Protect Our Clan Leader

This seemingly high and mighty young master was none other than Chen Fangjie, Wang Shouzhe’s future brother-in-law. And the ‘unimpressive’ head of household standing behind him was played by Wang Shouzhe himself.

Of course, both of them were already disguised, with Wang Mei personally doing their makeup. It wasn’t an utterly transformative disguise, but unless you were very familiar with them, you definitely wouldn’t recognize them. When Chen Fangjie heard about this plan, he found it quite interesting. Amusing activities that also allowed him to curry favor with his future bride’s kin were rare. More than that, when Wang Shouzhe involved the Chen Clan in the scheme, he wouldn’t let their effort go unnoticed.

Hence, to convincingly play the role of a haughty, arrogant scion, he even brought out his custom-made family robes, designed to lend him an air of respectability before and after his wedding.

Wang Shouzhe, playing the role of the head of the household, was rather speechless about this. His future brother-in-law appeared very serious on the surface, and possessed the demeanor of a proper young clan leader, yet deep down, he was a bit… stolid.

His half-reclining lazy pose, his half-closed eyes, his disdainful and scornful expression – they all seemed remarkably authentic.

The faces of those from the Liu Clan had turned white.

Liu Yongzhou, the shining star of the Liu Clan’s young generation, was even reddening in the face, appearing ready to erupt at any moment.

“Ahem.” Liu Shengye, as the family head of the Liu Clan, was the only old fox who could keep his calm. He cupped his hands with a forced smile, “This gentleman must be the renowned prince of the Eastern Sea King Dantai Family, right? Indeed, you are as majestic and remarkable as a dragon among men.” While speaking, he also gave Liu Yongzhou a look, signifying that one should bear small losses for the sake of the overall situation.

“Dantai and jade, this transaction was not intended for you, you’ve insisted on intervening.” Zhong Luoxian spoke coldly, with a hint of dissatisfaction, “The Liu Clan has done me a life-saving favor, I would ask you to show a little more respect.”

“Indeed, indeed. Since you’re a benefactor of Luoxian, this prince will oblige with a modicum of courtesy.” Chen Fangjie straightened his body slightly, glancing out of the corner of his eye, “Go on, how much grain do you want to borrow?”

Liu Shengye felt a flash of joy in his heart and immediately cupped his hands to say, “Our Liu Clan needs to borrow ten thousand dan of grain to alleviate the disaster in our jurisdiction; we are willing to repay two sacks of grain to your honorable family after the next harvest.”

“Ten thousand dan?” A smirk appeared on Chen Fangjie’s face. Unresponsive to Liu Shengye, he turned to Zhong Luoxian and said, “Luoxian, I’m not looking down on anyone. But for such a trivial matter, you’d use your connections with the Dantai Family?”

“Zhong Luoxian” seemed to harbor some resentment towards Dantai and jade. However, he only replied coldly, “This transaction indeed involves a paltry sum for you. Yet it is the Liu Clan’s efforts to help the disaster-stricken people. I hope the jade will come through.”

Liu Yongzhou felt a jolt in his heart. Luoxian was actually begging that detestable Dantai and jade for him. Enraged and humiliated, he thought, “That kid thinks the business is too small, huh?” He immediately retorted, “Two million dan, the Liu Clan wants two million dan.”

As soon as these words came out, Liu Shengye almost lost his footing and fell. This time, by estimates, the Liu Clan had a shortfall of about fifteen thousand dan. But if they steeled their hearts and substituted some sand for rice, a little over ten thousand dan would tide them over this ordeal.

But who would’ve thought, Liu Yongzhou, just for the sake of face, demanded two million dan right off the bat.

“This is incredibly tedious.” Chen Fangjie barely moved an eyelid, seemingly quite reluctant, “However, for the sake of Luoxian. I suppose we’ll make this small trade of two million dan of grain.”

“Being part of the Eastern Sea King Dantai Family, you are indeed magnanimous. Let’s proceed with the loan of two million dan then.” At this moment, Liu Shengye had no choice but to accept this number. Otherwise, he really feared this ill-tempered young prince Dantai would storm off in a huff.

“Two million dan of grain, at the rate of five copper coins per dan, amounting to 1000 Qian Gold.” Chen Fangjie said indifferently, “Our Dantai family is a prominent family that firmly supports the Daqian Law and won’t manipulate grain prices. Therefore, the contract between us must stipulate that this transaction is a Qian Gold loan transaction. Our side will lend your side 2000 Qian Gold, which should be repaid within five months with an additional 1000 Qian Gold interest. Additionally, your family needs to mortgage a property worth more than 3000 Qian Gold. If repayment is not made past the deadline, the mortgaged property will belong to our side.”

What?

The entire Liu Clan’s faces changed drastically. Those conditions were incredibly harsh! Even compared to the terms of the Sun Clan, the conditions were just marginally better, but only by a minuscule amount.

Moreover, the need to mortgage property added to their worries. Everyone’s gaze was now on Liu Shengye.

Liu Shengye’s expression became stern and serious. After considering carefully, he spoke, “Prince Dantai, can we do away with the mortgaging of clan property? The Liu Clan of Ping’an is willing to mortgage its reputation instead.”

“Reputation?” Chen Fangjie scoffed, “In the eyes of this prince, the reputation of such minor noble families is worthless. Do you plan on defaulting, hence refusing to mortgage clan property? Hmph, this prince doesn’t have time to play these pointless games with you.”

