extortion

The peaceful days did not last long.

That afternoon, Pei Qingwu was rolling up her sleeves, revealing a section of her fair wrist, patiently instructing Ji Fanghua and Wen Baizhi on how to make pastries.

“When making pastries, the ratio of oil dough to water dough is key,” Pei Qingwu said, deftly folding and rolling the two different types of dough. “The force must be even, and you can’t rush it. You have to fold it over and over again to create layers. Only then will it bake up like the book says, ‘thin as paper, with more than a thousand layers.’”

Ji Fanghua studied with rapt attention, her eyes never blinking, afraid of missing any detail.

Wen Baizhi appeared slightly nervous; her kneading movements were somewhat stiff, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.

Seeing this, Pei Qingwu smiled, took the work from her hands, and personally demonstrated: "Relax, Baizhi, pastries have a spirit. If you are tense, they will also be tense, and the taste will be poor."

The flames in the stove gently licked the bottom of the pot, making a soft crackling sound.

The faint sound of Qian Tao fiddling with the abacus beads in the front hall could be heard. Gu Heng had just been called by Shi Dayong to help move the newly arrived flour, and for a moment only the women's soft breathing and the subtle rubbing sounds on the workbench could be heard.

This tranquility, in the next second, was like a fragile glass cup, suddenly shattered.

First came Qian Tao's startled voice from the front hall: "Gentlemen, this is... The master is busy in the back, please allow me to go and inform him..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was drowned out by a rude rebuke and a cacophony of footsteps.

"Get out of my way! Military affairs are urgent, how can I tolerate a woman's nagging!"

The next moment, the kitchen door curtain was violently ripped open with a "rip," and five or six soldiers dressed in black military uniforms, with standard-issue swords at their waists, and looking fierce, rushed in.

The leader was a bearded captain with a dark complexion and a hideous scar that ran diagonally from his brow bone to his jaw, adding to his already fierce appearance. His hawk-like gaze swept across the kitchen with extreme rudeness before locking onto Pei Qingwu.

That gaze carried scrutiny and a condescending, oppressive quality.

"Who owns this shop?"

The captain's voice was like a broken gong, rough and unpleasant, echoing in the small space, making people's eardrums buzz.

Pei Qingwu's heart sank suddenly, and a chill ran up his spine.

She instinctively shielded her two trembling apprentices behind her, forcing herself to steady herself. She stepped forward, clasped her hands in a salute, and said, "I am Pei Qingwu, the owner of this place. May I ask what brings you gentlemen here?"

The captain snorted coldly and did not return the greeting. Instead, he took out a scroll of documents stamped with a bright red seal from his bosom and unfolded it in front of her with a "whoosh".

"Read carefully!" The captain pointed at the document, spitting almost onto Pei Qingwu's face: "By order of Military Governor Murong of Longyou! The border is currently unsettled, with barbarian cavalry frequently spying on us. In order to raise military funds, strengthen city defenses, and ensure the safety of the people of Longyou, we are levying a tax on you merchants to contribute to the army. Your shop is thriving, making a fortune every day, so you must pay five hundred strings of cash! Pay immediately, without delay!"

Five hundred strings of cash!

This number struck Pei Qingwu like a heavy hammer blow.

For a moment, her vision went black—the business at Sushan Market was doing well, and the branch stores were on track, but five hundred strings of cash was almost 60% of all the working capital she could currently use.

This is not aiding the army, it is blatant robbery!

Anger surged to his head, and Pei Qingwu's fingertips trembled slightly.

She endured the pain, her nails digging deep into her palms, using the stinging sensation to keep herself alert and calm. Then she took a deep breath and tried to argue her case: "Sir, you protect our country and safeguard our people. I admire you. Raising funds for the army is my duty. However, this amount of five hundred strings of cash is simply too large."

"My shop is just a small business with meager profits, and I really can't raise the money in such a short time. Could you grant me a few more days? Or... could you allow me to plead with Commander Murong and verify if the amount is correct..."

"Bullshit!" The bearded captain interrupted her rudely before she could finish, his fleshy face twitching and his scar looking even more ferocious.

"The commander's order is of paramount importance! Who dares to delay? Who dares to question it? Today, at this moment, failing to produce five hundred strings of cash is tantamount to disobeying military orders!"

With that, he slammed his sheathed sword heavily onto the ground with a loud thud, the bricks thudding beneath it: "If you dare to refuse again, we will immediately shut down your shop, seize all your goods as military funds, and you will come with us!"

The soldiers behind him stepped forward in unison, their hands on their sword hilts, their eyes fierce, like hungry wolves eyeing their prey.

A chilling killing intent instantly spread.

Wen Baizhi could no longer hold back and began to sob softly.

Pei Qingwu's gaze swept over the gleaming hilts of the knives, and he immediately knew that it was all over.

There was no point in reasoning or bargaining; everything seemed pale and powerless in the face of these brutes wielding sharp blades.

