Chapter 10: The Way of the God of Wealth
Leaving the high-rise buildings overlooking the riverbank, the fishy, murky smell of the Bian River assaults the senses. Who fought whom here yesterday, which gambling den was stained with blood in the storm—all these are commonplace occurrences. A chilling aura, nurtured by the ways of the martial world, grows in chaos under the corrupt emperor. At first glance, the waves appear to surge and flow endlessly, but in reality, it's difficult to see human figures, and crossing them is a matter of life and death.
Houses stretch out on both sides of the river, forming a vast, intertwined root system of buildings under the fine autumn wind and rain. Their eaves are connected, and they stand like some kind of beast, indifferent and silent. The surrounding area is deeply marked by this behemoth. Even though Su Mengzhen is not here, its majesty remains undiminished.
The carriage slowly drove by, passing through countless markets before the scenery changed, marking its departure from the territory of the Golden Wind and Drizzle Pavilion. The cries of ordinary Bianjing vendors replaced the roar of the Bian River, and the bustling scenes of the city suddenly unfolded, with waves of life's sounds and sights rising one after another. The streets flowed onward, until finally reaching the Imperial Street.
This is the lifeblood of Bianjing. The bluestone avenue is crammed with people, carriages, and palanquins, a cacophony of noise and bustle. On both sides, brightly decorated pavilions and gates stand side by side, dazzling and colorful, accompanied by enchanting music, leaving no space for anything else. The hawking, laughter, shouts, the shrill clatter of cartwheels and gongs clearing the way... all combine to form a murky, scorching furnace of humanity. Countless faces tumble and steam within this furnace, regardless of wealth or poverty, intelligence or apathy, all are blurred and their minds clouded by this distorted prosperity.
The majestic outline of the imperial city emerged at the end, its vermilion palace walls towering high, indifferently overlooking the ants-like masses below. The absurd emperor was inactive and utterly unaware of his own limitations, his heavy weight pressing down on the heart of the entire Bianjing city, shaping what Xie Huailing saw and heard.
Her hands were itching to draw, but she still couldn't get that useless guy, which was a real shame.
The carriage stopped in front of a magnificent building. Behind the gate, the sounds of music filled the air, while in front, carriages and horses thronged. Atop the gate was a plaque with three brand-new, pure gold characters that read "Jucai Lou" (Gathering Wealth Building). Zhu Qiqi was the first to alight from the carriage. She greeted the servants guarding the gate with a few words. The servants, who had initially assumed the carriage belonged to an ordinary wealthy family, were now trembling with excitement upon seeing Zhu Qiqi's token. They eagerly ushered her and Xie Huailing inside.
It's great to borrow someone else's power; I got the best number without even having to wait. Zhu Qiqi glanced smugly at the other wealthy guests and laughed, "I told you, I have a way with people in my own backyard."
Xie Huailing held her up and followed her words: "You couldn't be more right, there's not a single mistake."
Zhu Qiqi became even more smug. The spoiled young girl took Xie Huailing's hand and said, "Let's go upstairs first and wait for the manager to bring up the ledger. Then I'll continue telling you about that day..."
Ignoring the gossip of others, the two entered the most superior room. The naive Zhu Qiqi had already truly regarded Xie Huailing as a good friend. She recounted how she and Shen Lang met—on a snowy day, she had rescued him in the snow, describing how handsome he was, how extraordinary his skills were, and how he was the best man in the world.
Xie Huailing simply said, "You're absolutely right. He truly is the best man, and he's the perfect match for you, Qiqi."
She knew that Zhu Qiqi's psychology was also a form of child psychology. Praising her and going along with her would help her realize that she wasn't a bad person at heart. She would understand that behind Zhu Qiqi's offenses, repetitions, and straightforwardness was the fact that she didn't actually think that much. This would make her feel enlightened.
Zhu Qiqi blushed slightly, smiled faintly, and did not deny Xie Huailing's words.
Jucai Tower had only been open for a few days, but with the "Living God of Wealth's" wealth, it showed no signs of financial difficulties, holding an auction every day. Judging from the decor, Xie Huailing guessed that the "Living God of Wealth" had high expectations for Jucai Tower. A highly reputable auction house could serve an immense purpose, acting as a treasure trove, a place to sell stolen goods, and an intelligence hub simultaneously. The "Living God of Wealth," who dared to harbor Hua Ruixian in a fake death, wouldn't lack the courage to take risks; he probably wanted all three. This was confirmed by the auction items listed in the register and her observations of the wealthy patrons.
Therefore, the "Living God of Wealth" would be extremely cautious about anything related to Jucailou. If it weren't for his advanced age and Fan Fenyan's exceptional abilities, he would probably be the one to come to the capital.
Su Mengzhen didn't tell Xie Huailing much about the "living god of wealth" and the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion. She only told her that after tricking Zhu Qiqi into going to the Gathering Wealth Pavilion, she could find an opportunity for Hua Wucuo to act alone. But since they were already here, if she didn't pull out the whole ball of yarn, she might as well write her name backwards.
Imagine Fan Fenyan, carrying his father-in-law's expectations and deeply aware of the importance of Jucai Tower, arrives in Bianjing. What would be the first thing he do?
The place left for Jianghu in Bianjing had long been occupied by Liufenbantang and Jinfeng Xiyulou, and the remaining places were firmly held by the still-dead Mitian Seven Saints Alliance. The "living God of Wealth" had no other space to devour, so the first thing to do was to borrow the power of the local snakes in the capital for Jucailou.
