Chapter 62: Unexpected in the Unexpected

  Wang Gui's utilitarian view of officialdom was full of worldly wisdom and clichés, which Liu Xuan did not agree with. However, Wang Gui gave him face and agreed to complete the 500 slave contracts, thus turning private slave trading into a legitimate slave trade.

  The owner of the slave was also changed from Gan Ning to Liu Xuan, who thoroughly cleared Gan Ning of this matter, which made Liu Xuan breathe a sigh of relief.

  He also knew that this matter was very risky and ordinary people would not do it easily. After all, there were more than 500 copies. If the investigation continued, the situation would become very serious, and the person involved might even be dismissed and punished. It can only be said that in this matter, he owed Kuai Yue a great favor.

  But why was Kuai Yue willing to pay such a great favor for himself? Was it just waiting for him to give Zhang Ping's head to him? It's impossible. Liu Xuan was very clear in his heart that Zhang Ping's head was not worth much.

  If Zhang Ping's head is worthless, then it's his own identity that's valuable. In fact, Liu Xuan had also vaguely guessed that Qu Yue's true intention was to win him over.

  That's not bad at all!

  Although Liu Xuan did not accept Wang Jue's utilitarianism, he also had to think of ways to win over the Jinzhou aristocratic forces. If he could get the support of the Kuai family, then he would have the opportunity to establish his own power.

  At dusk, Liu Xuan returned to his home in Fan City with the three hundred completed slave contracts. As soon as he entered the door, a little maid, Xiao Baozi, rushed up and anxiously asked, "Master, why are you just back?"

  Liu Jiong tapped his rounded nose and smiled: "What's this? I'm not home, so there's no rice to cook?"

  "It's not like that!"

  Xiao Baozi stamped his foot and said: "There is a guest coming to find you, from yesterday afternoon to today, has come three times already."

  "Oh! And now, is he still there?"

  "It's just been a short while since I left, hurry up and come, I've left many things for you."

  Xiao Bao led Liu Xuan to the guest hall, where they saw a large number of boxes of various sizes piled up on the table, totaling around 40-50. Meng Shu was busy categorizing and organizing them one by one.

  "Good sir, these are expensive items!" Meng Shu opened a box and couldn't help but sigh.

  Liu Xuan walked forward, and saw that the box contained a lingzhi mushroom as big as a fan, at least over a hundred years old. Liu Xuan knew who the visitor was. He opened another small box, inside which were two dried snake gallbladders, each as big as a pigeon egg.

  "Who has come from the Tao family?" Liu Xuan hastily asked.

  Xiao Bao handed him a visiting card, "This is the visiting card left by the guest."

  Liu Xuan took over the letter and saw that it was written: "Chai Sang Tao Yan respectfully bows to Master Liu!"

  "'Tao Zhuang?' His brow furrowed, he knew the master of the house was called Tao Sheng, but had no idea who this Tao Zhuang was."

  Meng Shu smiled and said, "This Tao Zhan is over forty years old. I specifically went to ask around, but it's very strange that no one has heard of a person named Tao in the Tao family. I estimate he's an elder of the Tao family. I feel he's very polite and doesn't have any airs about him."

  "Uncle Meng, I'll go out for a bit, can you take care of these documents for me?"

  Liu Xuan handed over the slave contract to Meng Shu and quickly walked out, Xiao Baozhen chased him to the door and shouted: "Young master, have dinner before you go!"

  "I've been busy for the past two days, don't bother me!" Liu Jing's voice had already faded away.

  ．．．．．．．．

  Before long, Liu Jiong arrived at the entrance of the Tao family business again. He did not expect the Tao family to arrive so quickly, and it was actually Tao Sheng's younger brother, Tao Zhan. It seemed that this Tao Zhan had a higher status than Tao Zheng last time.

  Today is the day of the memorial service, but Tao Zhan surprisingly didn't even attend the family ritual, which shows how much the Tao family values the matter of Sun Shang Xiang and her brother.

  They waited for a moment in front of the gate, and soon they heard the sound of hurried footsteps from inside. More than ten people came out to greet them, and Liu Xuan caught sight of Tao Zheng among them - he had also arrived.

  By Tao Zheng's side was a middle-aged man in his forties, of medium build, with soft facial features and bright eyes that seemed very astute. He looked like someone who had been well taken care of, probably Tao Zhan.

  But Tao Zhuo smiled and bowed deeply, saying: "I am Cao Sang Tao Zhuo. I have been to Gongzi's mansion three times, but he was not there each time. I didn't expect him to come here in person."

  Liu Jiong saw that Tao Zhan's hands were slender and delicate, like a woman's, and he couldn't help but feel a little amused. He hastily returned the courtesy, "Yesterday I went back to the Liu manor to pay respects to my ancestors, very sorry, let Master Tao make three trips in vain."

  "Wait! Wait! It's I who have come uninvited, sir, please take a seat inside."

  "Please!"

