's eyes widened.

"You've already entrusted it?"

"Yes. Why? Is there a problem?"

Xian Ying's calm response chilled Gong Wenyan. Cold sweat began to trickle down his back.

'I've been outmaneuvered.'

If they had been in Huayin, they could have responded, but they were in Huashan. If the government troops took advantage of their absence to occupy the business premises, there would be no way to respond with the remaining people.

'That bastard!'

Sparks flew from Gong Wenyan's eyes as he glared at Xianzhong.

Xianzhong had planned this from the beginning, calling them to Huashan. Showing the ledger to the merchants and settling the dispute was just a smokescreen. What he truly aimed for was to isolate them from Huayin.

"When did you entrust the ledger to the government?"

"Two days ago."

"..."

Gong Wenyan gritted his teeth.

Two days was more than enough time to verify the ledger. Even if only half was entrusted, the ledger could be cross-referenced. The ledger in the box was undoubtedly already verified.

That meant the government troops at the foot of the mountain were already prepared to confiscate the business premises after verifying the ledger's authenticity.

The Huayin government office had always been friendly with Huashan. If Xianzhong used Huashan's connections to pressure from above, it was clear how the Huayin magistrate would act.

By now, chaos must have erupted.

"Chief!"

A furious voice burst from Gong Wenyan's mouth.

But Xianzhong was no longer the lenient chief he knew.

"Lower your voice."

A stern aura emanated from Xianzhong. Gong Wenyan, who rarely showed fear or panic, couldn't help but flinch under Xianzhong's gaze.

The name Huashan.

It was hard to imagine such an aura coming from someone who now only bore the name.

"You have no right to speak."

Xianzhong looked at the merchants with cold eyes. Some, unable to bear the weight of his gaze, lowered their heads to avoid his eyes.

"A true friend extends a hand in times of need. There's no need to treat those who stab you in the back as friends. Go back. When you return to Huayin, everything will be over. Ideally, I should reclaim everything you have, but..."

Xianzhong sighed.

"I can't completely ignore your past efforts. Therefore, I will allow each of you to take one cart of goods."

"Chief."

Even the most oblivious could see how the situation was unfolding.

"I have shown you the greatest favor."

At that moment, Chief of Zaijing Hall Xian Ying spoke.

"Chief, these people have mocked Huashan and stolen its wealth. They even tried to repay Huashan's kindness with enmity. Such favor to them is..."

"Even if a beast tries to bite, showing its teeth in return makes me a beast too."

Xianzhong waved his hand.

"I've made my decision. Chief of Zaijing Hall, don't mention this matter again."

"Yes, Chief."

Xian Ying bowed.

"Go down and see for yourselves. You need to witness how things have turned out, don't you?"

Gong Wenyan's face contorted. Baring his teeth, he glared at Xianzhong as if he wanted to kill him.

"Chief, you hid a venomous heart behind that gentle face."

"Venomous heart..."

Xianzhong smiled.

"If it's a venomous heart, then it is. But can it compare to yours?"

"..."

"I will not forget this debt."

"Very well. Yunyan, escort them."

"Yes, Chief!"

Gong Wenyan turned sharply and started walking towards the mountain gate without waiting for Yunyan's guidance.

The merchants, unsure of what to do, hurriedly followed Gong Wenyan, eager to get down the mountain and see what had happened in Huayin.

Watching the merchants head towards the mountain gate, Xianzhong sighed softly.

"Chief! Well done."

"Thank you."

Xianzhong smiled warmly at Xian Ying.

"Huashan is now secure. It's finally over!"

"Don't get too excited. We've only climbed one mountain."

"Is there a bigger mountain than this? Everything will be fine now."

Seeing Xian Ying's elation, Xianzhong smiled.

It had been decades since he'd seen Xian Ying this happy. They had all carried heavy burdens on their shoulders.

'This is all thanks to that child.'

It could be called a great blessing for Huashan.

What reward could he give to match this achievement? He couldn't stop smiling.

Xianzhong's gaze turned to You Zhongshan and the other merchants.

"And..."

Those who met Xianzhong's eyes immediately bowed.

"You have maintained your integrity until the end."

Xianzhong's attitude was different from how he had treated the other merchants. Though still stern, it was clearly more gentle.

"Chief, we don't understand what's happening..."

"The fact that your businesses belong to Huashan hasn't changed. Naturally, they should return to Huashan. However, I will allow you to continue operating the businesses and receive the proceeds."

"..."

You Zhongshan's face became complicated.

While their situation was better than those rushing down the mountain, losing their businesses was still a significant loss. You Zhongshan, for instance, would go from being the owner of a silk shop to a mere manager.

"Then..."

Just as You Zhongshan was about to protest, Xian Ying interjected.

"Excessive greed invites disaster."

"..."

"Pressuring others with wealth that isn't yours is a sin. Huashan is merely giving you a chance to atone for that sin."

A sigh escaped his lips.

If all this was based on a lie, Xian Ying's words were true.

'Grandfather, what have you done?'

He felt ashamed.

"Chief of Zaijing Hall."

"Yes, Chief."

"Isn't it true that these people didn't betray Huashan and helped at the last moment?"

"You are correct."

"Discuss with them. See if there's a better way. Huashan should still be a warm place for friends."

"Yes, Chief. I will do as you say."

Xian Ying stepped forward and gestured to the merchants.

"Follow me. Let's go to the Zaijing Hall to discuss the future."

"..."

The merchants followed Xian Ying, their faces reflecting their complex emotions.

As everyone left, Xianzhong remained alone, quietly surveying Huashan.

He had seen this scene every day, but today, Huashan looked different.

The dilapidated pavilions seemed to be full of vitality.

'Is everything just a matter of the heart?'

No. It wouldn't end there.

After decades of bad news, Huashan had finally received good news. Once a trend changes, it's hard to reverse it.

With the tide turning, Huashan would change. Xianzhong believed this.

Perhaps, starting today, Huashan's lost glory would return.

'It must happen.'

A clear, untroubled smile spread across Xianzhong's wrinkled face.

"..."

Then, his smooth, wrinkle-free face suddenly contorted.

"You scoundrel!"

Qingming's eyes blazed with fury.

What? One cart of goods?

What about the beast thing?

"Alright. I'll show you what a beast is!"

Xianzhong had let them go.

Qingming did not.