Chapter 432 A Win-Win-Win Situation, But Who Loses?
The Narcissus Private Room is located on the third floor of Xunyang Tower.
Huang Xuan stared blankly at the expressionless young man in the Taoist robe who had suddenly appeared.
The burly, bearded man beside them, not understanding what was going on, looked around at them, then impatiently shooed Lu Ya away:
"Go away, you rude old Taoist priest! Not only did you barge into my room, but you also spout riddles. It's so nonsensical. I hate people like you who pretend to be mysterious and can't even speak properly..."
Huang Feihong rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward, but Huang Xuan suddenly reached out and grabbed the corner of his clothes.
"Father..."
Huang Feihong turned around and saw Huang Xuan shake her head slightly at him, whispering:
"Let the Taoist priest speak."
The expressionless young man in the Taoist robe, whose buttocks had already left the stool and who was about to turn around and run away, glanced at Huang Feihong. Seeing that Huang Feihong was being held down by his daughter, and that the danger was temporarily over, Lu Ya breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Others are like scholars who can't reason with soldiers, but he's like a Taoist priest who can't speak to a simpleton.
What? You mean, what about the dignity of someone who walks the path of Shangqing Mountain?
The person who asked that question probably doesn't know the heroic story of Lu Ya, who was the third to step onto the stage during the Peach Valley Sword Challenge, lost to Xue Zhongzhu, who was only a sixth-rank swordsman, and slunk off the platform. Then, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he got up, generously threw down a peach wood sword, patted his behind, and calmly walked away.
There's a reason why the swordsman who went on stage before him and the swordsman from Chang'an were killed and injured respectively, while he was the only one who returned unharmed.
My master taught me that when you're in the martial world, unless it's a matter of life and death or slaying demons, if you can't beat someone, just admit defeat. It's best to sincerely praise them a couple of times to turn hostility into friendship. Don't be stubborn and act impulsively.
As for being able to win... then you definitely shouldn't fight. After exchanging blows, you should be humble and flattering, only winning by a narrow margin. It's best to win by a narrow margin and then offer a few words of mutual appreciation, valuing harmony above all else.
Why do you ask?
Lu Ya had asked before. He remembered that his master, who was usually aloof and calm, suddenly kicked him in the butt, glaring at him with a look of utter disappointment, and yelled, "What the hell are you doing? Maoshan only has so few disciples left, just a handful of lineages. If you keep giving them away, are you trying to kill the lineage? This shabby ancestral hall can't even recruit disciples as quickly as the King of Hell himself coming to collect them."
In fact, there were other uncles and senior brothers who were strong-willed and stubborn and opposed his master's ideas, but none of these uncles and senior brothers lived as long as their master, who lived to be over a hundred years old.
Since his master had the longest lifespan, Lu Ya decided to listen to him.
The move taught by his master is a unique skill of the Shangqing sect, on par with the "Divine Decree." Lu Ya will pass it on to his new junior sister, hoping that she can maintain the excellent style of this Maoshan sect and not make any mistakes.
Inside the private room, the expressionless young man in the Taoist robe, who had safely gotten down, nodded.
"Please speak, Taoist priest."
Huang Xuan glanced around at the luxurious private room arranged by the wealthy woman and then addressed Lu Ya.
Lu Ya remained expressionless:
"This woman surnamed Pei and her accomplices are merchants from Yangzhou. Recently, they have been spending lavishly, buying up old houses in Xingzifang, intending to renovate and resell them. However, there are too many small landlords in Xingzifang, and many holdouts who are unwilling to sell. Although they have money, they have encountered a thorny obstacle..."
Lu Ya stopped speaking at this point, leaving it at that, and observed the little girl's expression.
Huang Xuan was taken aback for a moment, then her expression changed.
Huang Feihong looked around at the two of them with a puzzled expression. "What's wrong, Xiaoxuan?"
The daughter did not answer.
He then asked Lu Ya, still confused, "Noble Phantasm, what does this troublesome obstacle have to do with today's meal? What exactly do you mean...?"