  Everyone was polite to each other, and Liu Xuan nodded to Tao Zheng again, the two greeted each other and entered the mansion together.

  Tao Zheng deliberately slowed down his pace, looking back at Tao Zhan and Liu Xuan chatting and laughing together, with a calm expression, secretly sighing, was this not going too far?

  But thinking of his father's orders before he left, if the problem was serious, he would not hesitate to kill and silence, which made Tao Zheng worried and uneasy, how could he possibly kill and silence.

  In the main hall, Liu Xuan sat down, and Tao Zheng looked at everyone. Everyone retreated, leaving only Tao Qian and Tao Zheng accompanying Liu Xuan. Tao Qian smiled and said: "Young Master Liu has been in Jingzhou for a short time, but he has repeatedly created good reputations. Now Jingzhou has a small reputation, even the Taos of Chaisang have heard of Young Master's name. Young Master's future is boundless!"

  "Senior is too kind, junior is still inexperienced in worldly affairs, please senior guide more."

  "Gongzi is too modest."

  Tao Zhuang glanced at Tao Zheng, saw that he was expressionless, and smiled: "This time I came from Chai Sang to thank you, Master Jing, for preserving the reputation of our Tao family and not spreading out what happened. Our master thinks that Second Master's gratitude is not enough to express the intention of the Tao family, so he also asked me to come forward and express his most sincere respect."

  After finishing, he stood up and bowed deeply to Liu Xuan. Liu Xuan hurriedly waved his hand, "This matter is just the Sun siblings coming to Jingzhou for a tour, the Tao family is just being hospitable, I don't think it's a big deal, your esteemed house doesn't need to worry excessively."

  Although he spoke reassuringly, the Tao family did not think so. Tao Zhan came all the way from Chaisang, but it was not to listen to Liu Xuan's two sentences of light and cloud explanation.

  Tao Zhan sank into thought for a moment, then smiled faintly and said: "I naturally also understand the good intentions of Master Jing, but I also ask Master Jing to understand the importance that the Tao family attaches to this matter. Because the head of the household is indeed unaware of it, he was furious and severely scolded and punished the second young master, forbidding him from participating in the ancestral sacrifices for three years. After all, the Tao family is just a merchant family, there are some things that we dare not touch, nor can we offend."

  Liu Jiong saw Tao Zheng lower his head and remain silent, he somewhat understood Tao Qian's meaning now, the Tao family actually didn't believe in him.

  Liu Xuan had a revelation, and he suspected that the alliance between the Tao family and Jiangdong was not as simple as taking the Sun siblings on a tour of Jingzhou. There might be more to it behind the scenes, and what he saw was just a small part above the water's surface.

  So the Tao family is so nervous, Tao Zhan actually gave up the family ritual to come to Xiangyang, Liu Xuan can almost be certain that the Tao family and Jiangdong must have a deeper connection.

  Liu Xuan smiled, "I just happened to meet the Sun siblings at Chibi because of Lu Ma's affair. As a result, an unpleasant thing happened, that's all. So I think this matter is not serious, it's just the Tao family's courtesy as a host."

  Tao Zhuang gazed deeply at Liu Xuan, trying to find some clues from his expression and eyes, but he found nothing.

  Tao Zhuang lowered his head in contemplation, 'Could it be that he really only knows this much? If so, then it's actually reassuring, what's scary is if he's not telling the truth!'

  Although still a bit uneasy, Tao Zhuang also understood that nothing could be squeezed out of Liu Xuan from here. He smiled and asked: "Excuse my rudeness, I'd like to confirm again, this matter is indeed only known by the young master alone, right?"

  Liu Jiong nodded, "Indeed! Since I have promised Second Master, I will never go back on my word."

  "Thank you, Master Jing, for keeping the Tao family's secret."

  Tao Zhu didn't mention the matter again, and changed the subject with a smile: "Also, regarding the medicinal materials needed by the young master, my family's head has promised to fully supply them. Whatever you need, we'll provide it in full amount. If there's anything else you need, just let us know, and as long as our Tao family can do it, we'll definitely make an effort to accomplish it."

  Liu Xuan felt embarrassed and hastily expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for the kindness of the Tao family, I don't need anything else for now."

  At this time, a steward appeared at the door and gave Tao Qian a wink. Tao Qian understood and smiled apologetically at Liu Xuan before getting up and leaving.

  Liu Xuan apologized to Tao Zheng again: "Involving the two young masters in trouble, Liu Xuan is extremely sorry."

  Tao Zheng waved his hand, "This is my fault when I was young and ignorant, bringing trouble to the family, I should be blamed, it has nothing to do with Gongzi Jing."

  As soon as he finished speaking, a sharp voice came from outside, "How can he do this? We've already paid the deposit, and now the person is gone. Is this how you treat us with just one sentence? No wonder he's only good for being a bandit!"