As the saying goes, "When a scholar encounters a soldier, reason is useless." Taking a hard line will only make things worse, causing immediate damage to the shop and putting everyone in danger.

She slowly closed her eyes, and when she opened them again, her gaze was much calmer.

"good……"

She squeezed the word out with difficulty, as if it were being forced out between her teeth. After saying it, she turned to Qian Tao, whose face was also pale, and said in a dry voice, "Qian Tao, go get the money."

Qian Tao's eyes instantly reddened, her lips trembled, and she wanted to say something, but in the end she stomped her foot and turned to rush towards the accounting room.

Finally, several large wooden crates were carried out, containing the hard work and dedication of everyone in Sushan Village, who had worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk.

The officers were unceremoniously hoisting the boxes up as if they were carrying their spoils of war. Some even grabbed a handful of the newly made crystal dragon and phoenix cakes from the counter, stuffed them into their mouths, mumbled a "not bad" compliment, and strode away.

What remained was a scene of utter chaos, and an atmosphere of oppression and grief that seemed to solidify into a tangible force throughout the room.

The sweet fragrance in the air seemed to have changed, carrying a humiliating scent.

Pei Qingwu stood still for a long time.

"Master..." Ji Fanghua couldn't help but call out to her softly.

"You all stay in the shop for now, I'll go out and take a look."

After calming everyone down, Pei Qingwu went out and headed straight to Manager Liu of the silk shop, whom he knew well.

Upon seeing her, Manager Liu felt as if he had seen a relative. Before he could even speak, he sighed, his face filled with the same sorrow and despair.

"Master Pei, you too...?" Manager Liu rubbed his hands and sighed, "My shop was charged three hundred strings of cash! They said it was to help the army, but what's the difference between that and robbery?!"

Upon hearing this, Pei Qingwu's heart sank even deeper.

She went to Manager Sun's tavern, where she found him staring blankly at the half-empty wine cellar. When he saw Pei Qingwu, he shook his head with a wry smile: "Four hundred strings of cash... My small business might not even earn that much in a year... Murong Chengen is trying to bleed us dry!"

Even Manager Ye of Ganweizhai, who had a grudge against Xu Rong, disregarded his past grievances and felt a sense of shared misfortune upon seeing Pei Qingwu. He lowered his voice and gritted his teeth, saying, "Five hundred strings of cash! Damn it, they really dare to ask for that much! I heard that not only our few shops, but every shop in the city with a reputation has been affected! What is this Murong guy trying to do? Is he really going to rebel?!"

This commotion cast a shadow over the once bustling marketplace, filled with the sounds of bargaining and the clatter of abacus beads. Everyone's face was filled with surprise, uncertainty, and deep anxiety about the future.

A storm is brewing, and dark clouds loom over the city.

The next evening, as the shop was preparing to close and put away its signboards, Gu Heng and Shi Dayong were tidying up the banners in front of the shop, while Pei Qingwu was checking the day's revenue one last time behind the counter.

At this moment, several more soldiers arrived in front of the shop.

Unlike the menacing group from yesterday, these men were dressed more neatly and were much more subdued. The leader was a fair-skinned man who looked like a scholar.

He even clasped his hands in a fist salute to Pei Qingwu who came out to greet him, and his tone was quite polite.

"Master Pei, I apologize for the intrusion. I heard that my men acted rashly yesterday, disturbing the shopkeepers in the city. I am very uneasy about this and have prepared a small feast at my residence to apologize. I hope Master Pei will do me the honor of attending."

"The other shopkeepers in the city also received invitations."

What was bound to happen has finally happened.

Pei Qingwu sneered inwardly. Slapping someone and then giving them a sweet treat—it's a familiar routine.

She showed no emotion on her face, only calmly nodding: "I dare not refuse the general's kindness. Please allow me to change my clothes and go."

After saying that, she went back to her inner room, changed into a slightly more formal dress, and re-tied her hair into a bun.

Everyone saw her off to the door with worried expressions. Gu Heng even subconsciously wanted to follow, but Pei Qingwu stopped him with a look.

"Don't worry," she whispered to Gu Heng, then glanced at the others, "Keep an eye on the shop and wait for me to come back."

The Jiedushi's residence is located in the northwest corner of Qinzhou City. It was originally the villa of a prince of the previous dynasty. After Murong Chengen occupied it, he extensively renovated and expanded it. Now it is heavily fortified with high walls and strict security.

Two rows of guards with halberds stood before the vermilion gate, their eyes sharp and their faces expressionless, exuding a chilling aura that kept strangers at bay.

After passing through several courtyards, the soldiers leading the way brought Pei Qingwu to a brightly lit banquet hall.

The hall was already filled with people, and sure enough, we saw the three managers, Liu, Sun, and Ye, as well as several other prominent figures from various trades.

When Pei Qingwu entered, everyone turned to look at him with complex expressions, including a sense of shared misfortune, apprehension about the unknown, and a subtle hope that someone would step in to help.

Everyone clasped hands in greeting and exchanged hushed pleasantries in hushed tones. The atmosphere was somber and oppressive, and no one showed any genuine smile.