Seeing the Liu Clan’s distress, Zhong Luoxian glanced at Liu Yongzhou, gritted her teeth, and said with a pleading tone, “Dantai and jade, I understand that grain is in short supply right now. But can you consider giving a discount, out of respect for the Liu Clan’s efforts to help the disaster-stricken people?” In an instant, Liu Yongzhou’s heart skipped a beat.

Luoxian, Luoxian was actually begging that arrogant Dantai and jade for him.

Chen Fangjie laughed heartily, “Since Luoxian has personally requested, I, as young master, will waive 500 Qian Gold of the interest. However, the transfer of Liu Clan’s property must go forward. Once the principal and interest are repaid, it will be returned.”

The exemption of 500 Qian Gold brought a smile to the faces of the Liu Clan members. This was indeed a substantial discount. Yet, when they heard that the property needed to be transferred… their hearts dropped once again.

“The property you transfer should preferably be a type of manor.” Chen Fangjie squinted his eyes, his gaze falling on Zhong Luoxian, “Luoxian has been in low spirits recently. Since she wants to stay outside for a change, she should at least have somewhere to stay. Let’s temporarily put it under Luoxian’s name.”

“If Prince Dantai is so straightforward, Liu Shengye won’t be pretentious.” Liu Shengye’s eyes lit up, and he bowed with a smile, “Since we are here to do business, we will hand over the grain and the property transfer documents together. Before that, Miss Luoxian can move in.”

Under the name of the Liu Clan, a manor has been under development for over ten years, offering a charming landscape. The manor comprises comfortable courtyard houses, eight hundred acres of fertile farmland, and a lotus pond spreading over two hundred acres. There’s also potential for further development.

The total value of this manor, even if not quite three thousand Qian Gold, is not far off.

Liu Shengye’s only concern was that after the manor’s transfer, he might not get the grain. Furthermore, he lacked the power to trouble the East Sea King.

“The money and goods are clear, it is only fair,” said Chen Fangjie. After agreeing, he dismissed them with a somewhat impatient wave of his hand, saying, “All right, all of you retreat. Handle this transaction completely to Luoxian’s discretion.”

His attitude was so casual, as if this transaction involving two to three thousand Qian Gold, was a trifle not worth mentioning.

Retreat?

The Liu clan was experiencing such a contemptuous attitude for the first time. But with arrogance came the justification for it. If it wasn’t for Mrs. Zhong’s mediation, how could they be dealing with such individuals?

The older members of the Liu clan were indifferent, only Liu Yongzhou’s face grew slightly flushed, as if harboring a fire within.

Just as Liu Shengye and his clan were leaving the loft, the scoffing laughter of “Dantai and jade” wafted out from within, “Luoxian, I know you don’t like me, that’s why you ran away to protest. Unfortunately for you, after you return, I am going to invite the old ancestors to propose a marriage, who could refuse that?”

“You!” Zhong Luoxian’s voice was suppressed and angry, “Luoxian is but a gentle reed, why must you keep pestering her?”

“My temperament is such that the more unattainable the object, the more I desire to have it. Zhong Luoxian, you will ultimately not be able to escape my grasp.” His voice steadily grew more arrogant, “Given that I care about you, I will let you enjoy this last moment of freedom.”

The Liu Clan didn’t react much to this. What relation do they have to the love affairs, grudges, and resentments of high-born members of the celestial families?

However, nobody noticed that Liu Yongzhou’s eyes were welling up with tears, and his body was trembling. He had never felt such humiliation and heartache in his life.

He realized why Luoxian would want to be close to him, yet seemed to have such great unease. He initially thought it was just the gap in status, only to discover there were other obstacles as well.

But he was just the end of a Rank 9 prominent family, what power did he have to change anything?

Even his greatest anger was nothing more than a joke in the eyes of that high-born young master.

The Liu Clan’s ship gradually drifted away, and Liu Yongzhou’s heart seemed to sink along with it. The helpless look of pain that Luoxian accidentally revealed lingered in his mind, and couldn’t be dispelled.

Meanwhile, within the loft on the ship.

Chen Fangjie was in good spirits. He sipped his tea, his face slightly excited: “Shouzhe, how did I perform just now? Do I look like a spoil brat from a celestial family?”

Wang Shouzhe looked him up and down: “Is this your true nature? As the clan leader, I have the right to annul my sister’s marriage on her behalf.”

“Pfft!” Chen Fangjie spatout his tea in surprise, hurriedly saying, “No, it’s a huge misunderstanding. I just acted as you advised, please don’t take it seriously. I, Chen Fangjie, am a handsome unpolished gem.”

“OK, save this rough gemstone for my sister to polish,” said Master Shouzhe, “Get ready quickly. We need to meet another group of guests in the afternoon.” Guests?

The corners of Chen Fangjie’s lips twitched. He found this word very disheartening.

But this future brother-in-law is not a simple person, the more he got to know him, the more he found him unfathomable.

Similarly, Wang Mei’s satisfaction with the family head continued to grow.

Previously, her loyalty had been steadfastly towards the Wang Family for generations. Yet, this loyalty was only to the family. No matter who served as the family head, she would faithfully fulfil her duties.

But Master Shouzhe was different — calm, strategic, an observer of human nature, sympathetic and most importantly, so handsome and heroic.

Having such a perfect family head was great luck for Wang Mei herself.

If the family head asked for her company in his bed… what should she do?

What role should Mei Mei play? Hehehe~~ She was growing happier by the thought.