  Tao Zhuang's voice became very shrill, which made Liu Xuan stunned for a moment, but his attention turned to the content, and he was moved in his heart, who was this calamity referring to?

  Tao Zhuang walked in from outside with a furious face, but as he entered the guest hall, he suppressed his anger again and restored a smile on his face. "Hehe! A small matter, sorry about that."

  Liu Jiong smiled and asked: "Has the Tao's business recently purchased a batch of special goods?"

  "What special goods is Young Master referring to?" Tao Zhu asked, stroking his beard.

  "For example, five hundred slaves..." Liu Jiong paused and stopped, gazing at Tao Zhan's changing expression.

  Tao Zhu was taken aback, a look of surprise in his eyes. "How did you know this, sir?" he asked, puzzled.

  "Of course I know, and I also know this is a deal made by Gan Ning and Tao's family, isn't it?"

  Tao Zhu nodded, not denying it. "Indeed, the Tao family needs a team of guards to protect our ships. Gan Ning took the initiative to contact us and said he had 500 strong Yellow Turban slaves that he could sell to us. We have already signed the contract and the Tao family has paid a deposit of 1,000 taels of gold."

  Tao Qian let out a sigh, and then said in a hateful tone: "It's a pity that Gan Ning is not a trustworthy person. He actually said that the military slaves are gone, and the deposit can only be refunded half of it. Isn't this making fun of the Tao family?"

  Liu Xuan secretly called out a lucky voice in his heart, and this matter would be easy to handle. It could be said that it was a blessing from heaven!

  Liu Jiong hastily said: "The matter of the 500 military slaves is not so simple, I earnestly ask the Tao family to give me some face and help me with this arm's strength."

  Tao Zhuang smiled and his eyes shone brighter than usual. "Please go ahead, young master," he said. "Tell us how the Tao family can help you. We're more than happy to do so."

  ．．．．．．．．．

  Liu Cong bid farewell and left, Tao Shi's uncle and nephew saw him off to the gate of the mansion. As they watched him walk away, Tao Zhan suddenly covered his mouth and let out a 'heh!' laugh, the laughter was clearly that of a young woman.

  Tao Zheng glared at her fiercely, "If you have the ability, just continue pretending to see how I expose you."

  He turned around and walked into the mansion, Tao Zhuang hurriedly followed him, smiling and saying: "Second brother, are you going to burn the bridge after crossing the river? If it weren't for me, second brother would really have been banned from attending the ancestral worship for three years!"

  Her voice was soft and sweet, indeed a girl's voice. Tao Zheng couldn't help but stop in his tracks for a few steps. This matter enraged Father so much that if not for little sister pleading on his behalf, he would have been punished to abstain from the festival for three years, rather than just one year this time.

  "Alright! I won't mention you, but you dressing up as an elder is not right. Liu Xuan will misunderstand and think that the Tao family attaches great importance to it, even sending an elder to worship, do you understand?"

  "Don't worry! I understand in my heart."

  Tao Zhuang's eyes rolled around and she smiled again: "Does second brother think I look good in this outfit?"

  "How can it be so different, this is your specialty, even the voice has changed, really don't know how you did it!" Tao Zheng sighed, "I'm afraid Father will get angry again if he knows you're impersonating Second Uncle."

  "Second Uncle wouldn't dare make me angry!"

  "I'm talking about Father."

  "That's your problem, you're the older brother, you're too lenient, and Father will only blame you for the trouble!"

  A sly and mischievous glint appeared in Tao Zhu's eyes, "Actually, as long as you and I don't say anything, how would Father know?"

  Tao Zheng was helpless, this little sister was clever and mischievous, he had no way to deal with her.

  The two siblings slowly walked towards the backyard, and Tao Zheng asked again: "I have to hurry back to attend the sacrifices on the day of the upper xi and the day of the upper ding, aren't you going back with me?"

  Tao Zhuang shook his head, "Father asked me to pay attention to his movements and prevent the Sun family's affairs from being leaked. And this time, the matter of the 500 slaves was also handled by me personally. Although I gave up, I want to see the final result. Second brother can go back on his own! I'll stay in Xiangyang."

  Tao Zheng glanced at her with a hint of a smile and said, "This Liu Xuan is quite the handsome one, don't get too close to him."

  "Hmm!"

  Tao Zhuang curled his lip in disdain, "I've seen countless handsome young men, and yet you fall for one so easily? Second Brother also underestimates me too much."

  At this, Tao Zhuang smiled mischievously, "But I'm very curious, what does he want those medicines for? Ah Gu said that those medicines are all foundation-building and yuan-solidifying medicines, could it be that he's using them to practice martial arts?"

  "This is their private matter, you'd better mind your own business."

  He looked at her again, seeing that she still had the appearance of a middle-aged man, and couldn't help but sigh: "You look like this, yet speak like a woman, it's really strange. You should hurry up and return to your original form! I'm getting a bit fed up."

  "I like it very much!" Tao Zhu smiled and turned around and left.