Lu Ya remained silent, watching Huang Xuan in quiet contemplation.
Her face flushed red, but she lowered her head, seemingly looking at the beautiful new dress she had changed into for the toast.
There was no sound inside the room.
Huang Xuan suddenly stood up.
"Father." Her voice trembled slightly.
"What's wrong, Xiaoxuan?" Huang Feihong asked worriedly. "What happened? Don't scare me."
"The boudoir you helped me choose last night was really beautiful. It was spacious, with a swing, and besides the red pavilion, there was a large courtyard. There was a small open space in the east corner where I could grow vegetables and fruits when I had nothing to do. I could make some snacks for you to enjoy with wine next spring. There was also a plum tree in the garden outside the courtyard where I could pick fresh plums when the season changed..."
Huang Feihong was taken aback, scratched his head and laughed, saying:
"I'm glad you like it. It's such a big house, just the two of us living here. Hehe, you can stay wherever you want. We can also invite our relatives and friends from the countryside. It will be so lively then. I never thought I, Huang Da, would have such a big house in my life. But I still have to keep doing the work I used to do. I can't just sit around and do nothing. Xiao Xuan can rest for a bit and wait for me in the house... Hey, Xiao Xuan, why are you crying?"
The bearded man was halfway through his sentence when his eyes widened in shock. He immediately rolled up his sleeves and yelled at someone, "You bastard! What mischief have you been up to now, making my daughter cry..."
"..." Lu Ya.
However, Huang Xuan held onto her hot-tempered father tightly and said to Lu Ya:
"Master, could you please do us a favor? We beg you, we promise a great reward." The voice was trembling with tears.
"You go first." Lu Ya nodded: "No need for a generous reward, it's just a small favor, I'll help as much as I can."
Huang Xuan opened her mouth and fell silent. Her ears were filled with the lively sounds of people downstairs welcoming their distinguished guests. She suddenly walked over to the luxurious private room, opened the window, and saw blue sky, white clouds, rolling river water, and a scene of hundreds of fish swimming in the current. The river breeze, mixed with the smell of fish, rushed in.
The familiar atmosphere of the docks and the bustling city.
Huang Xuan turned to look at Lu Ya.
...
"We have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Chief Secretary. We are finally able to see your esteemed face."
Ouyang Rong and Xie Lingjiang were warmly welcomed into the lobby on the first floor by Pei Shisan Niang.
The wealthy merchants accompanying her also offered their best wishes after Pei Shisan Niang introduced them.
Similar to the previous junior sister's birthday banquet, there were about ten tables in the first-floor hall, each table filled with fine wine and delicacies, with maids serving the wine.
It was clear that the place had been booked out by Pei Shisan Niang and her group.
Ouyang Rong looked around the hall and spotted many familiar faces.
Wealthy merchants with vast fortunes, talented poets and scholars, and some familiar Jiangzhou officials all cast their gazes at him.
However, usually, in addition to the main hall, there is a quieter, less crowded second session for these kinds of dinner parties in private rooms on the second floor.
The former is all talk and showmanship, while the latter is where people truly discuss personal interests and private matters behind closed doors.
They usually finish their discussions in a small venue and then go to a larger venue to toast and receive drinks from everyone, giving speeches and putting on a show.
Based on Ouyang Rong's understanding of the shrewd and charming Pei Shisan Niang, and considering Lu Ya's previous report, today's grand luncheon should be no exception, with a table for discussing private matters.
Ouyang Rong didn't have time to mince words and directly addressed Pei Shisan Niang:
"Let's go to the private room. I'm hungry today, so let's eat something first. Seventeen and I prefer to eat in peace and quiet."
Pei Shisan Niang didn't seem to understand what he meant, and a troubled look appeared on her face:
"Please understand everyone's enthusiasm, Chief Secretary. We have been looking forward to your presence and guidance for a long time."
"Everyone knows from who knows where you came from, that you helped the Huang family father and daughter when you saw injustice on the road. They all admire your character and regard you as a role model. Today at the luncheon, many people came on their own initiative, asking for various connections. I couldn't refuse them, and I hope that you, Chief Secretary, will not take offense."
