Wang Wenjue, in particular, was extremely unhappy. If he hadn't needed someone's help and wasn't on someone else's turf, he might have already lost his temper.
Han Shikuan, on the other hand, took it easy. Hearing Jiang Mian's polite tone, he echoed him, pretending not to see the displeasure on Song Yu and Wang Wenjue's faces.
Actually, Jiang Mian's airs weren't wrong. Although they were of the same generation, Jiang Mian was now the prefect, holding an official position. They, on the other hand, were only riding on the coattails of their fathers' fame. There was an inherent difference between them, so it was understandable that he was polite and addressed them as brothers, but there was nothing wrong with him not being polite.
Thinking of this, Han Shikuan stood up, respectfully clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute, "Brother Jiang is in officialdom, so it is understandable that he is busy. Unlike us, who are in leisure, we have not accomplished anything and can only rely on our parents' time to make a living. It is truly shameful, truly shameful."
Wang Wenjue strongly disagreed with Han Shikuan's self-deprecating tone. What's wrong with them relying on their fathers?
Born into a prominent family, they are naturally blessed by their ancestors. Besides, they are also the successors cultivated by the family and will also be expected to protect their descendants.
Jiang Mian glanced at Han Shikuan, his expression softening. "Young Master Han is a prodigy and the next head of the family that the family is grooming. Unlike some people who are all show and no substance, except for their bad temper, he is utterly useless."
Han Shih-kuan: "..."
How was he supposed to answer that? Would he offend someone?
I didn't do anything to you, why are you making things difficult for me?
Han Shikuan glanced at Wang Wenjue discreetly, his expression awkward. "Hehe~, Brother Jiang, you're really joking."
Seeing the anxious expressions on the three people's faces, Jiang Mian maintained a gentle smile and, aside from polite greetings, didn't ask any unnecessary questions, only instructing the butler to refill the water.
He wasn't short of tea at home; he just wanted to see how long these three could hold out.
Trying to exploit him on his own turf is foolish and laughable.
Sure enough, when the butler refilled the water for the third time, Wang Wenjue couldn't hold back any longer.
"Brother Jiang, we have come here to ask for your help. We hope that you will lend a hand out of consideration for our fathers' friendship. Of course, we will not let you work for nothing; we will share the benefits."
Song Yu breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Wang Wenjue start the conversation, but the guy was a bit arrogant and his words made people uncomfortable.
"Hehe, Brother Wang may be blunt, but what he said is true. If Brother Jiang wants to sign any documents, we won't refuse. What do you say, Brother Han?"
We all came together with the same goal. He didn't want Han Shikuan to stand aside and act all high and mighty. In reality, we're all the same kind of people. What's the point of pretending?
"Brother Jiang, it's like this. We received news that there's an iron mine at Tianjiao Peak, about twenty miles outside Ye County, so we wanted to come and investigate..."
Han Shikuan recounted the events in a relaxed tone, though he omitted some details. For instance, he didn't mention the loss of two groups of men, but instead said that after setting up camp at the foot of the mountain, he came directly to Ye County, hoping that the four families would cooperate to jointly develop the Tianjiao Peak Iron Mine.
Upon hearing Han Shikuan's explanation, Song Yu's smile brightened considerably.
"Brother Han is right. Now that we've come to Brother Jiang's territory, it's only right and proper that we invite Brother Jiang to take charge. After all, Brother Jiang is most familiar with this area. Sharing the benefits is the best way for us scions of a noble family."
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