He was rich, extremely rich, so it wasn't difficult for him to associate with local bigwigs. Amassing wealth and disposing of stolen goods were minor matters. However, if Jucailou were to also be considered an intelligence point, it would be tantamount to taking another slice of the pie in Bianjing, which was something Su Mengzhen and Lei Sun were unwilling to see. Either the "living god of wealth" would side with one of them, or they would offer a highly tempting large order; otherwise, it was out of the question.
Thinking about it this way, Su Mengzhen was the first person Fan Fenyan chose. He used his intelligence to try and leverage the influence of the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion. Judging from his attitude, Fan Fenyan's choice wasn't a complete siding with them—it's understandable that a wealthy man like Fan Fenyan would have his pride; he's so rich, not much less than Su Mengzhen, why should he have to defer to a junior? Therefore, he had to pay the price for his father-in-law's pride by giving the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion sufficient benefits.
However, Fan Fenyan was probably not very generous. Merchants are profit-driven, and people who are used to doing business think about how to maximize their own interests. That's why the businesses of "Living God of Wealth" and Jinfeng Xiyu Tower are now in a stalemate.
It's a pity they didn't consider one thing: this is the difference between a江湖 (jianghu) merchant and a true江湖 (jianghu) hero. The world isn't about who has the most money or the most shrewd calculations; it's about who has the toughest sword and the greatest ability. Xie Huailing didn't know much about this world, but with "six parts thunder and four parts Su," how could Su Mengzhen be someone they could easily negotiate terms with?
He might not be short of money; with such a large family business, he's actually quite likely to be. However, he wouldn't compromise the integrity of Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou for money. Su Mengzhen's pride and assertiveness are practically written all over his face; he just doesn't say it!
Judging from Hua Wucuo's existence, Su Mengzhen is probably already making other moves. The "Living God of Wealth" is powerful and influential, and Jin Feng Xi Yu Lou can't just swallow him whole. Tearing up their relationship right under the emperor's nose would be too bloody, and there's also the risk of the "Living God of Wealth" forming an alliance with Liu Fen Ban Tang. But Su Mengzhen has other ways. If Fan Fenyang won't give up the benefits, he can be unscrupulous and find ways to take them for himself.
Once they find something, only Su Mengzhen can decide how big a business to do and to what extent.
Once this matter is accomplished, there's no need to tear off the mask of civility under immense pressure, since the initiative is no longer in the hands of the "living god of wealth" and Fan Fenyan.
The fact that Su Mengzhen could come up with such a plan based on just one sentence from Zhu Qiqi yesterday made Xie Huailing think more highly of her. Having thought things through, she glanced at Zhu Qiqi, who remained carefree, lighting a sky lantern for something she liked. In the vortex of the Golden Wind and Fine Rain Pavilion and the so-called business partner of the "Living God of Wealth," she was the only one completely oblivious and beaming with happiness.
.
The auction had been going on for a while, and Zhu Qiqi was spending money lavishly, bidding on several items she liked. She only stopped when she realized she couldn't let her family lose money that day. She didn't forget to ask Xie Huailing if there was anything she liked, but Xie Huailing refused. She wasn't one to save money for Su Mengzhen, but asking her to bid on "the veil of the most beautiful woman of the previous dynasty" was a bit of an insult to herself.
Before Xie Huailing could even think twice about leaving the room, after the "antique veil" was sold, a handsome figure swept across the first-floor lobby like a bird, easily captivating Zhu Qiqi's soul. Zhu Qiqi was immediately disoriented, leaping up and grabbing Xie Huailing's arm with such force that she almost left a mark: "It's Shen Lang! I saw Shen Lang… I need to find him! What's he doing here? No wonder I couldn't find him the day before yesterday!"
Xie Huailing, quick-witted and seizing the opportunity, grasped Zhu Qiqi's hand and said, "It's so hard to find him. I wonder when we'll meet this Young Master Shen again. Are you going to go look for him?"
“But my brother-in-law had someone watching me today, so I can’t go too far on my own…” Zhu Qiqi’s face was filled with worry, like a lotus flower withering.
Xie Huailing spoke softly, almost inaudibly, so that only Zhu Qiqi could hear: "But if he just leaves like this, will we ever see each other again? But what your brother-in-law said makes sense. Maybe there's still a chance in the world, but who knows when..."
"No!" Terrified, Zhu Qiqi felt that things couldn't go on like this. She wouldn't listen to anyone and was completely absorbed in chasing Shen Lang. In the blink of an eye, she disappeared outside the door, leaving only the door, which was slammed against the wall, shaking painfully like a candle flickering in the wind.
Xie Huailing clicked her tongue. Although she still didn't want to hear Zhu Qiqi and Shen Lang's story at all, she still thanked that Young Master Shen and hoped that Zhu Qiqi and he could get married.
Once Zhu Qiqi had walked quite a distance, Xie Huailing cleared her throat again, not forgetting to take the keepsake Zhu Qiqi hadn't taken, and then lifted her skirt to chase after her: "Qiqi! Zhu Qiqi! Slow down, don't suddenly go out—"
Hua Ruixian, who was protecting Zhu Qiqi, and the people from Jucailou guarding the entrance all chased after Zhu Qiqi. She followed, not forgetting to glance in the direction of Hua Wucuo before leaving. Hua Wucuo had disappeared among the servants.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com