"The Huang family father and daughter have arrived and are upstairs. They have been preparing for a long time for today's lunch banquet to toast the Chief Secretary, and they are very excited."
Pei Shisan Niang picked up the wine pot from the maid's tray, respectfully poured a cup of wine for Ouyang Rong and handed it to him, then poured one for herself as well. Holding the stem of the cup, she surveyed the room:
"By the way, I should also announce something. I know some fellow Yangzhou natives in Xunyang City who are also in business and have some spare money. They were all moved by the deeds of the Chief Historian and gathered together to discuss it. They decided to take advantage of today's luncheon, with everyone present, to donate a sum of money to Xingzifang, as a way of following in the footsteps of the virtuous gentleman..."
She curtsied to Ouyang Rong, bowing gracefully.
"My Lord Chief Secretary, the Sage Confucius said that when you see someone virtuous, you should think of emulating them. You have set an example by leading Xunyang towards a virtuous atmosphere. I admire you greatly, as if you were looking up at a high mountain."
"Since everyone is here, why don't you have a few drinks, say a few words, and then move to a private room for a quiet meal, Chief Secretary? What do you think?"
Upon hearing this, everyone assumed that Pei Shisan Niang and Ouyang Changshi had a good relationship, and that her suggestion was appropriate and considerate.
A burst of good-natured laughter rang out in the room, and everyone praised Ouyang Rong and asked him to say a few words.
Xie Lingjiang frowned, looked around the room, and felt dissatisfied.
The group of wealthy merchants from Yangzhou, led by Pei Shisan Niang, were saying such nice things to their senior brother, which was making him lose face.
Want to say a few words?
Are some things that can be said casually? For a local official like the senior brother, speaking on the spot is a statement, and in the eyes of outsiders, it's sending a certain signal...
Ouyang Rong neither accepted the wine glass nor responded to the flattering words that praised him for his fame. He remained noncommittal and glanced at Pei Shisan Niang:
"How should we donate to Xingzifang?"
Pei Shisan Niang immediately said:
"My fellow villagers and I have learned from the excellent conduct of the Chief Secretary and followed in his footsteps. After discussion, we have decided to donate a new house to the Huang family, who have been oppressed by their landlord. In addition, we will also set aside three more houses to be converted into a nursing home, which will be open to the poor free of charge, regularly distributing porridge and food, and sheltering the disabled people in the community..."
"Ah, although these houses were all bought at high prices by my fellow villagers and me from those nasty landlords, high prices are fine. As long as they help the people, it doesn't matter..."
She shook her head helplessly, glanced at everyone's reactions without showing any emotion, and then changed the subject:
"Speaking of this, Chief Secretary, my companions and I have long heard that those landlords in Xingzifang like to gang up on the people, often rudely driving away their tenants, and the houses they rent are also dilapidated and have extremely poor living conditions."
"These problems have been going on for a long time, and many people are complaining. The Huang family's situation is just one example."
"After hearing about Lord Changshi's rescue of the Huang family father and daughter, many people felt even more disgusted with these vile landlords."
"Actually, Lord Chief Secretary, you may not know this... My fellow villagers and I have long been disgusted by this matter. Since the beginning of the year, we have been raising funds and working hard to acquire the old house. We are now preparing to renovate it and then rent or sell it to the bullied people. Unlike those despicable landlords, we will be fair and transparent, and there will never be any breach of contract or eviction."
"What do you think, Chief Secretary? Could you offer some guidance?"
Pei Shisan Niang earnestly asked for opinions.
Ouyang Rong remained silent.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the audience cheered.
Many people looked enlightened, realizing that the luncheon was for this very reason. It seemed that Pei Shisan Niang had a close relationship with this Chief Secretary and was pushing things forward. So they cheered and agreed with her even more.
Xie Lingjiang frowned and looked at Pei Shisan Niang, glaring at her.
This eloquent woman, on the surface, was trying to make her senior brother famous and add glory to his political achievements, but in reality, she was paving the way for her own large-scale acquisition of houses.
