Chapter 15: There’s a Spark in This Man’s Eyes
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Yan Shiyue harbored a deep hatred for his sister. If she were in charge, it would be no small matter for the siblings to be stripped of everything. The so-called complete eradication meant that even Lu Zhongwang would be left with nothing. Their Qi family would never see a day of prominence again.
Do not underestimate Yan Shiyue’s influence. Her three sons brought her great honor, and His Majesty had bestowed upon her the title of “Madam of Qiao State,” a noblewoman with an official rank. As for concubines and illegitimate children, their fate was decided by a single word from her.
Qi Cong came from a humble background and knew all too well the unsavory places where many wealthy families sold off their concubines each year—those as beautiful as blooming flowers, sought after and coveted. All of this was the consequence of the legitimate wives and matriarchs’ misdeeds.
Even though Qi Xuefu relied on Lu Yanbei’s favor, she could never have walked away unscathed after committing such a grave crime. Qi Cong’s last obsession was also destroyed.
“My lord, I know I have sinned. It was all my fault alone, and I deserve death a thousand times over. I beg you, my lord, do not take it out on Aunt Qi or the Fifth Young Master!” he pleaded.
He sensed something was amiss with Lu Lan today; every move struck at his vital points. Fear welled up inside him, and he smashed his head repeatedly against the floor with all his might, the sound echoing loudly. Soon blood seeped from his forehead.
He wanted to bear all the blame alone.
But alas, he had encountered Lu Lan, the demon.
Lu Lan rose slowly, his face cold as ice.
“My uncle, you’ve cared for me since childhood—giving me paintings of court ladies, taking me to gambling dens, teaching me how to bet on cockfights and horse races. Now all I ask is that you cough up tens of thousands of taels of silver, yet you refuse? You truly break your nephew’s heart.”
Qi Cong trembled on the ground like a leaf in the wind, every hair standing on end.
Lu Lan was here to settle accounts once and for all!
“Xianyu, summon all the household servants and retainers to the main courtyard.”
“Yes, sir!”
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Xianyu and Zhongbo both sensed trouble brewing; the young lord was about to establish new rules for the household servants.
Qi Cong was finished today.
Even as Aunt Qi’s own younger brother, there was nothing he could do.
Ma Zhuo, watching quietly from the side, remained expressionless, his thoughts unreadable.
Lu Lan ordered the servant to bring Qi Cong to the main courtyard.
“To Zhongbo: Zhongbo, give Shopkeeper Ma two hundred taels of silver for his hard work.”
“Yes, sir!” Zhongbo was about to fetch the money from the treasury when Ma Zhuo bowed deeply.
“My lord, I do not require a reward.”
Lu Lan’s eyes gleamed. “Then what do you want?”
“I just saw a good show and thought the household needs a capable manager for its estates. If Your Lordship agrees, I can have the Tianhe Pawnshop handle any future sales of the estate’s assets.”
Ma Zhuo was straightforward. “We are professional enough to ensure the Duke’s household continues to dine well while we too can enjoy a warm meal.”
He would never miss the chance to secure the Duke’s sizable assets for the mere pittance of two hundred taels.
Compared to the State General’s estate, what mattered here was the Duke’s vast holdings—at least a dozen estates, plus various smaller properties and businesses. Calling him one of the wealthiest in the land would not be an exaggeration.
Though the accounts showed only a thousand or two taels of silver, liquidating all the properties could easily bring in millions.
If Tianhe Pawnshop landed this lucrative contract, just a three percent commission could net thirty thousand taels.
Lu Lan nodded inwardly; this man had vision.
“Shopkeeper Ma, you’re sharp. You may go now. I’m short on funds lately; I’ll be calling on you soon.”
“Thank you, my lord!”
Ma Zhuo expressed his gratitude before departing.
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The excitement at the Duke’s mansion was only just beginning.
At the Nine-Turn Pavilion, Madam Yan Shiyue’s personal maid, Fan, came to report:
“Madam, the young lord has summoned all the servants and retainers of the entire household to the main courtyard.”
Yan Shiyue, idly reciting Buddhist scriptures, paused slightly upon hearing this.
“What does Fourth Young Master intend to do?”
“I don’t know, madam. I asked around but no one could give a clear answer. However...”
“However what?”
Fan leaned in eagerly, baring her teeth with excitement.
“That wretched woman’s own brother apparently tampered with the household accounts. The young lord discovered it during the audit, ordered Xianyu to arrest him, and now he’s being held in the main courtyard for public display!”
Yan Shiyue’s eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and delight. Her son had uncovered problems on his very first day managing the household finances?
She felt increasing pride and relief.
“Madam, shall we go and take a look?”
Yan Shiyue smiled calmly. She only wished to know the outcome; as for the process, she would let Lu Lan handle it.
“No need to go. We wouldn’t want Fourth Young Master to be hindered while dealing with this. Some people in the household do need a firm lesson.”
She resumed her sincere chanting.
The Nine-Turn Pavilion remained as serene as a still pond.
Meanwhile, at the Provincial Pavilion, Aunt Qi’s domain, chaos erupted.