The hall was luxuriously furnished, with thick Western Region carpets and huge tallow candles as thick as a child's arm burning around it, making the weapons and armor hanging on the walls gleam coldly.

After waiting for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a guard outside the door shouted, "The military governor has arrived!"

The people in the hall immediately stopped whispering, stood up, and stood respectfully with their hands at their sides.

Murong Chengen, dressed in a dark purple robe embroidered with gold pythons, walked in slowly.

He was about forty years old, tall and robust, with a steady and powerful gait. He had a square face and his skin was rough and dark from years of military service.

Beneath his thick eyebrows, his eyes shone brightly, exuding confidence and self-assurance. He wore a seemingly hearty smile, but the smile didn't truly reach his eyes. Instead, it made his eyes appear even more unfathomable, like a lurking beast.

He walked straight to the head seat, pressed his hands together in a gesture of respect, and spoke in a loud voice with an unquestionable authority: "Managers, no need for formalities, please sit down!"

After everyone nervously took their seats, Murong Chengen picked up the golden goblet that had already been filled, scanned the entire room, and said loudly.

"I've invited you all here today for no other reason than to apologize on behalf of those good-for-nothing brutes under my command!"

As he spoke, he raised his golden goblet and toasted everyone: "Yesterday, their reckless actions disturbed you all and caused you distress! I, the commander, have failed in my duty to manage my subordinates, and I hereby apologize to all the managers!"

Having said that, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp, his movements swift and decisive, displaying the demeanor of a martial artist.

The crowd below the stage were cursing under their breath, but they had to put on a flattered expression, raise their glasses, stand up, and chime in with their own opinions.

"General, you flatter me!"

"I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it!"

"It's nothing, General, why bother mentioning it..."

"We understand, we understand..."

Amidst a chorus of insincere pleasantries, everyone finished their drinks.

However, the wine was spicy and bitter when it went down my throat, making it difficult to swallow.

Murong Chengen put down his wine cup, and the smile on his face faded slightly.

"Gentlemen," he sighed, as if filled with concern for the country and its people, "it is not that I, the commander, wish to take this drastic measure, but rather... the situation forces me to do it, leaving me no other choice!"

"As you all have probably heard, the world today appears peaceful on the surface, but beneath the surface, turbulent currents are surging! To the north, the Turks harbor wolfish ambitions and have never given up their desire to destroy us; to the west, the Tibetans are stirring up trouble and have repeatedly invaded our borders! And in the court... alas, some petty and despicable individuals hold positions of power without doing their jobs and are deceiving Your Majesty!"

He emphasized the words "the court" slightly, the implication of which was self-evident.

"I, Murong Chengen, am deeply grateful to the Emperor for bestowing upon me the position of Military Governor of Longyou. It is my duty to guard this territory, protect the borders, and ensure the safety of the people!"

"But even a clever cook can't cook without rice! To support an army, you need provisions! To train an army, you need weapons! To fortify the city's defenses, you need laborers and materials! Which of these doesn't cost money? The imperial court... alas, distant water can't quench immediate thirst!"

Pei Qingwu listened, then lowered his head and silently stroked the wine glass in his hand.

"Therefore, yesterday's donation to the army was truly an act of sharing weal and woe with you all!" He finally revealed his true intentions: "The peace of Longyou is related to the lives and fortunes of every one of you here! If the skin is gone, where will the hair attach? Only when I, Murong Chengen, hold a strong army can we ensure the safety of this land and ensure that you can continue to do business peacefully and earn money!"

He paused, then a smile returned to his face: "This cup of wine today is both an apology and a hope! I hope that you can all understand the difficulties of the court and my own, and work together with me! As long as Longyou is stable, are you still afraid of not being able to earn back these mere few hundred strings of cash?"

Everyone listened, their hearts turning cold, yet no one dared to show it.

They could only raise their glasses again, spouting insincere words like "I am willing to serve the general" and "Let us work together to protect the peace of Longyou."

Pei Qingwu held the cool jade cup, the amber liquid inside swirling slightly, reflecting the flickering candlelight above him.

Murong Chengen seemed to notice her silence and turned his gaze to her: "Master Pei, your family's pastries are the best in Qinzhou. Even nobles in the capital have praised them. In the future, my Jiedushi Mansion will have to rely on you a lot for pastry supplies."

Upon hearing this, Pei Qingwu raised her eyes to meet his gaze, her lips twitching slightly as she politely replied, "General, you flatter me. It is my honor to serve you."

After saying that, she symbolically touched the wine in her glass to her lips.

Murong Chengen seemed pleased with everyone's tact and began to discuss other things in an attempt to ease the atmosphere. Everyone could only force a smile and keep him company.

As Pei Qingwu sat there, the ominous cloud in his heart grew heavier.

How long can she struggle in the gears of a chaotic world?

She didn't know, but she felt a bone-chilling cold slowly spreading from the soles of her feet to her whole body.