Chapter 318: Chapter 318 Business Matters
After sending Xiaocui and the Eighteen Celestial Maidens away, Lu Zheng and Shen Ying naturally returned to their room to rest.
"In the short term, that Peach Mother Divine Mountain surely won’t be able to trouble us."
"The Four Directions Divine Envoy all died here. By the time they cultivate new disciples, I’m probably long past fearing them."
"But having such a thousand-year-old demon constantly watching isn’t good either," Lu Zheng said with a frown. "What if they invite some formidable characters over?"
From the Western Divine Envoy’s memory, Lu Zheng knew that the Peach Mother Divine Tree had powerful friends too. If Peach Mother were to wait for the Four Directions Divine Envoy and they don’t arrive, and she guesses the four have failed, will she...
"Lu Lang, don’t be impulsive. This thousand-year Peach Tree Spirit can’t leave the Earth Realm of a thousand miles. But within the Peach Mother Divine Mountain’s range, even if one’s cultivation is higher than hers, they might not be able to defeat her," Shen Ying hastily advised.
Lu Zheng nodded.
In the Western Divine Envoy’s memory, those friends of Peach Mother were mostly mere acquaintances, not intimate friends, so they most likely wouldn’t come to the Central Plains for her request.
After all, they’re all of the same power level; would they watch Peach Mother enhance her strength to another tier?
Lu Zheng laughed, "So, this matter is basically settled."
"That’s natural," Shen Ying smiled, then with a flirtatious glance, her jade hand gently reached down, "Lu Lang, you’ve worked hard today, don’t move, let me take good care of you."
"Hiss—"
Battle after battle, oh, the battles are plenty.
...
Lu Zheng stayed a night at Taohua Village, had breakfast on the estate the next day, and then returned to Tonglin County.
...
"Young Master Lu?"
"Chief Liu."
Just upon entering the city, Lu Zheng spotted Chief Liu patrolling.
Lu Zheng blinked, feeling that Chief Liu’s gaze towards him was peculiar.
Previously, it was mixed with reverence and closeness, but today, there was an added touch of shock and mystery.
"Chief Liu, do you have something to say?" Lu Zheng asked with a smile.
"No, no! Nothing’s wrong!" Chief Liu waved his hands repeatedly, but after thinking, he couldn’t help telling Lu Zheng in a low voice after ushering away a few subordinates, "Recently, Yizhou’s new prefect sent someone to have the County Government Office keep an eye on you. If you return home, notify the State Capital immediately."
Lu Zheng raised an eyebrow, finally understanding why Du Yuru was so quick to know he was home and then came so quickly.
Of course, the highest official in Yizhou would rely on the Tonglin County Government Office for such tasks.
Though Chief Liu was unaware of the details, he felt very anxious, so upon seeing Lu Zheng, he hurriedly gave him a heads-up.
Lu Zheng laughed heartily, patting Chief Liu on the shoulder, "It’s nothing. I’m acquainted with Mr. Du’s family. Mr. Du said he’s visiting because he’s unaware of my return date, so he had someone watch."
"Oh, oh, I see!" Chief Liu couldn’t help but sigh in relief, then shivered, even more shocked.
Mr. Du? You’re referring to Prefect Du as Mr. Du?
Also, knowing him before?
Prefect Du actively visiting you?
Even Daoist Ming Zhang from Shaotong Mountain’s White Cloud Temple doesn’t have such a privilege!
Swallowing hard, recalling Lu Zheng’s early days in Tonglin County where it seemed his family’s fortune had declined, and he had no relatives, Chief Liu felt he’d never truly known Lu Zheng.
Every time he thought he had elevated Lu Zheng’s status higher, Lu Zheng would make him reassess.
Bidding farewell to Chief Liu, Lu Zheng leisurely returned home.
"Young Master!"
Lu Zheng had just stepped in when Uncle Li greeted him, "Young Master, someone came looking for you yesterday, saying they have business and wish to discuss with you."
"Oh?" Lu Zheng raised his eyebrow, surprised indeed.
Speaking of business matters, how long has it been since he last handled them?
Must be around a year!
Early last year, he visited the Yizhou Prefecture, sold a craft product, and then bought the Sweet Shop’s storefront and a sugar workshop. Apart from occasionally replenishing a large batch of bulk sugar, he hadn’t cared about the Sweet Shop and sugar workshop since.
He only knew Uncle Li kept sending him account books and money uninterrupted, and with Lu Zheng’s math skills, he easily knew if there were any discrepancies.
Since the shop and sugar workshop consistently functioned well, supporting himself and Lu Zheng’s household, naturally, he didn’t need to frequently inquire or manage.
"Any idea what the matter is?"
"No idea. The person said they need to discuss with you," Uncle Li shook his head.
Lu Zheng shrugged, about to speak, when a knock sounded from behind, followed by a middle-aged man’s voice asking, "Housekeeper Li, is Young Master Lu home today?"
"Quite coincidental." Lu Zheng shrugged, seeing Uncle Li’s questioning glance, he nodded, "Let him in."
Uncle Li went to open the door, while Lu Zheng headed to the parlor to sit, then saw Uncle Li leading a slightly plump middle-aged man and a young servant inside.
Lu Zheng noticed clearly; the middle-aged man was obviously surprised at the grandeur and refinement of Lu Zheng’s courtyard, the ambiance profound.
The arrogance and condescending look he initially carried upon entering significantly subdued, becoming somewhat cautious and modest.
"Please come in!" Uncle Li led them to the parlor, then turned to serve tea.
The teaware and tea leaves were in the parlor, and the kettle in the corner simmered on a small flame, ready for brewing anytime.
Purple sand teacups were served, adorned with plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum designs, and as pre-rain Longjing tea was poured, the fragrance wafted.
Lu Zheng picked up the teacup, sipped lightly, then turned to the middle-aged man on the guest seat to the right, softly asking, "May I know how to address you, sir? And what’s your purpose in seeking me?"
The middle-aged man was astonished by the elegance of the teaware and the beauty of the furniture vases, upon hearing Lu Zheng’s question, he promptly put down his teacup, rose, and cupped his hands, "I am Zhou Mingsheng, a shopkeeper of Yizhou’s Zhao Family."
"Yizhou Zhao Family?" Lu Zheng blinked, then nodded, "And then?"
Lu Zheng’s reaction clearly showed he hadn’t heard of Yizhou Zhao Family.
If it were earlier, Zhou Mingsheng might proudly brief Lu Zheng, the country bumpkin from the county town, about it. But now, faced with a room full of priceless items and the dignified host, Zhou Mingsheng felt a bit out of place.
The young servant behind him was also perceptive, glancing around, lowering his head, remaining silent.
"Here’s the situation," Zhou Mingsheng said, "Our Zhao Family recently expanded some business into Tonglin County."
"Hmm." Lu Zheng nodded, blinking, "Is it the sugar frost business?"
"Not quite," Zhou Mingsheng replied.
"Then why approach me?" Lu Zheng was puzzled, thinking perhaps the Zhao Family intended to acquire his business.
"We wish to purchase your storefront in Cong’an Square," Zhou Mingsheng steeled himself, finally revealing his intention, "The price is negotiable."