If most people heard about today's events, they would think that the eldest brother was publicly endorsing the group, and that Pei Shisan Niang and her Yangzhou merchants were backed by the eldest brother...
Any sensible and clever official in the government offices under the Jiangzhou government would make way for these Yangzhou merchants.
Xie Lingjiang pursed her red lips.
Although from the current perspective, the eldest brother, Pei Shisan Niang, and the Huang family father and daughter have all gained something, making today a win-win-win situation, I ask you, who is the loser among all three?
First, it can be determined that the group whose interests are being harmed is not currently inside Xunyang Tower...
Another point is that if any problems arise during the process of these Yangzhou merchants taking possession of the houses, the reputation of the eldest brother will also be damaged.
However, there is actually a little trick to help the senior brother avoid risks. For example, as long as no major conflicts occur during his term, it will be considered a political achievement for him. He can get promoted and leave first. As for the problems afterward, that will be the responsibility of the next few Jiangzhou Prefects and Governors.
Ouyang Rong nodded and said:
"I am naturally pleased with your generous donations, but some of my words may be a bit harsh. There are many people here, and everyone is just having a meal. I don't want to disturb your peace, but I must speak my mind. I am straightforward, so please forgive me. So, Madam Pei, are you sure you won't be going upstairs for dinner now? Then I will speak here..."
Upon hearing this, Pei Shisan Niang immediately interrupted with a toast:
"The Huang family has been waiting for a long time. They would like to offer a cup of wine to the Chief Secretary. We will discuss our matters in detail later. We hope the Chief Secretary will not take offense."
She gave a wink, and the maid in green immediately went upstairs to call for help.
"Okay, if you're not going up, then just say so."
Ouyang Rong nodded and sat down, picked up a piece of food, and put it in his mouth.
Pei Shisan Niang sensed something was wrong: "My Lord Chief Secretary..."
Just then, the maid in green rushed back and came to Pei Shisan Niang's side, whispering in a flustered voice:
"Madam, something terrible has happened! The person has disappeared. When I went in, the private room was empty. There was a stack of new dresses on the table, and... there was also a house deed. The window facing the river was open."
"What..." Pei Shisan Niang exclaimed, then immediately fell silent, not daring to look at Ouyang Rong and the others who were watching her. Panic appeared in her eyes, and she scolded the maid in a low voice, "What are you doing watching people? Go find them quickly!"
Ouyang Rong and Xie Lingjiang exchanged a glance, both looking somewhat surprised.
Xie Lingjiang noticed her senior brother suddenly laugh, stood up, and seized the opportunity to speak loudly in front of everyone:
"What I really wanted to say is that Madam Pei and everyone else may have mistaken me for someone else. I don't know that Huang family father and daughter at all, and I have never helped them. They are probably other kind-hearted people. You are thanking the wrong person today."
He turned to Xie Lingjiang and asked casually, "Wait, could it be that Seventeen Sister's gang is using my name?"
Xie Lingjiang remained silent, coldly replying in front of everyone, "I don't know, I've forgotten."
Ouyang Rong nodded, and instead comforted the embarrassed Pei Shisan Niang:
"But it's alright, it's a good deed, and I support it in principle... I suddenly remembered that I have important matters to attend to at the government office, which cannot be delayed. Let's skip the meal. I'll say a few words and then take my leave."
Everyone stared wide-eyed at each other, sensing a hint of tension. Then, their gazes toward Pei Shisan Niang changed; some gloated, while others sipped their tea and watched the spectacle unfold.
Ouyang Rong smiled sheepishly, adopting a studious posture:
"Madam Pei, there's something I've always been puzzled by. You said you wanted to get rid of those nasty landlords. Yes, these landlords can be quite stingy sometimes, but what if we took over the old houses in Xingzifang, renovated them, and then rented or sold them out to benefit the people..."
"Then may I ask, which group of people are you referring to as those who can afford new homes? They seem somewhat different from the ordinary people I know and understand?"
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Pei Shisan Niang froze.
(End of this chapter)
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